Kilkenny Observer 31st May 2024

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Friday 31st May 2024

Today's Teens Fewer friends but are closer to parents  Page 6

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Game Of Drones 'Illogical' view of the asylum seekers  Marianne Heron page 12

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SE call for sanctions

Palestine solidarity in Kilkenny on moves against Israel The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign South East branch (covering counties Kilkenny, Waterford, Tipperary, and Wexford) unequivocally supports the right of the Palestinian people to self determination, and the Right of Return of all refugees. If the Irish Government’s recognition of a Palestinian State is a first step towards that, then that is to

be welcomed a spokesperson for the branch told The Kilkenny Observer.

“However, it is imperative that this recognition be accompanied by meaningful, concrete action from the Irish Government to punish and pressure apartheid Israel – otherwise this is just mere symbolism; yet more gesture politics in the face of a live-streamed genocide,”

the spokesperson told this paper.

The Ireland-Palestine Solidarity Campaign has historically not taken a position on the recognition of a Palestinian State for a number of reasons, chief among them the belief that it is not their role to intervene in internal Palestinian discussions, nor to advocate solutions based on ‘one’ or ‘two’

states. It has always been our view that these are issues for Palestinians themselves to resolve, free from outside interference,” the spokesperson said.

“Nevertheless, we recognise that the Government has been pushed to take this action by the huge street mobilisations and pressure from the mass movement in solidarity with Palestine

here which has grown immensely since Israel’s genocide in Gaza began.

“The same pressures led to the state’s divestment from several Israeli banks, to its commitment to join South Africa’s genocide case at the ICJ, and to government’s call for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreeement.”

However, the spokesperson said none of these ac-

Holly Cairns drops in on Kilkenny Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns visited Kilkenny last weekend to meet the party’s local election candidates.

Pictured is her being welcomed to Kilkenny Castle by candidates Martin O’Neill (Kilkenny LEA) and David Kane (Piltown LEA) Speaking during a walkabout of the city, Deputy Cairns said: “It was wonderful to visit Kilkenny to meet our two exceptional local election candidates and hear about the issues people are raising on the doorsteps.

“This is a period of growth for the Social Democrats and I am optimistic that we will expand our existing team of councillors on local authorities around the country next month, including Kilkenny County Council.”

You’re better off not working!

People who are not in the workforce are seeing their real incomes increase by more than employees are, according to an analysis by the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) of the Oireachtas.

The increase for those in employment is 1.8% for 2023/24, with public servants faring the worst, because

their real incomes will grow by just 0.5% in the period to the end of this year.

By contrast, many of those in ­ receipt of welfare payments are ­comparatively better off. The 157,000 people on disability allowances will get a net increase in incomes of 3.8%, as will the 146,000 on Jobseeker’s Allowance.

Those in receipt of the wid-

ow’s or widower’s contributory pension will be up 3.6% by the end of the year. This is due to flat-rate increases in welfare rates.

The calculation done by the PBO was to subtract inflation from the nominal increase in earnings.

Inflation rose by 5.2% last year, and the forecast for this year is an increase of 2.1%.

Wage growth was up 4.6% last year, while the forecast for this year is a further 4.5%.

It will be of concern to the Government that while real incomes are growing, with wages outstripping price increases, those in employment are not faring as well.

The Spring Commentary analysis of the curis an ­ rent economic conditions.

It notes that Ireland’s reliance on overseas workers is increasing, in a scenario of 4.5pc unemployment, which in practical terms is full employment.

More than one-third of workers in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector are not of Irish citizenship, up 9% in three years.

tions goes anywhere near far enough. “We reiterate our longstanding demand: the Irish government must now sanction apartheid Israel for its crimes against the Palestinian people.

“IPSC South East will continue to take action across the four counties and on a national basis to force proper action to be taken,” the spokesperson said.

€34 million announced in research funds Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD has announced 28 funding awards valued at €34 million to support research across seven Higher Education Institutions.

The 28 awards are of 4-5 years’ duration and will support 124 research positions including 58 postdoctoral positions, 53 PhD students and 13 research assistants and other positions. This programme has been funded in collaboration with SEAI. Full story Page 6

Young teens ‘fewer friends’ Children aged 13 have a better relationship with their parents but fewer friends than teenagers of the same age a decade ago, new research has found.

The research draws on data from the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) study, which is the national longitudinal study of children.

The report, by the ESRI, examined the day-to-day ­activities, relationships and school ­experiences of two cohorts of 13-year-olds and their parents.

Full story Page 6

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Our Sarah takes the biscuit with award From astronaut training in NASA to experiencing the hustle and bustle of the European Parliament, the sky was the limit for almost 1,500 students who entered this year’s AIB Future Sparks Career Skills Competition by CareersPortal.

And recently the winners – including Sarah Dunne from Presentation School Kilkenny who won first place in The Careers in Tourism category – descended on Dublin as secondary school students, their families, teachers, and guidance counsellors gathered from across the country to attend the awards ceremony at the Clock Tower in the Department of Education.

The competition, which was open to all senior cycle students who have undertaken a work experience placement, was developed 14 years ago

by Ireland’s award-winning and leading career guidance website CareersPortal. The competition encourages students to focus on the importance of career skills and understand the role these transferable skills can play in their future careers.

Close to 1,500 students entered the competition this year and students could enter either in English or Irish through a written submission or Vlog entry. The 33 winning entries were

Well done! Sarah Dunne (fourth on ground) with other award winning students

selected from an impressive shortlist that included a diverse range of occupations from across all sectors.

Kilkenny’s winner Sarah Dunne chose work experience placement in Meubles Café in Killkenny and would like to pursue a career in café management.

Each of the students in the winning categories won a MacBook Air laptop, those who came in second won a Samsung Tablet and third place students won Apple Air pods. There were also prizes for all those commended.

The four winning schools came away with €1,000 for their school programmes.

The competition has seen a 30% increase in entries this year, reflecting the continued importance placed on work experience and career skills in second level education by teachers and students alike. Many students did their career investigations in career sectors such as Education, Law, and Healthcare but there was also an increased interest in STEM occupations such as Scientific Research, IT and Engineering. Other popular areas included Veterinary Medicine, Defence Forces/ An Garda Síochána, Journalism, careers with languages and careers in tourism and hospitality.

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20,000 small farmers no longer subject to inspection Department of Agriculture IT issues are being resolved and should not impact 2024 farm payments, a senior official has told the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee.

Assistant Secretary Sharon Murphy said the Department expects payments under the Areas of Natural Constraints

scheme would revert to its September date, while those under BISS, CRISS and ECO schemes will be issued on October 16, in line with previous years.

Ms Murphy said delays to payments this year and in 2023 were due to significant changes required by the

current CAP, both in terms of the department’s operations and its systems, which necessitated extensive amendments.

“Obviously, changes in the payment dates did cause concerns in farmers, but we have been working through that process,” she said.

“We are on track to not have those same issues occur. It’s an issue of a totally different system, with a totally different monitoring, a totally different performance reporting system and we have been building that and putting that into place. So that is now there.”

Ms Murphy was addressing the committee regarding recent EU CAP funding simplification measures. While she said the proposed simplification will not satisfy all the concerns of farmers, they would reduce the burden on them and provide additional flexibility to member states

to respond to issues affecting farmers.

According to Ms Murphy, the biggest change in Ireland is that around 20,000 small farmers with an agricultural area of 10 hectares or less will no longer be subject to inspections under conditionality rules.

€34m funds for higher education institutions Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan TD has announced 28 funding awards valued at €34 million to support research across seven Higher Education Institutions.

Among the successful research projects are: • Design development of sustainable support structures for larger offshore wind turbines • Investigating the effectiveness of a nasal vaccine against bacteria that causes whooping cough • Determining the role of physical fitness in modulating the gut microbiome • Identifying novel molecular treatments to protect the bones of someone with diabetes • Using emerging 3D (bio)printing technologies to engineer tissue with the same structure and function as normal tissue • Evaluating motion correction for functional MRI to improve brain imaging in infants Minister O’Donovan said: “These awards support the development of worldclass research in areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“The projects and higher education institutions are focusing on will help deliver solutions to some of the major challenges facing society, including in healthcare, the environment and technology.”

The 28 awards are of 4-5 years’ duration and will support 124 research positions including 58 postdoctoral positions, 53 PhD students and 13 research assistants and other positions. This programme has

been funded in collaboration with SEAI. Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at Science Foundation Ireland, said: “The SFI Frontiers for the Future awards provide opportunities for independent investigators to conduct highly-innovative, original research on important questions.

“I would like to thank SEAI for collaborating on this programme with SFI, supporting vital research in the area of sustainability.”

Director of Research and Policy Insights at Sustainability Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Margie McCarthy, said: “SEAI is delighted to be a co-funding partner in the Frontiers for the Future Programme.

“These awards are excellent examples of national innovation and creativity.

By supporting independent researchers, we can help grow Ireland’s national capacity to conduct excellent scientific research.

“We look forward to the new insights and knowledge that the co-funded awards will bring to offshore wind energy support structures and anaerobic digestion ecosystems, and how their results will advance Ireland’s clean energy transition,” said Ms McCarthy.

The research will be undertaken in the following seven research bodies: Dublin City University, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, Teagasc, and University of Galway.

At 13, children now have fewer friends Children aged 13 have a better relationship with their parents but fewer friends than teenagers of the same age a decade ago, new research has found.

The research draws on data from the Growing Up in Ireland (GUI) study, which is the national longitudinal study of children.

The report, published by the ESRI, examined the day-to-day a ­ ctivities, relationships and school ­experiences of two cohorts of 13-year-olds and their parents.The first was Cohort ‘98, who were surveyed in 2011/12, and the second, Cohort ‘08, surveyed in 2021/22.

It found that parents reported lower levels of conflict with their teenagers over time compared to a decade ago.

Parents are also more likely to explain to the young person what they have done wrong, (63% compared with 49% always doing so) rather than using punitive mea-

sures.

For example, mothers and fathers said they were less likely to react by grounding their child (69% compared with 59pc never doing so) or shouting at them (41% compared with 28% never doing so).

The research also examined the 13-year-olds’ friendships and found that their friendship groups were smaller than a decade ago.

According to the research, 53% have three or fewer close friends compared with 41% 10 years ago.

In terms of the dayto-day activities of the young people surveyed, the research found there had been an increased involvement in organised sports, from 65% to 70%.

While levels of engagement in cultural activities such as drama and dance have been stable, the study found that a significant number of young people rarely read for pleasure.

There are notable differ-

ences between the lived experience of the two cohorts of 13-year-olds, including the ­pandemic, growing digitalisation and reform of the Junior Cycle.

Unsurprisingly, there has been a move away from traditional media, such as TV watching, and instead there is a move towards other screentime on a phone or other similar device.

The recent cohort of young people had experienced changes in the Junior Cycle, as well as changes to teaching and learning at primary and secondary.

The research found that this new approach was reflected in increased levels of interest in English (51pc compared to 44%), maths (42% from 32%) and science (68% v 60% a decade ago).

Despite this, the study did not find that the 13-year-olds had improved attitudes to school.

Instead, the study found there had been a decline

in the ­proportion of girls who say they like school very much (from 35% to 24%).

The study attributed this decline in part to increased emotional difficulties over time among girls.

“There are very encouraging findings of better-quality relationships between teenagers and their parents, with less conflict and greater discussion. However, financial pressures continue to be a source of friction in families,” said Dr Emer Smyth, author of the report.

Children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman welcomed the report.

“I hope that this report will inform policy-making across Government on areas such as highlighting the importance of physical exercise in young people, the effects of the pandemic restrictions as well as the impact of screentime on their psychosocial development,” Mr O’Gorman said.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter Paul Hopkins

An immigrant father’s unrepentant self-belief It must be 35 years ago that I first met Abbas and his wife and three young children – two boys and a girl. Abbas was from Pakistan and had come to live in the then small community where I and the mother of my three children were building our lives.

Against the background of today’s growing and fractious debate on immigrants, this was a time, remember, when they were few people of a different hue living in Ireland. The occasional person who was not caucasian whom you might encounter on the streets of Dublin, well it was a safe bet they were a student at the Royal College of Surgeons and many, when qualified, stayed on to practise and are the backbone of our health system.

Abbas was a handsome man, his wife too, and the children so well-mannered.

My wife and I and our three

– older than the Pakistani children – became friends, if not intimately so, the friendship brought about because my wife and Abbas worked in the hospitality business together.

In all the years I have known Abbas and his family I have never asked him – because it was of no consequence to me – whether he was Christian or Muslim.

I still don’t know. He had the piety and humbleness of what I would consider an Islamic trait. Then again, persecution of Christians in predominantly Islamic Pakistan had been recorded since the country’s independence in 1947. The persecution has taken many forms, including violence, discrimination, and blasphemy laws.

When I first met Abbas, religious extremism was on the rise in Pakistan, and Christian churches and schools had been targeted in attacks.

The country’s blasphemy

laws have also been used to target Christians. Still are, even more so in these days of religious extremism.

For a few years running, Abbas and his wife and three children came to our house on Christmas morning for coffee and happy wishes and when my own three children would have made, or bought through the Bank of Dad, little gifts for their three, younger new-found friends.

“I came here, Paul you know, so as to have a better life for my children,” he said to me one Christmas morning back in the early ‘90s. That may have been a clue as to his religion and what brought him to Ireland.

But I didn’t pick up on it back then.

One Christmas week my eldest child – my only daughter – took the three young Pakistanis to visit Santa Claus in Clery’s department store. They were the only children of a differ-

ent nationality in the queue of giddy children waiting to meet himself. Himself was an overweight Dub and played the Santa part to a tee. When he saw the children in front of him he said: “Ho, ho, ho... what have we got here? When are you three little people from?”

“I have never asked him whether he was Christian or Muslim ...

Each of the three proffered a handshake and said, collectively: “We are from Pakistan.”

“Ho, ho, ho,” said the overweight Santa, “ I always say it does not matter where you are from but rather where you are going...”

As they were leaving Clery’s, gifts to hand, the little girl said to my daughter: “Very strange man, that Mr Claus.” Probably another clue as to their beliefs, but I never thought to pick up on that either. It just didn’t enter into the equation of our friendship.

Abbas worked hard from dawn to dusk to put his children through school. Once I asked him where he saw his children in the future of a changing Ireland. “Oh, Paul,” he said, “they will do very well. Very well, indeed.

I will insure of that. Doctors and lawyers.” I smiled to myself at his unrepentant self-belief but his care-

fully considered confidence struck a chord.

The years have come and gone, the children all grown, and between intervening years of travelling the world and of living in Belfast and Kilmainhamwood – and the pandemic – I have seen little of Abbas and his family, though, whenever I would bump into him, there was ever the gregarious smile, the gentleness, and the inquiring of me and my family and compliments exchanged.

I met Abbas the other week, first time in years. I asked after his wife and their three children.

“Oh, Paul,” he said, “they are all grown. So grown. My eldest son is a surgeon in Beaumont. The other a pilot.

And my daughter is a barrister.”

He smiled. An immigrant father full of pride and joy.

His unrepentant self-belief having paid dividends.

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Palestine: 'no economic fallout' The Government has been urgently assessing the ecoIreland's nomic impact of ­ plan formally recognising Palestine and is insisting there will be no backlash from the US, despite rising tensions.

Officials in the Department of Foreign Affairs are satisfied there is no threat to foreign direct investment

(FDI) as a result of Ireland's step, despite sabre-rattling from the Israeli ambassador.

Dana Erlich said Ireland's move to recognise a Palestinian state was worrying Israeli investors in the Irish tech sector.

However, sources described the ­ambassador's comments as "mischief-making”, and said the Government is satis-

fied there had been no economic threats or warnings from the US. It comes as the EU is looking at possible sanctions for Israel if it does not comply with an order from the International Court of Justice.

Taoiseach Simon Harris dismissed as "a distraction” the warning from Ms Erlich, now recalled to Jeru-

salem, that the move sends the wrong message about Ireland as a tech hub and will make Israeli investors in Ireland think again.

The assessment of officials in the ­Department of Foreign Affairs is that the recognition of Palestine is being seen as a diplomatic move, although repercussions are expected in Irish-Israeli trade, which

is worth around €4bn each way.

Ireland's strategic investment fund (ISIF) has already disinvested from six Israeli companies in the financial sector and some retaliation is expected.

Government officials said they would "completely reject” any suggestion that Palestinian State recognition

was anti-Israeli, calling it a mischaracterisation.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said EU foreign ministers have for the first time discussed the prospect of sanctions against Israel if it does not comply with an order from the International Court of Justice.

He suggested Ireland would support such an approach.

Six scholarships to aid research in agri, rural future Nuffield Ireland is now seeking applications for the 2025 Scholarship programme. Nuffield Ireland awards up to six Scholarships per year, women and men with a passion for advancing agriculture and rural communities are invited to apply for this leadership programme before August 30.

The scholarship encourages the development of farmers and other agri-food professionals by opening the door to the exceptional global Nuffield network. Successful applicants will receive a bursary of €18,000 (increased to reflect rising travel costs) which will go some way to cover the cost of international research travel for a minimum of 11 weeks in an 18-month period.

The selected scholars must complete a written report and present their findings at the Nuffield Ireland Annual Conference within two years of being awarded the Scholarship.

Encouraging applicants to come forward, Nuffield Ireland’s Chairperson Joe Leonard said: “A Nuffield Scholarship is a once-in-

a-lifetime opportunity to develop your leadership skills, discover yourself, other cultures and agricultures, travel the world to research an important agricultural topic of your choice, all while joining an exceptional global network of top-level agribusiness leaders. It will simply change your life.”

Applicants must fill in a detailed application form, provide two references and come forward with a well thought-through research topic of their choosing. The topic should aim to help improve one or more aspects of the economic, social or environmental sustainability of Irish agri-food systems.

The selection process then shortlists applicants for a preliminary interview, with those who make it through facing a final interview. Between three and six scholars are selected per year, then they are introduced at annual Nuffield Ireland Conference, scheduled for Friday 15th November 2024.

Find out more about the Nuffield Ireland International Scholarship Programme by visiting www.nuffield.ie .

Local firm Arivu among start-up seed clients The first 12-week Prep4Seed Programme of 2024 culminated recently at the Investor Pitch Day when 12 startups pitched to an audience of Angel Investors & VCs at Enterprise Ireland’s headquarters. The programme, delivered by the four Irish Business Innovation Centres (BICs), in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, prepares start-up clients for seed investment bringing participants through the investor readiness process quickly and effectively. The Irish BICs are AxisBIC, Furthr, South East BIC & WestBIC. The 12 Irish based earlystage companies pitching for over €14.6 million in investment were from a variety

of industry sectors including: Industrial, Life Sciences, FinTech, Food and ICT. Kilkenny-based Arivu, led

by Matthew Nelson and Mark Cliffe, is a software company that helps businesses prove their products meet European Deforestation Regulations (EUDR). EUDR is an EU law coming into force in December 2024 and impacting over €110bn in European imports alone.

Arivu is gaining early traction with integrations into leading software platforms. Having raised pre-seed funding with Enterprise Ireland’s, Arivu is now raising a seed round to scale and maximise this opportunity.

Access should be 'election priority' Accessibility and housing issues dominated discussions at the Local Election Hustings, hosted by Irish Wheelchair Association, at their premises in Kilkenny city recently.

Attended by eight local election candidates, the lively and sometimes heated event gave people with disabilities the opportunity to have their say on the issues that matter to them, and to let those seeking election know about the issues impacting them.

According to the latest census, 15% of the population of Roscommon are living with a disability, equating to 22,409 people.

Candidates were reminded at the event of the need to prioritise the needs of a significant proportion of the local population. All candidates were presented with a copy of IWA’s Election Manifesto, which includes

many local issues relevant to Kilkenny, and were asked that if elected they would back the concerns raised.

The candidates who attended were Cllr John Coonan (FF), Cllr Maria Dollard (Green Party) Sean O'hArgain (Labour) Toluwani Akaehomen (Independent), Mark Farrell (Sinn Fein), Aoife O'Brien (Sinn Fein), Martin O'Neill (Social Democrats), Luke O'Connor (Irish Freedom Party).

The hustings was chaired

by Joan Carty, National Head of Advocacy with Irish Wheelchair Association who said: “It’s important that people with disabilities are part of the conversation in the run up to polling day on June 7. This platform gives candidates the chance to outline what they will do to improve life for people with disabilities if elected but also gives our members the

opportunity to advocate for the issues that really affect them”.

How people with disabilities can move around Kilkenny city was a recurring topic during the event.

Multiple speakers gave example after example of parking facilities and public spaces that were not accessible for wheelchair users or people with limited mobilities.

Stacie Power spoke on behalf of the Disability Action Group within IWA that organised the event saying: "If you are in a wheelchair and you are on High Street and if you have to go to the toilet you have to go the whole way up to McDonagh Street for toilets that still aren't accessible for someone using a powerchair. This is hard to believe in 2024!"

It was acknowledged that Kilkenny city does not have any 'Changing Places' facili-

ties in the city. 'Changing Places' is considered the highest standard of wheelchair accessible toilet facilities and attendees at the event noted the need for these facilities in the city.

Members of Irish Wheelchair Association also questioned the decisions of the council not to include wheelchair accessible parking within the new library facilities.

The Kilkenny Irish Wheelchair Association Manifesto also included: • Footpaths and roads fixed locally e.g Greensbridge • Stricter monitoring and stiffer penalties for abusing disabled parking spaces • Parking in Kilkenny employs a maximum 2 hour stay this is not enough time for people with disabiliites • Access issues when voting; booths are not at right level for wheelchair users.

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Asylum: why are we playing a game of drones?

No prizes for naming the main issues raised on the doorsteps in the run up to the local and European elections: asylum seekers and housing. But International Protection Applicants get caught in the negative crosshairs when the crisis in immigration policy and the illogical way we think about applicants are the real problem.

What people seeking International Protection (IP) want when they come here is to work. Having a job would mean that they could earn and start a new life. Yet, that is the very thing that they are denied, they are kept as drones for months, even years, as they wait to find out if their applications are successful or if they might be – and the great majority of unsuccessful applicants haven’t been – deported.

A waste of manpower. Most IP applicants are young, active and willing to work,

just the kind of labour force that we need and some already have the skills Thousands of migrants from outside the EU with education and means apply to work here successfully and the health sector would hardly function without them. But asylum seekers, lacking funds and sometimes language and skills arrive the hard way and are seen as a breed apart.

“There are too many of them, Ireland is full,” goes the objections. The positive point that immigrants invariable boost national prosperity gets lost in the flack.

Actually, Ireland, isn’t full: it is one of the least densely populated countries in the EU, just 71 people per square km compared with 277 in the UK and a crowded 422 in the Netherlands. But the country is short of homes and essential services like health and education and there

is a staff famine in many areas like hospitality. There aren’t enough services but we can’t provide them until we have more people – it’s a Catch 22 situation.

