Kilkenny Observer 3rd June 2022

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Friday 03 June 2022

Same Sex Schools Labour’s new Bill on co-education

 Comment, Page 12

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Texas Massacre Why did the police not act sooner?  Special Report, Page 14

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It’s the economy, stupid The economy is heading into tougher times as the State’s budget watchdog warns that tax hikes and spending cuts will be needed to fully offset the rapidly rising cost of living.

The Government faces a €2bn bill if it wants to fully link or ‘index’ wages and welfare to inflation this year, which it can afford to do if it taps a contingency fund created in the Budget.

But the Fiscal Council

said ministers face “difficult choices” from 2023 onwards, as prices of energy, food and other goods are set to outpace wage increases.

“We are not saying the Government should necessarily index,” said Sebastian Barnes, the chair of the Fiscal Council.

“It may not choose to do that as well.”

Linking public sector wages, social welfare and pensions to inflation — known as indexation — is popular in some

European countries. Public and private pay rises in line with prices in Belgium, which saw close to double-digit inflation in April (9.3%), are among the highest in the eurozone.

But Belgium excludes the price of alcohol, tobacco and petrol from its calculations, which are based on past inflation rates.

Spain, France, Cyprus, Luxembourg, Malta and Slovenia have automatic private sector

wage indexation, though their calculations differ.

Some adjust wages up when inflation hits a certain rate, while others target those on minimum wages only.

Most of the seven countries — bar Spain and France — also index public sector wages.

But fully offsetting rising prices could lead to higher inflation, as people have more to spend.

“Large-scale and long-last-

ing spending would increase the risk of contributing to higher second-round increases in prices and wages, potentially destabilising the economy and the public finances,” the council said in its latest fiscal assessment report, published today.

Shielding those low-income households from rising costs should be the priority, it said.

See Inflation, Page 10 Paul Hopkins, Page 8

581,000 children living in poverty At least 581,000 people are living in poverty in Ireland today of which 164,000 are children. This is according to the latest CSO report; a household survey covering a broad range of issues in relation to income and living conditions.

The increasing number of people experiencing deprivation is a clear sign that despite several years of sustained economic growth.

See Pages 4 & 16

Police in Texas ‘failed to react’ As the first victims are buried, the US Department of Justice is to investigate why 19 law enforcement officers waited 78 minutes in the corridor of an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas before storming the classroom in which an 18-yearold lone gunman had by then slaughtered 19 children and two female teachers.

Special Report, Page 14

Refugee ‘crisis’ More than half of the 16,891 Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Ireland have sought emergency accommodation, according to the Government’s latest update on its medical and humanitarian support to Ukraine.

A total of 9,814 of them are seeking emergency accommodation.

Congrats!

What enterprising winners

Analysis, Page 28 Students from Co. Kilkenny had a very successful day at this year’s Student Enterprise Programme National Finals, with winners in Junior and Intermediate categories and also in My Entrepreneurial Journey competitions. The finals of the Local Enterprise Office initiative were held physically for the first time in three years at the Helix in Dublin, with An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and host RTE’s

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Rick O’Shea and students and teachers in attendance from all over the country.

At the plenary meeting of Kilkenny County Council the winning students along with their teachers and family members were formally congratulated by the Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty. Ciara Ryan from St. Brigid’s College, Callan received the overall award in the Junior category from Mr Varadkar. Her enterprise

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

business, ‘Sew Stylish, creates uniquely designed multifunctional hair scrunchies with a discrete zip pocket that can be used to store money, lip gloss or keys, but can also still be used to tie your hair up.

Ciara was supported throughout the programme by her teacher, Ms Lorna Cody, family members and Rosie Dunne, the SEP coordinator in Kilkenny.

In the Intermediate cat-

egory, twin brothers Adam and Liam Doyle, from Coláiste Éamann Rís, Callan with their painting service business ‘Twin Painters Ltd’ won third prize overall along with the Best Poster Award with the support of their teachers Ms. Emer Hickey and Ms. Joanne Biddy.

Ned O’Meara, from Coláiste Éamann Rís, Callan, received the overall national winner in the Intermediate

category of ‘My Entrepreneurial Journey’ and travelled to Dublin to accept his award.

Also, congratulations to Saoirse Walsh who was runner-up in the Junior Category of My Entrepreneurial Journey competition. Saoirse interviewed local photographer Patrick McDonald as part of her entry and outlined how she developed ‘Saoirse’, a chain of cafés throughout Ireland.

INSIDE

Paul Hopkins ....................... P8 Marianne Heron...............P12 John Ellis ...........................P16 Health & Science..............P18 Travel & Leisure ...............P19 Gerry Cody.P24-25, 32-33, 36-37 Food & Drink.....................P34 TV & Streaming ...............P35 Sport............................... P42-43

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News

One in five now living in poverty One in five people in Ireland is living in poverty after their accommodation costs are taken into account, a new study has disclosed.

This is the equivalent of 952,185 people — almost one in five of the country’s total population, according

to the research from Social Justice Ireland (SJI), Housing Costs and Poverty 2022.

With the accommodation crisis now one of the biggest issues facing the Government, the report analysed the impact of housing costs — mortgage interest

and rent — on the poverty rates of Irish households in 2021. More than one in five tenants in the private rented sector are now subsidised through the Housing Assistance Payment.

But there are also tenants who are in receipt of gov-

ernment supports such as the Rental Accommodation Scheme or on rent supplement. Nearly 60% of all renters with supports are living below the poverty line, the report revealed.

The need for additional rent payments, or top-ups, is

driving the huge increase in poverty among families as the housing subsidies are so inadequate, said SJI’s economic and social analyst Colette Bennett.

“The poverty risk of households in receipt of housing subsidies continues to be the highest of all occupancy types,” said Ms Bennett.

“It is essential that Government increase spending on actually building social homes instead of relying on and subsidising a dysfunctional private rented sector.”

Despite commitments by the Government to increase social housing construction, larger numbers of social housing tenants are forced into the private rented sector.

Statistically, renters are more than four times more likely to find themselves at risk of poverty after accommodation costs are included than owner-occupiers.

Before housing costs are included, the overall poverty rate stands at 11.6%, which is over 581,000 people.

According to figures from the CSO, the minimum a single adult needed to earn after taxes and including benefits to avoid the poverty line was €291.51 a week, or just over €15,000 a year.

Dr Seán Healy, CEO of SJI, said that, far from supporting families to get out of poverty, the inadequacy of housing subsidies are driving greater numbers into it.

His organisation had consistently called for the priori-

‘The poverty line was €291.51 a week...

”

tisation of social housing.

“This would put over 60,000 homes back into the private rented market, which would undoubtedly have a positive impact on market rents,” Mr Healy said.

Laying bare the affordability crisis that exists in Ireland at the moment, the study found that renters are the worst affected of all, with 41.6% of them at risk of poverty after housing payments.

Lone parents are the worstaffected of all household types, with 51% of them at risk of poverty once housing costs are considered. People with long-standing health problems are also severely affected, with a poverty rate increasing from 39.1% before housing costs to 53.8% afterwards.

See John Ellis, Page 16

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News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Our wastefulness gives us food for thought Hands up those who remember real fried bread? Not the limp, half-hearted specimen that shuffles unashamedly these days around the plate of a Full Irish but the genuine article fried in the fat left over from the Sunday roast.

In those days real men (and women) knew their fried bread and that it would put hairs on their chests (well, perhaps not the women).

In those days too, there was little, if any, wasted food in the house of my upbringing.

Even that left-over Sunday roast would taste better the next day, chicken bones made for great soup, and you’d never be a sandwich or two short of the picnic as long as you had a scrap or two in the larder. Soured milk was a delicacy and good for you.

What little we had we valued and nowt went to waste.

Research recently released

from NUI Galway and Teagasc (the agriculture and food authority) says around a third of food that comes into Irish homes is being binned.

The news comes as cost-ofliving pressures are making it more difficult for a growing number of families to eat healthily.

In this time of rapidly rising food prices, Fruit and vegetables were tfe most likely to be wasted, according to the study which divided those polled into three groups.

The first group, called ‘All Waste’, were people who wasted food in every way by cooking too much and throwing away leftovers. They also disposed of food before it was even cooked and tended to buy and serve more food than needed.

The second group, ‘Staple waste’, were more watchful but still ended up more likely to waste fruit, vegetables and bread. The final group, ‘Over-

cooks’, were the least wasteful — cooking too much food but rarely throwing it away.

The researchers point out that the UN Environmental Food Waste Report estimates that, globally, between 8% and 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions come from food waste alone.

We in this neck of the woods live in a world where we are inundated with a mass of food choices everywhere we go, from Michelin-starred restaurants to fast-food outlets, to the questionable gourmet TV dinners for two, common at your local supermarket, bottle of wine thrown in for good measure. And we occupy a world where increasingly our children become obese and lethargic as they wolf down fast-food after junk-food like they were never going to be fed again in their little fat lives.

The Dating Game, a study

by Emily Broad-Leib, director

of the Harvard Food Policy Clinic, finds that inconsistent and confusing food-dating is leading to gross wastage and that change is urgently needed.

Trying to decide whether that pint of milk left in the back of the fridge is any good? You’ll probably want to check the date. Unfortunately, it probably says ‘sellby,’ which is not exactly informative. ‘Sell-by’ date hasn’t gone by? You might pour a glass and still have it come out all lumpy. ‘Sell-by’ date went by a few weeks ago? You still might toss some perfectly good milk down the sink.

The Harvard study says we tend to fixate on misleading dates, assuming that anything past the date has gone bad — which is not necessarily the case.

According to Safefood, the all-Ireland body, food waste can be reduced by putting food away as soon as you get

home. Check use-by dates to see what should be used first and items such as chicken breasts bought in bulk should be stored in the freezer.

In another report, the UN says one billion people go to bed every night hungry.

Not peckish nor snack-happy

‘Toss good milk down the sink...

but tummy-aching hungry.

That UN report also backs up the Irish research, saying that every year a third of all food for human consumption, around 1.3bn tonnes, is wasted, along with the energy, water and chemicals needed to produce it and dispose of it.

The UN says Europe and the US have nearly twice as much food as is required by the nutritional needs of their populations.

And here’s another stat from that report: an estimated 20 to 40% of fruit and vegetables are thrown away before they ever reach the shops — mostly because they do not match Tesco’s and Aldi’s and Dunnes’ “excessively strict cosmetic standards”. One billion people in the world who are starving could be lifted out of malnourishment on less that a quarter of that wasted food.

A damning indictment.

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Opinion

The old Dunamaggin Legend of little Jenny Butterfield

BY NED EGAN

Leave Kilkenny City. Go out to old Kells, turn right in that historic village, and go a couple of miles towards Dunnamaggin. Stop in the tiny spot known as Breens Cross. There, cast your glance east. You will see, on the skyline, a column of chestnut and lime trees ancient when I was a lad.

The Trees of Cloyninnie.

Look at the second one from the right. Not many alive now know the old legend attached to that tree.

For, underneath its sheltering branches, and long mixed and mouldered and melded into the moss and roots and the good sweet clay, lies the body of a once beautiful young girl.

Her name was Jenny Butterfield.

This mysterious name still resonated in the memories of local people, back in the 40’s and 50’s. Jenny had drowned, long before even that time, in an old deep pond down at the back of Condon’s house. It was almost hidden completely by reeds and rushes. When summer mist

or winter fog was on the land, it was totally shrouded.

Jenny had been as shy as she was beautiful. Her mother died giving birth to her. A stepmother appeared when she was emerging from happy childhood - flowering towards what would have been great beauty.

This new person was of an evil nature, and jealous of the young girl’s innocent winsome charm. And if that wasn’t enough to grieve and gripe her - Jenny’s closeness to her father put the cap on it.

The final explosion of rage - which had long been threatening - erupted over a small thing. A pair of shoes.

Small shiny black dancing shoes, with silver buckles.

They had been bought for Jenny by her father, on the Christmas past. Her birth-mother, it was said, had made him promise to get them for her when she reached fifteen; and her birthday was just before the Festive Season.

On that fatal mid-summers day that was to end in her doom, Jenny - in the age-old way of sweet young girls was dancing and pirouetting around in her room, wearing the dancing shoes - instead of being downstairs drudging away - as ordered. The new mother came back from

Dunnamaggin village earlier than Jenny expected. A thrashing of savage power and intensity resulted.

That night, painful and aching all over, the young girl climbed out of her bedroom window, and went, by the light of the yellow summer moon, through the orchard, and down to the waiting shining water.

Old word has it that there was no mirror in the house so she could seldom see the lovely features that so griped and enraged her father’s new wife. The mirror of the water beckoned Jenny - as it did the fabled Narcissus. And, just like him - lured her to her doom.

How anyone could have ascertained this chain of circumstances has never been explained. It was probably conjectured up in kindness by the neighbours, at a time when taking one’s own life carried a terrible and unjust stigma. Our forebears of those days had a great compassion.

As to whether Jenny fell in or threw herself in - only God will ever know. And He, I am told, is just - and forgiving.

Searches were mounted all over. The father walked the country, half-mad with grief.

All in vain.

A cold hard winter came early that year, and the locals

went skating and sliding on the ice-covered pond. It was on Christmas Day - a year exactly since she’d received the promised and loved present - that a young girl ran, screaming - “Jenny Butterfield was looking up at me - from under the ice!” And so she was. But unseeing.

When the ice was smashed, Jenny was lifted out, and tenderly placed on a topcoat laid on the frozen grass. She was still wearing the silverbuckled dancing shoes.

There wasn’t a sign of decomposition. “She looked as if she was in a peaceful asleep” said old Kate Collins of Baurscoobe - who was eighty years old when I was a child. Kate also said that instead of the usual ‘mortification of the flesh’ one expects in such a sad case - a strange fragrance of apple and wild rose blossoms enveloped the little darlings body - right up until she was interred.

The cold and inhumane regime that passed for religion in those grievously damaged days allowed no mercy or pity be shown to the despairing father. His beloved girl was denied a plot in consecrated ground.

So he asked the farmer who owned the land on the sunny side of Cloyninnie if Jenny

could be buried there - as many a time she had happily collected blackberries and mushrooms around that wild and beautiful place. {This man was an ancestor of the good Brennan Clan of Loughsullis, some of whom are - thankfully - still with us to this day. And they know of this old legend.} His answer was, of course - ‘yes.’

And there, in that sheltered spot, Jenny was laid, placed so that she would eternally face God’s bright shining sun. And she was - and is - as close to Heaven as any of us will ever be.

Many times when we were children, we used to see, at night, from our high bedroom window, pale orbs of yellow light shimmering around - and leaving - the old pit, and drifting over the bogs and fields towards Cloyninnie. A lot of people testified to seeing these phenomena. ‘The lights of Cloyninnie,’ we called them.

Nobody was ever surprised or bothered by them. They nearly always occurred in high summer, when the night mists hung low over the curlew-calling bogs - or around Christmas, when the cold frosts and fogs of winter rendered frigid the night air.

But my sisters and I were never afraid, because we knew it was only the sad

restless spirit of little Jenny Butterfield, on her way to lonely Cloyninnie.

The old ruins of her house are long gone now.

The scented orchard Jenny drifted through like a wraith, on that moonlit night so long ago, is no more. And the ancient pit has long been filled in.

Almost everything to do with Jenny Butterfield has been erased from the face of the earth. Bulldozed - wiped out. As if she was never in this world.

Only our fading memories, and that tree in Cloyninnie, still exist. Second from the right, on the Dunnamaggin side.

It’s still a leafy green home to the happy crows and the singing thrushes of high summer, and stark as a black skeleton in the cold days of winter.

But it is her guardian - her sentinel: her only memorial.

And underneath it, sweet Jenny Butterfield lies in her eternal sleep.

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

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News

Chaos is likely to continue at Dublin Airport Passengers who arrive too early at Dublin Airport will be put in holding area to avoid the continuing queue chaos.

Scan machines that could cut Dublin Airport queues in half still 18 months away The trade union Siptu blames lower pay for delay

in replacing staff as Dublin Airport says it will add extra security lanes at peak times The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) will limit access to terminals at Dublin Airport at busy periods to two-and-a-half hours and three-and-a-half hours for short and long haul flights as

they attempt to avoid further travel chaos over the bank holiday weekend.

In order to access the terminals passengers will be asked to present documentation to indicate departure times.

Chaos at the airport saw more than 1,000 people miss

their flights on a recent Sunday.

An urgent plan – requested by Transport Ministers Eamon Ryan and Hildegard Naughton – was expected to be revealed by DAA chief Dalton Philips to the Oireachtas Transport Committee.

Meanwhile, the airport will head into a busy June with staff levels at just 70% of where they were before the pandemic.

The DAA has said it will "work with all passengers who missed a flight to ensure that they are re-imbursed for out-of-pocket ex-

penses incurred as a result of missing their flight, such as re-booked flights, extra accommodation, transport costs, etc”.

However, it appears that the cost of missed events, or accommodation that was unused due to travel delays, will not be covered.

New era is looming as inflation hits record 8.2% Consumer prices in Ireland are an average of 8.2% higher this month compared to a year ago, according to an estimate by Eurostat.

Six of the 19 Eurozone countries had a lower annual increase than the estimate of 8.2% for Ireland while 12 countries had higher rates.

The 8.1% annual inflation in the Eurozone soared past the previous record of 7.4% reached in March and April.

Energy prices jumped 39.2%, highlighting how the war and the accompanying global energy crunch are making life more expensive for the eurozone’s 343 million people.

Inflation is now at its highest level since record-keeping for the euro began in 1997.

Ireland’s Central Statistics Office (CSO) will provide further details of inflation next week, following up on the figures from Eurostat.

Speaking from Brussels, Taoiseach Micheál Martin warned of a “new era” of higher fossil fuel prices.

Cost of living concerns are set to be among the main issues raised in the Dáil this week, with Sinn Féin tabling a motion to provide a payment to workers earning less than €60,000.

The Bill being tabled by Claire Kerrane TD would provide €200 for every adult with

an income less than €30,000 and €100 for every adult with an income between €30,000 and €60,000.

Deputy Kerrane said that previous social welfare increases introduced in last year’s budget were now “totally irrelevant”.

“We know that there are far too many people out there, workers and families, people on social welfare and people who are going to work everyday paying their taxes and they are struggling to make ends meet,” Speaking on RTÉ’s News At One, Paschal Donohoe said the Government had already intervened a number of times to provide relief for people struggling with rising costs.

Deputy Donohoe said that the amount provided by the Exchequer has been “equivalent to entire budgets that I’ve done in the past”.

Meanwhile, spending watchdog the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council urged the Government to be aware that the inflation crisis could impact big ticket spending plans in areas like health and defence.

Minister Donohoe referenced this factor when he said: “I do need to get the balance right that what I do now, doesn’t create further difficulties and challenges for us tomorrow which of course Sinn Féin doesn’t care about.”

Our young scientists are back in reality After two years of virtual exhibitions, the wait is finally over as Ireland’s biggest and brightest showcase for young STEM talent returns to an in-person event in Dublin between January 10 and 14, 2023.

The live event will once again bring science and technology to life with amazing student projects, spectacular exhibits, influential guest speakers, and immersive displays.

Now in its 59th year, the BTYSTE 2023 will throw

open its doors to students, from across the island of Ireland, blazing a trail with their creative takes on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The exhibition brings together the best and brightest of the STEM community in Ireland in a massive celebration of science, technology, and curiosity.

As one of Europe’s longest running science competitions, the BTYSTE is proud of its fantastic alumni,

many of whom have gone on to do remarkable things – from setting up tech unicorns, to breaking new ground in scientific discovery, to building the minds of future young scientists.

The exhibition gives students and teachers the chance to work on projects that move science and technology beyond the classroom and into the real world. Applications for the BTYSTE 2023 will close in late September and BT Ireland is encouraging stu-

dents across Ireland to get their thinking caps on to be in with a chance of featuring at the exhibition.

Participating students will be in the running to win over 200 prizes across all four categories and age groups. The overall winners will take away the top prize of €7,500 and go on to represent Ireland at the prestigious European Union Contest for Young Scientists, where Ireland has won 16 first place prizes over 32 years.

Soon, you can kiss and cuddle your new virtual baby!

They will cuddle you, play with you and, of course, resemble you. They will require minimal resources and will cost next to nothing to bring up.

But the one catch with these 'ideal children' is that they are, in fact, not human, but a virtual creation which an Artificial Intelligence (AI) expert predicts will be commonplace in 50 years.

Catriona Campbell, one of the UK's leading authorities in AI

and emerging and disruptive technologies, made the prediction in a book just published.

In 'AI by Design: A Plan For Living With Artificial Intelligence', she argues that concerns about overpopulation will prompt society to embrace metaverse-hosted digital babies. It is a demographic transformation she calls the 'Tamagotchi Generation'.

"Virtual children may seem like a giant leap from where

we are now,” she writes, "but within 50 years technology will have advanced to such an extent that babies... in the metaverse are indistinct from those in the real world.

"As the metaverse evolves, I can see virtual children becoming an accepted and embraced part of society.”

The metaverse is an immersive digital world, seen as the future of the internet, which will be more physically interac-

tive. Ms Campbell says technology such as high-tech gloves might reproduce the physical sensations of cuddling, feeding and playing with one's offspring.

She cites concern about the environmental toll exacted by the world's increasing population, which is nearing eight billion.

Many researchers believe that declining fertility rates will cause the world's population

to fall in the second half of the century, and some argue that technological advances will ensure that the next generation's environmental footprint is smaller than our own. Ms Campbell argues that consumers will be attracted to environmentally friendly digital children.

Referring to the virtual pets that became a craze in the late 1990s and early 2000s, she said: "We're already well on our

way to creating the Tamagotchi Generation which, for all intents and purposes, will be 'real' to their parents. On the basis that consumer demand is there, which I think it will be, AI children will become widely available for a relatively small monthly fee.

"This development, if managed correctly, could help us solve some of today's most pressing issues, including overpopulation.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

School days and that question of sex ...

Should girls and boys always be educated together? With so many controversies going on the proposed bill by the Labour Party that all Government funded schools in the 26 counties should be co-ed in future has created barely a ripple.

Around 17% of primary schools are single sex and a third of secondary schools currently. If passed, the bill would make the change to same sex within 10 years for primary school and 15 for secondary schools. And unless single sex private schools make the change they would no longer qualify for Government funding. There are 51 feepaying secondary schools and 38 fee- paying primary schools (up 30% in the last 10 years.)

The argument in favour of change is that the population of schools should reflect society in general. Labour’s spokesman on Education and Enterprise Aodhan O’Riordain

has claimed that single sex education is a contributory factor to toxic masculinity and to the increase in domestic violence in Ireland and that issues of sexual inequality affecting women are better tackled in co-ed schools.

Previous research suggests that boys generally do better in co-ed schools, where the presence of girls plays down misogynism and softens macho culture. In an all-boys situation, pupils can suffer from a cult of hyper-masculinity.

(Perhaps this is what has Boris Johnston and other Old Etonians in his Cabinet the way they are!)

Also, the valorising of gamesplaying ‘jocks’ doesn’t do much for boys who are more academic, creative or sensitive. Girls generally achieve better and are more confident in single sex schools perhaps because they avoid competing with boys in a co-ed situation.

I am inclined, though, to

agree with research by the ESRI, which found that differences in how well pupils did academically had more to do with individual schools than with whether or not they were co-ed. The only noticeable finding in the research was that girls behaved better in co-eds.

Back in the day, I went to a girls-only school in Belfast, and at the time I was glad I did.

It was difficult enough trying to fit in with various cliques, (sporty, popular, pretty or brainy) without complicating the picture with boys. The downside though was the lack of opportunity to meet the opposite sex, the only options being to join a tennis club, (not for me) or go to hops where after two dances a lad would ask you to go outside the dance hall where he would become like octopus with hands everywhere.

Now though, I think differently. Is it not harder to have

sexist attitudes in a mixed situation? Also, these days, schools face more complex issues which need to be addressed around inclusivity and acceptance of diversity: nationality, colour and gender identity around LGBTQ. Also, social media has added another influential layer to the way that pupils relate to each other too.

One objection to the bill would be that it would remove choice for parents who may feel that a particular child would be more suited to a single sex school with a certain ethos. There is also the question of how the change would work out in practice, particularly in single sex private schools with longstanding reputations: would boys go to Alexandra girls’ college for instance or would girls join Blackrock College?

My granddaughters had differing experiences. One, who went to a co-ed school,

thought it was unwise to be separated, when, together, pupils could develop their own ideas about the opposite sex and what they might want from a partner in future. And that in girls’ schools, pupils tended to become ‘boy mad’, where the other sex became

‘A contributory factor in toxic masculinity . .

mysterious because you never saw them.

An experiment in where classes were separate for core subjects during third year made classes less stressful during the awkward puberty stage and afterwards the boys who had matured were more respectful towards the girls.

My granddaughter’s boyfriend found the ‘military’ fashion in which his boys’ school was run ,and the overly testosterone-filled classrooms, somewhat off-putting.

In her girls’ school, granddaughter No. 2 achieved well academically but experienced problems with friendships and ‘bitchiness’, especially over boys.

Just a few opinions but it sounds as though co-ed scored best, not necessarily for marks but for relationships.

As Albert Einstein said about education: ”II is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”

Underactive thyroid natural support A lack of planning on the part CLAIR WHITTY

At the shop I see a lot of people who ask for advice about underactive thyroid. This is an extremely common condition which causes the body’s metabolic rate to slow down.

This results in symptoms that can include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint pain. Poor nutrition, stress, toxins, hormonal changes during the menopause, a lack of iodine in the diet can all contribute to the cause.

The first step is to get a blood test and this will give you an indication of how

things are. They could also indicate Hashimoto’s disease, which is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. This is caused by an attack by the body’s own immune system.

This process is known as an autoimmune condition and will have a different protocol than an underactive thyroid problem. If your bloods come back showing a problem, you would need a different blood test to rule this out.

Nutritionally you can support your diet with nutrients it needs from food. Seaweeds such as nori, dulse, and kelp are great dietary sources of iodine and zinc. Vitamin A is important for thyroid hormone production and is found in eggs, dairy products, beef liver, and pumpkin seeds. B and Zinc work together to support thyroid

function and can be found in nuts, seeds, and wholegrains.

As well as vitamin C which is found in fruit and vegetables.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids are important too.

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of government has led to a complete failure to provide special education places BY: DEPUTY KATHLEEN FUNCHION SINN FEIN TD FOR KILKENNY CARLOW Speaking in relation to the proposal by the Minister for Special Education Josepha Madigan to create five special educational needs (SEN) centres in Dublin as an ‘interim’ solution to a shortage of places, Sinn Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny Kathleen Funchion has said: “It should never have got to a position that we are in late May and children with additional needs do not have a school place.

“The government has the power to use S37A to ensure schools open special classes in areas where they are needed.

This conversation between the National Council for Special Education (NCSE) and the Department of Education should have been happening last autumn.

“It is incredible that the Minister for Education, the

Minister for Special Education and the NCSE have access to all the data they need, as well as the powers and budget, yet did not use these.

“Parents are now desperate because of the lack of government planning.

“I am very concerned about the proposal to open special educational needs centres in Dublin only, as very often what the Department deems a ‘short-term’ measure is far from that. We only have to look at prefabs in schools around the State as testimony to their previous form in this regard.

“Where a child needs a special class place, parents do not want them to be totally separated and segregated from other children.

They want them to be part of the life of a school commu-

nity; ideally a local school.

“It is devastating for these parents that the government’s lack of planning has stripped them of this option.

“We are meant to be moving forward on the basis of inclusion and integration, not segregation.

“Families across the State would much prefer if the government focused on using the powers available to them to open special classes, and ensure schools that do open classes are propprop erly supported, funded and staffed. gov“That way the gov ernment would be living up to its comcom mitments to children with special eduedu cational needs - to have a place in a special class in a school, not a special education seg‘centre’, seg regated and isolated from the school community.”

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SPECIAL REPORT ‘Good night, he said, before shooting the first teacher..

Texas: why police waited 78 minutes before tackling killer The US Department of Justice is to investigate why 19 law enforcement officers waited 78 minutes in the corridor of Robb Elementary School before storming the classroom in which an 18-year-old lone gunman had by then slaughtered 19 children and two female teachers.

After slipping into there Texas school through an unlocked side entrance, the 18-year-old stormed into adjoining classrooms and informed terrified fourth graders that it was “time to die.”

“Good night,” he said, before shooting and killing the first teacher.

Students were next, according to witness accounts.

Children scrambled for hiding places. Hot shrapnel burned through the dressy outfits some had worn for an awards ceremony earlier on the morning of Tuesday, May 24. One girl smeared herself with a classmate’s blood and played dead.

The attack went on for so long, witnesses said, that the gunman had time to taunt his victims before killing them, even putting on songs that one student described to CNN as “I-want-people-to-die music”. As the minutes ticked by, increasingly desperate

students called 911.