Seven thousand asylum seekers have arrived this year, compared with 5,000 for the whole of 2022 . Since Rishi Sunak got Boris Johnson’s wheeze of deporting migrants to Rwanda off the ground the flow has increased. Around 80% of new arrivals may be crossing the Border to escape the proposed scheme at the rate of about 50 a day, some ending up in tents without toilets or food in the centre of Dublin in a Ground Hog Day scenario, where one batch are removed only for another encampment to spring up.

In theory their applications should be processed promptly and, if they are not accepted, they should be repatriated but this doesn’t happen. Of the 700 plus who

have been refused recently only 35 have been repatriated, an expensive business since they have to be accompanied on their journey by a Garda or official.

Where are the rest of them? Some may have gone elsewhere but this isn’t known for certain.

“Illogical way we think about applicants the real problem...

Meantime more than 5,000 immigrants still languish in Direct Provision, a system which was meant to end years ago. While 30,000 asylum seekers are being accommodated by the State more than 1,800 are waiting for accommodation.

A report by the Irish Refugee Council found “not only a loss of dignity but destitution among those who have been forced into homelessness. This situation is a new low in the history of refugee protection in this country and represents a breakdown of Ireland’s protection and reception system”.

Refugees and asylum seekers are a Europe-wide challenge – a predictable challenge which simply wasn’t planned for here and with resultant chaos. The Government is signing up for the European Union’s Migration Pact, a common approach to managing

the situation due to come into effect from 2026. The scheme is meant to speed up the process and make it easier to return asylum seekers to the country where their claim was first lodged.

But, given that Ireland has a high GDP, we can expect more, not fewer, migrants to arrive or else pay compensation to countries who take them.

We are a wealthy country and we could have a migration system to be proud of rather than a shameful one, not least by looking at the countries that have the best immigration systems like New Zealand and Norway.

In Germany IPAs spend six months learning about language and culture to help them integrate.

We need a fair, efficient system where protection seekers are treated humanely. Many of them will be part of our future.

How much protein do I need?

CLAIR WHITTY

With longer days and brighter evenings, now is the perfect time of year to focus on your fitness goals.

Whether it’s weight resistance training, a light jog or joining your local dance class; your body will thank you for getting your heart pumping and limbs moving.

Here are some tips from Aoife Rose, my colleague in our Wexford store. She is a Personal Trainer and product advisor in store: It is important to support your body as best you can; what goes out (energy) must come back in! Replenish your body and improve your health and fitness by supporting it nutritionally throughout your fitness journey.

First, be sure to stay hydrated: the average female adult needs a minimum of 2 litres daily, the average man needs a baseline of 2.5 litres. Dehydration is the culprit for so many issues that many people struggle with: fatigue, brain fog, muscle pain after training (DOMS- delayed onset muscle pain) and digestive issues. Hydration really is essential.

A common question is how much protein is needed per meal. Protein is an essential macronutrient that we need to

survive and thrive. For maintenance, you need roughly 1.1 g of protein per kg of body weight, this means that if you weigh 60kg your baseline needs would be 66gm per day. However, it you want to build muscle and strength, your needs rise to 100-120g of protein per day. The most important thing to remember is to include protein with every meal: a complete meal will have a balance of healthy fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

Protein is found in varying quantities in fish, meat, eggs, dairy products, lentils, pulse, nuts, seeds, and grains. A healthy balanced diet should

provide you with enough protein. However, if you are looking to supplement your protein, Aoife Rose’s advice is to stick with a clean, natural protein such as pea protein. A bioavailable powder like the pea or hemp could be more easily absorbed by the gut and minimise risk of digestive issues. It will almost guarantee you will get the full 20g it states, as oppose to other proteins that may only leave you absorbing 7-8g of the 20g you’d expect.

One more top tip- whatever you choose to do… enjoy it.

Now, let’s get those limbs moving!

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SPECIAL REPORT Women candidates running for EU Election in Ireland South have asked to commit to a feminist manifesto and support the rights and lives of women and girls at EU level. The women candidates who will speak at a recent highlighting such were Grace O’Sullivan (Green Party), Lorna Bogue (Rabharta Glas), Kathleen Funchion (Sinn Féin) and Susan Doyle (Social Democrats).

In February 2024 less than 40% of MEPs were women.

Ireland fares slightly worse, with currently eight male MEPs to five female MEPs. The hustings, organised by the National Women’s Council (NWC) and Women For Election, was intended to provide space for women candidates in Ireland South to reach women and feminist voters and explain how they will work to improve the lives of women and girls.

NWC director Orla O’Connor said: “Women have had to overcome significant historical disadvantage in securing representation. We know that when women are elected, more progressive and feminist policy follows. Hustings like ours today give women candidates the opportunity to speak to women voters and all feminist voters to let them know what they will do to improve the lives of women and girls across the EU.” Flor McCarthy, Women For Election, said: “Ireland remains 103rd in the world for gender representation in politics. This year, voters will have a one-in-five-year chance to deliver a crucial shift in our democracy towards gender parity by consciously prioritising the election of more of the women here today to the European Parliament. This would mean more representative policy decisions and create more opportunities for women to be in key

EU candidates asked to commit to women

leadership positions.”

During the recent event, all candidates were asked to commit to the following: • Achieve parity democracy and women’s equal representation; • Champion women’s economic independence and support an economic model that values care; • Put an end to all forms of violence against women; • Put an end to the neoliberal and patriarchal ex-

ploitation of women’s and girls’ bodies; • Guarantee women’s bodily autonomy; • Include women’s voices in peace-building; • Make women an integral part of the green transition.

The event was complemented by two previous hustings in Dublin and in Midlands Northwest (Athlone). NWC and Women For Election invited all women candi-

dates with political representation (either individually or at the party level) to take part.

Find here the EWL feminist manifesto: https:// womenlobby.org/IMG/ pdf/ewl_manifesto_-_ english_3_.pdf About NWC The National Women’s Council is the leading national representative organisation for women and

women’s groups in Ireland, founded in 1973. We have over 190 member groups and a large and growing community of individual supporters.

The ambition of the National Women’s Council is an Ireland where every woman enjoys true equality and no woman is left behind. This ambition shapes and informs our work, and, with our living values, how we work.

We are a movement-building organisation rooted in our membership, working on the whole island of Ireland. We are also part of the international movement to protect and advance women’s and girls’ rights.

Our purpose is to lead action for the achievement of women’s and girls’ equality through mobilising, influencing, and building solidarity. Find out more on www.nwci.ie

Ní Mhurchú: new rules risk making childminders redundant Ireland South Fianna Fáil MEP candidate Cynthia Ní Mhurchú has called on Green Minister Roderic O’Gorman not to inadvertently push childminders out of business with the upcoming Childminding Regulations 2024.

Ms Ní Mhurchú is calling on Minister O’Gorman to revisit the concerns of existing childminders before implementing a raft of new regulations around childminding which Ní Mhurchú feels could lead to an exodus of childminders from the industry.

“The stakes are very high.

This morning I was speaking

to one child minder who has exited the business entirely because she feels that the new regulations will be un-

workable and may lead to a crisis for parents of young children across the country who depend on childmind-

ers,” she told The Kilkenny Observer.

The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021 – 2028 sets out a phased approach to the regulation and registration of childminders.

Central to work under the National Action Plan has been the development of new regulations that are specific to childminders Childminders that have spoken to Ms Ní Mhurchú have said that the regulations will be too onerous on small scale childminders.

“One childminder told me that the new regulations will force childminders who have been minding children for

10 years to complete an advanced first responders training course which requires them to take two days off work and costs close to €300.”

A third regulation that childminders have raised concerns with Ms Ní Mhurchú is around proposed regulation 12, which imposes a limit of 6 children in his or her care at any given time, including his or her own children until they have completed primary education.

Childminders feel that their own children should not be counted once they enter primary education at around five years old.

“If childminders have

to count their own children, then it will automatically reduce the maximum number of children they can look after - making their business less viable” Ms Ní Mhurchú described some of the proposed regulations as red tape dressed up as child protection.

“Regulation 16 requires the childminder to produce a handbook that outlines their policies and procedures.

This is completely unnecessary and disproportionate to the work of a person who is minding children in their own home, not running a corporation,” she said.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Checking in on the future of our tourism industry The tourism sector is Ireland’s largest indigenous industry and biggest regional employer with up to 254,000 people working in hospitality businesses. Its estimated that €5.3 billion,, excluding fares was spent by international visitors to the country last year with North America the biggest ‘single source’ market.

The industry has demonstrated a remarkable resilience despite “domestic capacity challenges and international geopolitical upheaval”. The Central Statistics Office (CSO)ntravel report states “that most of the overseas trips taken by Irish residents are to the UK, EU and Europe, with a steady increase in the number of trips to Canada and the US”.

We, as a nation, took 14.3 million domestic overnight trips in 2023 which amounted to €3.1 billion in expenditure and we took 12.6 million outbound overnight trips 2023 where total expenditure amounted to €12.9 billion.

These trips accounted for almost 80 million bed nights.

Of these 2.9 million outbound overnight trips, more than one-third (38%) were to a UK (including Northern Ireland) destination. And, in the last three months of 2023, Kilkenny ranged high among the most popular destination for domestic overnight trips in the southern region.

All these figures show a positive view of the industry. Yet, according to the ITIC 2023

report: “Last year will be remembered as one where businesses struggled with rising input costs, labour challenges, and an increase in VAT. While many businesses may have enjoyed a good trading year, the performance of tourism has been uneven across the country, with shifts in the volume, value, and profile of visitors across markets.”

Irish tourism still faces a number of challenges in 2024, which represent a serious

risk to our competitiveness.

The Government’s heavy reliance on tourism properties to house refugees and International Protection Applicants is causing a severe strain on accommodation capacity.

This approach, while addressing immediate humanitarian needs, is inadvertently squeezing the availability of tourist accommodations.

The introduction of ShortTerm Tourism Letting Legislation is expected to further

shrink the supply, making it even harder for travellers to find places to stay. This dual pressure could lead to a dramatic decline in tourist numbers, as potential visitors opt for destinations with more reliable lodging options.

Maintaining the 31 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport is another shortcoming that could have far-reaching consequences.

This cap does not just affect short-term visitor traffic, but stifles long-term growth prospects. By limiting the number of passengers, Ireland is effectively closing the door on expanding its visitor base and developing new international connections. This selfimposed limitation hampers the tourism industry’s ability to diversify its source markets and attract a broader range of visitors, crucial for sustained growth and resilience.

Ireland is already one of the most expensive countries in which to do business, and rising input and labour costs

are only making things worse.

The burden of increased regulatory compliance costs is further straining businesses, threatening to erode Ireland’s competitive edge.

One of the most critical issues is the ongoing struggle to recruit, train, and retain staff within the sector. The tight labour market means that businesses are constantly battling to fill positions, often leading to service shortfalls that directly impact the visitor experience. Without a robust workforce, the sector cannot sustain the exacting standards that visitors expect, further diminishing Ireland’s appeal as a top-tier destination.

At a time when consumers are more price-sensitive than ever, the country risks losing out to more affordable destinations. If costs continue to rise unchecked, we could see a significant downturn in tourism revenue. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

Mental Health - Right assessment and care in a timely fashion in the right place with the right professionals In my experience canvassing here in Kilkenny over recent months, I am inspired by the fortitude of so many family members in coping with the effects of mental ill-health. At the same time, I am saddened that so many parents and guardians have to deal with this problem with very limited support and back up from state agencies.

For sure, voluntary organisations (GROW, Teac Tom and among others) continue to provide a wonderful service by way of counselling, information, friendship and practical assistance. Yet, mental health remains as the Cinderella of the public health service – underfunded, understaffed and undervalued. Again and again, children under the age of 18 join the ranks of already overcrowded emergency departments in acute public hospitals due the lack of a timely and 24/7 wrap-around service for children and families in crisis.

Children, women and men can be impacted by mental ill-health at any stage in life. Thankfully, people are more willing to speak and openly share about this matter even though it is still too

often a taboo. Today, we have a better understanding of the complex nature of mental health, especially when It goes wrong in cases of depression, self-harm, addiction or the rising prevalence of eating disorders in young adults.

I am painfully aware that the local Government in Ireland does not have the resources or powers to make a huge change in this area, which remains the responsibility of the Health Service Executive (HSE). Yet, there are steps we can take and I will be full square behind these: • Highlighting the issue of mental issues in community planning at local level.

• Financial and practical support for more spaces where

young people can meet and enjoy themselves in positive ways.

• Liaise with An Garda Síochána in reaching out to local communities to inform, connect and build trust in areas where addiction has emerged as a key challenge.

• Encourage and support persons with mental health to register and vote as they are now able to do so.

• During the pandemic there was a Kilkenny COVID19 Community Response Forum hotline pointing people to local services. This should be reinstituted.

• Campaign with other elected representatives to improve diagnostic, emergency and follow-up treatment in County Kilkenny as well as early access and diagnosis before a crisis overwhelms people.

We need to move away from a default pathway of accessing mental health care through emergency hospital departments where there is no acute medical need To sum up, we need a comprehensive service that provides the people of Kilkenny with the right assessment and care in a timely fashion in the right place with the right professionals. #Vote4MentalHealth #AKilkennyWorthWorkingFor

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News Science & Wellbeing If you can measure the Universe’s expansion rate today and how its expansion rate has changed over its history, you should be able to determine what it’s made of and, therefore, what its ultimate fate will be.

Starting in the late 1990s, combinations of large-scale structure data and supernova data all pointed toward a single picture: a dark energydominated Universe that would end in a ‘big freeze’.

Now in 2024, however, the picture has got a lot murkier.

The Hubble tension, along with new results from DESI, throw our consensus picture into doubt. Here’s why we now question the fate of the Universe.

By mapping out the threedimensional positions of galaxies over a large volume of the Universe, scientists have uncovered evidence that the strength of dark energy has weakened (and is weakening) over time.

The expected fates of the Universe all correspond to a Universe where matter and energy fight against the initial expansion rate. In our observed Universe, a cosmic acceleration is caused by some type of dark energy, which is hitherto unexplained. All of these Universes are governed by the Friedmann equations, which relate the expansion of the Universe to the various types of matter and energy present within it. In a Universe with dark energy, the expansion rate makes a hard transition from decelerating to accelerating about six billion years ago.

Measuring back in time and distance can inform how the Universe will evolve and accelerate/decelerate far into the future. By linking the expansion rate to the matterand-energy contents of the Universe and measuring the expansion rate, we can come up with an estimate for the amount of time that’s passed since the start of the hot Big

So, when will our Universe end?

Bang.

The supernova data in the late 1990s was the first set of data to indicate that we lived in a dark energy-rich Universe, rather than a matterand-radiation dominated one.

A Universe that is closed

(cyan) or critical and matterdominated (green) will have a very short lifetime: 10 billion years or less. Since stars are observed to be more than 13 billion years old, some other ingredient must be present. A Universe made of ~30% matter and ~70% dark

energy (fuchsia) is the best fit to the data, and gives an age of the Universe of 13.8 billion years.

Radiation is dominant over matter for roughly the first 9,000 years, then matter dominates, and finally, a cosmological constant emerges.

However, dark energy may not be a cosmological constant, exactly, but may still vary with time by up to ~4% or so. Future observations will constrain this further.

Ever since we first recognized that the Universe was expanding, one question

has dominated the minds of those who study it: how will it all end? Today, we recognise that our Universe began from a much smaller, denser, hotter, and more uniform state: a state that we identify with the Big Bang. Over time, that Universe has expanded, cooled, and evolved, but also gravitated: clumping and clustering to form an intricate cosmic web of structure across millions and even billions of light-years. Today, when we use our powerful instruments to look out at the Universe — nearby, at intermediate distances, and to the greatest distances we can measure — we learn what the Universe is made of, and draw conclusions about what its ultimate fate would be.

If our Universe consists only of matter-and-radiation and starts off by expanding, then there are three possibilities as to the eventual fate of the Universe.

1. The expansion rate is too great for the matter and radiation in the Universe to overcome, and even though gravity can slow down the cosmic expansion, the Universe continues to expand forever, leading to a heat death scenario, or what’s known as a Big Freeze.

2. The opposite can occur, where there’s enough matter and radiation to out-gravitate the initial expansion. The Universe expands but gravity slows it down, eventually brings it to a halt, and then reverses the expansion into contraction. This scenario ends in a reverse of the Big Bang – a Big Crunch.

3. Or, you can be in perfect balance between the two scenarios – the Goldilocks case. One more atom in the Universe would lead to cosmic recollapse, but, in the absence of that atom, the Universe just keeps coasting as the expansion rate drops asymptotically to zero. This is the case known as A Critical Universe.

Think you have IBS? It might be Coeliac disease The Coeliac Society of Ireland is highlighting the critical link between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and undiagnosed coeliac disease. Up to 20% of people with IBS actually have coeliac disease.

The overlapping symptoms often lead to confusion and misdiagnosis, with many individuals self-diagnosing IBS and not seeking further medical advice.

Common symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation can be attributed to both IBS and coeliac disease. However, failing to get properly tested for coeliac disease can result in long-term health complications. In Ireland, almost 2 in every 100 people have coeliac disease, yet 75% remain undiagnosed. This autoim-

mune condition can lead to severe fatigue, gastrointestinal issues, headaches, infertility, and even balance problems if left untreated.

According to a 2023 study published in the journal Gastroenterology, similar patterns of under-diagnosis are observed globally,

with up to 80% of coeliac disease cases remaining undiagnosed in the United States and Europe. This highlights the importance

of increased awareness and testing.

Sarah Keogh, Nutritionist and Dietitian at the Coeliac Society of Ireland, said: “We urge everyone experiencing IBS-like symptoms to promise they’ll get tested for coeliac disease. This year’s focus is on raising awareness about common conditions that may indicate coeliac disease, and ensuring people check if coeliac disease is the real issue.

“What people should look out for are symptoms such as bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation which are common in both IBS and coeliac disease. However, if you have IBS and any of the following conditions, it’s essential to rule out coeliac disease. These can include low iron or low B12

tests, low vitamin D or low folate tests, osteoporosis, especially at a younger age, underactive thyroid, and fertility problems.”

The society also emphasised the importance of sometimes insisting on a simple blood test from your GP to get a diagnosis started as undiagnosed and untreated coeliac disease can lead to numerous longterm problems, including a significantly higher risk of osteoporosis, infertility, and several types of bowel cancer. A strict gluten-free diet is an effective treatment that helps manage fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, and prevents serious longterm diseases.

For more information visit www.coeliac.ie.

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Travel & Leisure

Ibiza fights against too much tourism Tourism is pricing locals out of being able to live on Ibiza, campaigners say.

Activists have been taking to the streets to protest what they say are the downsides of tourism.

According to Prou Ibiza (‘Enough Ibiza’ in Catalan), nurses and police officers are having to live in cars and caravans because housing is unaffordable, and operations and cancer treatment have been delayed because doctors can’t afford to live on the white isle.

The campaigners have told news agencies they are calling on authorities to limit the number of tourist beds in Ibiza, one of Spain’s most popular resorts.

They recently protested outside the white isle’s government offices. Protests are also being planned in Mallorca and Menorca.

Rafael Jimenez, a spokesperson for Prou Ibiza, is a local police officer from Ibiza but he moved to Aragon on the Spanish mainland after he had had enough of mass tourism.

“We are not against tourism itself. We have nothing against the people who come and respect our island,” he tells Euronews Travel.

“A side effect of mass tourism is that house prices are rising. Everyone feels that everything is collapsing.

More restaurants require more workers but these workers require places to live and there are 10 looking for every place. There are

Carbonara: Pommidoro dal 1890 Ristorante Pasta Carbonara, one of the most famous Italian pasta dishes, is shrouded in myth and speculation despite being a relatively new invention.

Carbonara is a pasta made with a precise concoction of beaten eggs, browned pig jowl, and pecorino cheese.

Although famously associated with Rome, some say it evolved from “pasta cacio e uova” (cheese, raw eggs, and melted lard), a dish first presented in 1839 by Ippolito Cavalcanti in his Neapolitan cookbook.

Others claim it was a dish made by working outdoorsmen due to its simplicity and heartiness.

Hence, the name derives from “carbonaro,” or charcoal burner (the abundance of black pepper helps with aiding the resemblance).

Or maybe it was hungry American soldiers with their “bacon and egg” spaghetti in the 1940s and 1950s. Nobody really knows for sure.

One thing is certain, Pommidoro dal 1890 is the best restaurant to enjoy it.

Founded in 1890, Pommidoro

“She takes 40 flights a month, getting up at 6am ...

nurses and police who live in caravans.”

Jimenez left Ibiza where he had lived for most of his life because, he said, he “could not take the atmosphere any more”.

“I have a house in Ibiza.

But I couldn’t take it. We feel that tourism is taking public places. It is very expensive,” he said.

Residents in many of Europe’s tourist hotspots have criticised second home ownership Karla Andrade, 36, a teacher and mother who works in Ibiza, has moved to Palma in Mallorca. She flies back and forth to Ibiza rather than pay the high rent on the island.

She takes 40 flights a month, getting up at 6am to get the plane to work.

When in Rome, eat pasta!

was once a wine shop that turned into a restaurant in 1926 and has now become one of Rome’s oldest familyrun restaurants. Located conveniently just 1 mile from Rome’s Termini Station, it’s hard to believe that this place remains a hidden gem.

Amatriciana: Armando al Pantheon Amatriciana is an iconic pasta dish from Amatrice, a small town in the Lazio region, where Rome is the capital. Locals are particularly defensive about this dish

and declare that the only ingredients permitted in the sauce are guanciale, pecorino cheese, white wine, tomatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and chili pepper.

Any violation of this list is an offence to the dish and, by proxy, the inhabitants

of Amatrice, who invented it around 500 years ago.

Spaghetti is traditionally used, and guanciale (fatty pig jowl meat) is favoured for its aroma and rich flavor versus any other cut.

This iconic establishment has been around since 1961 and is very strategically located near the Pantheon (so you can explore it on a full stomach or reward yourself with a hearty bowl of pasta after sightseeing).

Locals and visitors flock here for its homey, welcoming trattoria vibe and kind service — plus, it’s a family-run establishment.

But we’re here for the food, and this place delivers.

Traditional Roman fare based on timeless recipes of classic dishes and an extensive wine list with nearly 400 labels is sure to guarantee a phenomenal meal.

Gricia: Da Enzo al 29 & Roscioli The final Roman pasta of the quad is the gricia, which happens to be the ancestor of the amatriciana. Pasta gricia was created in either Amatrice or Grisciano (the debate

“I could not afford to live in Ibiza with the cost of housing,” she told Atena 3, a Spanish television channel.

Iván Fidalgo, of the Association of Civil Guards in the Balearic Islands, says the rising cost of housing is harming public services.

“They sell Ibiza as a firstclass resort, but it is not because it doesn’t even have the public services because there are not enough people to work in them,” he told Euronews Travel.