At 12:03 pm a girl called 911 for a little over a minute and whispered that she was in Room 112, according to Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven C. McCraw.

She called back at 12:10 pm reporting multiple people dead, he said, and again a few minutes later, to say there were still a number of students alive.

“Please send the police now,” the girl begged the dispatcher at 12:43 pm, 40 minutes after her first call.

More time would lapse before authorities finally entered and killed the teen gunman just before 1 pm By then, the gunman had turned a sleepy afternoon at the end of the school year into a 90-minute massacre — an attack prolonged and worsened by the failure of security measures and a catastrophically slow response from authorities in this southern Texas town.

In all, 19 children and two teachers were killed, with another 17 people wounded, a devastating toll for a small, tightly woven, largely Hispanic community where it was common for relatives to be in the same class at school. In the days that have followed,

local heartbreak bubbled into rage as Texas officials waxed on about police bravery, glossing over law enforcement missteps that took days to acknowledge.

Only now, a more reliable chronology is emerging through official statements, 911 logs, social media posts, and interviews with survivors and witnesses. The revelations tell a story of institutional failure at the expense of unprotected children. In Uvalde, Texas there is little expectation that correcting the record will lead to any real policy change, especially with hyper-partisan mid-term elections looming.

“I mean, there’s protests on gun laws and stuff, background checks, but it doesn’t go anywhere,” said Angel Flores, 17, speaking at a San Antonio hospital where she was visiting two relatives who were taken there after being shot in Uvalde.

“Sandy Hook happened, what, 10 years ago?” said Angel’s father, 37- year-old David Flores, referring to the 2012 mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. “It’s the same thing, down the road again. Nothing changes.”

On that fatal Tuesday morn-

ing, Dora and Bob Estrada settled in to watch their favourite daytime soap, ‘The Bold And The Beautiful’.

While waiting for her show to start, Dora heard two popping sounds from the direction of Robb Elementary across the street. She told her husband she thought it was gunfire.

“He said, ‘No, that can’t be,’” Dora recalled. “I said, ‘No, that is shots.’”

Dora worried about her grandson, Jayden, a second grader at Robb. A short time later, her daughter, Jayden’s mother, called to warn her parents to lock their door; she’d heard of an activeshooter threat. The Estradas decided to go outside and check on the school and noticed “a bunch of cops on the corner.”

“They were just standing there,” Dora said.

Given the time frame, those first pops Dora heard likely came from early shots the gunman fired as soon as he arrived at the school at 11:28 am. targeting people on the street who heard him crash his truck into a ditch and were coming to his aid. Minutes earlier he had shot his 66-year-old grandmother in the face at their nearby home,

took her vehicle and drove the short distance to Robb Elementary. The grandmother survived and called 911; authorities have not released the exact timing or content of her 911 call.

New details have dispelled earlier accounts of a confrontation between the gunman and an armed school police officer outside the school, a story the authorities changed four times. First, officials said the gunman exchanged fire with the officer outside the school before going in.

Later, McCraw said that there was an encounter, but no gunshots were exchanged between the two. On the Thursday, two days later, officials said there had been no confrontation at all and that the gunman had simply walked in. On the Friday, McCraw said that the school police officer was not on campus but rushed there after the 911 call about a man with a gun at the crash.

“He drove right by the suspect,” who was crouched behind a vehicle in the parking lot, and mistook a teacher for an intruder, McCraw said.

The killer entered the school at 11:33 am through a back door that should have been locked but had been propped

open, authorities said. The shooter walked to the rear of the building, turned down a hall and began firing into classrooms 111 and 112, authorities said, unloading more than 100 rounds of ammunition in those first moments.

At the sound of gunshots, children and staff in other parts of the building began streaming out of the school, some heading for safety in a nearby funeral home. Others didn’t have time to run.

In Room 109, teacher Elsa Avila rushed to lock the door and turn off the lights. She told her students to hide under their desks, recalled a nine-year-old survivor, Daniel, whose mother asked that his last name not be used.

Daniel saw the gunman approach the window of his classroom door and shoot through the glass, striking Avila and another student a few feet away from him.

Daniel said he and others were “playing dead” inside the classroom because they feared he could see them.

Bullets zinged around the classroom, with one fragment striking a fellow student’s nose. Daniel recalled a “crunching” sound as it struck bone. Stymied by the locked door, Ramos moved back down the hallway, returning to Rooms 111 and 112, the adjoining classrooms.

McCraw said that three officers with the Uvalde Police Department were the first officers into the school and that two received grazing wounds at that time from the teenage gunman.

McCraw said the killer had locked the doors to Rooms 111 and 112 but briefly reemerged into the hall — at a time McCraw did not specify, but this is likely when those in Room 109 were shot at — before locking himself in the adjoining classrooms again.

Gunfire was heard at 11:37 am, 11:38 am, 11:40 am and 11:44 am, McCraw said.

Four more local officers — from the police department and county sheriff’s office — arrived, according to McCraw, at a time he did not say.

None of the officers attempted to enter Rooms 111 and 112 and engage the gunman, officials said.

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Half a million children living in poverty At least 581,000 people are living in poverty in Ireland today of which 164,000 are children. This is according to the latest CSO report; a household survey covering a broad range of issues in relation to income and living conditions.

The increasing number of people experiencing deprivation is a clear sign that despite several years of sustained economic growth, many people’s circumstances have not improved at all. Poverty and social exclusion continue to be put on the back burner by a Government that continues to fail to give poverty reduction the priority it requires, and people deserve.

The Wage Subsidy Schemes and the Pandemic Unemployment Payment (now closed) safeguarded people from the worst of the economic impact of the pandemic. Yet in the long term the economic and social impact will continue to be felt in many homes as

the deprivation figures show with over 690,000 people still struggling to achieve a basic standard of living; with four in 10 households reporting difficulties in making ends meet in 2021.

When different household types were analysed almost sixteen per cent of households with one adult and children reported great difficulty in

making ends meet. Arrears are a particular challenge for households on low incomes with one in five households not able to make a mortgage or rent payment, and sixteen per cent in arrears with their utility bills in 2021. This is currently exacerbated with the steep increases in the cost of living.

Further cause for concern is the very high poverty rates

for those unable to work due to long-standing health problems. This group again have the highest risk of poverty in the State at 39.1%.

The CSO figures show that ‘in-work poverty’ — a technical way of saying approximately 93,000 people who have jobs are not paid enough to achieve a basic standard of living — is 4.4%.

In 2021, 164,000 children, the most vulnerable groups in any society, lived in households that were below the poverty line. One in six children (204,710) was living in households experiencing deprivation.

Social welfare payments down from 27 percentage points to 11.6% play a crucial role in reducing poverty without which almost four in every ten of the Irish population would have been living in poverty. But it’s not enough according to Social Justice Ireland who is calling on the

Government to increase core social welfare rates by €10 per week in this year’s budget and commit to benchmarking core social welfare rates to 27.5 per cent of average earnings over two years.

Commenting on the figures, Dr Seán Healy, CEO of Social Justice Ireland, said: “The sheer scale of the numbers of people living in poverty is worrying, particularly when we consider the impact of the Government pandemic income supports in cushioning households from the worst effects of the pandemic.

“The Government has again shown that it has no clear, comprehensive strategy to tackle poverty, social exclusion and vulnerability. Today’s numbers clearly show that Government, to date, has failed to commit to leaving nobody behind.”

The group recommends a number of policy recommendations including, the

government must accept that “persistent poverty” should be used as the primary indicator of poverty measurement and assist the CSO in allocating sufficient resources to collect this data. Examine and support viable alternative policy options by carrying out in-depth social impact assessments prior to implementing any policies.

They must support the widespread adoption of the Living Wage so that low paid workers receive an adequate income and can afford a minimum but decent standard of living.

Introduce a cost of disability allowance to address poverty and social exclusion of people with a disability and recognise the reality of poverty among migrants and adopt policies to assist this group.

If not many families will fall further behind the rest of society in the years ahead.

John@ellisfinancial.ie 0868362633

Eight tips for health & happiness!

ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

Listen to country music: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Dolly Parton could make you live longer!

Cardiovascular experts found country music affects listeners’ bodies by dilating their veins, increasing blood flow and leading to better heart health.

Fans of events like the Kilkenny Country Music Festival will say ‘I told you so’ here!

Put up a bird feeder: Turn your garden into a home for feathered friends.

Putting out a variety of foods leads to a greater diversity. Finches love sunflower hearts. Robins and blackbirds prefer ground feeders (not a great idea if there are cats in your area, though!) and sparrows will be attracted by peanuts.

Detach from work at the end of the day: It’s so easy to constantly be at work these days. With the internet, we can access office email from any loca-

tion. Make it a priority not to do so. Your leisure time is precious. If you have to turn off your wifi to get a bit of peace at the end of the day, do so.

Many people working from home benefit from doing something which breaks their day. For example, going out of the house for a moment in the morning, then coming back in and doing the same in the evening. Subconsciously this helps to switch on and off from work.

Learn something new by watching YouTube: The number of instructional videos on YouTube is startling. Go for something achievable. Not only will you have fun learning, but you’ll feel great when you accomplish your goal. There are also plenty of fun educational clips you can watch with your children.

Grind your own coffee beans: If you’re one of the growing number of people making real coffee at home, this tip makes a big difference. Coffee goes stale very quickly and the difference when using freshly ground beans is huge.

Get an analogue alarm clock: How many of us get stressed at the sight of a clock displaying a time when we feel we should be asleep? It’s harder to read a clockface than a digital display when you’re blearyeyed at 3am. If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep, switching to an analogue alarm can help.

Early to bed, early to rise: This one doesn’t work so well for night owls. However, if you’re an early bird, getting to bed before midnight makes all the difference! Double the benefit by getting outside before 9am. Morning light helps to synchronise our biological clocks. Brightness in the earlier part of the day also increases alertness and mood. Use your early bird nature to best advantage and leave the house for at least 30 minutes before the ninth hour!

Try a different tune: Make a playlist for a friend with a totally different musical taste to you. Then get them to do the same in return. You never know, you might discover you love new artists you never heard before!

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Science & Wellbeing In short, a crush is a feeling of affection and attraction— sometimes intense — towards another person.

It’s usually brief, lasting a few weeks or months. It is essentially a mental state, engaging psychological processes.

Sometimes, the crush causes false perceptions and can even create physiological reactions.

One way to look at crushes from a psychological perspective is that they are all about projection. When you have a crush on someone, you imagine the best things you wish about them. This is why you need not know the person very well to have a crush on them.

The chances are that if you develop a crush on someone, it will be someone you already know and interact with in other aspects of life.

Perhaps it’s a work colleague or someone in your social circle. Evidence also suggests that people who live close to each other and see each other regularly will be more likely to develop an attraction.

Even if it isn’t immediately apparent, you likely identify with certain personality traits in someone you have a crush on. This may mean you subconsciously react in similar ways to triggers or that you see desirable characteristics that you wish for yourself. In a sense, you look for yourself in other people you’re attracted to.

If you like the same things, you’re more likely to develop an infatuation with a person.

Perhaps you’ve seen them have the same lunch choices in the cafeteria, or they happen to wear the same training shoes in the gym.

These similarities in choices may not be the thing that draws your immediate attention, but they certainly can deepen a passing interest in someone.

Creepy as it sounds, a study

You must remember this, a crush is just a crush conducted in Scotland discovered that people might inadvertently be attracted to someone who reminds them of their parents. This seemed apparent in the men studied, who indicated that they were drawn to subjects that somewhat resemble their mothers and women with their fathers.

It was not all that surprising to researchers, who have long held that people gravitate towards that which is familiar in many aspects of life.

Contrary to the ‘wisdom’ espoused in romance novels, there is no real idea of how long it takes to feel an attraction to someone. It can happen immediately or take days, weeks, months, or even years to come to the fore.

Researchers managed to identify physiological reactions to physical attraction (lust) and emotional or romantic love. But they could not determine a specific trigger or time frame for it.

A university in Austria found an interesting statistical anomaly when it comes to people and their eyes.

They discovered that people who had different coloured eyes were more likely to be attracted to or develop crushes on each other.

Some biologists theorise that the reason people inadvertently attract opposites could be a genetic impulse to help diversify the gene pool.

There’s no guarantee you’ll find love just by looking for this trait. So don’t take it too seriously.

There is another fact well worth knowing about the eyes, though. The longer two people look at each other, the higher the chances of them finding something attractive about the other.

If two people lock eyes and perhaps even maintain that stare for a few seconds, the chances of attraction go up even more. If you notice someone’s pupils dilate when they look at you, chances are they like you, too.

There is one caveat: At least a few other studies suggest that men will stare at the subject of their crush, while women may, in fact, avoid looking at theirs altogether.

It seems obvious, but your walls come down when

someone smiles at you. And their chances of attracting your attention in that way increase substantially.

Stony Brook University contends that their study showed you needed only seven seconds to subconsciously (and consciously) tell whether someone likes you. They also insist that it had little to nothing to do with physical looks. Most teenagers would probably disagree on all counts.

Most people think that looks are among the primary factors, and it might be. But smell also has a role to play, as humans seem to feel very comfortable with familiar smells. Whether someone wears perfume or cooks a meal that reminds you of a comforting memory, it all

plays a part in finding them attractive or developing a crush.

Far from being a minefield, flirting playfully when welcomed (without being overbearing) can lead to increased confidence and a general sense of happiness.

Provided you don’t invest too much into absolutely demanding something from someone for it, that is. Overall, leaving a great conversation or interaction with a good sense of fun is good for you.

It’s important to note here that being open to conversation and interaction is fine, but it’s no reason to assume that your crush feels the same way as you do. Respect boundaries and good social etiquette at all times.

Not to overstate it, but studies show that someone who makes us laugh may seem more attractive to us. They don’t need to be a stand-up comedian, but seeing the funny side of the same things makes it that much easier to relate to someone. They’re also probably easier to get along with.

At least, that’s what we begin to assume.

One of the key ingredients of the potent concoction known as ‘attractiveness’ is self-confidence. People tend to be drawn to others who exhibit at least an internal happiness or satisfaction with themselves.

This translates to an interesting observation. When you crush on someone, you tend to let them do a lot of the communication — the talking. You subconsciously enjoy their confidence and self-expression.

A crush is a mind-bending experience, and it can warp reality. When you crush on someone, you tend to see much of what they do as perfect. Flawed as they may be in reality, you simply cannot see any shortcomings

Statins really are a miracle drug Up to 200 million people worldwide are prescribed cholesterol-lowering statins leading some to question whether such common use is called for.

Reviewing the available evidence dispels most concerns.

Statins are amazingly effective at reducing death from cardiovascular disease, with minimal side effects. The term ‘wonder drug’ often gets used haphazardly, usually to describe unproven supplements.

But statins genuinely may be wonder drugs, with few risks but large, life-extending benefits.

The reason that Lipitor, the first statin and the first truly effective cholesterol-lowering medication, earned Pfizer $150 billion between 1997 and 2017 — making it the topselling pharmaceutical drug of all- time — is simple: It works.

Amazingly well. A doctor once (half?) jokingly remarked: “It’s just a matter of time before

they put statins in the water supply.”

Most statins like Lipitor are now generic, making their tremendous benefits far easier to afford. Statins can lower a patient’s ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol by an astounding 30-50%, translating to a “23% reduction in heart attacks, 17% reduction in fatal or non-fatal stroke, 19% reduction in death from cardiovascular causes, and a 12% reduction in allcause mortality,” according to a meta-analysis of trials with over 135,000 participants.

Statins are great with generally minimal side effects.

About one in 10 patients will experience muscle aches (which are entirely reversible when use is halted or dosage is decreased), along with a few but rare adverse effects.

Statins work by reducing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the body. LDL cholesterol serves a useful

purpose, transporting needed lipids (fats) to cells throughout the body, but when there’s too much, LDL can aggregate along the walls of blood vessels, causing them to narrow or even stop flowing entirely.

Known as atherosclerosis, this can result in a heart attack or stroke.

And it seems that many of us have too much LDL cholesterol.

So, who should take statins?

It is that final, somewhat confusing category, that draws the most debate, as it could apply to almost anyone over age 65, even relatively healthy people.

The grey area leaves room for patients and physicians to have nuanced conversations about statins. Dr Buzz Hollander, a health writer and family GP, recently offered this reasonable take after wading through the evidence: “It’s probably better to try first to see if someone can

improve their diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and so on. We will never have scientifically sound numbers to put on this, but lifestyle improvements might amount to 50-60% reductions in heart disease risks. They also can carry other benefits, too, like weight loss, fitness, and unearthed joy, which are hard to find in a 40mg atorvastatin pill.”

Dr Christopher Labos, a cardiologist, offered a slightly different, but also reasonable, take. Noting that it can be very difficult to lower cholesterol with diet and exercise alone, he says: “Lifestyle changes and medications are not mutually exclusive. You can do both simultaneously and you probably should.”

While there’s room for these small disagreements, doctors generally agree that statins’ widespread use is entirely called for (though not via the water supply).

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Travel & Leisure PART 2 OF A SERIES In Lower Manhattan there are loads of great things to do there like exploring (and eating) in Little Italy and Chinatown, going thrift and book shopping and visiting the Oculus.

Head even farther south and you’ll hit Battery Park, the place to grab the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty.

When it comes to nature there are two particularly beautiful places to visit in NYC. First up is of course Central Park. One of the best things to do is to cycle through the park.

Second up is the fantastic High Line. The High Line was an old railway line that was no longer used. It was regenerated and filled with plants, benches, little food stalls and much more. It is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

For something a little different get the ferry out to Governor’s Island. It s open May through October and has many live events. It is another great place to cycle in New York City.

Washington Square isn’t the greenest park you’ll ever visit but it has so much character and life in it and there is always something interesting going on.

NYC has so many extraordinary buildings. The most beautiful is the Chrysler Building, and the art deco wonder that is Grand Central Station. And Rockefeller Centre is just stunning at Christmas time.

7. Vancouver Lovely Vancouver is a physically beautiful city. It is surrounded by both snow topped mountains and blue sea. Stanley Park is perhaps its most famous landmark.

This park is on the peninsula and covers over 400 hectares.

Granville Island was once highly industrial but is now home to stores, theatres, galleries, restaurants and So, this is how it goes... You go on holiday, pick up a rental car, venture out onto the roads... and it’s bedlam.

Not only have you got new highway codes and road signs to grapple with, but you’ve got different driving norms, too. It can be absolute chaos.

But have you ever wondered which European country’s drivers are the worst? A study

by French motorway operator Vinci Autoroutes reckons it has found out.

Called the ‘European Barometer On Responsible Driving’, the study surveyed 12,400 Europeans (from 11 countries) earlier this year on how they perceive their own driving, the driving of their countrymen and of others around Europe.

Across the continent, 79% of replies had a negative view of fellow drivers. In the UK, a quarter said they were a completely different person behind the wheel, while in Poland 42% said that driving is

of this stunning museum/ church.

Both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofya are particularly stunning at sunset.

Topkapi Palace is a favourite Istanbul tourist attractions.

This palace was used between the 15th and 19th centuries and apparently was a hot place to go during the Ottoman Empire. lt is stunning and filled with lots of fantastic Instagram opportunities, particularly the colourful tiles.

The Grand Bazaar or Kapali Carsi is the largest covered market in Turkey with over 4,000 shops. This market contains everything you could ever imagine needing.

The market is 30,700 square metres and has 60 streets and is a must in any Istanbul itinerary.

Your guide to the great cities of the world the Granville Island Public Market. Kitsilano Beach is where locals go to swim in the outdoor heated seawater pool or to lie on the beach in the summer. Kitsilano has some great restaurants, fantastic views over Vancouver and Vanier Park is nearby.

Gastown is the oldest part of the city and filled with historic buildings, cobblestone streets and iron lampposts.

The roof of Canada Place was designed to look like a sailing ship. Which is appropriate given that it is probably the first place you will visit in Vancouver if you arrive in the city by sea.

Even if you haven t arrived by sea, head down to Canada Place for some fantastic views, a flight simulator experience and the beginning of a scenic walk to Stanley Park.

8. Cape Town Like Vancouver, Cape Town is an extraordinarily beautiful physically. It is a waterfront town, sitting on the Atlantic Ocean. And then behind the city is the majestic Table Mountain.

Table Mountain is synonymous with Cape Town.

Rising nearly 1000 metres south of the city centre it is visible from many points.

Depending on when you visit or the time of day it may be wearing its famous tablecloth which is cloud sitting on its top.

A cable car will take you to the top of Table Mountains in seven minutes. If you re looking for something more active a walk/climb to the top takes between two and four hours. It is tough going but well worth it for the views and the satisfaction.

Signal Hill is just a five

The worst drivers in Europe

minute drive from the city centre and has fantastic views of Cape Town and Table Bay from a more manageable 350 metres. It is a very popular spot to watch the sunset in Cape Town. This is also where the noon gun is fired each day at 12.

If you re looking for beautiful beaches head to Camps Bay or Clifton, about 6 kms from the centre of the city. For entertainment, great food, shopping and a generally buzzy atmosphere head to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.

9. Istanbul Istanbul in Turkey is literally where east meets west. This beautiful city is the perfect place to get your feet wet so to speak if you re keen to explore the Middle East or Africa. This atmospheric city has all the magic of the Middle East and

North Africa with a slightly more European feel.

The Blue Mosque in the late afternoon, a highlight of a week in Turkey The Blue Mosque is possibly Istanbul s most famous attraction. The mosque has six minarets or towers and several domes. It isn’t actually blue but it was named the Blue Mosque because of its beautiful interior tiles but it is absolutely stunning.

Hagia Sofya has had several lives. It began as an Orthodox Cathedral and was turned into a mosque. In 1935, Ataturk proclaimed it a museum although it is still considered by many to be the second biggest cathedral in the world.

Up to 30 million tiny gold mosaic tiles cover the interior of the church. Yes, 30 million.

Make sure you head up the stairs to the mezzanine as it provides one of the best views

10. Quebec City Quebec City is the only walled city in North America and a UNESCO-listed site.

I was quite blown away by the beauty of Quebec City when I visited. Unlike some of the other cities in this post, the base of Quebec City s beauty isn t natural. It is a mix of beautiful architecture, the height given by its cliff location above St Lawrence River and the French influence.

Quebec City is divided into the upper town and the lower town. The two towns are connected by both a funicular and winding streets.

The lower town of Quebec City is filled with cute little cobblestone streets and squares. There are many cute stores and restaurants in this atmospheric area. Don’t miss Quartier Petit-Champlain.

A great way to get some fantastic views of this beautiful city is to take the Quebec-Levis Ferry. This ferry regularly crosses the St Lawrence River between Quebec City and Levis. Dusk is a great time to take the ferry for beautiful views. about ‘every man for himself’.

Of all the countries in the study, however, it’s Greece that really stands out. A huge 91% of Greeks had something negative to say about other countries’ drivers, while they also reported the most ‘uncivil behaviour’ from their own drivers. For swearing, beeping, tailgating, driving on the phone and even getting out of your car to confront other drivers, Greece ranked very highly indeed.

In other words, if you’re planning a road trip through Greece this summer, you best be ready for one hell of a ride.

But Vinci’s study isn’t all about the negative stuff.

The Spanish and British, for instance, are the least judgemental about the driving of people in other countries, while the German responses were rather favourable of their own countrymen – reporting that very few of their fellow drivers were aggressive or irresponsible.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022

News

Time to act on online child safety, panel told As part of its ongoing 1,2,3 Online Safety Campaign, the Children’s Rights Alliance recently hosted a highprofile briefing and political panel discussion focused on children and young people’s safety and wellbeing online.

The event was chaired by former Senator Jillian van Turnhout and heard from representatives from political parties; Deputy Peadar

Tóibín (Aontú), Senator Malcolm Byrne (Fianna Fáil), Senator Micheál Carrigy (Fine Gael), Senator Pauline O’Reilly (Green Party), Deputy Ivana Bacik (Labour) and Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Sinn Féin).

Speaking on the event, Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance, said: “Those paying attention to the digital space

will know that we are on the cusp of a global movement to regulate big tech and online service providers. There is landmark legislation coming at European level, there is momentum building in the US and Australia and Fiji are even further ahead with wellestablished Online Safety Commissioners.

“In Ireland, we have waited for over a decade for the op-

portunity this Government has now – to ensure online platforms and big tech companies based here are responsible and held accountable for providing for the safety of those that engage with their services,” she said. “ Our primary concern is for children and young people who we know are online in greater numbers than ever before. These platforms have

a responsibility to ensure safety by design.”

Speaking on the political panel, representatives from seven political parties outlined their priorities to ensure a safer online experience for children and young people.

On regulation, Deputy Ivana Bacik (Labour Party) said: “There has been so much statutory reform around sex-

Less than 10 GPs offer abortion locally Four years on from the Repeal the 8th, the National Women’s Council (NWC) has called on the Government to address the lack of nationwide abortion services which is severely impacting women and pregnant people’s access to care.

Statistics show there are less than 10 GPs offering abortion services in Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford An analysis of HSE data by NWC found that currently: • Only one in 10 GPs is offering abortion care and not all of them are able to take referrals through My Options, the HSE’s unplanned pregnancy support service for the general public.

• Up to 50% of counties have less than 10 GPs offering abortion services and only four out of 26 counties have a well-developed community network of providers.

• Kilkenny, Carlow and Wexford have less than 10 GPs providing abortion services with the actual figure potentially being as low as 1 as HSE data was provided in ranges.

Additionally, only 11 out of 19 maternity hospitals are providing full abortion services in line with the law.

Research by Dr Lorraine Grimes and the Abortion Rights Campaign suggests service users are travelling considerable distances to access care. A total of 30% of survey respondents who have used the service since 2019 reported travel of 4-6 hours to access abortion care.

Commenting on the findings and their significance in the context of the ongoing abortion review, Orla

O’Connor, Director of NWC, said: “We know that women and pregnant people from every single county in Ireland need abortions. Four years on from Repeal, it’s not acceptable that the provision of care is so patchy and piecemeal, something which is particularly affecting rural areas. We need the Government to prioritise community-wide provision of abortion that allows for local, accessible care for all those who need it.”

“Significant challenges remain in the current provision of abortion services.

This includes mandatory wait periods and a restrictive 12-week gestational limit on early medical abortion. Barriers are also linked to the narrow definition of fatal foetal anomalies and the ongoing criminalisation of doctors, contrary to WHO guidelines. It is critical that the Government uses the current abortion review to address these issues as an urgent matter for women’s reproductive health,” she said.

Dr Marion Dyer, GP and member of START and Doctors for Choice, said: “While our abortion legislation has undoubtedly been of huge benefit to women’s health in Ireland, poor coverage of services continues to be a significant barrier to timely access to care.

“Half of counties have less than 10 GPs providing care which is particularly concerning in areas such as Wexford and Mayo where there is a large population.

As a GP, I am also extremely concerned that so far only 11 out of 19 maternity hospitals are providing the full range of abortion services.”

ual offences [and] offences against children in recent years and yet we are still waiting the full array of legislation needed to tackle safety online. What we are lacking [are] the civil law remedies and that is where the Online Safety Media Regulation Bill will provide such an important part of the package of measures necessary to ensure children are safe online.”

Eyeing that prize: Philip and Mary Cushen along with their daughter Miriam from Cushendale Woollen Mills will be representing Kilkenny at the 22nd National Enterprise Awards

Cushendale Mills up for national award Cushendale Woollen Mills crafts unique contemporary Irish textiles with an unrivalled provenance dating back to the 13th Century. The family business crafts textiles of Irish wool, mohair and lambswool, in small batches from fleece to fabric, ensuring exceptional

quality for the home and international market. It is the sixth generation of the family business and one of last remaining mills in Ireland who continue to operate as a vertical mill, working with the sheep’s fleece and processing it, all under the one roof.

Cushendale Woollen

Mills will now be competing against 30 other finalists from every local authority area for a share of the €50,000 winner’s prize fund. Categories this year include ‘Best Export Business,’ ‘Best Start-Up’ and ‘Innovation,’ in addition to eight regional awards.

There are also two

new National Enterprise Awards this year with a “One to Watch” award and a “Sustainability / Green” award. Previous national winners from County Kilkenny included companies such as Mileeven, Mechanical Modular Solutions and MyBio.

Drop in for a cuppa now at Tea Houses Set on the banks of the River Nore, Kilkenny City, the Tea Houses refurbishment works are now complete and were recently officially opened by Minister Malcolm Noonan, TD, in the presence of Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty and Mayor, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness.

The houses, dated early 19th Century buildings, stand at the southern entrance to the Riverside Garden. These buildings are important riverside landmarks, noted for their rarity and historical significance in the context of Kilkenny City.

Known as ‘Pleasure Houses’ at the time, the Tea Houses were built sometime between 1790 and 1810 for use by the Gentry.