The Balearic Islands, which last year attracted 17.8 million tourists, is the second most popular destination in Spain after the Canary Islands.

Tourism creates 200,000 jobs locally and annually generates €16 billion income or 45% of the islands’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Discontent is growing across Spain over mass tourism. Ibiza is not the first place in Spain to push back against the pressure of growing tourist numbers.

In Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, locals are also said to have to sleep in cars and caves as housing gets snapped up by tourism organisations.

In the coastal city of Málaga, people have plastered walls and doors with stickers saying things like “go f***ing home” (a tu puta casa) and “stinking of tourist” (apestando a turista).

In one of Menorca’s most popular tourist destinations, bad behavious from tourists has led residents to restrict

continues) by Lazio shepherds with the few ingredients they had on hand. Gricia involves many amatriciana ingredients but is specifically made with pasta, guanciale, pecorino cheese, salt, and pepper.

That’s it. As you can see, one VIP ingredient is missing: “il pomodoro.”

With all the love for tomatoes, you might be surprised to learn that the mighty red fruit didn’t come to Italy until the 15th or 16th century. It was brought over by explorers who went to the New World and then quickly became a hallmark of the Roman kitchen.

To put two and two together, if amatriciana came after the tomato influx, cacio e pepe dates to the 1800s, and carbonara was only invented around the 1940s or 1950s, this makes gricia the OG Roman pasta.

Finally, Roscioli, a Campo de’ Fiori restaurant that foodies may refer to as an “institution.”

This circa-1824 joint is also family-run (notice a recurring trend here?) and has an extensive menu that includes homemade pasta.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

My memories of the Cat Laughs Comedy Festival The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival is upon us and I have some great memories of it down the years. And some not so great. Take for instance the year I brought my 14-year-old to a show in Langton’s. We sat in the front row; we had to as the place was jammers. Foolish I know but I didn’t think a comedian would pick on an innocent, 14-year-old.

But heSo, there we were in the front row and, while Des Bishop was warming up the crowd, I slipped to the bar for a pint. Next minute I hear: “Hey, kid where did you come from?

You look like an orphan and by the way where are your parents?”

“At the bar,” replied my son who has been taught never to tell a lie (though I’d have made an exception this time). “AT THE BAR!” roars Bishop. “Christ what kind of parents do you have?” And he went on, and on, and I

remained at the bar until Mr Bishop had finished his set.

Now to sit in the front row of a comedy show once is, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, unfortunate, but to sit there twice would be downright careless. So the next year I brought the same son, now 15, to a show in the Rivercourt Hotel. This time round we sat in the second row out of the line-of-fire of these maniacal comics. Problem, however, was that no-one and I mean NO ONE sat in the front row which technically meant that we were sitting-ducks yet again. And we were.

The comedian in question was Dara O’Briain who immediately zoned in on my son (don’t know what it is about this son of mine but he seemed to be some class of a magnet for stand-up comics). “And you,” O’Briain asks, pointing to my son, “what’s your name?”

“Richard.”

“And what age are you, Richard?”

“Fifteen” “FIFTEEN,” exclaims O Briain as if he’d said a 115.

O’Briain immediately sniffed exams. “Doing the old Junior Cert then, Richard?”

“Yes”.

And O’Brain duly wove numerous references to history, geography and maths into his act. He also went into a spiel, a very colourful one, about the vital importance of all the information that students have to cram into their heads.

“Why just the other night I was at a party,” he went on, “when a woman asked me which was the biggest of the Great Lakes. Michigan, I said.”

“Right,” she said,” I’ll go to bed with you”. (It sounded funny on the night, okay?)

But he didn’t leave it that.

No, sir. He had to drag me

into it. “And what kind of parents are we rearing nowadays that they allow their 15-year-old Junior Cert

“I didn’t think a comedian would pick on an innocent, 14-year-old..

student to a gig like this?”

Oh, oh. Ah, but, seriously, it was all good fun and made for some great memories which my son and I occasionally recall over a pint or two. I’ll leave you with a joke, a tad risqué, but I laughed heartily at it.

Defence Attorney: “Will you please state your age?”

Little Old Lady: “I am 84 years old.”

Defence Attorney: “Tell us what happened the night of April 1st?”

Little Old Lady: “I was sitting on my front porch when a young man crept up and sat down beside me.”

Defence Attorney: “Did you know him?”

Little Old Lady: “No, but he sure was friendly.”

Defence Attorney: “What happened then?”

Little Old Lady: “He started to rub my thigh.”

Defence Attorney: “Did you stop him?”

Little Old Lady: “No.”

Defence Attorney: “Why not?”

Little Old Lady: “It felt good. Nobody had done that since my Albert passed 30 years ago.”

Defence Attorney: “What happened next?”

Little Old Lady: “He began to rub my breasts.”

Defence Attorney: “Did you stop him then?”

Little Old Lady: “No.” Defence Attorney: Why not?

Little Old Lady: “Because it made me feel all excited.

I hadn’t felt that good in years!

Defence Attorney: “What happened next?”

Little Old Lady: “Well, I was feeling so ‘spicy’ that I said: ‘Take me, young man.

Take me now!’”

Defence Attorney: “Did he take you?”

Little Old Lady: “Hell, no! He just yelled ‘ April Fool!’ And that’s when I shot the little bastard.”

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News

Experience rooted in community Local election candidate Andrew McGuinness is an experienced public representative. He has served two terms as Mayor and one as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council.

Andrew is known for championing animal welfare issues, fighting for better facilities for young people and for not being afraid to stand up and speak out for communities, families and individuals that need support.

With a great understanding of policy making, Andrew is responsible for all of the animal welfare by laws that have been introduced in Kilkenny in recent years and established Kilkenny’s Animal Welfare Committee, the first of its kind in the country.

As Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Andrew officially opened Kilkenny’s Skate Park, a project he campaigned for since he was first elected.

Having spent 10 years organising underage music events for teenagers, Andrew continues to pursue better facilities for young people and a thriving music scene for young people to be part of.

Housing, improved and increased bus routes, the upgrade of footpaths and the

provision of speed control measures in our housing schemes and crime prevention are all high on Andrews agenda. He also feels strongly about the lack of public consultation regarding the housing of asylum seekers and has stated that Minister Roderic O’Gorman has ‘shown no regard for local communities that simply cannot accommodate such vast numbers of asylum seekers’.

Andrew is the only election candidate with a constituency office open to the public 6 days a week that he operates with his father John McGuinness T.D. “As anyone who has visited our office at O'Loughlin Road will know, I take my responsibilities as a public representative very seriously. I hold clinics every week and my mobile phone number is public property. I am there for anyone who needs advice or assistance,” he said.

“My promise to you is a simple and honest one - I will do my best for you, your family and Kilkenny. But to

enable me to do that work, I do need your support on Election Day, so I am asking that you vote Number 1 for Andrew McGuinness on June 7th.

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Opinion

The Last Word Pat Coughlan

Fancy being in the Street Food business?

During The Kilkenny Observer’s six week look at the Kilkenny County Council proposed Nighttime Economy the idea of Street Food trucks was mentioned.

This generated a lot of interest and now that Kilkenny County Council has sought expressions of interest from people interested in setting up a business, I thought it might help to talk about it here. So let’s dive headfirst into the buzzing world of street food night markets, where every bite tells a story.

It’s not just about gobbling down grub; it’s a journey through the culture, history, and very soul of a place. This isn’t just food; it’s a window into the heart of communities, a taste of tradition and innovation mingling on your tongue.

Meet the Vendors. Dive into the bustling night markets, and you’re not just meeting vendors. Each stall tells its own story, with the person

behind the counter pouring their heart, hopes, and family recipes into every dish. Talk to Street Vendors when on your holidays. Even here in Ireland there are good examples. Try Limerick.

What started with just a few basic bits and bobs, has now taken off into something that’ll have your taste buds doing somersaults. It’s the local heroes behind the stalls that have flipped the script, transforming everyday ingredients into dishes that sing the song of their streets. It’s a proper testament to the grit and creativity of the communities, reflecting shifts in what people are after when they say they’re peckish.

On holidays, exploring night markets worldwide unveils peculiar dishes that perplex and delight in equal measure. These culinary oddities offer a taste of local traditions and enigmatic food culture, serving not just unique flavours but

a glimpse into the area’s history and beliefs. Embarking on this food journey is an adventure into the heart of

global cuisine, where every bite is an exploration of the unknown, and each market visit becomes a memorable

experience.

Stepping into a Street Food night market, is like walking into a carnival of flavours, where the air itself is thick with the promise of something grand. You’re greeted by the symphony of sizzling grills and the chatter of excited patrons, each sound weaving into the night’s tapestry. The smoke, it dances through the lanes, a fragrant guide to your next bite. It’s a place where every sense is awakened.

Can TV programmes about Street Food help? They can.

Sure, if one’s thinking of diving into the street food game here in Kilkenny.

Netflix and Quest are jampacked with shows to get the cogs turning. ‘Street Food: Asia’ on Netflix is one example, giving a good insight into the hustle and bustle, not to mention the mouth-watering food.

There’s ‘The Great Food Truck Race’ on Quest, where

ye can nick a few tips on running a tight ship in the mobile eatery business.

Kicking off a Street Food venture in Kilkenny isn’t just about having a grand recipe up your sleeve, though that’s a good start. You’ll be needing the right permits and a spot that’s buzzing with foot traffic. Get yourself clued up on the local health and safety regulation, too. It’s all about charming the locals and the blow-ins alike with your culinary wizardry, so make it top-notch and you’ll have them eating out of your hand.

Before you begin make your application to the council.

Make sure you’re not overstretching yourself. You have your own hunger to think about, and if the timing and location your offered don’t suit you, it’s a no-go. Don’t let the promise of the next best bite push you into corners that don’t fit your schedule.

Look after yourself, first...

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

Saudi Arabia and UNEP launch World Environment Day campaigns to combat desertification and restore degraded lands World Environment Day 2024 host, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have launched campaigns to combat desertification, restore land and build drought resilience ahead of global World Environment Day celebrations on the 5th June in the country’s capital, Riyadh. ”Now is the time to act on commitments to prevent, halt and reverse ecosystem degradation,” said Elizabeth Mrema, Deputy Executive Director of UNEP, launching the global campaign at a Saudi Environment Week event in Riyadh. ”We are the first generation to now fully understand the immense threats to the land – and might be the last one with a chance to reverse the course of destruction.

Our priority now must be

on restoring ecosystems – on replanting our forests, on rewetting our marshes, on reviving our soils,” she added.

Both campaigns will champion leadership in restoring land and put the spotlight on the Kingdom’s commitments at home and across the region to combat climate change by regreening and rewilding huge swathes of arid and semi-arid lands.

Saudi Arabia is leading the G20 Global Land Initiative launched during its G20 Presidency in 2020 and will also host the largest-ever UN conference on land and drought in Riyadh from 2-13 December 2024 - the 16th session of the Convention’s Conference of the Parties (COP16).

In March 2019, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring 2021–2030 the UN Decade

on Ecosystem Restoration.

This World Environment Day aims to support accelerated progress on these commitments, with Saudi Arabia’s campaign connecting with the theme of COP-16, ‘Our Land, Our Future’, and the ‘We are #GenerationRestoration’ slogan of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

Globally, countries have pledged to restore one billion hectares of land – an area larger than China – by protecting 30% of land and sea for nature and restoring 30% of the planet’s degraded ecosystems. Championing the 2030 Agenda of shifting the world onto a sustainable and resilient path and joining forces to protect people and planet, World Environment Day 2024 will contribute to building momentum for climate action by rallying support for vital

ecosystems restoration work.

World Environment Day, marked annually on the 5th of June, was established by the United Nations General

Assembly in 1972. Over the past five decades, it has grown to be one of the largest global platforms for environmental outreach,

with tens of millions of people participating online and through in-person activities, events and actions around the world.

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with at least 14 million tonnes ending up in the ocean each year. Thousands of seabirds, seals, sea turtles, and other marine creatures perish each year as a result of ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in it. In a few easy actions, you can start reducing the amount of plastic garbage you produce: when shopping, use reusable bags; throw away singleuse straws, bags, and water bottles; and, if at all possible, stay away from items packed in or made of plastic.

Simplify the holidays Celebrations such as weddings and birthdays can result in needless excess. Because of the fossil fuels, forests, and other natural resources used to manufacture decorations, wrapping paper, crockery, and gifts, wildlife and their habitat are deprived of light during human celebrations.

However, you can reimagine your festivities in a way that honours the environment— land, sea, and wildlife.

How to live more sustainably We make decisions in life every day that have an impact on the climate, the ecosystem, and other species. There are several things we can do to lessen our environmental impact, from what we eat to how many kids we choose to have.

Individually, we have a role to play, but we are not alone.

Think twice before shopping Everything we buy has an impact on the environment because of the materials it was made of, the pollutants it released during production, and the packaging that was disposed of. The damage is done even if a product can be recycled or composted.

Consider whether you truly

need anything before making a purchase. If so, think about purchasing used goods rather than brand-new ones, and search for goods with less packaging and shipping that are constructed of less damaging materials.

Ditch plastic Plastic is forever. It makes up 80% of all marine waste,

Choose organic Buying organic products lessens your influence on the environment and wildlife, whether it be for apparel, coffee, or fruit. Numerous pesticides are present in fish and animal habitats, endangering hundreds of species' ability to survive and recover. In addition to contaminating the food we

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

eat, pesticides also harm the soil, water, and air. If you garden, cultivate organically to stay away from pesticides at home. By cultivating native, pollinator-friendly plants and eliminating invasive species, you may create a wildlife habitat in your yard that will draw beneficial insects and deter harmful pests.

Avoid fast fashion and animal-based textiles Over the past 20 years, the amount of new clothing produced annually has almost doubled, and the amount of fashion consumed worldwide has surged by 400%. Up to 10% of carbon emissions worldwide are attributed to the fast fashion business. Wool and other animal-based textiles are to blame for various wildlife injuries, extensive habitat loss due to deforestation, and water contamination. Reduce the speed at which you change clothes by taking care of them, fixing them when you can, and buying used clothing when you do need new ones.

Drive less, drive green Transportation emissions from fossil fuels produce smog, soot, greenhouse gases, and other dangerous air pollutants. Nonetheless, you may significantly lower your carbon footprint by altering your driving style.

When feasible, take public transportation, walk, ride a

bike, or sign up for a ridesharing programme. When purchasing a new vehicle, think about going electric.

Green your home For more effective heating and cooling, make sure your house has enough insulation, energy-efficient windows, and a programmed thermostat. Energy-efficient lightbulbs should also be used for more effective lighting. Both rooftop solar panel installation and solar water heating systems can save you money and benefit the environment. The government now provides extremely affordable incentives to assist you in going green with your property.

Take action - use your voice Getting politically involved in your neighbourhood is one of the best things you can do for animals and the environment, both now and in the future.

Select candidates whose environmental platforms are compelling. Encourage your legislators to enact more stringent laws to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save public lands and wildlife, and promote access to reproductive health care.

Donate to organisations battling to stop the extinction problem to cast your financial vote.

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Get the best of solar energy for your investment SolarSol is one of Ireland’s leading specialist contractors for the installation of solar PV and battery storage systems.

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Solar is an unlimited renewable energy source that doesn’t produce CO2 emissions or other gases, because it doesn’t consume fuel or require other resources, such as water or wind. This is one aspect that makes it one of the most interesting systems for producing energy from the environmental perspective and this is the main reason why you should buy a residential solar panel.

There are plenty of other benefits of solar energy that aren’t quite as obvious: Zero energy-production costs Solar energy doesn’t require any outside supply to work, so its maintenance and energy production costs are

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Less energy lost during long-distance transport Losses during transport and distribution of energy increase with the distance between the production and supply points. These affect the performance of the installation in densely populated areas. With photovoltaic panels on rooftops, the distances are drastically reduced, increasing the efficiency of the electrical system.

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An Chead Tine Art gallery opens the inaugural Kilkenny Sustainable Art Exhibition 2024 Opening on the 18th May on the 1st floor of Dunnes Stores, Kieran Street, Kilkenny, the exhibition was curated by Mary Doyle Burke who works as an artist, a curator and is also the founding Director of An Chead Tine art gallery and art studios which are located at their second venue, No 10 The Parade, Kilkenny.

This exhibition is a collection of beautifully sensitive artworks that have been created by local artists Mairead Holohan, Jennie Castle, Marco Di Sante and Mary Doyle Burke from materials such as grass, bog cotton, heather, teasel, organic paint & paper etc. It explores the themes of biodiversity, rewilding, sustainability and how collaborative work is so important both in art, in humans and in the community.

This exhibition was a beautiful coming together of like-minded people with a common interest in research and understanding the local biodiversity or lack of around us and looking at ways of exploring, new ways of thinking and creating work with care and balance as a core aspect. All engaged are experimenting with the use of sustainable materials in their practice and responding to the local biodiversity, the environment and heritage that surrounds them.

As part of the project, curator Mary Doyle Burke facilitated a “ReWILD Kilkenny” day on Saturday 25th May, during

Biodiversity week. Among discussion panel and presenters was artist Jennie Castle, who introduced her “An Spéir Ark “ rewilding project on her own land and how she links her art in response to this. The land was once a field grazed by sheep and has been left to regenerate or rewild itself. The native plants on the land are drawn with sustainable charcoal, coloured pigments and egg tempera. Artist Mairead Holohan creates her art, organic paintings and runs craft classes from her studio at the foot of the Blackstairs mountains as well as art in the community.

She makes pigments from plants from the land and creates her beautiful art inspired by her surrounding land. Her husband Nick, a shepherd, manages the land using sustainable farming and a ‘No Dig’ soil method. Artist Marco Di Sante creates sculptures from organic materials, grass grown from seeds, organic hay (using the pulp to imprint objects), organic clay (dug by himself in the Kilkenny area) and sprouted spuds. Mary’s own work in this exhibition is built from materials that she has gathered from the biodiversity in the wild bogs near her hometown that have been reflooded/rewetted in the last few years. She uses these plants to create installations and sculptures.

The group ventured around the city to discuss some areas

of urban rewilding, one was the back yard of their art studios at No 10, The Parade, where they let the wildflowers grow in the old stone walls of Kilkenny. The day culminated in a lunch created with care from recipes from wild plants for all the participants.

Dandelion crisps, dandelion and rhubarb crumble and other dishes were served with elderflower water and herbal tea.

Overall, a beautiful day of caring and sharing was had with many discussions on local habitats, biodiversity and a calling to encourage rewilding of Kilkenny and appreciation of the farming community and people who work and look after the land. Speaking to the artists, the main theme coming to the fore is that as artists, they “hope to be agencies of change and foster collaborations across many sectors to encourage change and resilience in regard to biodiversity and wildlife in our own localities, land and environments.”

The exhibition continues until June 15th and a series of workshops organised by the artists will take place over the coming weeks. To book please contact 087 474 8786.

Saturday 1st June - Organic Papermaking Workshop Saturday 8th June - A Biodiversity Charcoal Workshop Saturday 15th June - Pigment/ Dye Making from Plants & Printing/Painting Workshop .

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Opinion Historian Willie Barron A grand nephew of the great Tom Barron

Major Ewen Cameron Bruce

Part two

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

The Tans again snatched Tom Barron from the village of Newmarket. An impromptu escape bid was thwarted when the enemy shot part of a wall from under him with a Lewis Machine Gun. Villagers shuddered as the weapon spat fire and sent stone and mortar flying through the air.

They jostled Tom unto a Crossley Tender and took him to Woodstock, along with another prisoner, a James Ryan from Clonmel, who’d been visiting his mother in Ballyhale.

The Tans tethered the men to the top of the vehicle as human shields to deter any IRA ambush. Tom Barron and James Ryan were confined in the basement of Woodstock House, the floor of which had been sprinkled with salt to aggravate the prisoners’ wounds. Their captors had cut their bare feet with knives to ensure discomfort.

To add further salt to the wounds, as it were, the soldiers threw sacks of rotten spuds in the cells to attract rats. This kept prisoners awake at night as they shushed away the ravenous rodents. As if this ill-treatment weren’t severe enough, drunken soldiers urinated on

Local heroes… them to show contempt for the rebel cause.

And then they had to be on their guard against the notorious “Woodstock spy”, a man the Tans occasionally planted in a cell, posing as a rebel, the objective being to elicit information from unsuspecting captives. This worked for a while, but word had got around, and the men were hyper-alert for the spy.

Tom Barron saw the insides of several prisons before the War of Independence ended.

He was taken from Woodstock to Kilkenny Military Barracks; after which he found himself in Waterford Barracks, Ballybricken Prison, Kilworth Military Camp in Fermoy and then Spike

John Power with his wife Catherine

Island Prison in Cobh.

Among the Auxiliary officers at Woodstock, two especially became hate figures locally and throughout the South East. Lt Harry Biggs, later Detective Inspector, led many a raid on homes around the county, paying close attention to Newmarket and the Barron family, whose spirit of resistance he’d sworn to quell.

His reputation hit a new low when he had Paddy “Lacken” Ryan’s father, a frail elderly man, strapped to a Crossley Tender as a hostage. For weeks, he was driven along bumpy roads and down narrow lanes. People who saw him swore they could hear his bones rattle as the lorry

passed by. It’s said he managed a feeble smile despite his predicament.

Brigg’s career came to an abrupt end a few weeks after he transferred from Woodstock to Tipperary. He’d conducted dozens of raids, on mostly innocent households.

Then, one day in May 1921, he was travelling between Glenstal and Newport when the IRA ambushed the car. DI Biggs died of his wounds.

The dreaded Major meets his match!

The second most feared officer at Woodstock was Major Ewen Cameron Bruce, who’d been wounded five times in the Great War. In a 1917 engagement he’d lost an

arm, a disability that didn’t seem to faze him at Woodstock, where he dished out the severest punishment to captives.

But the Major took on the wrong foe when he tackled the Manager of Kells Creamery, John Power. A courageous and resilient man, he assumed his position at the Creamery in 1900 and under his astute management it thrived for almost half a century.

In September 1920 the Tans raided the Creamery, removing a safe they claimed might contain evidence of illegal activity. Finding nothing of interest in the safe, they returned it to the Creamery, but the following month, John Power was roused from sleep at 2am one morning.

The manager’s assistant in Kells was also visited and searched.

Amid torchlight and the glint of gunmetal, John recognized one of the two raiders as Major Bruce. He remembered him from the previous raid. What he didn’t know was that the Major had since been removed from his post at Woodstock for “conduct becoming” - a serious assault.

The Major demanded keys to the safe; which this time contained the princely sum of £75, a fortune in those days. The raiders took the money and drove off. It later emerged that they may have had two more accomplices,

a Sergeant and Lieutenant of the Devonshire Regiment.

Undeterred by Bruce’s fearful reputation, John Power refused to let the crime go unchallenged. He exposed what happened and the Major was court-martialed in Waterford, found guilty of robbery and sentenced to a year’s imprisonment. Bruce’s nephew- the second raidergot three months. The case was covered in newspapers around the world.

This was a remarkable achievement for John Power…to win justice right in the middle of the “Tan War”.

He continued as Manager of Kells Creamery until his death in 1946.

He’s remembered and honoured as a brave man of the people, and also as a keen GAA fan and a gifted cyclist, apart from his high standing within the farming community. John Power was the grandfather of Marianne Lyons-Kelly, who featured in last week’s Observer article on the Kilkenny Heritage Walkers.

My novel, Invaders, tells the story of how a small band of men and women in 17th century Ireland took on one of the most powerful armies in the world.

It’s available from Amazon and Kilkenny bookshops

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Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

WEEK 71

‘Do you feel vulnerable too'?

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

Global Report In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan President Lai Chingte, right, puts on a cowboy hat given by Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, during a recent meeting in Taipei, Taiwan. A US congressional delegation met Taiwan’s new leader in a show of support shortly after China held drills around the self-governing island in response to his inauguration speech.

According to the Associated Press Rep. Andy Barr, the cochair of the Taiwan caucus in the US Congress, said the United States is fully committed to supporting Taiwan militarily, diplomatically and economically.

“There should be no doubt, there should be no skepticism in the United States, Taiwan or anywhere in the world, of American resolve to maintain the status quo and peace in the Taiwan Strait,” the Republican from Kentucky said at a news conference in the capital, Taipei, after the delegation met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te.

China regards Taiwan as a renegade province that must come under its control, by force if necessary. The US, like most countries, does not have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan but is bound by its own laws to provide the island with the means to defend itself.

The Chinese government expressed strong opposition to the congressional visit, saying it undermined ChinaUS relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, referring to the waterway between China and Taiwan.

The lawmakers’ five-day visit “ran against the political commitment of the US Administration to maintain only unofficial relations with Taiwan, sending a seriously wrong signal to the separatist force of Taiwan independence,” Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning said in Beijing.

Lai, who took office two week ago, is expected to continue the policies of Tsai Ingwen, his predecessor from the

US lawmakers vow support for Taiwan after China moves same Democratic Progressive Party.

The new foreign minister, Lin Chia-lung, noted the recent Chinese drills and called the American delegation’s visit “an important gesture of solidarity” at a critical time.

The delegation included four Republicans and two Democrats and was led by Rep. Michael McCaul, the

chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Last year, China sanctioned the Texas Republican after he visited Taiwan in April.

“America is and always will be a reliable partner, and no amount of coercion or intimidation will slow down or stop the routine visits by the Congress to Taiwan,” he said.

McCaul cited congressional

approval last month of a military aid bill for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. China firmly opposes the U.S. arming Taiwan, Mao said.

The other delegation members were Republicans Young Kim from California and Joe Wilson from South Carolina and Democrats Jimmy Panetta from California and Chrissy Houlahan from Pennsylvania.

THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA...

Taiwan,officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia located at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the northeast, and the Philippines to the south. The territories controlled by the ROC consist of 168 islands with a combined area of 36,193 square kilometres.

The main island of Taiwan, also known as Formosa, has an area of 35,808 square kilometres with mountain ranges dominating the eastern two-thirds and plains in the western third, where its highly urbanised population is concentrated.

The capital, Taipei forms – along with New Taipei City and Keelung – the largest populated area.

With around 23.9 million inhabitants, Taiwan is among the most densely populated countries

Time running out on NATO’S €100bn. for Ukraine Time is running out for NATO financial assistance for Ukraine and with the US presidential race just down the road. NATO allies are demanding that outgoing chief Jens Stoltenberg offer greater clarity on his plan to pledge a massive €100 billion in support for Ukraine.

The proposal, part of the NATO Secretary General’s plan to “Trump-proof ” financial support for Kyiv in case the Ukraine-skeptic former US president is re-elected in November, remains a thorny issue among alliance members.

Behind the scenes, even some of Ukraine’s closer Eastern European allies have become more reserved about the plan in recent weeks, wondering where and how such a huge sum of money would be

sourced — with only weeks left until NATO leaders meet in Washington in July.

“The plan is a bit confusing,” an Eastern European official said on condition of anonym-

ity due to the sensitivity of the issue.

They said countries would

expect Stoltenberg to provide more clarity soon.

It remains to be seen if European NATO heavyweights Germany and France will back the plan.

Paris has preferred to keep defence spending within the EU rather than NATO, while Chancellor Olaf Scholz is unwilling to spend more than has already been set aside under the country’s Zeitenwende (“turning point”) pledges, stemming from a speech he delivered following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Another official, also from a country friendly toward Ukraine, said he “won’t be surprised” if the €100 billion figure is ultimately revised, but predicted the allies would need to find ways to show con-

crete support for Kyiv.

Two other officials with knowledge of the discussion confirmed talks were ongoing, especially concerning the amount of money and ways of allocating it.

A fifth official cautioned that while the ministers and Stoltenberg would go through the details at the Prague meeting, no formal decisions would be taken given the meeting’s “informal” nature.

The NATO chief fears funding for Ukraine could dry up in the absence of a binding commitment.

The initial plan from the secretary general’s office was for NATO allies to commit to €100 billion over the course of five years, demonstrating to the US that Europe was paying its share in backing Kyiv.

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Farmers in fight for survival Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick says that farmers are facing the biggest battle of a generation for survival and our rural economy is in the front line.

“At stake is the survival of traditional family farms and hundreds of jobs in County Kilkenny”, he said.

Councillor Fitzpatrick identified the Nitrates directive and the serious threat to Derogation status for many dairy farmers within two years, which will have a devastating impact on them, should Ireland lose the status.

“Government must be prepared to go into the trenches on this one, to convince the EU Commission and the other 26 member states that Ireland must retain the derogation. I support efforts to improve our water quality, and I believe that farmers are committed to playing their part with good management practices and making significant capital investments”, he said.

He pointed out that Carbon Dioxide emissions have exploded following a century of industrialisation, urbanisation and massive transport expansion. However, the damage cannot be reversed in a few short years and common sense must prevail.

“Farming and the Food industry are the backbone of rural Ireland, and this is a major distinction between us and

the larger EU countries. We accept the climate impact on the environment, but there must be a balanced perspective, when legislating for corrective measures”, he said.

Councillor Fitzpatrick also warned the EU and Global interests that food security must be top of the agenda, as the UN FAO reports 820 million people hungry in the world

Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick, Billy Kelleher MEP and John McGuinness TD on a farm visit

and demand for food increasing. The wise architects of the original Common Market had two objectives – food security and peace for Europe.

“We have seen empty supermarket shelves in the west when Covid hit, and the extraordinary escalation of commodity prices when Putin invaded Ukraine”, he concluded.

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Knocking on doors, housing, housing, housing One of the issues that has come up on the doors in recent months is the condition of properties which are being provided to people on the housing list by Kilkenny County Council. One of the major issues that is being reported is dampness, most likely caused by windows and doors that need replacing.

This is concerning as it has the potential to cause illness which may have lasting adverse effects on one’s health. It is a regulatory requirement to have a BER rating if a property is available for rent, and it is necessary to ensure that Kilkenny County Council as a landlord maintains its responsibility to make certain that their tenants have a comfortable home which is retrofitted in line with energy efficiency to reduce the cost of home heating while also reducing the overall environmental cost. Kilkenny County Council needs to carry out a BER

assessment for its current house stock.

When identifying the work requirement for a property to bring the BER rating up to the highest possible standard, the labour should be carried out by the skill set amongst the current workforce in Kilkenny County Council.

If the current workforce does not have the requisite skill set, it is imperative that an apprenticeship programme is initiated, this will demonstrate a real commitment to housing going forward.

We must ensure every effort is made to bring an end to the

outsourcing of labour and the use of agency staff and restore the whole-time equivalent posts of local authority workers which has been reduced over some time. Many families over the years in Kilkenny have been reared through employment in the local authority and to continue to engage in a manner which does not support permanent staff undermines the transparency and integrity of the local authority’s commitment to the people of Kilkenny.

We also need to ensure that the Kilkenny County Council housing portfolio has an array of options for those who require housing with a minimum of two bedrooms being available, it is not realistic to expect people who live on their own not to need a second room. There are many people who would need the opportunity to have family members stay over including grandchildren or friends.

Expecting people to live in a one bed property will only seek to increase loneliness which is a significant factor for an ageing demographic and wider mental health problems.

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New after-school programme funded with money raised by Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny A cheque in the amount of €69,579 was presented to Down Syndrome Kilkenny at the River Court Hotel on Saturday, 25th May. Pictured presenting the cheque from the Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny charity cycle and its partner the Z Zurich Foundation who match funded donations to Down Syndrome Kilkenny are (L-R) DS Kilkenny Chairperson, Fiona Heffernan, The Z Zurich Foundation representative Joe Nolan, Race Director, Mark Gaffney and DS Kilkenny Treasure Sean Manicle with (L-R) Ruby Heffernan, Erin Tracey, Shona Manning, Ariana Doheny and Hannah Hill.

The organisation announced that it was going to fund an after school programme with the proceeds to offer professional speech and language, and occupational therapies to its members with the process from the charity cycle, fundraiser and match funding from The Z Zurich Foundation.

Fiona Heffernan,

Chairperson of Down Syndrome Kilkenny, said, "This service will allow the children to grow and reach their full potential in an environment set at their own pace facilitated by trained professionals.

One behalf of Down Syndrome Kilkenny, I want to thank all of our supporters,

Kells Angels, Catherine Cunliff and Danesfort GAA, the cyclists, organisers, and anyone who made a donation or contributed to the success of our fundraiser this year. The money raised is unbelievable.

It will completely transform the lives of our members.

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts."

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Kilkenny Goodwill society

Golden celebrations for K

Mrs Mary Mc Kee and Paddy Staunton, experts on the violin gave many happy hours with their most enjoyable music. They played for over 30 years together for Irish dancing at Kilkenny Feis. Both were founding members of Kilkenny Goodwill society

Maureen Culleton and Carmel Byrne pictured at The Clubhouse hotel

By Stephen Patterson Photos: jbs photos kilkenny If you can think back to last Tuesday, you will remember that the weather was very inclement.

A wet miserable May day.

Kilkenny folk had heeded the forecast by the good people of Met Eireann and jackets and umbrellas were the fashion of the day.

However, if you were lucky enough to have been in the vicinity of Kilkenny’s oldest hotel-The Clubhouse- on Patrick Street, then not even the horrible showers could dampen your spirits.

You’d imagine the rainfall would put people in bad form. Well for some maybe. But certainly not the

ladies of the Kilkenny Goodwill society The ballroom of the Clubhouse was alive with music. Thirty or so people clapped, danced sang and cheered as Larry and Carmel Browne transformed the Ballroom into an entertainment extravaganza.

And the reason?

Kilkenny Goodwill society was celebrating 50 years in existence.

Apart from the wonderful music from Larry and Carmel, members of the society didn’t have to be asked twice when they were called on to do an act.

Phyliss Lacey opened proceedings with a few songs and then Lucy Lennon took the microphone

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Goodwill society were Mary Meighan and Dil Young

and laughter bounced off the walls.

Joke after joke, yarn after yarn.

Lucy was in top form.

To borrow a line from Frank Carson ‘It’s the way ye tell ‘em’.’

And Lucy sure can tell them.

If Simon Cowell was in attendance, let’s just say Phyllis and Lucy would have received the Golden Buzzer award.

Founded in ‘74 The group which was founded in 1974 has seen many changes since their formation, and last week they came together to celebrate their Golden anniversary, Finger food, plenty of chat, lots of memories and lovely music made it a very special day.

Mary Butler and Phyllis Lacey at the Clubhouse

Needless to say, most memories were of people who had founded the society and remembering members who have since died.

Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer, Goodwill member Birdy Hayes said that the society has had some wonderful people involved over the last 50 years . “ We are thankful to the hundreds of people down through the years who have helped in any way”, said Birdy.

Mrs Hayes also took time to thank Ian Brennan and the staff of the Clubhouse for the beautiful food to help them celebrate the special anniversary.

Different venues Over the years, The Goodwill soci-

ety have had different venues they have called home.

These include The Metrepole hotel, The Presentation school and The Carlton Ballroom.

They currently meet on a weekly basis in St Mary’s Centre at Haugney Green.

The get together includes chats, music and plenty of fun.

Since their foundation, the society has enjoyed many trips, including a visit to Áras an Uachtaráin where 30 members from Kilkenny were greeted by then president of Ireland Mary Robinson. Other memorable visits included day trips to many resorts all over Ireland.

It is fair to say that while the me-

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Kilkenny Goodwill society

ilkenny Goodwill society Birdy Hayes and Lucy Lennon enjoying the celebrations at The Clubhouse Hotel

Patti Power, Rose Dooley and Annette Russell of Kilkenny Goodwill society

THE ENTERTAINERS.. Carmel and Larry Browne who supplied the entertainment for the 50th anniversary of the Goodwill society

Goodwill members Kathleen Egan, Margaret Farrell and June Maher

Sheila Price (right) with friend Marion

teorologists will record Tuesday May 21st as a dark, damp dreary day, for the Kilkenny Goodwill Society it was the very opposite.

Happy anniversary folks.

Right: It’s the way you tell ‘em...Lucy Lennon had the Goodwill members in stitches as she regaled them with storie

Above: Phylis Lacey entertaining the Goodwill society with some songs at The Clubhouse hotel

Members of the Goodwill society Theresa Casey, Marilyn Furlong and Elaine Horohan

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

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Gowran Little Theatre

Comedy and drama in Gowran Edward Hayden and Ann Farrell will appear with Gowran in their forthcoming one act plays

Gowran Little Theatre is bustling with activity as they gear up for their highly anticipated production, "An Evening of One Acts and Monologues," set to grace the stage of Gowran Parish Hall on June 7th and 8th.

Under the expert guidance of directors Michael Hayes and Peter Madden, the atmosphere is charged with excitement and a hint of nervous energy. "We're on the edge of our seats with anticipation," says Hayes. "But rest assured, it's all in preparation for what promises to be an unforgettable blend of comedy and drama. Audiences are in for a treat!"

The line-up boasts a talented ensemble featuring Edward Hayden, Kevina Hayes, Ann Farrell, and Mike Brown in David Tristram's uproarious one-act, "Last Tango in Gowran."

Directed by Michael Hayes, this side-splitting tale follows the plight of a struggling local theatre group on the brink of collapse.

As Chairman Gordon (played by Edward Hayden) puts it, "There's only one thing that sells tickets these days: sex!"

Brace yourselves for an evening of hilarity and home-grown drama that will leave locals talking for days.

A GOTHIC TALE Meanwhile, "Dead Man’s Bells," a captivating gothic rural tale directed by Peter Madden, unfolds through the voices of unreliable narrators. With intermingling narratives that break the fourth wall and reconstruct events through staged memories, audiences are invited on a mesmerising journey. Led by Judith McCormack, Orna Ward, and Dee Gibney, three sisters navigate the murky waters of family secrets, misdeeds, and the uncertain fate of their ancestral farm.

Prepare to be spellbound by this communal narrative exploring the intricacies of sibling hood and the weight of unspoken truths.

Rounding off the night of entertainment, local talents including John Kennedy, Anne Murray, Clodagh Corrigan, and Róisín McQuillan will deliver sharp and comedic monologues guaranteed to leave the audience in stitches.

Peter Madden, directing Dead Man's Bells with Gowran Little Theatre

Clodagh Corrigan will perform with Gowran Little Theatre

Orna Ward, Kavina Hayes and Dee Gibney will perform in Dead Man’s Bells with Gowran Little Theatre

Róisín McQuillan, delivering a monologue with Gowran Little Theatre

Michael Hayes, directs with Gowran

Ann Farrell, Kevina Hayes, Edward Hayden and Mike Brown who are starring in Last Tango in Gowran

Performing with Gowran is Anne Murray

John Kennedy, performing with Gowran Little Theatre

Tickets for these two unmissable evenings of entertainment are available for purchase online at www.gowranlittletheatre.com or in person at Glasraí & Goodies Shop on Main Street, Gowran. Don't miss your chance to be part of the magic!

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Cllr. John Brennan would like to thank his constitutions for all of their support and advised it has been a pleasure to work with and represent the Castlecomer Electoral Area He would like to highlight grants, work and funding allocated for various areas: 1. €50,000 for traffic calming measures for Clogh.

2. €35,000 for bridge repairs at Tourtane Clogh.

3. Nine new houses in Moneenview, Moneenroe.

4. Funding allocated for Meals and Wheels, Massword Co-Op. 5. Traffic calming measures for Moneenroe Church and School.

6. Public lighting in Chapel Lane, Moneenroe.

7. A new bus shelter in the imminent future will be provided in Moneenroe.

8. Funding for footpaths at the Glen Moneenroe.

9. A new three year road works plan for Clogh and Moneenroe for repairs for Footpaths and Roads Network.

10. Rollout of Broadband for Clogh , Moneenroe, Castlecomer and surrounding areas.

11. €300 for Sacred Heart Church Moneenroe Graveyard grant.

12. €10,000 for the Town Teams Fund initiative for Castlecomer.

13. €32,570 for Castlecomer Demesne Company Ltd. for climbing equipment.

14. Funding for St. Mary's and Colliery Church Graveyard Grant Scheme.

15. Clogh thatch Cottages- 3 restored.

Under the Local Enhancement Programme: 1. €3,000 for Conahy Community Hall.

2. €1,500 for Castlecomer Enterprise Group.

3. €800 for Castlecomer male voice choir.

4. €1,500 for Castlecomer Tidy Towns.

5. Funding provided for Deenview Inclusive Garden.

6. €1,500 for Moneenroe Community Council.

7. €2,000 for Ballyragget Enterprise Hub.

Cllr. John Brennan

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

News In Kilkenny on Wednesday 29th May, Minister Darragh O’Brien visited two housing development sites to officially open Affordable Homes, at Cluain Glasan and Nyne Park. Both developments are new build projects including private, affordable private and social homes. Between both developments more than 320 new build homes will be provided.

The Cairn Homes development at Nyne Park includes 35 affordable purchase properties made available to eligible private purchasers at a price below the market price of the properties, in return for Kilkenny County Council taking a percentage equity share in the property. This is facilitated through state subvention under the governments Housing for All Plan. Prospective purchasers can visit the showhouse at Nyne Park on Saturdays to see the high-quality homes on offer.

Speaking at the event, Minister O’Brien outlined how: “The development of these new homes is a significant milestone in the provision of affordable and high-quality homes in Kilkenny City as in total, these projects will delivery over 320 new homes.

It is when I travel round the country that I see how these homes deliver life changing opportunities for people.

With these new properties,

more families will now have a secure, high-quality, affordable place to call home.

Under Housing for All, we have recently seen that home building starts have hit record levels, with work starting on over 18,000 homes nationally last month. In Kilkenny, 469 new home commencements in the first four months of this year, which is a record for this period.

As you can see, through the hard work of our local authorities and approved housing bodies, we are delivering in Kilkenny – as we are, under Housing for All, throughout the country.

We will continue to work in partnership with local authorities and use every tool available to us to continue to increase housing supply and build on this momentum.”

Director of Services Mary Mulholland pointed out that “the capital delivery team within Kilkenny County Council is committed to providing mixed tenure developments to build inclusive and socially sustainable communities.

We can only do that working in partnership with Approved Housing Bodies, like Clúid Housing and proactive developers like Cairn Homes and Glenveagh Properties.”

Michael Stanley, CEO, Cairn Homes, said “Cairn is very proud to deliver these much-needed homes at our development in Nyne Park Kilkenny in partnership with

Minister for Housing launches Affordable Homes in Kilkenny

Minister O’Brien at launch of Cost Rental at Cluain Glasan Kilkenny. Photos includes Clúid, Glenveagh & Kilkenny County Council staff including CE Lar Power along with An Cathaoirleach Michael Doyle and Mayor Joe Malone & Deputy McGuinness & Elected reps

Kilkenny County Council and Clúid Housing. Cairn is committed to building high quality homes across all

tenures to play our part in addressing Ireland’s housing needs. With the support of our partners, we commenced

construction on 177 homes in Nyne Park, across multiple tenures and densities in February 2023 and we are

heartened to already see people living in these homes just 12 months later. We hope that these families will

‘Kilkenny full', declares independent candidate Michael McGrath Another contender has declared candidacy for Kilkenny City in the upcoming local elections. Michael McGrath will run as an Independent in Kilkenny City Local Electoral Area in June.

He was educated to seven honours Leaving Certificate and went back to SETU and TCD as an adult studying computer engineering, science and programming. "I believe in lifelong learning," says Michael, who is considered a polymath by those who know him. He has just had a book published and is selling well.

He has a passion for driving real change in Irish politics. And, though he is an avid Kilkenny hurling fan, he supports Everton as the genuine Liverpool Irish football team.

Expressing his motivation to enter the race, Michael McGrath highlighted his concerns over various issues plaguing the country, including the migrant crisis, healthcare crisis and the

housing crisis.

He wants hidden cameras across the city with a new control room in the Garda station. He has always stood for an element of pedestrianisation of the city centre that need not include the whole of High Street, but only as far as Dores Opticians/James' Street corner in a new plan that would suit drivers too, that would connect James'

Street to the Market Yard.

For years he has campaigned to house the Irish first. Michael declares “House the homeless children first!” Before anybody else Michael McGrath wants the homeless Irish children housed first. “Adults can look after themselves – the kids can’t.”

He says he would love to serve his beloved city as a councillor before he dies and thus seeks one last chance from the voters. "I have been fighting these issues long before the far right ever emerged in Ireland. I don't agree with them as I am concerned about the liberty of the individual.”

Michael emphasised his commitment to offering the people of Kilkenny City a real alternative and a strong voice to express their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. He pledges to be a present and accessible representative, actively listening to constituents’ concerns and advocating for their needs.

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city

be very happy as they join upwards of 20,000 people who also call a Cairn home their home.”

At the Glenveagh Properties development at Cluain Glasan, Clúid Housing, have made available 25 Cost Rental homes. These are the first cost rental properties provided in Kilkenny. Cost Rental is a new form of long-term rental to provide stable housing to families who can not avail of social housing solutions but struggle to source private rented accommodation that provides long term stability of tenure and certainty of rent.

Welcoming both developments and the mix of private, affordable and social housing Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael Doyle, congratulated the developers, Clúid Housing and local officials on the delivery of high numbers of homes, badly needed in the City.

Speaking at Cluain Glasan Cllr Doyle said “it has long been acknowledged that we need all types of housing to allow low and middle income households to achieve home ownership and security in rented accommodation.

These houses are long term permanent homes for people who cannot access social housing and we look forward to many more affordable homes in the coming years.”

Niall Ó’Ceallacháin, CEO of Clúid Housing said that “The A-rated homes will provide families with secure, high quality homes close to the city, with rents 27%

cheaper than the average in the area.” Members of the public interested in living in one of these stunning A-rated homes can apply now online via the Clúid Housing website www.cluid.ie or www.daft.ie .