The buildings are part of the Abbey Quarter site in the

heart of Kilkenny City and are located at the entrance to the extremely popular new Riverside Garden and Skatepark amenity area, which was officially opened in the summer of 2021.

The newly named ‘Isabel’s

Tea Houses’ will add to the public realm experience of the Abbey Quarter site as locals and visitors visit the Riverside Garden and Skatepark over the summer months and will be a place where people can meet for a tea/coffee and

relax at the banks of the river taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

The Tea Houses are named after Isabel de Clare who was the daughter of Aoife and Richard de Clare (commonly known as Strongbow) and the wealthiest woman in Ireland at the time. She was a significant woman in her own right and was married to William Marshall who has many buildings attributed to him in Kilkenny. Isabel successfully defended Kilkenny Castle during an attack in 1208. * Our photo shows Minister Noonan cutting the ribbon at the official opening of Isabel’s Teahouses with Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty and Mayor oAndrew McGuiness

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Feature

The seeds of friendship and welcome sown ten years ago continues to grow and bear fruit at the Fr Mc Grath Centre The Fr McGrath Centre in Kilkenny has come a long way.

The one time school in the Butts area of Kilkenny city is now a thriving centre catering for a multitude of needs.

S

t. Canice’s Community Action Ltd (SCCA) is a not for profit registered charity that was originally formed in 1991. It was created by parish parents and residents due to pressing social problems in their community housing areas.

In particular due to social problems facing children, young people and parents.

Since then they have grown to a large and diverse social and community support service running a variety of family, children and adult support, enterprise and training services including; The Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre, The Learning Tree Childcare, Kilkenny Multimedia IT Training Centre, and St. Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall.

All these services, social enterprises and initiatives have grown from their Family Resource Centre.

The Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre, a formerly derelict building and green space site in the heart of the Butts housing estate was purchased by SCCA in 1995.

Finally, it was placed in Trust for the perpetual community use, and has since seen an investment of millions of euro over the following years.

Moreover, their newly adapted, three storey facility now boasts some of the best family and children support and training facilities in Kilkenny City. Their local centre includes extensive public play grounds, sports areas and public green space park facilities.

The centre now employs a large team of specialist family, children and youth profession support workers. Furthermore, the staff is responsible for the children’s education, youth development and parent and family support services.

HUNDREDS BENEFIT FROM FÁILTE ISTEACH Last week ‘The Kilkenny Observer’ was invited to attend the awards presentation for The ‘Fáilte Isteach’

programme. This programme was founded ten years ago and continues to go from strength to strength.

Members of The Ukrainian community received a warm welcome at The Fr McGrath Centre. Included in the photo is Mayor Andrew McGuinness.

Samuel Morgan who runs the immigrant advisory service at The Fr McGrath Centre

Director of Services, Stephen Murphy welcomed and thanked the many volunteers who in the last

ten years of ‘Fáilte Isteach’ operating from the Fr. McGrath Centre has helped hundreds of immigrants

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Feature Administration staff and tutors at The Fr McGrath Centre pictured with Mayor Andrew McGuinness

Translator Ekaterina Ruzgene, Mayor Andrew McGuinness and Theresa Delahunty at the Fr McGrath ‘Fáilte Isteach’ awards ceremony

attempted, sometimes led by the students themselves.

This makes for a relaxed environment and a person centred approach which underpins the ‘Fáilte Isteach’ ethos.

IMPORTANT TO REACH OUT The Fr. McGrath Project is unique in that in addition to providing conversation English, participants are linked to a range of social, community and educational activities. The Centre is acutely aware of the importance of reaching out to new communities by valuing their diversity, while at the same time promoting inclusiveness within the local community. As one student commented, “I love coming to the Fr. McGrath Centre as I am made to feel so welcome and I have made many new friends from all over the world. We all communicate learn English and integrate into Irish society.

He thanked key volunteers Samuel Morgan, Margaret

Birnie and Michael Armstrong. However, he said the Board reserved special thanks for Theresa Delahunty who founded the service ten years ago and has been the heart, soul and driving force of this service and the Immigrant Advisory Service running from their family resource centre since.

Speaking to the sixty plus audience , Mr Murphy continued, “Theresa is an inspiration to us all and on behalf of the hundreds of families that she has helped over those years we thank her for the energy, compassion and single mindedness she has brought to the issue of supports for asylum seekers, refugees and immigrants.”

Also present on the morning was founding director and current chairperson Mike Kelly.

Mike smiled as he looked around at the gathering

and commented that there was great satisfaction at the centre when you see such happiness in a room. “It is great to see a seed that was sown over ten years ago that continues to bear fruit”. quipped Mr Kelly.

AN ECLETIC MIX The annual Fr. McGrath ‘Fáilte Isteach’ English Awards, presented by Mayor Andrew McGuinness, took place on Wednesday 25th.

The event was attended by an eclectic mix from around the globe – diverse cultures from Africa, Asia, South America and Europe all gathered together, each with their own story to tell. Also present was a group of Ukrainians, who, due to circumstances outside their control, now find themselves living amongst us. They too want to learn and practice their English.

According to Theresa

Delahunty at the centre, being able to speak English helps families get to know their Irish neighbours and so become part of the community. “Fluency in the language is also helping new migrants find work and so take their place and contribute to Irish life. The Fr. McGrath ‘Fáilte Isteach’ Project is filling a vital need and enriching our community”, continued Thearesa.

Each week in the Centre, a panel of volunteer tutors provide a forum where students learn and exchange ideas while at the same time learning English. Their teachers, all volunteers, constantly explore innovative ways for stimulating the conversation and reinforcing the learning experience. Everything from herb gardening to dance and music has been

through the English language and this is helping us to practice and develop our English skills as well as getting to know what is going on in the local community” The Awards were not just for the students but for tutors also.

The students who come from different countries were presented with certificates in recognition of their sterling work and their continuous commitment to the Project.

The next term commences on 21st September. Further details can be obtained by phoning: The Fr. McGrath Centre 0567751988 or Immigrant Services Mobile 0861927033 email: immigrantservicekk@ gmail.com (Photos of the presentation of awards will appear in next weeks edition of The Kilkenny Observer)

Stephen Murphy , (Director of Services,) Theresa Delahunty, (Tutor) and Mike Kelly ( Chairperson) at the presentation of awards at The Fr McGrath Centre.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022

News Community Group

Twilight’s pass programme takes to the road to asssist our seniors

The Twilight Community Group launched its Protecting Assisting Seniors Services (PASS) programme to a large gathering of not just members of our seniors but family members with an interest in what services are available

to this very important demographic of society.

The Attendees were welcomed to the Orchard House

by Members of the Twilight Community Group and refreshments were served on arrival and during the two-

hour event. Present were the Fire Chief John Collins and his team as they informed the coffee morning of the services available from the Fire services. The Garda community engagement programme were represented

he and Shirley Bergin let those present know all about security in our homes, from doors and windows to outside lighting. Money advice and budgeting services (MABS) were on hand to discuss the best ways to budget for their households. With the large increases in the cost of everyday living money advice is of vital importance as we look forward to the spring and winter of 2022/23. Our ‘Community Bank’ Representative Mrs Dunne was also present to explain the services the Credit Union provide for all the senior members of our society. The Area of wills and assisted living is now a

minefield and there to assist seniors were the Newpark law services representative. All the experts will now take this road show to the following venues • Tuesday June 7th Clara Hall, Clara. Time 11am to 1pm • Wednesday June 8th St Canice’s Hall. Time 11am to 1pm • Monday June 20th St Patrick’s Parish Centre. 11am to 1pm • Tuesday June 21st St Johns Parish, Orchard House.

11am to 1pm • Tuesday June 28th St Marys Community Centre, Fair Green. 11am to 1pm

by one Twilight’s great friend and supporter Andy Neil, Garda Neil has previously spoken at the Twilight’s International Conferences on the stigmatisation of migrants and is a regular contributor to all Twilight Projects. Both

Twilight’s trips are back The Twilight Community Group are bouncing back after the long and hard days of isolation due to the pandemic.

It had to defer and cancel their European wide trips for their members during Covid 19.

That all came to an end over the last two weeks which saw their members travel to Turkey and Lithuania as they represented the Group, Kilkenny and Ireland through the European Erasmus + programmes.

First to get their passports stamped were Yona Samuel and Michael Ibrahim as they travelled across Europe to Turkey and spent seven days.

It was an 8-day programme and the twilight members were joined by other organisations from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Norway, Georgia. The main project was learning coding practices through non formal education models.

Other objectives included finding out the cultural differences and learning EU values.

To increase the capacity of young people to volunteer and work in clubs of universities such as software/mechatronics, and organizations such as the T3 Foundation with national/international dimensions, talking about software projects in Europe, thanks to local activities.

To be able to look at technological developments from a futuristic approach, to create

a logical framework, and to identify the special needs of young people on the subject.

To acquire basic equipment and information such as electronic circuit, coding, principles of flight, artificial intelligence, and to pave the way for smart, environmentally friendly projects/initiatives that they can create. To provide a logical approach to technological developments, to identify the special needs of young people on the subject, to measure and improve their knowledge.

Our second Team headed to Lithuania to Our Skills European futures project. Twilight Community Group had 5 representatives on this excellent Erasmus plus programme. The objectives in this project were

To provide tools for young people to develop their soft skills and take their ideas into action To develop entrepreneurship To gain knowledge about opportunities of Erasmus+ and Erasmus for young entrepreneurs To find the ways to adapt adequately to the labour market’s needs.

To promote European Skills To enhance youth cooperation in the activism and sense field of youth initiatives.

Next to pack their bags and go are the younger members of the Twilight Youth Inclusion Group. This will consist of 10 members aged 13 to 17 with two team leaders who will head to Margny Les Compiegne France for 7 days July 16th and then returning to Ireland with 24 new friends from France and our partners from Malbork Poland for another 7 fun filled days around Kilkenny The Twilight, an open an inclusive community group.

If you wish to join the group and put your name forward for upcoming trips send your name and details to Twilight Community Group, International Cultural House 15A Hebron House Hebron Business Park R95DD29

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022

Ukraine Invasion What are the chances of hundreds of Ukrainian fighters who were trapped for weeks in a Mariupol steel plant being brought home in a prisoner swap? Russia and Ukraine have been engaged the past months engaged in a number of prisoner exchanges.

In March, the release of Ivan Fedorov, the Mayor of Melitopol, in exchange for nine captured Russian soldiers made international headlines. The largest prisoner exchange occurred April 1, when 86 Ukrainian soldiers were exchanged for the same number of Russian soldiers.

Co-operative behaviour during war is generally puzzling — especially in the current Russian-Ukraine conflict, which is characterised by allegations of war crimes and other violations of international humanitarian law. How can we explain why these prisoner exchanges take place, even as the two sides are engaged in violent conflict?

Is this a humanitarian move?

The Geneva Conventions of 1949 spell out protocols for treatment of prisoners of war, including regulations for prisoner exchanges. But it’s unlikely that a commitment to international humanitarian law is driving these exchanges.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine represents a major violation of international law, according to legal experts. And Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy record, from Chechnya to Syria, suggests that Russia’s military strategy is not restrained by international norms and laws protecting civilians.

A recent Amnesty International report, for instance, details alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine, including violations of prisoner rights. In light of the growing number of reports of Russian atrocities in Bucha and Mariupol, the Geneva Conventions appear an empty promise in the current conflict.

Strategic calculations often play a key role in prisoner exchanges. To make an The European Union, bar Hungary and the Czech Republic, the US and the UK in sanctioning Russian oil.

European diplomats reached consensus on a deal to halt most Russian oil imports to the bloc that was signed off by leaders meeting in Brussels on May 30.

The agreement now deprives Russia of its biggest oil market.

For Ireland, and elsewhere, the ban will see a huge increase in the pricing of fossil fuels, the Taoiseach has warned.

For Iran, whose exports are already sanctioned, this means the market for unsavoury oil is going to get crowded. Buyers will have more options, potentially starting a price war between producers whose crude few want to touch. Russia is the world’s second biggest oil exporter, after Saudi Arabia.

If Russia wants to evade sanctions, it could learn from Iran’s playbook

The real reasons behind prisoner exchanges

draws from a large supply of potential military conscripts.

Hence, the necessity of troop replenishment is unlikely to be a motivation for Russia to agree to prisoner exchange deals.

Another possible explanation for why Russia and Ukraine agree to prisoner exchanges is that these exchanges have symbolic value. By negotiating the release of prisoners of war, countries send a powerful signal to domestic and international

audiences, indicating that they are genuinely guided by benevolent intentions.

The Russian government is heavily involved in an information war over its so-called ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine, going to great lengths to frame its invasion as a humanitarian mission to liberate oppressed Russian citizens. To Moscow, the public announcement that “our boys have returned” serves this broader narrative of protecting Russian citizens against a foreign adversary.

The prisoner exchanges also allow Russia to pay lip service to international norms, presenting itself as a government that abides by humanitarian principles.

When countries publicly announce prisoner exchanges, they’re also sending an important signal to their soldiers. By declaring the prospect of release, governments seek to bolster the morale of their troops and enhance their willingness to fight with unlimited resolve.

When the Mayor of Melitopol expressed his thanks for his safe release, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded,:“We don’t drop our own.”

The primarily symbolic nature of the prisoner exchanges in the RussiaUkraine War is indicated by their comparatively limited scale. Too few prisoners have been exchanged to give either side a strategic advantage.

While my database on prisoner exchanges shows 12 exchanges have been publicly announced, each exchange has released an average of just 31 prisoners. This represents a tiny subset of the total estimated number of prisoners of war.

The symbolic function of these exchange deals is also reflected in the specific individuals included in the swaps. The Ukrainian side prides itself for the release of Roman Hrybov, the Ukrainian border guard who defiantly

refused to surrender to the February 24 Russian warship attack on his Snake Island outpost. Numerous less vocal Ukrainian soldiers and civilians remain in detention.

An important dimension of each exchange deal is the ratio of prisoners released by each side. It might seem intuitive that Russia and Ukraine would only accept parity swaps, with each side releasing the same number of prisoners. But that’s not always the case — the March 1 prisoner exchange swapped one Russian officer for five Ukrainian soldiers.

This suggests that the Russian government considers some prisoners more valuable than others, which shows once again that exchanges are more than humanitarian acts. Instead, strategic reasons could explain why high-ranking officers trade at a higher price.

By publicly rewarding military leadership, such deals may foster military hierarchies and encourage military ambitions of the rank-and-file.

While the prisoner exchanges in the RussianUkrainian war aren’t generally motivated by humanitarian reasons, this does not reduce their intrinsic value.

For example, the prisoner exchange on April 30 resulted in the release of 14 Ukrainians, including an officer who was five months pregnant. Given that Ukrainian prisoners of war are allegedly subject to abuse, each prisoner exchange has the potential to prevent war crimes.

However, despite the many reasons to support continued prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, it’s important not to read these exchange deals as a commitment to humanitarian norms. For Russia, the exchanges are far more likely to involve strategic and symbolic calculations, rather than signal Moscow’s respect for the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war.

into that share.

Experts say there has been a slump in Iranian crude oil exports to China since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February, along with an

increase in Russian exports to China.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine war, China has bought more than €7 billion euros worth of Russian fossil fuels, according to the US Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. Most of that was crude oil.

Meanwhile, Iran’s sales to China have fallen by more than a quarter, analysts say.

“I think right now it is about a fourth, on its way to becoming a third,” said Amir Handjani, a non- resident fellow at the US think-tank, the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. As Chinese buyers purchase less and ask for bigger discounts, Iran might lose vital foreign currency revenues, he said.

Russia offers China cheaper barrels, a higher grade of oil and none of the secondary US sanctions that put non-US entities that deal with Iran at risk of being cut off from the US market, experts say. That has some in Iran worried amid

concerns about a price war.

“The only lifeline Iran really has right now for its crude is through China,” said Handjani. “It has really been China keeping Iran afloat.”

This month, Iranian oil minister Javad Owji said Iran is a good price” and that “new markets have been identified.”

Hamid Hosseini, board member of Iran’s Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Products Exporters’ Union said Iran’s oil exports to China may suffer as Russia enters that market.

“We can say that finally, Russia has taken our share,” he said, adding that the situation presents “the best opportunity” to revive the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Talks between Iran and world powers aimed at reviving the agreement have stalled since March. The last remaining major sticking point is Iran’s outstanding demand that the US removes Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guard Corps from its list of foreign terrorist organisations.

It’s a humanitarian move mostly,

but there’s another side to it exchange, both belligerents must decide that the advantages of replenishing their own troops outweigh the costs of replenishing the troops of their adversary.

But history shows that prisoner exchanges can entail significant risk. For instance, six Israelis were allegedly murdered by released prisoners of the 2011 Shalit prisoner exchange, where Hamas swapped one Israeli soldier for 1,027 prisoners

being held by Israel.

One reason the Ukrainian side is willing to take this risk could be its limited supply of fighters, compared to the Russian side.

Given that Russia’s population outnumbers Ukraine’s, officials in Kyiv might perceive the relative value of each Ukrainian soldier to be higher than the risk potential of a Russian soldier.

However, this logic would be reversed for Russia, which

Iran, nuclear power, and the EU oil ban on Russia But the move may also give more urgency for Tehran to reach an agreement with world powers to revive the 2015 nuclear pact that was abandoned by the Trump Administration in 2018.

The agreement would lift sanctions and open Iran’s oil up to the world market.

China has been Iran’s number one oil buyer for the past two years, but Russia may have already started biting

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News Enterprise Ireland’s mission is to accelerate the development of world-class Irish companies to achieve leading positions in global markets.

Traditionally, many Irish companies would have looked to our nearest neighbours in the UK as the initial overseas market when taking that important first step in their exporting journey — with proximity, language and culture all critical factors.

However Enterprise Ireland is also keen to support Irish companies to diversify and explore new opportunities in other overseas markets — and with the significant advantages of a single market and a single currency, the eurozone market, is a key target.

In order to help drive that diversification, in 2019 Enterprise Ireland designed and launched a new strategic market entry programme called ‘Enter the Eurozone’, aimed specifically at supporting Irish companies to develop and implement a market entry plan for eurozone countries.

As a region, the eurozone has a population of 340 million people, but it still remains relatively untapped by Irish exporters.

However, if you needed to see proof that the opportunity is still out there, Enterprise Ireland’s client companies have recorded up to 60% growth in non-food exports to the eurozone over the course of their

A Kilkenny based community project was honoured recently at the all-Ireland Pride of Place community awards in Killarney, Co Kerry.

KCAT Arts Centre claimed a special award in the Creative Space Initiative category for their work in fostering and nurturing of creative ambition and professional development in the Arts.

The awards, hosted by RTE’s Marty Whelan, took place in Kerry’s INEC centre with 400 community volunteers in attendance.

Two other Kilkenny groups were nominated for awards but Kilkenny Older Peoples Council and Windgap Village were ultimately unsuccessful.

Sponsored by IPB Insurance, the Pride of Place competition was initiated 19 years ago though a Cooperation Ireland programme to acknowledge the invaluable work undertaken by volunteers and those involved in local community development.

It has grown into the largest competition recognising community development achievements on the island of Ireland.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Fidelis Doherty said: “Kilkenny has a strong history of communities coming together to accomplish major achievements and sincere congratulations to KCAT Arts Centre on their special award and

Helping Irish firms develop a market entry plan for eurozone countries strategy from 2017 up to 2020.

Enterprise Ireland is now proudly on its fifth cohort of this award-winning programme, which will bring to more than 100 the number of Irish exporters who have participated, and are now equipped with the

tools and information required to win new business in the eurozone.

Due to the pandemic, some companies had to complete our strategic programme online.

Enterprise Ireland recently

hosted an Enter the Eurozone alumni event in Dublin, incorporating a workshop on pricing in European markets, bringing together past and current participants and providing these ambitious entrepreneurs with the opportunity to network and

learn from the experiences of other participants.

A survey of its client companies that attended this event reported encouraging and interesting results, including that 83% of participant companies have executed, or are in the

Our silage farmers facing a 40% increase in plastic costs

Proud winners: Rachel Burke from KCAT, Callan Co Kilkenny, is presented with a Special Award for their work at the IPB Pride of Place awards

KCAT Arts Centre scoops Pride of Place award to Windgap Village and the Older Persons Council who also represented Kilkenny at the awards.

“These awards are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational tireless work being done by communities all over the Island of Ireland as they strive to make their

place a better place in which to live. Well done to all involved in continually organising this Event each year.”

President Michael D. Higgins, who is Joint Patron of Co-operation Ireland with Queen Elizabeth, said the awards played an important role.

“The Pride of Place awards

process of executing, their eurozone market entry plan.

A total of 100% believe the Enter the Eurozone programme helped their company grow their exports. And, encouragingly, more than half (57%) of them have already secured business in a eurozone market since completing the programme.

For example, Kooba — an award-winning web design, web development and online digital marketing agency — completed the Enter the Eurozone programme in early 2020.

The company has since set up in Germany, winning business with Berlin-based startup Holoplot, and a large sports retail company.

Campion — which sells, installs and services pumps in Ireland — chose the Italian market and took on two business development managers on the ground. This local presence has allowed it to win four Italian customers since completing the Enter the Eurozone programme.

Cronin Movers Group signed its first eurozone contract with a Dutch logistics company while it was completing the programme.

Vivagreen Group decided to target France, given the significant size of the market. Since completing the programme, the company has exhibited at a key trade show there, which has led to promising discussions with potential distributors.

are a most important initiative, reminding us that creating societies that are ethical and inclusive is a task for all of our citizens, of all ages and circumstances.”

Pride of Place founder and Chairman Tom Dowling said: “These awards continue to be as important as ever as we are about to start judg-

ing the 20th year of the competition. The purpose of the awards has never changed.

They are about recognising and celebrating the extraordinary, inspirational, and tireless work being done by communities all over the island of Ireland as they strive to make their place a better place in which to live.”

Farmers making silage face a 40% increase in the cost of recycling farm plastics, while the price of agri-diesel has crept up to 130c/L in recent days.

Heavy silage crops in some areas are also adding to costs for farmers and contractors, who have seen significant rises in the price of agri-diesel over the past few months.

Now, farmers emptying their yards of last year’s silage wrap and pit covers face further costs as the Irish Farm Film Producers Group CLG (IFFPG) increase collection charges at bring centres from €50/t to €70/t due to escalating energy and fuel costs associated with the war in Ukraine.

It is also understood that the minimum charge at bring centres will increase from €25 to €35 per half tonne.

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue warned in the Dáil that, in regard to the removal of excise on green diesel, “there is no more room to change that as we have now removed it all”.

The price hikes come after the minister announced a payment of up to €1,000 for farmers to help with rising costs and ensure adequate fodder supplies this winter.

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News

Kilkenny’s Golden Age The years of the great Confederation are considered Kilkenny’s Golden Age. On October 24th 1642, the City was thronged with people of high degree. While large crowds were not uncommon at the time, especially on market days, this was a unique occasion. It was the day that eight catholic Bishops, thirteen peers, and hundreds of high-ranking rebel officials arrived in Kilkenny for the first ever meeting of the National Assembly of the Confederation.

This assembly that purported to represent the Irish people had taken shape over the previous seven months. The watershed top level meeting of the Irish rebel leadership in Kilkenny was held to chart the future of Ireland… or at least the parts of it under Catholic control.

The City that greeted them impressed the Assembly delegates.

They found Kilkenny a charming and welcoming city, with its mighty and imposing castle, property of the Earl of Ormonde; its grandiose Cathedral, spacious grey marble houses, delightful orchards, attractive inns and taverns (though these were scarce enough), and its lively fairs. The City streets were kept impeccably clean throughout the Confederate era as Kilkenny put its best foot forward. Civic pride soared

to unprecedented new heights.

The Confederation chose the house of Robert Shee, located near the City’s market place, as a meeting venue. It had 35 rooms and a lavish garden that encompassed half an acre.

The Assembly at its first meeting had no inkling of the nature and scale of the administrative structure that would evolve from its deliberations. But what happened is that it metamorphosed into a national parliament that in turn conferred on Kilkenny the status of Ireland’s capital.

The City would retain this proud and never to be repeated honour until the Confederation itself was dissolved.

Appealing to European powers that had an axe to grind with England raised funds for the Confederate wars against the English. France and Spain, though engaged in the final phase of the Thirty Years War, sent diplomats to Kilkenny, thus conferring recognition on Ireland’s rebel government and elevating Kilkenny’s political and socio-economic status to new heights.

But it was only the Papacy that offered actual financial support to what it perceived to be a Catholic regime that would cleanse Ireland of all “heretical” beliefs and influences. The City acquired

a strong Cosmopolitan ambience. A multiplicity of European languages including Latin could be heard any day of the week in the streets and meeting places.

And the guests adapted well to local customs. They drank in the taverns, conversed freely with the natives, and many a “Holy Man” from Rome could be seen staggering out of the City’s premier drinking holes at all hours of the morning. One of the Pope’s top men in Kilkenny, Monsignor Massari, became hopelessly addicted to tobacco.

He joked to disapproving colleagues that he may as well smoke in this life as he hoped to avoid smoking in the next.

He declared that God himself created tobacco to dull the pain of living!

There was a flowering of culture and intellectual life in Kilkenny.

A printing press was established.

As well as government proclamations and decisions, the press published many plays, books of poetry and political works. Public entertainment abounded in the City. Plays were performed at the Market Cross. These drew huge attendances. The taverns were packed with political bigwigs, swaggering gentry, and clerical merry-makers.

To be continued in next week’s edition of The Kilkenny Observer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022

Feature

A passion for Irish Country music sees Johnny Barry receive award from mayor as family and friends celebrate

Family members of Johnny Barry at City Hall on Wednesday to celebrate his award.

Alison McEnroe, Lorna Cornally, Linda Barry and Ellen Barry

The radio crew. Colleagues of Johnny Barry outside The Mayors Parlour on Wednesday night when Johnny received his award

I

rish country music is big news in Ireland.

Since the 1960’s , dance halls, marquees and country halls packed out to the sound of such artists as Big Tom, Larry Cunningham, Margo, Susan McCann and Philomena Begley. In more recent years names such as Daniel O Donnell, Foster and Allen Trudi Lawlor and Hugo Duncan took up the baton.

And the longevity of these singers is certainly not in doubt.

What is it about these singers and musicians that is so appealing to the thousands of fans who pack out halls and hotels week in week out?

Well, there are a few reasons. It goes without saying of course that audiences love them for the quality of their voices and

Brothers Kevin and Johnny Barry. Johnny is sporting the veteran fire hat presented to him by Joe Traynor

their choice of songs.

After that it is the special relationship that artists have with their fans. The presentation of the singers and band members is second to none and of course time given by performers to their fans at the end of a night’s entertainment is legendary.

It is probably fair to say that although Irish country music and its stars are adored by hundreds of thousands of people the length and breadth of Ireland, the air time allocated to this genre of music on the national radio and television falls short of the expected mark.

And therefore it falls to local radio stations to take up the slack.

And boy they do that in style.

THIRTY YEARS PROMOTING COUNTRY MUSIC A case in point would be the Johnny Barry show that lasted all of thirty years, eighteen of them on local radio station KCLR. Johnny was asked to present a thirty minute programme a couple of times a week.

“When I asked what I should play, I was told they would

Sisters Breda Morton and Geraldine Bree, pictured in the Council Chambers

KCLR presenter Johnny Barry receives his certificate from Mayor Andrew McGuinness

leave that to myself. So I started playing Irish tunes

by Irish artists and I haven’t stopped since.”, said Mr Barry.

That was twenty eight years ago explains Johnny.

As a young man Johnny was a member of the Kilkenny fire Brigade. He was later to become apprentice projectionist at the Regent

cinema, then later at Stallards on Patrick Street. Following the closure of Stallards, Johnny joined Jackie Parle at The Savoy as assistant projectionist.

A love of music was always part of Johnny’s make up and especially Country and Irish.

Today, it is probably fair to say that there isn’t a country

singer in Ireland who hasn’t reached out to Johnny to give his or her song a spin on his late night radio show on KCLR. Having entertained the masses for thirty years, Johnny hung up his microphone last Easter, much to the disappointment of his thousands of fans.

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Feature

Johnny Barry and his family at City Hall to celebrate Johnny’s achievement award. Also included in the photo are John McGuinness T.D and Mayor Andrew McGuinness

High Street businesswoman Ann Ryan and musician John Travers at City Hall supporting Johnny Barry

the Hot Country award for his contribution to Irish Country Music.

For a radio station to receive this award twice in three years was some achievement and one which no other radio station has matched.

THE MAYORS AWARD Last Wednesday in city hall Johnny was to receive another award.

For his contribution to Irish music in general and the promotion of Iris Artists, Johnny received the Mayor’s award.

Mayor Mc Guinness congratulated Johnny, saying his recognition was well deserved.