The availability of housing for small and large, low and middle income families is a real challenge in Kilkenny. The options available to households is increased with the provision of Affordable Housing and Kilkenny County Council will continue to work towards the provision of both social and private housing across the county. Further information on Affordable Housing can be found at https:// kilkennycoco.ie/affordablehomes .

Minister O’Brien meeting social housing tenant Ms Gillian McCole who recently moved into her new Clúid home at Nyne Park - photo includes r-l: Niall O Ceallachain, Clúid; Minister O’Brien; Gillian McCole; Gavin Whelan Cairn Homes, Deputy John McGuinness; Mary Mulholland Director of Services Kilkenny County Council

Ministers visit to Nyne Park, Kilkenny where he visited and viewed Affordable Homes. Photo includes: Staff from Clúid, Cairn Homes, Kilkenny Co Council staff including CE Lar Power along with An Cathaoirleach Michael Doyle and Mayor Joe Malone & Deputy McGuinness & Elected reps

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

Poetry book launch

It may seem like just an old suitcase, but what treasure it contains

Words: Stephen Patterson Photos: Pat Shortall

The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and The Recovery College South East recently launched their book of poetry and prose, ‘White Twine and Old Suitcases’, at Butler House, Kilkenny.

The beautiful 120 page anthology, with 60 contributors, is complemented by photos and artwork from the T.A.S.K camera club.

This is the third such production in five years, having previously produced ‘Poems from a Kilkenny Laneway’ ( 2019) and ‘Much More Than Words’( 2021).

The six o’clock launch had a spectacular opening with the CBS Secondary School choir performing ‘Non Nobis Domine’ by Rose Powell, ‘You Raise Me Up’ by Brendan Graham and ‘All I Want’ by Kodaline.

Former student of the James’s Street school, Joe Murray, accompanied by the choir, sang his powerful self-penned song ‘The Centre’ and dedicated it to The Involvement Centre.

The choir was joined on the evening by Eanna O’Casaide on piano and Oisín Farrell on violin.

WONDERFUL AMENITY Representing The Involvement Centre, David Dwyer thanked the choir and congratulated Joe Murray on his insightful song.

“I would urge anyone who is going through a difficult or stressful time to check out The Involvement Centre

on Colliers Lane. It is a wonderful amenity in Kilkenny and a place where there is always a welcome,” said Mr Dwyer.

To give a flavour of the book, six of the contributors read their work.

These included: Sé Nicholson, Róisín Sheehy, Bob McLoughlin, Claire Mulcahy, Sean Mansfield and Anne Beck.

One of the driving forces of the publication, Mary Woods, spoke on behalf of The Recovery College and thanked all concerned for their commitment and dedication to the project.

INSPIRATIONAL WORDS Launching the book was Urlingford born poet and writer Paddy Doyle. Currently based in Kinsale, Paddy delivered an inspirational, thought provoking speech.

He started with a quote often used by his grandmother: ‘A bird never flew on one wing’.

“And that,” continued Paddy, “is what lies at the heart of this book. We need each other. We are stronger together. As the inscription on the back says; Ni neart go cur le chéile.”

Referring to the publication and using a sea going analogy he continued:

Maree Marshall and Judy Rhatigan pictured at Butler House

Attending the launch of ‘White twine and old suitcases’ at Butler House Kilkenny were : Susan Fahy (TASK) Claire Fitzpatrick (Recovery College), Fiona White, Philip Perkins and Mary Woods (Recovery College)

Kassie O’Mahony and Shelly O’Reilly attending the launch of ‘White twine and old suitcases’

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Poetry book launch David Dwyer who spoke on behalf of The Involvement Centre at the launch of ‘White twine and old suitcases’

Poet and storyteller Paddy Doyle is presented with a copy of ‘White Twine and old suitcases’ by Ger Cody from Lake Productions

Bennetsbridge man Joe Murray who sang ‘The Centre’ a song he wrote for The Involvement Centre

Claire Fitzpatrick from Recovery College South East thanked the contributors to the book ‘White twine and old Suitcases’

“To the uninitiated it might seem like it's just an old suitcase wrapped up in white twine. But what treasure it contains; poems full of courage, humour, compassion, tenderness; about ordinary transcendent moments; about healing trees and women that turned into trees; about the magic of childhoods that stretched from Michael Street to the Sion Road; about a boy sitting at a pond talking with a frog; about fathers bringing Taytos home to their daughters; a mother’s words to her future daughter, words that are prayers, not just for her daughter but for all young women.

“And everywhere throughout this book, the remembering of those who have gone before us, kings and queens standing like mighty oaks around the cradles of our youth; the grandmother lighting candles with her grandson in Thurles Cathedral, passing on time-worn rituals of remembrance; the father walking the streets of Birmingham unable to find a place to rest; the soldier lying with his comrades beneath the Green Fields of France.”

Mr Doyle praised both The Involvement Centre and The Recovery College, saying the work reminded him of Austrian poet, Rilke, in his

poem about Orpheus’ voyage through the underworld.

‘Only those who lift their lyres in the Underworld also, will come home to praising, again and again.’

He spoke about the great blessing of having friends, guides and mentors who come into our lives in our bleakest moments “Our lives fall apart. We lie a long time in the darkness, bleeding and broken. Then we make a choice. We set out on our journeys of recovery, not knowing how we are going to do it, or how long it is going to take. We start out blind. The road is full of twists and turns, of wrong routes and dead ends. We go off track, a lot. But through some grace, every time we do, there is someone there with a kind word, or a helping hand, to guide us on our way.”

Finishing his speech Paddy Doyle returned to ships and water, “So well done everyone.

Skippers and crew. Oarsmen and helms-women. You answered the call. You set out on the night-sea-voyage. You stayed the course. Brought home the boon.

You are a credit to yourselves, to each other, and to your people.

And now, it is my great honour to hoist anchor, and let

the good ship ‘White Twine and Old Suitcases’ unfurl her sails and voyage out across the seven seas. Bon voyage and fare thee well.”

Claire Fitzpatrick from The Recovery College, thanked all

for attending and praised Pat Griffin, Modern Printers and Karol Ryan who worked on the publication.

‘White Twine and Old Suitcases’ is available from Kilkenny bookshops. €10.

The Clogh contingent: Attending the launch of ‘White twine and old suitcases’ were contributors from The Clogh writers group. Kevin Dowling, Willie Joe Meally and Sean Mansfield

Poets John MacKenna, Bob Mc Loughlin, Madeline Mc Loughlin, Angela Keogh and Martha Woodcock pictured at Butler house for the launch of ‘White twine and old suitcases’

CBS choir with musical director Mandy Dowling, mayor Joe Malone and Joe Murray at Butler Hous

Enjoying the launch at Butler House were : David Dwyer, Sé Nicholson, Michael Murphy, Philip Perkins and David Cooke

A section of the attendance at the book launch in Butler House

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

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News Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Teriyaki salmon Prep: 10 mins Cook: 10 mins Serves: 2

Sweet chilli, honey, sesame oil, mirin and soy combine to make a punchy sauce for this teriyaki salmon. Serve with sesame pak choi for a quick midweek meal.

Ingredients • 2 skinless salmon fillets • 1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce • 1 tbsp honey • 1 tsp sesame oil • 1 tbsp mirin or dry sherry • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tsp finely grated ginger • brown rice or noodles, to serve (optional) • For the pak choi • 2 large pak choi (about 250g) • 2 tsp vegetable oil • 2 tsp sesame oil • 3 garlic cloves, grated • 75ml fish or vegetable stock • 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds, for sprinkling STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and put the skinless salmon fillets in a shallow baking dish.

STEP 2 Mix the sweet chilli sauce, honey, sesame oil, mirin or dry sherry, soy sauce and finely grated

ginger in a small bowl and pour over the salmon so the fillets are completely covered. Bake for 10 mins.

STEP 3 Meanwhile, cut a slice across the

base of the pak choi so the leaves separate.

STEP 4 Heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil in a wok, add the grated garlic cloves and stir-fry briefly to soften.

Coconut and squash dhansak Prep: 5 mins Cook: 15 mins Serves: 4 This quick and easy vegetarian curry is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner – with butternut squash, coconut milk, lentils and spinach.

Ingredients • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 500g butternut squash (about 1 small squash), peeled and chopped into bite-sized chunks (or buy a pack of ready-prepared to save time), see tip, below left • 100g frozen chopped onions • 4 heaped tbsp mild curry paste (we used korma) • 400g can chopped tomatoes

• 400g can light coconut milk • mini naan bread, to serve • 400g can lentils, drained • 200g bag baby spinach • 150ml coconut yogurt (we used Rachel’s Organic), plus extra to serve Method STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large pan. Put the squash in a bowl with a splash of water. Cover with cling film and microwave on High for 10 mins or until tender. Meanwhile, add the onions to the hot oil and cook for a few mins until soft. Add the curry paste, tomatoes and coconut milk, and simmer for 10 mins until thickened to a rich sauce.

STEP 2 Warm the naan breads in a low oven or in the toaster. Drain any liquid from the squash, then add to the sauce with the lentils, spinach and some seasoning. Simmer for a further 2-3 mins to wilt the spinach, then stir in the coconut yogurt.

Serve with the warm naan and a dollop of extra yogurt.

Cooking squash in the microwave is much quicker than on the hob. If you don’t have a microwave, roast the squash in the oven with your previous night’s meal. You’ll save time (and money on your energy bill), and cooked squash keeps in the fridge for up to four days.

STEP 5 Add the pak choi and fry until the leaves start to wilt. Pour over the or vegetable stock, tightly cover the pan and allow to cook for 5 mins – you’re aiming for the stems to be tender but still have a bit of bite.

STEP 6 Serve the pak choi in shallow bowls, top with the salmon and spoon over the juices. Scatter with the toasted sesame seeds and serve with brown rice or noodles, if you like.

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Celine Dion opens up about her illness

Advertisement Advertisement News TV & Streaming

to stream on Amazon Prime Video 1. Fallout

This eight-episode thriller follows a post-apocalyptic world in the future of Los Angeles, California.

Due to nuclear destruction, people are forced to live in underground bunkers to stay safe from “radiation, mutants, and bandits”. If you are into Silo on Apple TV+ vibes, Fallout will become a new favourite of yours. The drama, stars Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, Moisés Arias, Xelia Mendes-Jones, and Walton Goggins. It has been renewed for a second season.

2. Maxton Hall — The World Between Us

Celine Dion has admitted she’s “ready now” to discuss the devastating impact her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis has had on her life in the trailer for a new documentary coming to Amazon Prime..

I Am: Celine will delve into Dion’s health battle in the two years since her diagnosis and how it led to the heartbreaking decision to put music on the back burner.

The trailer opens with throwback clips of the Canadian singer on stage while her narration reflected on the importance music has on her.

“My voice is the conductor of my life. When your voice brings you joy, you’re the best of yourself. I need my instrument,” she says.

Soon after, the trailer provides the context of the

singer’s health woe, which led to many candid confessions from Dion.

“I’ve been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder and I wasn’t ready to say anything before... but I’m ready now,” she tells viewers.

“I see my life and I love every piece of it,” she continues before reminiscing: “When you record it sounds great but when you go on stage it will be greater. We did create our own magic.”

Later in the promo clip, Dion is able to shed light on her determination to overcome the obstacles her diagnosis has thrown at her.

She tearfully admits: “It’s not hard to do a show you know, it’s hard to cancel a show. I’ve been working hard every day but I have to admit it’s been a struggle.

“I miss them so much, the people... I miss them. If I can’t run, I’ll walk. If I can’t walk, I’ll crawl. And I won’t stop. I won’t stop.”

Inevitably, seeing Dion’s return to the limelight and hearing her determination and candor led to several fans reaching for the tissues before even seeing the full documentary.

“Oh I’m already crying,” one fan said on X, formerly Twitter, in response to Amazon Prime Video sharing the trailer.

Elsewhere, a second weighed in: “A whole new generation is about to fall in love with Celine Dion meanwhile the rest of us are about to weep.”

Another echoed: “She’s an icon and so authentic, with a voice like an angel. Can’t wait to watch it,” followed by a love heart and crying

emoji.

“I love her so much, she doesn’t deserve that pain and struggle. She’s such an amazing and expressive artist,” added a fifth.

Before a sixth added to the reaction: “In tears ... she’s been a part of my whole life... I can’t wait to see this.”

Celine Dion went public with her diagnosis back in December 2022 where she revealed that she had been diagnosed with the degenerative disease.

Stiff person syndrome (SPS), also known as stiffman syndrome, is a rare neurological disorder that results in progressive muscle stiffness, spasms and increased immobility. *I Am: Celine will be released on Amazon Prime Video on June 25.

Make your own mind up on Matrix It is not often that a series can go from having a huge impact on our culture with its first movie to becoming one of the most divisive movies ever with its most recent entry. And yet, that is exactly what has happened with The Matrix franchise that forever altered the action movie genre with the original movie, but left many scratching their heads with the fourth movie in 2021.

But perhaps some movies just need more time to be appreciated, and if that is the case with The Matrix Resurrections on Netflix, it is now available on Netflix for reevaluation.

When it comes to the original 1999 The Matrix, it has endured for so many reasons.

The over-the-top aesthetic of all the characters in sunglasses and leather trench coats.

The hyper-stylised cinematography complete with slow motion and freeze frames to better appreciate the action.

And the subversive, thought-provoking plot that makes you question the meaning of what reality is.

The Matrix Resurrections continues with all of these elements, but goes even further beyond in challenging audience expectations.

For one, The Matrix franchise ambitiously tried to make every piece of its media canon.

This includes animated projects based on the world and even the video games. For those not aware, Morpheus winds up being killed in one

of the video games, and The Matrix Resurrections sticks with that development.

Obviously not many Matrix fans are dedicated enough to consume every piece of media surrounding it, so it is jarring and confusing to those who just wanted to watch Resurrections that such big changes happened off screen.

The other major challenge of The Matrix Resurrections is that The Wachowskis openly did not want to do any more Matrix movies.

However, Warner Bros. had the film rights and were determined to use them with or without the creators of the franchise. So Lana Wachowski signed on to direct, but included many meta references within Resurrections

that felt antagonistic towards the studio.

At one point in the movie, Neo and Agent Smith even have an open conversation about how Warner Bros. is making them do another Matrix movie!

The Matrix Resurrections came out during the peak pandemic era, so it failed to recover its budget in the box office. But worse, critics and fans found the movie muddled and questioned what it was really adding to the franchise.

Everyone could acknowledge the ambition of the movie, taking a big swing by going in a direction few would have anticipated.

In the end make up your own mind about this Matrix.

This show has drama, drama, and more drama. It’s also a story about a forbidden romance type of situation, featuring two people falling for each other in completely different social classes, and of course the yearning and romance. The season finale, episode 6, also ends on a great cliffhanger. And the good news is that it’s already been announced that the show is coming back for season 2!

Starring Harriet Herbig-Matten as Ruby Bell and Damian Hardung as James Beaufort, Maxton Hall follows Ruby who is attending the titular school thanks to a scholarship, hoping to make it into the University of Oxford.

3. The Summer I Turned Pretty

When Belly and her mother come back to spend the summer at the fictional Cousins Beach where childhood friends and brothers Conrad and Jeremiah are as well, the now more grown up teens start to go through everything that comes with teen angst `– including romance. Belly has had a crush on Conrad since she was younger, but she also starts to catch feelings for Jeremiah. The final book in the trilogy, is coming sometime in summer 2025.

4. The Boys/Gen V

This series, as well as its spin-off Gen V, really do deserve all the praise. What I like about the heroic show is that it’s a different take on superheroes. These characters are usually portrayed as, well, the heroes of the story. But in The Boys, they’re actually the ones who are corrupt. And, as we see with Homelander, they are willing to go to extremes to get what they want.

It’s so intriguing!

5. Harlem

Let’s go with something a bit more lighthearted now, and that’s comedy series Harlem. If you love a good story about female friendship, then this show is one you need to check out! The television production stars Meagan Good as Camille, Grace Byers as Quinn, Shoniqua Shandai as Angie, and Jerrie Johnson as Tye. The four friends, all in their 30s, are always there for each other. But of course with any relationship, there’s challenges and tensions they sometimes have to face as well.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Gowran Park This coming Bank Holiday Monday June 3rd, Gowran Park will stage their richest ever race as the Gowran Classic worth €200,000 takes place.

It's the inaugural running of The Gowran Classic, and Monday's feature race will offer an extra incentive as it doubles up as a qualifier for The Irish Derby at The Curragh on the week ending June 30th.

At time of writing, 104 entries have been declared which sums up the major interest and it's not surprising considering whats at stake for winning connections.

The Irish National Professional Bookmakers Association(INPBA) have come on board to generously sponsor the day so their will be free admission for all.

Apart from the Racing, their will be a BBQ, lots of family fun activities, GAA skills

camp in hurling and football for kids and Live music after racing.

So plenty of activities on show, and a wonderful family day out for all on a Bank Holiday Monday Afternoon.

Hopefully, the weather won't cause havoc as three of their scheduled flat meetings this season have already fallen victim due to a waterlogged track including the last scheduled meeting on Wednesday May 22nd.

The last meeting in Gowran Park took place on Thursday May 9th, and it was a rearranged meeting having fallen foul of the weather in April.

It formed a two-day meeting, with two €50,000 Listed races forming the centrepiece the previous day.

Both John "Shark" Hanlon and Henry De Bromhead are well renowned for their National Hunt exploits, but both trainers landed the featured

races on May 8th.

The Shark trained Enfranchise to win The Vintage Tipple Stakes, while The Henry De Bromhead trained Empress Of Beauty landed the McCalmont Stakes.

It's a busy period for Gowran Park as last week they hosted The Kilkenny GAA Golf Classic, while Thomastown GAA staged their Golf Classic also in Gowran Park on May 17th/18th.

Young Irelands Gowran will host their annual Golf Classic next weekend on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June with €3000 in Prizes, and a Team of 4 costing €200 including a meal. For Tee times contact Liam Walsh on 087 2647248 Meanwhile, Gowran Park will host one of the great highlights of the year, The Kilkenny Country Music Festival on Sunday July 7th.

Mike Denver returns once again as main headline act, while also performing are a host of acts including Olivia Douglas and Claudia Buckley who return again this year having performed last year.

Robert Mizzell is back this

year having performed in Gowran Park previously, while Ray Lynam, Stacey Breen and Kelan Browne will all take to the stage this year to make their debut at The Festival.

As always local musicians Peter Hutchinson and Paul Brett - Peter and Paul - will get the afternoon's entertainment underway, while The Conquerors are backing band for the day. James Lakes of KCLR will once again be MC. Tickets can be bought in Hennessy's Shop, Gowran or at Gowran Pharmacy or in Kilkenny City at the following locations, Morrissey Motors, Waterford Road, open Monday to Friday 8:30 – 6p.m. & Saturday morning 10 -2pm, and also Daly Farrell Accountants across from the Friary Church 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday Plenty to look forward to in Gowran Park throughout the Summer months, starting with the richest race to be ever staged in The South East this coming Bank Holiday Monday.

Stress & your immune system

BY PAUL BOLGER Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny WWW.NANOPHYSIO.IE

Last week we looked at what stress is – a key physiological response that allows living things to survive in this world.

It is perfectly healthy and normal, but it can become a problem when it persists.

Why Does a Physiotherapist Care About Stress?

Why, as a physiotherapist, do I think that this is an important topic to write about?

One reason is the effect stress has on healing and recovery. Even for a straightforward injury, like a sprained ankle or a small wound, excessive stress levels can negatively impact the healing process.

Another probably more significant reason is that for long-term problems, whether they be related to persistent pain or other health conditions, stress can play a key role in somebody’s risk of developing a problem, as well as in recovery and management of such problems.

Stress, The Immune

A little stress boosts immunity – but chronic stress causes problems

System & Inflammation One way stress impacts our health is by its effects on inflammation.

Acute stress increases immune activity – this can be seen as a preventative

response to prepare us for potential injury. By firing up the immune system, a temporary increase in inflammation occurs.

It makes sense then that those suffering from

auto-immune issues or inflammatory conditions may suffer from a ‘flare’ following periods of stress. Those suffering from persistent pain may also have a pain flare – with inflammation

often making our whole pain system more sensitive.

Persistent Stress Reduces Immune Function In the long run, frequent stress can suppress immune

function. Part of a normal stress response includes the release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal glands (famous for releasing adrenaline), which sit on top of the kidneys.

The release of hormones called glucocorticoids, such as the hormone cortisol, is a normal part of the stress response. Glucocorticoids downregulate the release of other stress-related chemicals in the brain – in doing so they shut down the stress response.

With frequent and prolonged stress, increased levels of these hormones in the bloodstream act to dampen the stress response and, in doing so, suppress the immune system. In fact, those suffering from auto-immune problems (with over-active immune systems) are given glucocorticoids as medication to dampen their immune function and ease their symptoms.

More to Come So, to sum up, stress is essential. Acute stress turns up our immune system, temporarily increasing inflammation. Sustained periods of stress cause problems – restricting immune function, leaving us at higher risk of infection and other health problems.

Next week we will continue to learn more about the interplay between stress and inflammation – with a focus on how this impacts pain.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

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Pairc Sheamuis Stiopháin

Official opening at Pairc Sheamuis Stiopháin

Members of the James Stephens Club and Guests at the official opening

From early on Saturday morning Pairc Sheamuis Stiopháin was abuzz with activity in preparation for the Walton family sponsored Billy Walton Memorial tournament as a lead in to the official opening of the impressive second phase development at the dressing room complex.

The four team mix of senior and Junior hurlers fought out a fun filled yet competitive blitz competition with the Allen Larkin led Larchfield team outscoring Stephen Manogue's Kells Road side 4-05 to 1-12 in an entertaining blitz final.

At the presentation Tommy Walton thanked the club for its cooperation with the organising of the day's events and the players for turning out in large numbers for the tournament in memory of

Allen Larkin Receives The Billy Walton Trophy From Nuala Walton

At The Official Opening and Blessing of the Dressing Rooms and Facilities At The Kells Road President Liam Tyrell Vice President Sean Brennan

the late club star forward Billy Walton. The medal for the Best Young Player went to Noah Manogue and the Player of the Tournament was

James Stephens Committe Members At the opening and Blessing of the Facilities On The Kells Road

awarded to Sam McEvoy.

The senior camogie squad, minus the intercounty players but with their team selectors also contributed to

Front row. Tommy Walton, Nuala Walton, Fionnuala Walton and Caroline Walton. Back middle David Walton

the occasion with a 7 a-side blitz. Meanwhile on pitch 1 the next generation of camogie players, the nursery group of U-5's and U 6's were

beavering away learning the skills of the game under their supportive coaches.

After the tournament presentations MC Richie

Manogue welcomed the invited guests and the sizable attendance of members and supporters to the official opening ceremony.