M.D. of KCLR John Purcell commented that Johnny was unique in all that he did on local radio. “Johnny is a man who knows what he wants to deliver and nothing has ever stood in his way, said Mr Purcell”. The head of the radio

Marie Maher (P.A at KCLR) who co-ordinated the Johnny Barry event at City Hall pictured with former radio presenter and Kilkenny Hurler John Kinsella

station went on to announce that although Johnny was hanging up his microphone he expected a few guest appearance from Johnny in the coming months” Mr Purcell also commented that Johnny was to be Irish Country music ambassador for KCLR. Others that spoke on the night were fellow radio presenters Sue Nunn and Brendan Hennessy.

RADIO PRESENTER WAS NUMBER ONE One quick story to finish.

A member of The Watergate Theatre in attendance on the night recalled a night of Country music at the Parliament Street venue.

The night’s entertainment was complete and the artists gathered in the foyer to meet their fans. The staff on duty wondered what the problem was, as the singers waited to sign autographs, but there

was no sign of the audience leaving the auditorium. A staff member went into the auditorium to see what the issue was and could only smile at what he saw.

The audience of about two hundred were queued up alongside the wall and at the main door signing autographs was none other than Johnny Barry. Priorities, I guess.

Back to the Tholsel.

Surrounded by family and neighbours and staff from KCLR, an emotional Johnny Barry said he was thrilled that so many had turned out to wish him well and that he was very grateful.

When asked by the Kilkenny Observer what the secret of his longevity and popularity as a radio presenter was, Jonny replied, “believe in what you’re doing, don’t be afraid to show your passion for your work, and stick to your guns”.

And, that sums up Johnny Barry.

The two Johns: Johnny Barry pictured with C.E.O. of KCLR John Purcell

IT ALL STARTED IN THE ARCADE Johnny’s journey as a radio presenter started in the Arcade on High Street, when along with John Walsh and Seamus Brophy they started a radio station called AMS, (Astra Media Services).

Speaking about his colleague, Radio presenter

John Walsh had this to say about Johnny. “My observations are that what makes him so popular is the common touch. He connects with the music community, what they like and what they want. It’s been a pleasure knowing Johnny all these years and in a world gone mad it’s great to see people

like Johnny holding on to that simple understanding of what real people want”.

His audience numbers were huge and his programme was heard all over Ireland as well as a devoted listenership in parts of the UK. Of course his hard work has not gone unnoticed. In 2018 and 2020 Johnny was awarded

Susan and Kevin Barry in attendance at City Hall

Family affair…KCLR’s Ken McGuire with baby Grace at City Hall

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Polish chocolate and walnut cake Prep: 45 mins Cook: 1 hr and 40 mins Serves: 10

This deliciously delicate chocolate layer cake is a true show-stopping bake. Stack up chocolate sponge, chocolate glaze and crunchy walnuts.

Ingredients For the cake • 150g plain flour, plus 1 tbsp • 50g cocoa • 8 eggs, separated • 200g caster sugar

For the meringue • 5 eggs, separated (keep the yolks for the custard) • 200g caster sugar • 250g walnuts, a couple of handfuls saved for decoration and the rest chopped • 1 tbsp plain flour • 1 tbsp potato starch For the glaze • 100g double cream • 100g chocolate, chopped Method STEP 1 Before making the cake, take the eggs and butter out of the fridge to let them warm to room temperature.

STEP 2 Heat the oven to 170C/fan 150C/

gas 3½. Sift the flour and mix it with cocoa. Beat the egg whites until stiff, then add the sugar to them in small batches. Then add the egg yolks one by one, whisking constantly. Sift the flour mixed with cocoa on the egg mixture and gently fold everything together with a spatula. Pour the prepared batter into a 30cm x 22cm shallow baking tin lined with baking parchment and bake it for 35 mins.

Cool for 5 mins, remove from the tin and re-line the tin.

tin and cook for 40 mins. Carefully remove from the oven and leave to cool.

STEP 3 To make the meringue, whisk the whites until stiff, gradually adding the sugar, one tablespoon at a time. When you have a stiff and shiny meringue, fold in the finely chopped walnuts, flour and potato flour. Spread the mixture into the

STEP 4 For the chocolate glaze, heat the cream over low heat, then remove from the heat, pour the chopped chocolate into it and mix it until it dissolves and the glaze becomes shiny and uniform.

STEP 5 Cut the cooled chocolate sponge cake into two layers. Put the nut meringue on top of the bottom layer of sponge and sprinkle on some of the reserved walnuts. Add another layer of meringue and then the upper layer of chocolate sponge cake and cover the top with chocolate glaze. Decorate with walnuts. Put the finished cake in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving.

Chocolate and prune cheesecake Prep: 30 mins Cook: 1 hr and 25 mins plus resting Serves: 8-10 Make this impressive prune and chocolate layered cheesecake for an irresistible sharing dessert.

Top with chocolate ganache and crunchy pistachios.

Ingredients • 200g prunes, pitted and ready to eat • 100ml vodka • 4 eggs • 320g caster sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 45ml flavourless oil, plus extra for the tin • 150ml Greek yogurt • 130g flour • 40g cocoa • 5g bicarbonate of soda • 2.5g baking powder

• • • • • • •

90ml coffee 500g curd cheese 5g potato flour 80ml double cream 100g dark chocolate, chopped 15g butter 60g pistachios

Method STEP 1 Cut the prunes into strips and put them in a bowl with the vodka, set aside for an hour to make them swell and become more moist.

STEP 2 Heat the oven to 180C/gas 160C/ gas 4. For the base, combine 1 egg with 160g sugar, ½ tsp vanilla, the oil and yogurt. Sift the flour with the cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and a large pinch salt.

Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients, and finally add the coffee and mix everything

together. Line the bottom of a 24cm springform pan with baking parchment and oil the sides. Pour the dough into the base, put it in the oven and bake it for 20 mins.

STEP 3 For the filling, beat the curd cheese with the remaining sugar, potato flour, 3 eggs and ½ tsp vanilla.

Drain the prunes and add them in.

Pour the cheese mixture over the base and put it back in the oven for 50–60 minutes. Cool in the turned off oven.

STEP 4 For the topping, bring the cream to a boil, and add the chocolate and butter. Mix off the heat until it forms a smooth cream. Pour the sauce over the top of the cooled cheesecake cake. Chop the pistachios and sprinkle them over the surface.

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Advertisement TV & Streaming

5

Why Spielberg wanted to make Saving Private Ryan Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan stands up better than any movie to the potent retelling of the Normandy landings and beyond in the Second World War. That said, what were the director’s true intentions behind the project?

Spielberg’s epic tale of war was released to critical praise in 1998, won the filmmaker five Academy Awards, including Best Director. The graphic, chilling depiction of the Normandy Landings, particularly the Omaha Beach assault, left a decisive impact on audiences, becoming the second highest-grossing film in 1998 worldwide.

Furthermore, the following year the film made an additional $44 million through its release on home video.

Saving Private Ryan’s emotive intensity was an even more traumatic viewing experience for real World War Two veterans due to the film’s realism, leading to a significant rise in veterans visiting post-traumatic stress disorder councillors upon the film’s release, with The US Department of Veteran’s

Affairs even creating a hotline for those specifically affected by the film.

Saving Private Ryan’s realistic depiction of the events of June 6th 1944, was most notably achieved through a murky and muted colour palette and handheld, shaky cameras, emulating the chaos of the events that had taken place only 54 years prior.

Discussing the film, Spielberg has previously stated that Saving Private Ryan was never meant to be thrilling, or an adventure, simply a recreation and documentation of the Normandy Landings, the largest seaborne invasion the world had ever seen. Spielberg’s interest in the D-Day landing was piqued when he read Stephen E. Ambrose’s books D-Day and Citizen Soldiers, describing the author as the father of all combat veterans.

The immaculate attention to detail that emerged from the exceptional research that went into Spielberg’s monumental creation allowed the film to function as a war documentary.

The title of this 2020 comedy-drama might sound familiar, but its focus is an unconventional tale. The FortyYear-Old Version follows Radha, a playwright and teacher who finds herself drawn to the forgotten passion of her youth: rapping. Inspired by writer, director and star Radha Blank’s real life, this beautiful diary of a struggling artist will inspire and hit home, with relatable themes of failure and unfulfilled potential.

Cinematographer Janusz Kami ski said in an interview that “we did not want this to look like a technicolour extravaganza about World War Two, but more like colour newsreel footage from the 1940s, which is very desaturated and low-tech”. To achieve this look, Kaminski stripped the protective coating from the camera lenses before putting the film’s negatives through a bleach bypass, which reduced the exposure latitude and saturation, creating more grain and contrast, thus emulating the gritty war-time look that was vital for Spielberg’s desired portrayal of the Normandy Landings.

Spielberg decided that the film must be “ugly” in order to match the events of the film. However, the graphic depictions of the events led him to fear that the movie would never be shown in a cinema or at best being labelled for adults only seeing it and halting his message.

He relied upon the film’s historical importance and accuracy of the day that “basically saved Western

democracy” in order for the film to be shown with a rating, which allowed children to view the film in the company of an adult.

Spielberg hoped that younger audiences would come into the movie and learn about the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers that were the same age as them, stating that he believed the film to be more than just the exploitation of World War Two. The director certainly achieved his aims, receiving credit for captivating cultural interest in World War Two media, and inspiring countless war films, such as Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk (2017), who stated that Spielberg’s use of “the language of horror ... one whereby you’re looking away from the screen” in Saving Private Ryan was a huge point of reference for him.

The epic masterpiece will likely remain a vital tool for future generations.

Watch Saving Private Ryan on Netflix now.

Here’s what’s coming this month to Netflix May saw the release of the highly-anticipated fourth and final season of Ozark and the fourth season of Stranger Things on Netflix.

Starring Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz and Julia Garner among others, the fourth season of Ozark was a gruesome, violent and brutal ending to the Byrde family saga with some pretty jaw-dropping moments. The series is still dominating Netflix charts.

Stranger Things S4 is scheduled to release in two volumes, with the sevenepisode first volume now on

the streaming service and the second volume scheduled to release the final two episodes on July 1.

Starring Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Joe Keery, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Charlie Heaton and others, the fourth season is darker and more explosive than ever with ample twists and turns and long, feature-length episodes.

Some of the most highlyanticipated series are on their way to Netflix this June.

comedies to watch now on Netflix

After BBC aired the sixth and final season of Peaky Blinders, Netflix viewers were eagerly waiting for the season to stream on Netflix. Starring Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Stephen Graham and others, the sixth season is scheduled for a June 10th premiere. With an exciting finale, it will set the pace for Steven Knight’s feature- length film on the notorious Birmingham crime lord and his gang, which is in the works.

Starring Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, Aidan Gallagher and more, The Umbrella

Academy is coming back for a third season, promising even more notoriety, chaos and madness. With the Sparrow Academy in the picture, the dysfunctional Hargreeves family must figure out a way in which they can set things right.

Among films, Chris Hemsworth’s Spiderhead and Adam Sandler’s Hustle are both scheduled for a June 2022 premiere.

The gem to watch out for this month is Long Walk To Freedom about the life and times of the late Nelson Mandela.

Tennis-playing buddies Michael (Mark Duplass) and Andy (Ray Romano) receive devastating news: Michael has terminal stomach cancer. Struggling to let go of his dying friend, Andy joins Michael’s road trip in search of medication to end things before they get too painful.

Folding comedy into melancholy, Paddleton from 2019 eases the touching friendship at its core into deftly-accepting places.

Eddie Murphy returned from his acting break with a glorious performance as Rudy Ray Moore, a comedian who played a character called Dolemite in stand-up routines and blaxploitation films from the ‘70s. Dolemite Is My Name, from 2019, follows Moore from his job at a record store to the big screen.

Tracking Moore’s rise to fame and its bizarre and enthralling turns, Dolemite Is My Name does justice to both Moore’s and Murphy’s talents.

Paul Giamatti and Kathryn Hahn star in this 2018 comedy-drama with something to say about modern marriage. Private Life is a unique and relatable slice of a New York middle-age couple’s struggles with different avenues to have a child. But because Hahn and Giamatti are in it, it sparkles with wit and charm. Add Kayli Carter to the mix as Sadie, a college dropout, and you have another layer to this compelling movie about the unpredictability of heading into a new stage of life.

Jake Johnson co-writes this 2017 comedy from prolific indie director Joe Swanberg (he was behind the Netflix anthology TV series Easy as well). Win It All follows Eddie, a gambling addict who agrees to stash a ducel bag of cash for a local thug heading to prison. Making one of many questionable decisions, Eddie dips into the funds. If you’re a fan of simple, grounded storytelling with a focus on character, Win It All is a delight that brings out Johnson’s humour and charisma.

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Feature

Free access to secondary education courtesy of Callan CBS Coláiste Éamann Rís have just launched a book to celebrate 154 years in Callan County Kilkenny.

It is a book chockablock with information, stories and photos that is a must for any former student or indeed those with an interest in the history of Callan. Many former students were asked to contribute an article to cover the different decades of the school. One such contributor is Dr Joe Kearney.

Below, The Kilkenny Observer reproduces Joes article.

I

magine her propping the bicycle against Mrs Nolan’s side gate, adjusting the knot on her headscarf and walking through the narrow entrance into the school yard. It would be evening time, after her day’s work had finished and more than likely she was weary. The light would be low in the sky at that time of year. I imagine her walking through the concrete yard past the toilet block, the handball alley silent, no crows or gulls squabbling over discarded bread crusts, the bicycle shed empty.

The oppressive loneliness

The original CBS stone

of a vacant school. She would have been uncertain of where to go. I see her looking about for direction, finally deciding to climb the stone steps, flanking her progress the severely pruned rose bushes not yet in leaf. She would have been impressed with the shine on the door brasses when she eventually stood outside the monastery. Before raising her hand towards the door did she pause to take stock of her surroundings? She was still a young woman and very much on unfamiliar ground. This was not the place for femininity. Here was a zone of brutal cement

architecture, straight lines and silence. I believe her heart hammered louder than the knocker when she rapped on that big door. I do not know how long she had to wait before it swung open. She’d have held the letter in her hand when she asked to see Brother Bourke. The letter that I was instructed to pass to her and that requested her presence to meet with the brother superior of the Christian Brothers in Callan.

Maybe he saw how nervous she was, how she sat forward on the chair afraid to make an inappropriate move.

Perhaps he offered her tea and a thin biscuit? I don’t know the words they spoke with one another but I do know that the exchange they made changed my life forever.

PRIMARY CERTIFICATE MEANT END OF EDUCATION This was 1964, I was preparing to complete my Primary Certificate and that should have represented the end of the line for my formal education. There was no free second level education at that time and my mother did not have the resources to pay the required fees. I was destined for the labour market, more than likely destined for the boat to England.