As the Project Manager himself, Richie thanked his fellow Development Committee members for their cooperation,and the Finance Committee for their fundraising efforts to help finance the €450,000 cost of the impressive new meeting room, ladies and gents toilets, physio room, kitchen and shop project.

When inviting Club President, Liam Tyrrell to unveil the plaque to mark the occasion Richie fittingly remarked that Liam deserved the honour having chalked up an unbroken 60 years of service to the club. Liam thanked the club for the honour and went on to acknowledge the contribution the late Billy Walton made in offering the club the vital road safety "line of sight" requirement to get the original planning permission over the line.

Liam also acknowledged Richie's commitment to the project and the quality of the work of builder and club member Noel Morrissey which was obvious for all to see.

To conclude the day's events St. Patrick's Adm, Fr. Kieran O'Shea was invited to bless the building after which tea/coffee and tasty goodies were served to all in attendance. Congratulations to all involved on a hugely enjoyable and successful occasion.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA CLUB LOTTO Lotto results for 21st May, Numbers drawn - 3, 11, 30. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Nolan Family, John Phelan, Elaine Murphy,May Whearty, Finbar Dunne.

CAMOGIE Clara senior camogie team were agonisingly close to procuring their first win of the season in Clara on Sunday morning but a last second goaled free by Piltown gave them a one point win. It was 0-6 to 0-5 to Clara at halftime with Keara Ryan having contributed 0-5 (0-4f) and Emma Shortall scoring the first point of the game.

After Keara Ryan opened the second half with a point from play Piltown hit something of a purple patch and 1-4 of the next 1-5 (a Clara response from Rebecca Nolan) left them four points clear and seemingly in the driving seat. However Clara had other ideas and an Aisling Curtis goal had them right back in it. Piltown replied with a pointed free but Clara tacked on the next five, the first from Emma Shortall and four more from Keara Ryan, to take a firm grip on proceedings. Two more Keara Ryan frees (she gave an exhibition of finishing in this game) followed a Piltown free and Clara were four up with just two minutes left. However Piltown scored 1-2 in the remaining time, all from placed balls to earn a one point victory. The goal came from a very late free when time seemed to have more than elapsed. It was a cruel blow to Clara who certainly deserved more out of the game but when they reflect on it they will know this was a much improved performance and was one to build on.

Team - Aoife Glynn, Aine McDonald, Katie Ryan, Aoife Treacy. Sarah Dunne, Laoise Nolan, Grace Barcoe.

Tamsin English, Rebecca Nolan 0-1. Keara Ryan 0-12, 0-8f, Aisling Curtis 1-0, Niamh Ward. Emma Shortall 0-2, Peig Carrigan, Siobhan Treacy.

SENIORS PIPPED Clara senior hurlers lost their second game in this year’s Senior/Intermediate league in Tullogher on Friday evening when the hosts came from behind to claim a one point victory. Clara were unlucky on this occasion as they suffered a good few injuries during the game which disrupted their flow. They had the best of it in the first half and in fact led by eight at halftime having played into the breeze.

However the scores dried up in the second half and Tullogher chipped away at the lead and claimed the points. 1-17 to 2-13 was how it finished.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Evan Whearty, Sean O Shea, Paddy Bolger. Dara Glynn 0-1, Jack Langton, Zach Lawlor. Conor O Shea 0-2, Luke Phelan. Paul Cody 0-2, Killian Phelan 0-2, Chris Bolger 1-2. Conor Hoyne 0-1, Peter Nolan, James Bergin 1-3, 0-2f. Subs Rory O Keeffe, Ben Murphy, Alex McDonald, Dillon Cummins.

LEINSTER CHAMPIONS Kilkenny were crowned Leinster minor champions on Saturday afternoon in Portlaoise when they grinded out a 1-13 to 1-9 win over Dublin. They looked in trouble at halftime when only leading by two points having played with a strong breeze but there was a much more committed performance in the second half to land the spoils. David Barcoe scored a first half point and gave a very competent display from wing back. Well done Davy!

THROUGH TO FINAL Well done to Conor Phelan, John Murphy and the Kilkenny senior hurling panel who beat Wexford 1-24 to 2-20 on Sunday in Nowlan Park to book their place in the Leinster final against Dublin in two weeks. As always with these local rivals it went down to the wire but Kilkenny really upped the intensity in the second half and deserved their win.

O’ LOUGHLIN GAELS SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND Last weekend was a very successful one for O’Loughlin Gaels players on Kilkenny Teams. The Killenny senior team beat Wexford in a very exciting game in UPMC Nowlan Park to top their group and qualify for the Leinster final. Well done to captain Paddy Deegan who received the Man of the Match award for his performance. Huw Lawlor and Mikey Butler excelled in defence and Owen Wall who entered the game as a substitute, all players played their part in the win.

The Kilkenny minor team won the Leinster final on Saturday in Portlaoise defeating Dublin thanks to an impressive second half performance. Congratulations to all involved especially Manager Niall Bergin, players Conor Holohan, Cian Byrne and Daniel Mc Cormack and also James Kelly who is an important part of the backroom team.

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS SUMMER CAMP The hugely popular O’Loughlin Gaels Summer Camp returns in July. The first Camp will run from July 29th to August 2nd and the second Camp from August 6th to the 9th. The Camps are open to all 5-13 year olds (primary school ages) and are run by qualified GAA coaches. Activities include hurling, football, camogie and handball and the emphasis is on fun and participation. Camp runs from 10 am to 2pm each day and there will be visits from County players. The deadline for applications is 28th June. See application forms on O’Loughlins Facebook page or X Account or contact Stephen Murphy for details 085-7181325. Don’t miss out - Book early!

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of O’Loughlin Gaels club lotto dated May 21th. Numbers Drawn 10, 12, 13, 20 Bonus 28. Play again at www.oloughlinlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Paddy Buckley c/o G Buckley. 2. Dec Giles c/o M Nolan. 3. Fran and Theresa Coogan c/o H Mahon. 4. Eileen and Sadie c/o E Kinchella. 5. P Corcoran c/o M Nolan. 6. Theresa Burke c/o JJ Cullen. 7. Liam Lanigan c/o B Murphy. 8. Martina McGarry c/o Online.

9. Ger Smith c/o Online. 10. Declan Gibbons c/o Online.

Thank you for your continued support TOBAR NA GAEILGE Irish Summer Camp in Johnswell Community Hall for 9-11 year olds from 22nd to 26th July. 10 am to 1pm each day. Contact tobarnagaeilge@yahoo.com or 0876673302 for details or to book.

KILKENNY GAA HURLERS CO-OP DRAW Tickets are now available through O’Loughlin Gaels GAA club for the 2024 Kilkenny Hurlers Co-Op Draw. There is over €125,000 in prizes over 5 draws. Tickets cost €50 and at least half the value of every ticket sold goes to the selling club. Why not support your local club and Kilkenny GAA and buy a ticket ? Contact any Committee member in O’Loughlin Gaels to get your ticket.

NOTES If you wish to have any item included in the St. John’s Parish notes please email it to pro.oloughlingaels. kilkenny@gaa.ie

the results and came away winners. The Chairman JP Kavanagh presented the cup to winning captain Paul Dermody and it was fitting that he accepted the cup on behalf of the team for this tournament in remembrance of his grandfather John McGrath. Darts are now finished for the season and great credit goes to the organisers who put in such hard work during the year.

The winning team were, P Dermoid (Capt) S Farrell, L Hickey, N Walsh, P.O’Shea, E,Clifford, J.Holmes and P.Lanigan Runners up – The Valley Inn –S. Pollard (Capt.) N.Cleere, M.Tobin, R.Tobin, B.Doheny Snr, B.Doheny Jnr and Ken Hughes.The SOCCER Freshford town U 14 boys had a big win over Stoneyford last weekend winning 5-0 and are league champions.

Well done to all involved.

Meanwhile the Junior side defeated Lions of Durrow in the Divisional Cup semi final recently winning on a 2-1 score line with goals coming from Liam Hickey and Cian Franey. They are now through to the Div Cup final when they take on Castlewarren at Derdimus, date and time to be arranged.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Christine Russell of Millers Lodge, Freshford and all her family on the death last weekend of her mother Mrs. Nora Russell late of Ardaloo.

She was predeceased less than a year ago by her husband Patrick both of whom were well known and respected in the area. Funeral mass took place in Jenkinstown Church followed by burial in Conahy cemetery.

WALKTALL Cllr. Michael McCarthy welcomed the surface rehabilitation works recently completed along the Freshford Loop Walk. Cllr. McCarthy noted that following his many discussions with key stakeholders, this popular amenity is now in top condition for a busy summer ahead. He expressed his thanks to Trail Kilkenny who secured the funding under the 2023 Walk Scheme Development Fund to undertake these works.

GAA Huge credit goes to the newly formed clean up group and FAS workers who have the facilities in tip top condition and recent positive feedback is testament to this. Family membership options for our walkway are available now. If any local businesses or families would like to sponsor a light pole and help contribute towards the development cost of the walkway and further future developments in Pairc Lachtain, please contact any committee member SUMMER CAMP Freshfords longest running summer camp takes place again this year at the GAA Grounds under local man JJ Grace and his coaches. JJ has been running the camp for many years now and it will take place from 29th July to 2nd August this year. For more information or for booking please contact JJ on 086 8629666 IONAD LACHTAIN St St.Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre. is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30pm.

SPLIT THE POT The local split the pot draw is back in action and last week’s winner was Edward Connery Jnr who won the sum of €295. Proceeds this month go to St.Lachtains Camogie Club and envelopes are available in all local shops and pubs so be in to win.

BRIDGE Freshford bridge club continues every Monday at 7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Threecastles. New members are always very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on

087 9257610.

CAFE The Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and your continued support would be greatly appreciated. Why not go along and meet a friend or try some of their lovely food and support a local community café.

They are also looking for volunteers to help out so if you can give little bit of your time please do so.

PARISH NEWS

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

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. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR 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.

JAMES STEPHENS GAA AND CAMOGIE CLUB LAHART’S SPONSORSHIP On Monday evening of last week the club’s new sponsor, Lahart Motors was confirmed at the launch of the new club jersey design which will now bear the Lahart Skoda logo. The club is particularly pleased to be associated with the Lahart family whose impressive car showrooms are located on the Waterford Road in the heart of the St.Patrick’s parish for over 50 years. The sponsorship deal which was agreed with proprietor Denis Lahart is a three year arrangement and covers the jerseys to be worn by all club hurling teams from U-14 through to senior during their Kilkenny league and championship campaigns. The family’s association with the club continues to this day with Denis’s son, Bill Lahart competently managing the club’s finances as club treasurer over the last three years.

LEINSTER SEMI-FINAL On Sunday afternoon the Kilkenny senior hurlers won through to a Leinster senior hurling final appearance

FRESHFORD

David Barcoe celebrates with team doctor Neal Prendergast, also from Clara.

MCGRATH CUP WINNERS The final of the John McGrath cup in darts was held last Friday night in the family pub which saw Farrell’s A take on The Valley A in a repeat of this years A final which the Valley won a while ago but this time Farrell’s reversed

Congratulations to the Kilkenny minors and the club representatives.

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

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Community & GAA Notes against Dubin after a torrid battle with age-old rivals Wexford in UPMC Nowlan Park. While deserving of the one point, 1-24 to 2-20, victory the Wexford men made them fight to the final whistle to claim the victory. Club man Cian Kenny lined out at midfield and played a vital role with a dogged display of distributing the sliothar and interrupting many Wexford moves over the hour. Former club stalwart Peter Barry is a member of bainisteoir Derek Lyng’s management team. Going for a fifth title in a row and chasing a record 76th Bob O’Keeffe cup victory we can only wish the proud wearers of the Black and Amber the very best on Sunday 9th June in Croke Park.

KILKENNY MINORS Congratulations to the Kilkenny minors and the club representatives, team captain Bill McDermott and full back Larry Phelan along with substitutes Conor McEvoy and Diarmuid Behan and panel members James Bergin, Conor Heffernan, Padraig Joyce on their Leinster final 1-13 to 1-09 victory over Dublin on Saturday afternoon in Portlaoise. It was a particularly pleasing result for the young Kilkenny line up -- eight players are eligible to play minor in 2025 -- as they had suffered defeats to Dublin and Wexford in the earlier round robin fixtures.

KILKENNY CAMOGIE It was also a successful weekend for Kilkenny camogie with the senior team enjoying a facile 1-19 to 0-04 victory over Limerick in their first round All-Ireland championship fixture in Rathkeale. Playing their part were club stalwarts Niamh Deely, Michelle Teehan and substitute Sophie O’Dwyer.

The Intermediate team also swept aside the challenge of neighbours Carlow with a 2-13 to 0-08 victory in their first round All-Ireland fixture in Callan on Saturday afternoon.

Sharing in the victory were club players Hannah Scott, Aoife Cantwell and substitute Tara Murphy.

HURLERS’ CO-OP DRAW Members should note that the first draw in the 2024 Kilkenny County Board promoted draw will take place in just over two weeks on Tuesday,11th June. As well as funding the cost of training Kilkenny teams for their Leinster and All-Ireland campaigns the draw is an invaluable fundraiser for the club in that it funds the ever rising costs of the club’s field maintenance and development expenses. Tickets are available from coordinator Tom Keane 086 3481882 or from any committee member. The ticket cost €50 for the five draws, with a car on offer as the first prize in three draws and over thirty cash prizes in each draw. Support would be very much appreciated.

CLUB SHOP Supervisor Breda Manogue advises that the shop is open for business every Tuesday evening from 8 to 9pm with a full range of club gear and leisure wear in stock to select from. The bargain bundle of a jersey, togs and socks is still on offer for U-13’s at a cost of €58 and for 13 year olds and small adults the cost comes to €65. The offer only stands for the next two weeks.

LOTTO Last week’s numbers were 8: 16: 19: 27. No winner. The €40 consolation winners were Richie Manogue, Donal Gibbons, Maurice Reidy, Pauline Massey and Aidan O’Dwyer.

GOWRAN JOB VACANCIES Gowran and Region CE Scheme currently have a number of vacancies in Gowran, Goresbridge and other areas in the region. If interested, please contact the local CE office; 059 9775675 ELECTION Great to see our former and much loved postman Francis Gorey on the canvas with his nephew, Cllr Pat Fitzpatrick.

Pat is seeking re-election to Kilkenny county council in this area CAREY EXCELS AS KILKENNY HANG ON TO SECURE LEINSTER FINAL SPOT Mikey Carey produced an outstanding 2nd half performance, as he scored a point in helping Kilkenny qualify for a Leinster Final spot against Dublin on Saturday June 8th in Croke Park following a 1-24 to 2-20 win against Wexford in the final round of group games in The Leinster Round Robin Championship.

FITZGERALD SISTERS PLAY PART IN COMPREHENSIVE WIN Tiffanie and Steffi Fitzgerald played their part with The Kilkenny Senior Camogie Team, as they easily brushed aside Limerick 1-19 to 0-4 in Rathkeale in the opening round of The Senior Camogie All-Ireland Championship on Saturday.

Tiffanie started at right-half-back, while Steffi came on as a sub during the second-half.

NIGHT AT THE DOGS A good crowd was in attendance for the annual Young Irelands Dog Night in James Park on Sunday Night despite the inclement weather. There were plenty of prizes on offer and a raffle for everyone that attended.

TULLAROAN CONDEMN INTERMEDIATES TO DEFEAT Young Irelands Gowran 0-19. Tullaroan 2-23 Tullaroan’s storming start to the second-half put the match beyond Young Irelands reach, as they outscored the Gowran men 1-5 to 0-1 after the restart to run out 10

point winners on a cold Summer’s Evening last Friday night.

In a thrilling opening-half, the goal seperated the sides as Tullaroan led 1-11 to 0-11 at half-time. Young Irelands performed very well throughout the opening-half with Paddy Langton leading the way from centre-back. Paddy scored 0-3 in the first-half including a penalty that he blazed over in the 24th minute, before following up moments later with a superb long distance point from play.

The teams were level at 0-4 apiece by the 13th minute with Paddy Brennan, Paddy Langton (free), Jimmy Lennon and Jake Byrne all on target. Padraig Naddy fired over a superb long range point in the 17th minute to put Young Irelands ahead (0-5 to 0-4), before Tullaroan replied with 1-2 in quick succession to go 4 points ahead.

1-6 to 0-5.

Minor Hurler Jake Byrne was making a great impression in his debut year with the adult team, and he fired over his 2nd point from play in the 21st minute before Conor Fitzpatrick added a point as just two points seperated the teams. 1-6 to 0-7.

Tullaroan replied with a point (1-7 to 0-7), and they maintained that three point advantage at half-time(1-10 to 0-10) as Paddy Langton added a brace including the penalty strike that blazed over.

Both sides exchanged points early in the second-half, but a 2nd goal by Tullaroan shortly afterwards put them in control to lead 2-11 to 0-11. They outscored Young Irelands 0-5 to 0-1 after that 2nd goal to lead 2-16 to 0-12 in the 40th minute, and despite Young Irelands best attempts, Tullaroan maintained control for the remainder of the game as they ran out 10 point winners.

GOWRAN BOYS RUN RIOT Gowran National School Boys are back in The Country Cup Final once again, as they eased to a 7-12 to 0-9 win against Clara in Gowran on a scorching hot Summers day. They will now play Mooncoin in The Country Cup Final after The Suirsiders defeated Kilmanagh National School 5-11 to 3-6.

The Gowran Boys have been in flying form throughout the competition with 18 goals in their three matches.

In round 1, Gowran won 8-6 to 2-6 against Piltown before running out 3-16 to 1-5 winners against Graigue/Skeough in The Quarter-Final followed by their trouncing against Clara in The Semi-Final.

ALL-STARS Last Sunday was a very special moment for 11 All-Stars who are involved in fun, games and activities on Monday Evenings under the guidance of The Young Irelands Healthy Club.

These all-stars got to play at half-time in Nowlan Park during the Kilkenny and Wexford game, and it’s the first time nationally that children living with additional needs have been given this opportunity. It’s a day that will live long in the memory, and these All-Stars are Superstars who are a huge credit to both themselves and their families.

All of this was made possible courtesy of the wonderful initiative provided by The Healthy Club Committee.

U-14 HURLING In the curtain raiser before last Friday nights Intermediate game, The Young Irelands U-14 B Team ran out 1 point winners against Naomh Brid (Carlow) 3-5 to 2-7 in a thrilling contest in Round 3 of The League.

CELTIC CHALLENGE FINAL Very Best Wishes to both Thomas Langton and Kieran Timmins who will be playing for Kilkenny against Tipperary in The Celtic Challenge Final in Nowlan Park on Sunday. Thomas has been playing at centre-back, while Kieran has been lining out in midfield alongside Team Captain Ciaran Hickey.

Kilkenny defeated Waterford and Cork to reach the final.

Throw-in on Sunday is at 2.30pm.

LEINSTER MINOR SCHOOLS CAMOGIE FINAL Congratulations to the Young Irelands girls on winning the Leinster Minor A Schools Camogie Final last week.

Back row, 1st McCalmont Cup winners in 1995, David Stan O’Neill, Joe English, Paddy Murphy. Front row,2nd McCalmont Cup winners of 2024 with their sons, Eoin O’Neill, Conor English and Sean Murphy Mikey Carey was a very busy man, as he was part of the management team along with Hurling for The County Seniors.

YOUNG IRELANDS GOLF CLASSIC Young Irelands Gowran will host their annual Golf Classic on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th June with €3000 in Prizes, a Team of 4 costs €200 including a meal.

For Tee times contact Liam Walsh on 087 2647248.

GRAIGUENAMANAGH GRAIG NOTES If you wish to submit news items, club events, announcements etc you can do so by emailing them to graignotes@outlook.com. Deadline is Saturday 6pm.

LOTTO GAA AND SOCCER Jackpot now stands at €20,000.numbers drawn on 20th May were 2, 3, 16, 18. There was no winner. The following won €30 each Mary Costello, Sharon Holden, Kevin Boyle, Bid Flood , Dawn McDonnell. Tickets are available from any club member.

GRAIG TIDY TOWN DRAW The winners of Draw on April 24th May, were First Prize €386. Gonzo Connolly, 2nd Prize €50. Andy Gilchrist, 3rd Prize. €25 Emmalene Fitzgerald. Money raised through Tidy Towns Jackpot will be used to keep the town looking well all year round. Draw takes place at 4pm on Thursdays.

RAMBLING HOUSE The Monthly Rambling House Session is on the second Friday of the month in Newtown Hall, where you can enjoy music and song from local artists and also many

from the surrounding district. The next Session is on Friday June 14th. At 8.00pm.

CALLED IT A DAY Willie Barron has called it a day and has received many messages for a Happy Retirement and good wishers from the Tidy Town Committee and from his many costumers in Mick Ryan’s Pup Upper Main Street, Graiguenamanagh.

GORESBRIDGE AND PAULSTOWN BADMINTON Badminton in Paulstown is held in the Community Hall at 8pm every Monday. Entry is €5. New players welcome.

Further info from Tommy, tel.

087-2303495 BRIDGE UNITED Bridge Utd won the McCalmont Cup last Saturday beating Freebooters 3-2. This is the first time they won the cup since 1995.

Bridge scores were by Patrick Purcell, Pierce Blanchfield and Eoin Kavanagh.

Thanks to the Under-10s for being their mascots. A massive thanks to all who came along and supported team and cheered us on.

SUMMER SOCCER ACADEMY A summer soccer academy for boys and girls aged 4 to 7 will be held in Goresbridge in June and in July. Further info from Conor English tel. 085-1321578.

Tom Healy

McCalmont Cup squad

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

Community & GAA Notes CHURCH SERVICES Masses will be celebrated in Goresbridge at 7.30pm on Saturday and at 10.00am on Sunday as well as in Paulstown at 11.30am. Weekday mass is at 10am in Paulstown on Friday and on Tuesday and in Goresbridge on Wednesday, at 10am. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament takes place in Paulstown every Tuesday after morning mass and lasts until 6pm.

COMMUNITY GARDEN Are you interested in enjoying light gardening in the community garden in Goresbridge? Pick up garden tips, enjoy a chat and a cup of tea afterwards. We meet every Wednesday at 11am in the Respond House, St Brigid’s Close off Barrack Street. All welcome. Feel free to bring a friend, neighbour, family member.

CUPLA FOCAL Weekly Friday chatting in Irish continues over a cuppa in the Goodly Barrow this Friday at 11am.

DANCE CLASSES Dance classes will take place with Denys Samson and Nessa O’Riley every Wednesday in Blake’s pub, Paulstown from 7.30-9pm. Salsa, Cha Cha, Jive, Rumba and more. Each class costs €15 per person. More info from Emma (tel. 083 046 4823 GRAVEYARD CLEAN UP Takes places on Wednesday evenings at 19.00 in the cemetery beside Goresbridge Catholic Church.

MULTISPORTS SUMMER CAMP IN PAUSTOWN A Multisport camp returns to the pitch this year on the week of July 1st-5th. The camps are suitable for children aged between 5 to 13 years and runs from 10am until 2pm. Summer Multisports camps are run and organised

by PE teachers whose aim is to provide children with an opportunity to have fun and be active through a range of sports (GAA, football, frisbee, rounders, Olympic handball etc.) this summer. Cost for 1 child is €70 with discounts for each child after! To book please visit www.multisportcamps.ie. To find out more please contact 0876884136 SPLIT THE POT In aid of Goresbridge Rural Development has gone online. Simply scan the QR code or go to lottoraiser.ie YOUTH GROUP (OSSORY YOUTH) This caters for first to third years. The Group meets on in the Goresbridge Health Centre every Wednesday from 2.30-4pm. For information contact Ruth Flanagan tel.

087-3873724 BENNETTSBRIDGE BOOK AVAILABLE William Murphy’s book, ‘As a souvenir of Spike Island – The Tom Ryan War of Independence internment diary and archive, launched recently is now available to purchase in the Kilkenny Book Shop, Kilkenny, O’Keeffe’s, Thomastown and the Post Office, Bennettsbridge.

TIDY TOWNS Huge thanks to Kevin Davey who painted the two seats and tidied the area at the entrance to The Ring on the Thomastown Road. This is only one of the many areas which Kevin keeps maintained. The village is indebted to Kevin and all the other volunteers who give their time for the good of our village.

CORPUS CHRISTI Next Sunday, the Feast of Corpus Christi, the First Communion children, together with their parents are invited to a special Thanksgiving Mass. It will be an opportunity for the children to dress up in their special clothes. Billy and Deirdre will provide the music.

CARDS RESULTS 14th May First Prize. Tom Drennan/Jack Bolger and Siobhán Bolger (13 games). Second Prize Pat Savage/Brian Ireland (11 games). Table Prize Patsy Gibbons/John O’Brien.

21st May

The Thomastown Road which was given a make-over by Kevin Davey last week

First Prize Rose Hayes/Jack Bolger (13 games). Second Prize Joan O’Gorman/Neddie Walsh (10 games). Table Prize Tom Drennan/Robbie Carroll.

ART Art classes continue each Monday as the group prepares for the 2024 Exhibition which will be held in the Community Centre during Kilkenny Arts Week. This year, Siobhán O’Brien, KCETB will perform the opening ceremony. The artists are delighted that she is available to perform this service as the continuing success of this group is due in large part to the support given to it by the ETB over the years.

GATHERING GROUP The Gathering Group continues to flourish with weekly meetings attracting a steady number of people attending. A trip to Johnstown Castle in Wexford has been fixed for 12th June.

LOTTO There was no winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 2, 15, 18, 22.

Consolation Prizes Pat O’Neill, Ballyreddin, Willow Simpson, The Ring, John Drea, Blackwell, Bridget O’Neill, Ballyreddin, Eileen Phelan, Bennettsbridge.

CAMOGIE Only 4 weeks to go until Bennettsbridge U15 team will be representing their club and county at the Division A National Camogie Féile Finals on the 22nd of June.

We are very proud of the girls and their achievements so far. We are now fundraising to cover the travel, kit out, and logistical expenses for the event as we want to provide the team with the best opportunity to compete on this national stage.

Taking part in Féile is considered to be a milestone event in a young player’s juvenile journey, and it brings great excitement within the club and community. It is an honour for the girls to be representing their club and county. The day itself is always very enjoyable and we hope to see lots of support for team Bennettsbridge on the day.

If you would like to and are in a position to contribute, we would appreciate any donation big or small for this fantastic bunch of players. We wish the team and management all the best in their preparations.

GAA Leinster Championship Congratulations to David Blanchfield and the Kilkenny team who defeated Wexford in Nowlan Park last Sunday.

David followed up being named on last week’s “Team of the week” with another superb display at half back.

Club Games Our junior E team had a fine win over Windgap in the league on Saturday last. Our under 14 A team defeated Naas in the third round of the league while our under 14 seconds lost out to Cloneen in a good match. Our younger teams are playing in go games at the moment and are competing well. Please see the Kilkenny Gaa website for details of upcoming fixtures and fixture changes. Best wishes to all ‘Bridge teams.

MEMBERSHIP 2024 This year’s membership can now be paid to registrar Samantha McGarry or to any club committee member.

Membership fees are the same as last year. Forty euro for non playing members, eighty euro for student players and 120 euro for adult players. Early payment would be most appreciated. Membership can also be paid on the new club spot app. Please see the clubs Facebook and twitter pages for details.

SPLIT THE POT Well done to Sam Carroll who won 124 euro, Mary O’Connor who won 30 euro and to Jim Treacy who won 20 euro. Thanks again to all who supported.

HURLERS CO OP DRAW The first of the five draw for this year’s Hurler Co Op Draw (Piltown ticket draw) will take place on Tuesday 11th June. The ticket price is €50 for the five draws. Tickets are now

available from committee members or can also be bought through the fundraising page on the clubspot app. This is a very important fundraiser for the club as at least 50% of all ticket sales go to the club and hopefully we will have more lucky winners this year.

DICKSBORO CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 23rd May 2024. Nos: 11 16 24 31. Jackpot: €17,300Not Won Draw Prizes, €50: Niall O’Neill c/o Online. €25 each Davy Dalton c/o D Dalton. €25 each Belinda Mockler c/o Online. €25 each Paddy Ryan c/o Paddy Maher. Hurlers Co Op Gina Gaule c/o G Gaule. Promotors prize Jimmy McGarry We encourage all Dicksboro Families to sign up & play weekly for €2 per draw and we thank everyone who is currently doing so.

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC We are delighted to launch the Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club Annual Golf Classic at Kilkenny Golf Club which will be held on Friday 12th July. Book your tee time early as they will fill up quick. Contact Seamus Rochford for more details. Also there are limited Juvenile Tee Times at discounted prices.

SUMMER CAMP 2024 Save the Dates. Our fantastic Summer Camp will be back again and we can’t wait. Two fun weeks packed with activities for all to enjoy. Monday July 15th to Friday July 19th and Monday Aug 12th to Friday Aug 16th KILKENNY GAA Massive Congratulations to our Boro Players Oisin, Anthony, Patrick, Louis, Bill and Donnchadh on claiming the Minor Leinster Title beating Dublin Saturday afternoon in O’Moore Park, Laois. Well done to all involved.

Well done to our Senior Hurlers involved with Kilkenny Seniors who defeated Wexford Sunday afternoon in UPMC Nowlan Park and now look forward to a Leinster Final against Dublin on the 8th June in Croke Park.

KILKENNY GAA HURLER CO OP DRAW By purchasing a ticket for the Hurler Co Op Draw €50 gets you into 5 draws with Cars and Cash prizes to the value of €125k . Please Support our Club again in 2024 and you will be contributing to the development of your Community and County. Contact any committee member or drop out to the Clubhouse any Thursday night. First draw is 11th June. Thank you for supporting.

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.

JOHNSTOWN JOHNSTOWN HERITAGE GROUP A coachtrip to Foynes Flying Boat and Maureen O’Hara Museum on Thursday July 4th. The cost €60 includes the coach, Museum tea/coffee and scone at Adare Heritage Centre and evening meal in the Abbey Court Hotel, Nenagh. Contact 0863272288.

VACANCY A one bedroomed house available to rent in St. Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. You must be on the County Council housing list. Contact the Mill Centre 0568838466 KILCOOLEY CHURCH The annual Kilcooley Church garden fete will take place at Kilcooley (E41YY97) on Sunday June 23rd at 1pm. A fun day for all including a cake stall, vintage clothes, raffles, plant stall, side shows, bottle stall, BBQ, games. There is also a dog show with prizes in six categories . Registration 1pm and judging 2pm €5 first dog, €2 additional.

Entry to the fete is free.

FAMILY FIELD DAY Johnstown Town Team family field day will be held in the sports field on the Rathdowney Road, on Sunday June 16th from 10am. There will be a host of events including under age hurling and camogie, childrens’ entertainment and amusements, music, sports challenges, food and craft stalls. There is also a dog show with seven classes.

Reg. 1pm with judging at 2.30pm. €5 first dog and €2 additional dog. The festival will conclude with music into the night with D.J. Mick Glendon and The Wild Rovers (cover charge €5). A big raffle on the day with tickets going on sale next weekend.

MRS KATHLEEN KUMNIG (NEE HOGAN) RIP The death has taken place of Kathleen (Kay), Bawnmore and formally from Gathabawn, peacefully at St. Luke’s Hospital. Wife of the late Ernst and sister of the late Liam Hogan, Kathleen will be sadly missed by her daughter Anita, son Michael, her adoring grandchildren, their partners, her much loved great grandchildren, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. Kathleen was laid to rest in Johnstown Cemetery after Requiem Mass in St. Kieran’s Church.

MR WILLIAM (BILLY) HOLMES RIP

Billy died peacefully after a long illness in Fennor Hill Nursing Home. He was very well respected in the village and was involved very much in the life of the community.

A staunch member of the Heritage Group, he was also involved in the choir, Dramatic Class, active retired, pastoral council and many activities in the village.

He worked in his earlier years in Roadmaster both in Johnstown and Castlecomer and later in Hotel Kilkenny and the Newpark Hotel. He was very involved in AIMS and took part in many Musicals in the Watergate. Predeceased by his parents Billy and Bridget, sister Peggy and brother Paddy he will be sadly missed by his sister Hannie (Grace), sister in law Anne, nieces and nephews, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives and many, many friends. Requiem Mass was celebrated in St. Kieran’s Church with burial in the adjoining graveyard.

SPA UNITED AFC Results Jim Maher Cup Thomastown B 1 Spa 1(Michael Carroll). Thomastown won 5-4 on penalties., U12 girls cup final Spa 0 Evergreen 1, U13 boys cup quarter final Freebooters 1 Spa 0, U14 boys cup Dean Celtic 0 Spa 1 Spa 1 Callan 2, U15 girls cup semi final Spa 2 Evergreen 0.

SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 3,8,19,26, one match three Mrs James Carroll.

URLINGFORD EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO May 20th prize fund was €18,100. Jackpot: €16,100.

Numbers drawn: 2, 11, 17, 21 bonus no 18. No winner and two match three winners: Statia Broderick, Joseph Beehan.

Five lucky dips of €20 each: Michael Webster, Dermot Dunphy, Adam Joyce, Aidan Curran jnr, Paul and Shane.

Promoters prize: Brendan Joyce.

SAFER ROADSIDES Cllr Michael McCarthy has welcomed the road edge repairs and reinstatement that is currently being undertaken from Clomantagh to Urlingford. These works are necessary safety measures where roads have incurred damage and will contribute greatly for motorists and road users alike. Great credit is due to the area engineer and the outdoor staff for their help.

SET DANCING In Graine Hall every Tuesday at 8.30pm. Live music, sets called by Paddy Martin. All are welcome. Contact Phil Fogarty 086 8638782, Mary Webster 087 7936113.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT May 26th winner of Split the Pot is Danny Bourke who will receive €1,700. Congrats Danny on behalf of Emeralds U15 Féile Fundraiser. Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town. Thanks to everyone for their continued support.

GRAINE CARDS Graine progressive 25 card game takes place every Wednesday night at 8.15pm in Graine hall. All 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.

EMERALDS GAA Piltown tickets are now on sale from any club committee member or revolut your name, address and number to 0876412645. Five fantastic draws with the first draw taking place on the 11th of June. €125,000 to be won in prizes with a car in 3 draws, and a holiday in 2 draws. “If you’r not in you can’t win GORTNAHOE GLENGOOLE EUCHARISTIC ADORATION Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm FAMILY MASS The next family mass will take place in both churches this weekend June 1st and 2nd. The choir will have a practice starting a half an hour before each mass.

EXAM MASS The exam mass will take place also this weekend June 1st & 2nd. We would welcome all students who are sitting their Junior & Leaving Certs. We wish all the students sitting exams at this time of the year our prayers.

MASS Mass will take place in Ballynonty Garden of Remembrance on Tuesday 11th June at 7pm.

ALONE ALONE are seeking volunteers to provide companionship to an older person in your local area. Full training and support provided. If interested, please apply via Home ALONE or for further information please contact Caroline at 086 0591399 or email caroline.bradley@alone.ie.

ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home as well as providing a befriending service.

PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The annual pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

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Community & GAA Notes June 14th to 20th. Any enquiries please contact Fr Walton or any member of the Parish pastoral group.

400 CLUB DRAW The results for May, 1st Prize €200 Eithne and Kevin Power, Coole, 2nd prize winner, Marie Lyons, Gortnahoe.

Other prize winners were Brendan and Maeve Maher, Littlefield, Mary Anne Fogarty, Longfordpass, Richard Burke, Gortnahoe, Declan and Nuala Hickey, Lisduff, Seamus Langton, Glengoole, Tom and Dolly Ryan, Boulick, Ann Corcoran, Glengoole, Sadie Heffernan, Ballynonty. Promoters prize winner Majella Ryan and Andy O’Gorman FREE LIBRARY A lot of new books have come in to Gortnahoe Community Hall library. They are free to take home and the library is based inside the main door of the hall.

When the hall is opened anyone can go inside the main door and select a book or books of their choice and they will disturb no one in the hall. In the last week a number of audio books have been added to the library. These audio books would suit anyone who might be visually impaired. Over the coming weeks more audio books will be added to the library. If you know anyone that would avail of these, please take one to them. This is a Gortnahoe Community Hall initiative and this idea will succeed with the local parish support.

TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GORTNAHOE BINGO A special June bank holiday weekend bingo will be held this Saturday evening 1st June at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm. Over €4,000 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game and a June bank holiday special game for €800. There will be hampers and Split the Pot on the day. It will be great afternoons entertainment for all on the bank holiday weekend. Support from the Parish would be appreciated.

SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last weekends winner of Split the Pot draw, Jack Webster, Gortnahoe, who won €316.

Envelopes are available at the usual outlets, you can also Revolut to 0876777220. For the month of June Split the Pot will be in support of the defibrillator in the locality.

The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated.

DEFIBRILLATOR A new defibrillator has been installed at Gortnahoe Community Hall and it is linked to the National Ambulance Service. A defibrillator is also being sourced for Glengoole Community Hall. As previously stated there were defibrillators in Grange, Ballysloe and at Mary Willie’s, each have now been taken down. It would be great if local people in these community areas would come together and look at the possibility of restoring a new defibrillator in each of these areas. The Split the Pot for the month of June is to support the defibrillators in the locality ST PATRICK’S GAA The junior A side played against Dicksboro but were defeated with a last minute goal. Final score Dicksboro 3-16 to 3-15 The junior side played Lisdowney the final score Lisdowney 2-15 to 1-13.

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK A Pilgrimage to Knock will be held on Saturday 22nd June 2024 Bus leaving Freshford 7.30 am, Jackmans Jenkinstown 8.00 am, Ballyragget 8.15 am. Names as soon as possible to 056 7767676 / 086 3655418. Bus Fare €30 BIG THANKS Many thanks to all who supported the Plant and Cake Sale and Coffee Morning last Sunday It was a huge success with all proceeds to Ballyragget Tidy Towns.

CEMETERY MASSES Cemetery Masses for this year are as follows. St Finans Cemetery Friday 7th of June at 7.30pm. Ballyouskill Saturday 8th June at 6.30pm. Rosconnel Friday the 14th of June at 7.30pm. Donaghmore Friday 21st of June at 7.30pm BALLYOUSKILL CARDS Ballyouskill cards will be held tonight Friday 31st May. All welcome

CONAHY HURLING The intermediate hurlers were narrowly defeated by Dunnamaggin in their most recent game in the St. Canice’s C.U. Senior/Intermediate League in Dunnamaggin. The home side, despite a late goal from the Conahy men, held on for a 0-23 to 1-18 victory.

Well done to the under-14 hurlers who had a great win over O’Loughlin Gaels in their latest game of the Duggan Steel Roinn D League in Jenkinstown. The final score was 5-9 to 2-4 in Conahy’s favour.

BÓRD NA N-ÓG FUNDRAISER Conahy Shamrocks Bórd na nÓg wish to thank everyone who supported their recent Race Night fundraiser. All funds raised will go towards the provision of coaching and playing equipment for the three parish schools, as well as for the u-14, u-16 and minor teams.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in the most recent GAA Club Lotto were 14, 27 and 33. There was no jackpot winner, so the consolation prize winners were Ethna Healy, Nicky Feehan, Davy Gunner, Teresa O’Hara and Declan Buggy.

The promoter prize winners were Julie Jackman, Teresa Dollard, Helen Cahill. This week’s jackpot now increase to €1,500. Many thanks to everyone who supports the GAA Club Lotto.

GRAVEYARD MASSES The annual graveyard Masses will take place on in Conahy Cemetery on Sunday, June 2nd at 11.30 and in Kilmacar Cemetery on Thursday, June 6th at 7.30 p.m.

PILGRIMAGE TO KNOCK SHRINE A local pilgrimage to Knock Shrine will take place on Saturday, June 22nd. A bus will leave Freshford at 7.30 a.m., then leaving from Jackman’s in Jenkinstown at 8.00 a.m. and finally Ballyragget at 8.15 a.m. Names as soon as possible to (056) 7767676 or (086) 3655418. The cost of the bus fare is €30.

KILMANAGH JAMES BUTLER RIP Sincere sympathy is expressed to the Butler family, Ballycallan on the death of James which has occurred in Boston, USA. James was born and spent his childhood and youth with his parents in Ballycallan. He subsequently went to the USA where he met many Irish people and was very popular, both in the workplace and in the State where he lived. James never forgot the place of his birth and spent many happy holidays in his native Ballycallan. His death at a comparatively young age brought sadness both to his family and many friends in the USA. His funeral of ashes took place with requiem mass celebrated by Fr. Liam Taylor in St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycallan with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s cemetery, Ballykeeffe. Our parish community again express our sympathy to his parents Billy and Philomena, brother John, sisters Catherine and Ciara, partner Matt, children Charlotte and Teddy, brothers in law, sister in law, other immediate relations and many friends.

JOHN ROBINSON RIP The death of John Robinson has undoubtedly left his family, our parish community, the farming community and many people in profound sadness. He lived all his life at Graigue Hayden, Kilmanagh where he farmed extensively. Apart from his family, John loved his farm, his animals and everything to do with the land. A very talented man, John shared his expertise with a farming organisation namely I.C.S.M.A., hence he was chairman for some years. He was a member of Graigue Ballycallan Hurling Club, been treasurer and attended all their matches. He proved to be very popular with the young players. John was a loyal and committed member of the spiritual life of our parish. His place of worship was Our Lady Queen of Peach Church, Kilmanagh where he attended every celebration that took place there. His deep faith certainly sustained him during his long illness which he bore with incredible dignity and resignation. A large crowd of family and friends attended his home on the evening of his repose to sympathise with Bronagh and their family. The attendance in Our Lady Queen of

FBD Ras Taitlean went through Ballyragget last Saturday morning.

Peace Church was large. The requiem mass was celebrated by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. while members of John’s family participated in the liturgy. A beautiful communion reflection namely “Close the Gate” which was so appropriate for one who was associated with the land was read by his daughter Anna. Our parish community express our sympathy to his wife Bronagh, son John, daughters Kathy, Julie and Anna, grandchild Mollie, brothers Jim and Paddy, sisters Anne, Josie, Mary and Margaret, nephews and nieces and many friends. John’s burial took place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballykeeffe.

NAOMH AODHAN CLASSES Classes in Naomh Aodhan continue this week.

Wednesday 10:00 to 12:30 Computers for Beginners.

Thursday 10:00 to 12:30 Crochet/Crafts. For details of all classes contact Naomh Aodhan on 083 3413 024.

Courses are supported by Kilkenny Carlow Education and Training Board.

Naomh Aodhan Community Centre is available to hire for meetings, social occasions etc. To check for time and date availability contact the above number.

PARISH LOTTO Results for 20/05/24. Numbers drawn were 5; 7; 15; 28.

There was no winner. Lucky Dip Winners of €50 each were David and Paula Fitzgerald, Isabella Warren, Aaron Brennan. Sellers prizes went to Shane Lynch and Bill Ryan. Jackpot next week will be €20,000 with reserve jackpot of €6,400. FUNDRAISER GOING TO THE DOGS St. Brigid’s Camogie Club Committee have organised a night at the dog track on Friday 31st May 2024 at 7.30pm as the clubs main fundraiser this year. An event for all the family. Some great raffle prizes on the night also. Promise to be a great night. Entry fee of €10 includes Race Card.

Accompanying children are free.

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

HUGGINSTOWN NEWMARKET STONEYFORD MASS TIMES Aghaviller Parish; Hugginstown: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 9.30a.m. Vigil – Saturday 1st. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 2nd. at 10.00a.m.

Stoneyford. Wednesday 7.00p.m. Vigil - Saturday 1st. at 6.30p.m.

Friday 31st. Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Saturday 1st. Feast of St Justin.

PRAY FOR Anniversary Mass Maura Farrell, Glenmore House. Mass in Stoneyford Church on Saturday 1st. June at 6.30p.m.

Months Mind Mass. Jim Comerford, Carrickmerlin.

Mass in Hugginstown Church on Sunday 2nd. June at 100.00a.m.

ROTA 1st. and 2nd. June 2024. (Feast of “Corpus Christi”) Readers. Stoneyford:, Saturday 6.30p.m. Margaret Ryan.

Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power. Sunday 10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally. Eucharistic Ministers.

Stoneyford. Saturday 6.30p.m. Kitty Wallace. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill; Sunday 10.00a.m Kay Power SAFEGUARDING CONTACTS Diocesan Designated Liaison Person: Ms. Ailish Higgins Tel: 087 100 0232.

Aghaviller Parish Representatives are: Deirdre Rohan and Catherina Roche.

LOTTO Lotto. Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 20th. May 2024 Numbers: 29; 27; 21; 26. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners, Angela and Sadie Barron, Romansvalley, Bryan Hayes, c/o T. Fitzgerald.

Jim Moran, Hugginstown, Frank Creaney, Sheepstown, Breda Sheehan, Stonecarthy.

3 x €15.00 (Sellers). Pat Fitzgerald, Ger Carroll, Teresa Fitzgerald TRIP TO KNOCK

Trip to Knock on 13th. July in honour of Feast Day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Staying overnight in Knock House Hotel. Telephone Frank Aylward for details on 086 812 8705 CORPUS CHRISTI PROCESSION 2024 On the weekend of the 2nd June we will celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi - the Body and Blood of Jesus.

This year we are going to move the celebration of the 5.30p.m. Mass from St Mary’s Cathedral to the grounds of St Kieran’s College. Hopefully, the weather will oblige, and the Mass will be on the front lawn with a Corpus Christi Procession afterwards in the grounds of the College. Our celebration will be led by Bishop Niall.

This gathering in faith will help us recall the days when many of the people of Kilkenny used go to the College on that June weekend for the first blessings of the newly ordained priests.

SENIOR ALERT SCHEME The Senior Alert Scheme is run through Pobal and is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. This is available to anyone who is over 65 and residing in Hugginstown, Newmarket and the surrounding area. If you would like to avail of the Senior Alerts Scheme and obtain a personal alarm / pendantplease contact Billy Brenner on 087 272 8876 or Cleeve Cuddihy 086 063 8450 for further information. Their role is to help anyone who is eligible to access the Senior Alert Scheme and to act on their behalf and deal with Pobal and the supplier. An alarm and a pendant plus the first year’s monitoring charge are provided under the scheme.

ALL IRELAND ROSARY RALLY - KNOCK - SATURDAY, JUNE 1ST: Join thousands of people from around Ireland and beyond for the All Ireland Rosary Rally on June 1st. The day begins at 9.30a.m.with a Conference in St. John’s Centre. Speakers include Fr Brendan Kilcoyne, Fr Joseph Mary Deane CFR, and Sr Ana Margarita Lanzas. SCTJM. Then there is a chance to meet over 20 apostolates from around Ireland in St John Centre from 11.30a.m.

The Stations of the Cross will be outside from 2.00p.m, followed by the Rosary procession. Mass will commence at 3.00 p.m in the Basilica and will include the anointing of the sick. Bishop Phonsie Cullinan will be the Main Celebrant. Dana will join the choir to sing. There will also be rosary and scapular making workshops in the marquee. Over 50 buses are going from around Ireland.

See www.allirelandrosaryrally.com for more details.

SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Coach Trip to Lismore on Saturday, June 1st. 2024. Cost - €70.00 for members and €75.00 for those who are not paid up members for 2024. The cost includes coach hire, entrance to Lismore Heritage Centre, a walking tour of Lismore, entrance to Lismore Castle Gardens and an evening meal at the Foley’s, Lismore. It does not include the cost of lunch. The coach will depart Main Street, Mullinavat at 9.00am, returning at approximately 10.00pm.

For further information on booking places for the Coach Trip please contact Brigid Barron, Blossom Hill, Kilmacow, Co. Kilkenny on (087 9507295, brigidbarron@ hotmail.com) or Mary Ryan, ‘Gort Glas’, Aglish, Carrigeen, Co. Kilkenny (086 3790655, maryearyan@gmail.com). A €20.00 non-refundable deposit, per person will apply.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE ST KIERAN’S HOMES FOR THE ELDERLY Applications are invited for the Vacant Tenancy of a one-bedroom house at St Kieran’s Place, Urlingford. To be eligible to apply you must be on the Kilkenny County Council Housing list. Applications are available from the Centre.

LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMME L.T.I. Names been taken for L.T.I. Q.Q.I. Level 4 due to start soon.

COUNSELLING SERVICES Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Adult and Teens. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression. Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Play therapy is now also available. Age 5+.

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

SENIOR ALERT If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine in the centre.

DEFIBRILLATOR Please note that there is a defibrillator located in the Mill Family Resource Centre if and when it may be required.

APPEAL FOR CLOTHES DONATIONS Any clothes donations would be greatly appreciated in aid of our counselling/play therapy services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off.

JOBS – TRAINING BOARD We have a Jobs Board here at the Centre, feel free to call in and take a look, we also offer help and support with CV’s and cover letters if required.

For further information please contact us here at the Centre on 056-8838466

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

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Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Round 5, UPMC Nowlan Park Kilkenny 1-24 Wexford 2-20 Referee: Liam Gordon Kilkenny held off a strong challenge from Wexford to advance to this year’s provincial decider where they will face-off against Micheál Donoghue’s Dublin, who emerged from Salthill with a tremendous victory over Henry Shefflin’s Galway. TJ Reid was the star man on Noreside, hitting a match winning 1-13 for the Cats, including a debatable second half penalty, but there were plenty of players in the famous stripes who stood up when needed in this round 5 clash last weekend.

Derek Lyng’s side lined out as per the programme, and it was good to see Adrian Mullen and Walter Walsh listed amongst the substitutes. There was a huge crowd inside UPMC Nowlan Park, and from the noise levels it appeared the majority were cheering on the visitors.

From the throw-in, it was clear Richie Reid was at centre-half- back, while captain Paddy Deegan was in the engine room of midfield. The travelling crowd found their voices in the opening exchanges when the lively Naomh Eanna player, Conor McDonald got the better of Tommy Walsh to fire over for Keith Rossiter’s outfit. The star of last week’s win over the Dubs, John Donnelly got the Noresiders off the mark on 3 minutes, but the Yellowbellies replied immediately with a fine point from Rory O’Connor after the St Martin’s clubman shipped a heavy challenge.

TJ Reid got his first point of the day a couple of minutes later from the placed ball, a welcome score for the legendary forward, following his mixed bag from frees a week earlier, remember, class always shines through. Cathal Dunbar then finished off a lovely team move to edge his side ahead, as the Wexford crowd raised their voices once more.

Then came what could have been a huge moment in the game. Mossy Keoghan looked to be through on goal but appeared to be dragged down – penalty and a black card surely? No penalty, no black card, a free-in and a yellow card for St James’ Matthew O’ Hanlon, lucky boy. TJ popped over the free, one point instead of a possible three.

Cian Byrne back in the line-up after suspension, then sent over a lovely point, following good play from the lively Conor McDonald, who was winning his battle with Tommy Walsh. From the restart, Eoin Murphy picked out his captain Paddy Deegan and the O’Loughlin’s man split the posts from distance to nudge the hosts back in front.

Wexford’s main man and captain

TJ rules the roost in battling win over Wexford

Contentious penalty paves the way for home win Lee Chin then struck his first point of the afternoon from a free, before his opposite number responded after Tom Phelan was fouled.

St Mogues Fethard man Cian Byrne then put on the burners and left Mikey Butler trailing before rifling over to level matters once more.

The next McDonald vs Walsh battle resulted in a win for the former, and this allowed Chin to secure the

lead again for the visitors. The first of two majors for the Slaneysiders then arrived with 20 minutes of high intensity hurling played at UPMC Nowlan Park. A searching ball into Eoin Cody saw the Shamrocks man surrender possession and Damien Reck sent a long pass into Conor McDonald who grabbed it and finished it to the Kilkenny net. Was this Chadwicks Wexford Park? The

noise would have made you think so!

Keith Rossiter’s side built on this major score with a great point by Cathal Dunbar, his second of the day as the visiting support once again made their voices heard in the Marble City. From Eoin Murphy’s puck out, Richie Reid was afforded the freedom of the park and punished this rare occurrence in UPMC Nowlan Park. Wexford

captain Lee Chin tagged on another placed ball and in the blink of an eye, the Yellowbellies lead was five points. Graigue Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan combined with The ‘Bridge’s David Blanchfield to set up Paddy Deegan for a much-needed score for the Cats, but again, Lee Chin cancelled this out when he converted another free.

Wexford were hurling better,

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Hurling matters - Review Paddy Deegan makes a fine catch under pressure

over his one and only point of the game, a cracker it was too. Kevin Foley and Jack O’Connor hit two scores for Rossiter’s outfit while the Cats notched a placed ball from TJ. Lee Chin and Billy Ryan swapped scores before the speedster Byrne rattled home the visitors second major with five minutes of normal time remaining.

Yet again, TJ settled the home side’s nerves by popping over another placed ball, but the Yellowbellies didn’t run away, they kept coming.

Conor McDonald hit his second of the day on 68 minutes, two points behind as nerves on both sides appeared to set in, as did the torrential rain and the hailstones, definitely a case of four seasons in one day. Over the PA system in UPMC Nowlan Park, four minutes of additional time were announced, it seemed like four hours. Kilkenny needed to keep the ball and they looked to TJ to drag them over the line and the veteran forward continued to lead the way in getting on the ball.

There would be three more scores in UPMC Nowlan Park. TJ struck over a thirteenth point while Lee Chin replied with a free of his own and Shelmalier’s Conor Hearne pointed for the Slaneysiders to make it a 1-point game. Wexford went in search of an equalising score or possibly a winning one, but Mikey Butler emerged with the sliotar to be greeted by the beautiful sound of Liam Gordon’s whistle. Final score, Kilkenny 1-24, Wexford 2-20.

TJ Reid Gets Away from Eoin Ryan

Billy Ryan On The Run Chased by Damien Reck

Huw Lawler in an aerial battle with Conor Mc Donald

smarter and were more economical with their scoring attempts. TJ fired over a free on 27 minutes after David Blanchfield was fouled, but as with most of the action in the opening period, the opposition responded with another point, a classy one made and taken by Faythe Harriers Lee Chin, catch and shoot, it’s a simple game. Leaders were needed and TJ battled hard to give Mossy

Keoghan the chance to fire over.

Thomastown’s John Donnelly then provided Billy Ryan with a chance to register, and he did just that. The final score of an enthralling first half came from Kilkenny and again a placed ball courtesy of TJ which saw the Noresiders head to the changing rooms two points in arrears, 0-12 to 1-11.

Derek Lyng made one change at the interval, Erin’s Own’s Conor Fogarty replacing Conahy’s Tom Phelan, a move that saw Cian Kenny move into the half forward line. Billy Ryan got the scoreboard moving after the break with another lovely score before a poor pass from David Blanchfield was punished by St Anne’s Liam Og McGovern who split the posts for Wexford’s first score in the second half. TJ then showed his artistry when he scored from a sideline cut from 50 – odd yards, a momentum building score.

The next four scores all came from the men in black and amber. TJ levelled matters with a free before the 3rd of the day from captain Paddy Deegan, this time from inside his own half pushed the home side

into the lead. The impressive Mikey Carey then got on the scoresheet with a cracking point, thanks to good work by Billy Ryan. TJ rounded off this purple patch by nailing another placed ball to leave Kilkenny up by 3 points after 47 minutes of intense action. Another fast break by the pacy Cian Byrne resulted in a welcomed score for the Slaneysiders, but their renaissance was short lived.

Eoin Cody had been in and around the action all afternoon, without his work showing in scoring terms, then showed excellent movement and pace as raced towards Mark Fanning’s goal. Rapparees Liam Ryan was determined to prevent a major from the Shamrocks Ballyhale man, and in doing so was adjudged to have fouled the Cats attacker. Referee Liam Gordon signaled penalty to Kilkenny; it did look a little harsh on Wexford but perhaps it was making up for O’Hanlon’s dragging down of Mossy in the opening period. Either way, TJ waited, composed himself and dispatched his shot past GlynnBarnstown’s Fanning. The home side’s lead now out to five points.

A Wexford response was to be expected and it started with a fine point from St Martin’s Rory O’Connor. The much-involved Billy Ryan then won a free and TJ did the necessary, before Eoin Cody fired

Scorers for Kilkenny: TJ Reid (1-13, 12f, 1-0 pen, 0-1 s/l), P Deegan, B Ryan (0-3 each), J Donnelly, R Reid, M Keoghan, M Carey, E Cody (0-1 each).

Scorers for Wexford: L Chin (0-7, 6f), C Byrne (1-3), C McDonald (12), R O’Connor, C Dunbar (0-2 each), L Og McGovern, K Foley, J O’Connor, Conor Hearne (0-1 each).

Kilkenny: E Murphy; T Walsh, H Lawlor, M Butler; D Blanchfield, R Reid, M Carey; P Deegan, C Kenny; J Donnelly, TJ Reid, T Phelan; E Cody, B Ryan, M Keoghan.

Subs: C Fogarty for Phelan (h/t), W Walsh for Keoghan (62), O Wall for Ryan (72), H Shine for Kenny (73).

Wexford: M Fanning; M O’Hanlon, L Ryan, S Reck; C Foley, D Reck, E Ryan; C Hearne, R Lawlor; R O’Connor, L Og McGovern, C Dunbar; C Byrne, L Chin, C McDonald.

Subs: S Donohoe for O’Hanlon (45-47 blood), K Foley for Lawlor (52), J O’Connor for Dunbar (56), C McGuckin for McGovern (60).

Referee: Liam Gordon (Galway).

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Holy God, that game had everything. Great scores, big hits, battles all over the park, legends on both sides plying their trade. As a result of the win, Kilkenny progressed to meet Dublin next weekend in this season’s Leinster Final. Yes, it won’t be Henry vs the Cats in this year’s decider. We’ll look ahead to that one next week.

Keith Rossiter’s men started very well in UPMC Nowlan Park, played some lovely hurling, and no side will fancy meeting Wexford in the championship this summer. To the credit of the Kilkenny defenders, they sorted themselves out and did a decent job on the opposition’s danger men, Lee Chin, Conor McDonald and Cian Byrne.

The Cats had great performances from many, but big credit to TJ, 1-13, top man, top Cat. Captain Paddy Deegan led his troops well and hit nice scores from play, as did Billy Ryan, who was full of energy.

David Blanchfield is growing with every game while Huw Lawlor and Mikey Butler are All-Star defenders. A brief cameo from the returning Walter Walsh bodes well as does Adrian Mullen’s availability.

Regroup, rest up and prepare for another battle with the Dubs, which will no doubt provide more drama in the quest for Bob.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

Hurlng matters - Review

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Electric Ireland Leinster MHC Final Laois Hire O’ Moore Park, Portlaoise Kilkenny 1-13 Dublin 1-9 A stunning goal from John Lockes player Ollie O’Donovan helped claim this year’s Electric Ireland Leinster Minor hurling title for Kilkenny. The tricky corner forward belied his stature to score a memorable major and along with a brilliant individual performance from Jake Mullen ensured the Hanrahan Cup returned to Noreside for a 60th time. Jake, the latest in a long line of Mullen’s from the Shamrocks Ballyhale club finished the provincial decider with a personal tally of 0-7 and was impressive all over the O’Moore Park pitch.

Niall Bergin’s side got off to a quick start and registered the game’s opening score, and it was all down to a surging run forward by Dicksboro’s Oisin Henderson. The Cats corner back showed great skill and balance as he powered up the pitch, and will his initial effort was blocked, he showed great reactions to slot over at the 2nd time of asking. Our minor’s notched the second point of the day also, good work from Glenmore’s Jack Dollard gave David Barcoe the opportunity to shoot from distance and the Clara man duly obliged.

The dubs got off the mark when Ballinteer’s Tommy Cullen picked up a lose pass out of the Kilkenny defence and punished the error by splitting the posts with a fine point. Jason Cody was then halted illegally, and this gave Jake Mullen his first score of the game from the resulting free.

The Shamrocks Ballyhale player doubled his tally a minute later, again from the placed ball, but the boys in blue hit the next scores courtesy of Killian Costello and a ‘65 from Kilmacud’s Rory Flannery to reduce the Cats lead to just the one point.

Martin Barry’s side then hit the front for the first time in the decider after 12 minutes of action.

Tommy Cullen burst out of the Dubs defence and gave a pass to the supporting Rory Flannery.

The latter took aim from distance and as the sliotar dropped toward the crossbar, Kilkenny netminder Jake O’Doherty had his hurl up to possibly ensure to protect the net, but unfortunately for the Mooncoin player, the sliotar came off the bar and fell invitingly to the alert Eoghan Brennan who swept the ball to the net.

Manager Niall Bergin would have hoped for a response and his charges didn’t let him down.

Another Mooncoin player, Robbie Doherty struck over a lovely score and Jake Mullen hit three on the trot, including two fine efforts from play to edge the Noresiders into a

Bill Mc Dermott finds it difficult to get away from Shane Dunphy

Bergin’s bo provincia Jake ‘The Rake’ top scores as

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Hurling matters - Review Bill McDermott raises the Leinster Trophy

ys shine in l title win Cats claim 60th minor crown

Jake Mullen showing great determination as he gets past Rory Duffy

2-point lead. Clontarf’s Tom Higgins pointed for the boys from the Capital, but the lively Mullan nailed another free and brought the first half’s scoring to finish with Kilkenny heading to the changing rooms leading 0-9 to 1-4.

Dublin made one change at the interval, with Lucan Sarsfields Senan Bolger replacing Tom Higgins and Martin Barry’s side opened the scoring in the second period, thanks to a free from the talented Rory Flannery.

With six minutes gone after the short whistle, O’Loughlin Gaels Conor Holohan got the scoreboard moving for Kilkenny and they built on this with further scores from Jake Mullen (f), a second of the day from Robbie Doherty and a tidy point from Erin’s Own’s Eoin Brennan to give the black and amber a five-point cushion as they headed towards the final quarter of the final.

The Metropolitans made further changes, Cathal Barrett, Oscar Brennan and Ciaran Fitzgerald entering the fray in place of Killian Costello, Eoghan Brennan and Rory Duffy as they sought to add fresh legs to the quest for minor glory.

Round Tower’s Darragh Kilduff rifled over a fine effort from close to the left sideline to reduce the deficit to four points, but any thoughts of a comeback were to be short lived.

Another fine run out of defence

by Oisin Henderson saw the Cats break through a couple of Dublin lines. The ball was sent down the right side towards Ollie O’Donovan.

The diminutive John Lockes player showed tenacity and skill to evade three Dublin defenders before shortening his grip to bat the sliotar beyond opposition netminder Padraig Ryan to push the Cats lead to 7 points.

The boys in blue needed a big push in the final stages and to their credit, they dug in hit the remaining three points of the final via their captain Cathal O’Flynn, Ballinteer’s Tommy Cullen and a placed ball from Rory Flannery, but Niall Bergin’s side were not too be denied and gained revenge for their defeat to the same opponent earlier in the competition, but more importantly, were crowned Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Hurling Champions for 2024, their first title at this grade since 2021. Final score in Laois Hire O’ Moore Park, Kilkenny 1-13 Dublin 1-9.

Scorers for Kilkenny; Jake Mullen 0-7 (5fs), Ollie O’Donovan 1-0, Robbie Doherty 0-2, Oisin Henderson, David Barcoe, Conor Holohan, and Eoin Brennan 0-1 each.

Scorers for Dublin: Eoghan Brennan 1-0, Rory Flannery 0-3 (2fs, ‘65), Tommy Cullen 0-2, Cathal O’Flynn, Darragh Kilduff, Tom Higgins, and Killian Costello 0-1 each.

Kilkenny: Jake O’Doherty; Oisin Henderson, Larry Phelan, Bobby Brennan; David Barcoe, Jack Dollard, Mikey Rohan; Robbie Doherty, Kevin Buggy; Eoin Brennan, Bill McDermott, Conor Holohan; Ollie O’Donovan, Jason Cody, Jake Mullen.

Subs: Eoghan Cahill for McDermott 50 mins, Cian Byrne for Cody 50 mins.

Dublin; Padraig Ryan; Mark Byrne, Shane Dunphy, Rory Duffy; Conor Quinn, Cathal O’Flynn, Tommy Cullen; James Norris, Fiachra Codd; Eoghan Brennan, Rory Flannery, Fionn Daly; Darragh Kilduff, Tom Higgins, Killian Costello.

Subs: Senan Bolger for Higgins HT, Cathal Barrett for Costello 41 mins, Ciaran Fitzgerald for Duffy 46 mins, Oscar Brennan for E.Brennan 46 mins, Adam Ryan for Codd 61 mins.

Referee: Matty Redmond (Kildare)

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Further Information/Revised plans Significant Further Information/ Revised Plans have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of the proposed development Planning Ref: P23/267 on behalf of the applicant Caroline Walshe. The Development applied for consisted of: Planning permission is sought by Caroline Walshe to construct: 1. an extension to the rear and the side of an existing agricultural shed, 2. the change of use of an existing agricultural shed, 3. a 40m2 exercise facility, 4. Renovations to an existing shed 5. A dog hotel with the provision of 7no. kennels and 1no. isolated kennel 6. And all associated site development works at Watree Lodge, Watree, Gowran, Co. Kilkenny, R95YP23.

The further information consists of: • Comprising of reduced intensity and of scale of development.

• Change of use of section of the existing dwelling home to a reception with bathroom facilities ,office area and constructing a link connection to the change of use of agricultural out building.

• An Isolation Unit.

• Renovations to an existing shed to provide the facilities of a Dog Hotel • with new proposed sewage treatment unit and all associated site works • at Watree Lodge, Watree,, Gowran, County Kilkenny R95YP23.

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans has/have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is/are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd., No. 5 William Street, Kilkenny.

Tel No: 056-7753933. web:www.gmarch.net

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Marian Lennon intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build an extension to the front and side of existing dwelling house and all associated site development works at Pigeon Park, Danesfort, Co. Kilkenny The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application.

The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

Tullogher Rosbercon GAA club are applying to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for the extension and upgrade of astroturf facilities with lighting, fencing and a 5m hurling wall, public lighting to car park, drainage to juvenile playing field, GAA dugouts, spectator seating and wheelchair access ramp and all associated site works at Brownstown and Ballyknock, Tullogher, 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

Further Information/Revised plans Ian Burke has submitted significant further information to planning application 2460013 which consisted of full planning permission to construct a machinery and equipment storage shed and associated works at Baunta Commons, Callan, Co. Kilkenny The significant further information includes for the relocation of existing entrance, the provision of a new splayed entrance and adjustments to site boundaries.

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans has/have been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is/are available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application.

The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

FOLEY (NEE MCDONNELL) ACKNOWLEDGEMENT AND MONTHS MIND

Catherine (Babs) 57 Upper Newpark, Co. Kilkenny Died 11th May 2024 The family of the late Catherine (Babs) Foley would like to express our deepest thanks to everyone that has sympathised, left condolences, gave mass cards and flowers to us during this difficult and sad time.

Our many thanks to those who attended Bab’s wake, prayers, funeral mass and burial.

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. 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. P.K.

A special thanks to those who provided us with food over the days of Bab’s passing with a special thank you to Caulfield’s Supervalue Loughboy, John Sheridan, and the kithchen staff of Kilkenny College.

A Prayer to our Lady of Mt Carmel O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succour me in this necessity; there are none that can withstand your power.

O, show me herein you are my Mother, O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times) Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands.

(3 times) P.K.

A sincere thank you to all the staff on the Barrow Ward in St. Lukes Hospital who looked after Babs for 6 weeks, the Carlow/Kilkenny Home Care team who supported Babs to be at home in her last weeks and the Night Nurses who provided such good support to the family during a difficult time.

Thanks to Dr. Lynch and the staff at Newpark Pharmacy for their help and support over the years.

Thanks to Johnston’s Funeral Home for their kindness, compassion and professionalism towards the family from start to finish and thank you to Fr. Dempsey for conducting a lovely funeral mass for Babs.

We also want to extend our gratitude to the management and staff of Langton’s Restaurant for the meal on the day of Babs’ funeral and the kind service offered on the day.

As it is not possible to thank each and every person individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude.

Catherine (Babs’) months mind mass will be celebrated on Saturday the 8th June at 6pm in St. Johns Church, Kilkenny.

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.R.

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.B.

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. D.C.

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Classifieds Motors

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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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024

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kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 31st May 2024