But this is where destiny

Brother Jim Dunne on left watching President Hillery sign the visitor’s book in Westcourt

intervened. Like a pointing finger from the Heavens in a Renaissance painting I was singled out. To this day it still astonishes me how and why that was the case. I was a very unlikely candidate for special attention, the child of an unmarried mother should have fallen through the education cracks and be allowed to cope with whatever chances life offered. However that evening in the Callan monastery changed all that.

Brother Bourke explained that he thought I would benefit from secondary school education and that I would not be asked for

fees. No one would be the wiser and I would be treated equally with my fellow students. And that was the case during the years that followed.

O’MALLEY INTRODUCES FREE EDUCATION Donogh O’Malley, the then education minister, announced plans for free second level education in 1966 even though his proposal had not been sanctioned by the Department of Finance. It was a brave move for any politician. The scheme was finally introduced in September of 1967. But

in the years prior to the implementation of that plan I was privileged to receive free access to secondary education courtesy of Callan CBS and in particular the superior Brother Bourke.

I can see him clearly in my mind’s eye. A tall man with a great shock of swept-back steely grey hair. Bespectacled and severe in outlook, he was a no-nonsense Christian Brother. When it came to corporal punishment he was a believer, to quote himself, in the ‘board’ of education.

This was a time when Ireland viewed the offerings of Telefis Eireann in black and white. Most of all we loved

Deputy Principal now retired Pat Ryan presents Rory Hennessy with an academic award

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Feature

All Ireland Senior B champions 1991 The newly launched book celebrating 154 years of the CBS in Callan

School Principal Joseph Brennan addressing the school

cowboy films and Western TV programmes. There was one cowboy character called Stoney Bourke and naturally Brother Bourke became nicknamed ‘Stoney’.

Well out of earshot of course.

This unassuming teacher somewhere, at some time, thought and considered and concluded that one particular ragged-assed urchin should receive the blessing of free education on what he believed was merit alone. `Brother Bourke was transferred to another educational establishment some years into my time in Callan secondary school.

Even in his absence, the

special arrangement he put in place for me continued seamlessly.

LIFE IS A CONTINUAL CHANGE The Greek philosopher Heraclitus claims that you can never step into the same water twice. Life is a continual change. No balls sail over the side wall of that concrete handball alley into Mrs Nolans back garden. No one sneaks across the road to Micko Molloy’s stone-yard to drag on a cigarette butt amongst the tombstones.

No one litters the ghost yard with chestnut halves after spirited conker fights. There are no crusts for the crows

Liam Hennessy receiving the Michael McGrath shield for best Leaving cert from Michael’s brother Wayne on left

to fight over and yet that place has never left me. If the river of education that I have bathed in for the remainder of my life has a source, a wellspring, it is surely that early Spring evening when my mother adjusted her headscarf and raised the knocker on the monastery door in West Street Callan.

Dr. Joe Kearney is originally from Callan and his work has appeared in various publications over the years.

Copies of Coláiste Éamann Rís is available from the school and many outlets in Callan.

Liam McCarthy making an almost annual visit to Callan. Staff member Conor Fogarty on left with past pupils David Herity and Noel Hickey either side of Principal Frank McKenna

World and Irish handball champions Peter (on left) and Patrick Funchion

Group of students with teacher Conor Fogarty during Diversity week

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Sport Full list of winner and runners up are:

Egans Bar

LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP Winners Egans Bar. R.up Glendine FC. DIV 1 LEAGUE. Winners. Egans Bar. R.up Glendine FC. DIV 2 LEAGUE. Winners. Kearns Butchers.

R.up Glen Rovers.

FLOODLIT CUP. Winners. Egans Bar. R.up Skeough Utd. SHIELD. Winners. Kitchen Solutions.

R.up Noreside FC. DALTON CUP. Winners. Glendine FC. R.up Kearns Butchers.

Kilkenny Floodlit Soccer League awards Kilkenny Floodlit Soccer League Awards night took place in Kytelers Inn on Friday last. Trophies were awarded in six competitions as well as player of year awards in Division 1 and 2.

Main winners in this seasons League were Egans Bar who won the League Championship, Division 1 League and the Floodlit Cup. Brendan Tynan presented the James Tynan memorial trophy to Egans Bar for league Championship win.

Kearns Butchers who are newcomers to the League won the Sarah Ruth Cup for Division 2 while Kitchen Solutions were Shield winners and Glendine FC won the Dalton Cup. This season was the 21st season of Floodlit League

soccer in Kilkenny and the O’Neill Centre in Kilkenny were presented with a cheque for €5000. Director of Services at the Centre Paula Rutkins accepted the cheque and thanked Floodlit League organisers Eamon Cleere and Gerry O’Keefe as well as all participants for their generous donation. In its 21 years of Floodlit soccer in Kilkenny the League has donated €283000 to the O’Neill Centre.

Trophies on the night were presented by League sponsor John Dalton of Daltons Chancellor Mills.

Preparations are already under way for season 22 which will start in September/ October and any teams wishing to enter can get all contact details on League website www.kffl.ie.

Kearns Butchers Div 2 League WInners

PLAYER OF YEAR DIV 1.

Billy McEnery (Egans Bar ) PLAYER OF YEAR DIV 2.

Alan O’Brien (Kearns Butchers)

Brendan Tynan presented the James Tynan Memorial trophy to Egans Bar

Alan O’Brien, Kearns Butchers Div 2 Player of Year

Billy McEnery, Egans Bar Div 1 Player of Year

Kitchen Solutions Shield Winners

Cheque Presentation L to R Eamon Cleere, Gerry O’Keefe Floodlit League, Paula Rutkins O’Neill Centre and John Dalton League Sponsor

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Community & GAA Notes

SENIOR HURLING Clara and O Loughlins served up a highly entertaining game in the Canices Credit Union Senior Hurling League on Saturday afternoon in Clara. On a perfect day for hurling, this was a fast paced duel that finished 3-20 to 2-20 in favour of the city side.

With both teams short a number of regulars Clara had the best of the first half exchanges and, with Martin O Connell and James Nolan shooting 5 and 4 points from play respectively, they led at the interval 1-14 to 1-7. The goal had come from Dara Glynn, who snuck in behind the defence to divert a dropping ball to the net.

Shiner Nolan kept up the good shooting in the early stages of the second half and, having scored an early point, he let fly with a shot which was deflected to the O Loughlins net by a despairing defender. This left the home side 2-15 to 1-9 ahead and they really should have seen this one out from here. But an unanswered 2-5 by O Loughlins put them back in the driving seat, and they kept their noses in front from there to the end. Clara had their chances, and a late goal effort from Chris Bolger flew just over the bar. For resilience alone O’ Loughlins just about deserved it.

Team - Kevin Nolan, Evan Whearty, Sean O Shea, Brian Nolan.

James Casey, Shane Staunton, Martin O Connell 0-5. Alan Coleman, Conor O Shea. James Nolan 1-6, Joe Connolly 0-1, Chris Bolger 0-1. Dara Glynn 1-0, Rory O Keeffe 0-1, Jason Byrne 0-6, 0-3f. Sub used Bill Cody.

KIERANS WIN Well done to the Clara lads who were on the St. Kieran’s second year team that beat cross town rivals Kilkenny CBS in the Leinster final last week in Nowlan Park. Philip Carrigan, David Barcoe and Luke Lawlor formed a very strong half back line, while Joe Power was an important second half substitute, as the Saints ran out 3-13 to 1-9 winners. Well done boys.

CAMOGIE Well done to Mary O Connell who played for Kilkenny seniors as they defeated Limerick easily in championship action in Nowlan Park on Saturday. Well done also to Aisling Curtis who lined out for the Kilkenny Intermediates against Kildare in the curtain raiser. They too won easily.

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

Please support.

Féile: Best of Luck to the Emeralds Under 15 Football team who are taking part in the Regional Féile on Saturday, June 4 in Ferns GAA Club, Wexford.

EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO May 23 prize fund was: €8,100. Jackpot: €6,100. Numbers drawn: 10, 11, 19, 20, bonus no 6. No winner and no match 3 winner.Five lucky dips of €20 each: Colm Kelleher, Des Fitzgerald, Margaret Campion, JCMS Tobin, Mary Power. Promoters prize: Doyles. Next draw takes place on Tuesday, June 7 in the Clubrooms. Results next week.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE SAVE THE DATE. Mill Family Fun Day on July 10 in the Centre 1.30pm-4.30pm in support of our Counselling Services.

LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level: LTI is recruiting for the new programme in the Centre. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact us for an expression of interest form. More details can be found on our website www.millfrcurlingford.com BTEI Healthcare Course QQI Level 5 September 2022: We are currently taking names for the Healthcare QQI Level 5 programme starting September 2022. Please contact us if you are interested in completing this course.

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

Counselling Services: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Family & Teens, aged 12+. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.

Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance & Gambling Addictions. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment.

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

Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466.

URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This week’s winner of Split the Pot was Carmel Kennedy who won €460. Congrats girls! Tickets €2 on sale in participating

Philip Carrigan, Joe Power, Davy Barcoe, Luke Lawlor with team manager Lester Ryan

businesses in town with proceeds this week going to Emeralds GAA Club Development for next weeks draw.Be in it to win it!!

URLINGFORD AND 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.

PATSY BRENNAN RIP The people of Freshford and the surrounding areas were shocked and saddened to hear of the death of well known local man Patrick (Patsy)Brennan late of Ard Lachtain Freshford. Patsy as he was affectionately known by all his friends had just celebrated his 91st birthday recently but never the less his passing caused widespread sorrow and regret. He was a hard working, good living and neighbourly gentleman and he and his wife Mary of over 66 years reared a large family.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and proud grandad to KKilkenny’s sub goalie Darren Brennan. He was a member of Freshford Fire Brigade for decades and the cortege was led by the local Fire Engine with members of the Fire services forming a guard of honour.

He was also a Trustee of Freshford Community Hall for many years and was thrilled to see the renovation of the Commuinity Hall in more recent years. He loved his game of bingo and a flutter on the horses and was a yearly visitor to Gowran races, Kilbeggan and other places. His funeral mass took place in Freshford Church on Monday morning following by burial in St.Lactains Cemetary Freshford. He is deeply mourned by his wife Mary, Sons Thomas, Patrick, Michaal and Tony daughters Catherine, Joan, Rosaleen, Pauleine , Mry ad Caroline, sister Connie, sons in law, daughtaers in law, grandchildren great grandchildren, relatives neighbours and friends.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION The boys and girls of second class received their first Holy Communion on Saturday last in St Lachtains Church Freshford. The ceremony was performed by Monsignor K.Keennedy PP. He paid tribute to the parents and teachers for the way in which the children were prepared both physically and spiritually. The following children received the sacrament: N.Barnaville, K.Bergin, C.Buckley, T.Campion,J. Curley, R.Dlalton S.Geraghty, C.Gleeson, CTwins C&C Grant, R.Grant, J.Kevanagh, M.Lowry, J.Nolan, S.O’Neill, K.Phelan Foy, J.Phelan, Ml. Ryan, S.Webster, R.Hickey, L.Daly, ECrosby,C. Gibbons, Congratulations also to the boys and girls who received the sacrament of Confirmaiton in the local church recently.

FR WILLIAM CARRIGAN RIP The death occurred recently of Fr.Willliam Carrigan late of Conahy. Brother of the late Paddy Carrigan Inch.

AWARD Congratulations to talented, well known local artist Patrick Rafter, who is an international award winning violinist and conductor. Patrick was honoured by Kilkenny County Council at a Civic Ceremony recently. Patrick is son of Patrick and Maura Rafter and both he and all his family are extremely musically talented.

SYMPATHY Sincere sympathy is extended to Ms.Sharon O’Leary, Nuenna Court on the recent death of her father Mattie Gorman. The deceased was brother of Marian Morrissey Woodview to whom sympathy is also extended.

LEAVING CERT EXAMS MASS The parish cluster will celebrate Mass for our exam students particularly those doing Leaving Cert on this Thursday 2nd June at 7.30pm in Kilmanagh Church. All are welcome to attend and the prayers and readings will be offered by families of those preparing for the exams.

FEILE LACHTAIN 2022 A lecture on the “History and Architecture of St. Lachtain’s Church and Doorway” was held recently in St. Lachtain’s Church of Ireland. The speakers were, Dr. Rachel Moss of Trinity College and Ms. Margaret Quinlan, architect for the church renovation.

Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 until 4.30. Kevin Buckley’s replica of the Shrine of St. Lachtain’s Arm is currently on display in the museum courtesy of Freshford Community Club. Also on display is another replica of the shrine by Pádraig Donnelly. There are gifts for every occasion on sale in the crafts shop. New additions here include souvenir Freshford greeting cards and carrier bags and clocks set in miniature hurleys and sliotars. While these sport the Black and Amber colours, they can be ordered in any county colours.

Thanks to all who supported the recent book launch, art exhibition and lecture, Ned Kennedy’s book “Edmund Fitzpatrick Artist and Illustrator” is on sale at O’ Shea’s Shop and all Kilkenny bookshops. Cost €12. It can be ordered by post from O’Shea’s by adding post and packing.

TULLAROAN RUN

Tullaroan AC will be holding their 7th annual run/walk day Saturday 4th June which includes an Ultra, Full, Half Marathon, 10K and 5k starting at 7am. So a distance to suit all the family. We would like to thank everyone for their help and co-operation in making the day a success.

There will be approx. 600 participants. We would like everyone to drive with extra caution that day and also to keep dogs off the road please. Come out and cheer on the participants. Feel free to set up an aid table outside your house. Just contact any of the committee and we will drop off water and goodies for it. The route starts at the Sports Field through the Village to Oldtown, Lisscross, Valley inn, Kilaghy, Brittas Bridge back to the Village three times for the ultra. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated.

SPLIT THE POT The weekly split the pot draw took place on Wednesday last week and the lucky winner was Lachtain Kennedy, Kilkenny Street who won himself the sum of €100. Tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. The draw is held each Wednesday and boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanaghs Bar, Mace, O’shea’s corner shop, Girls& Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. This months proceeds are going to Freshford Community Café. The Committee would ask you to Please support this fund raiser TRIP TO GALWAY A trip to Galway is being planned for 7th June to Salthill stopping off at Roscrea for tea and scones and then onto Galway city and Salthill. Dinner will be served in O’Meara’s of Portumna on the way back. The bus leaves from St.Lachtains Gaa grounds at 8.20am sharp returning at 9pm. All are welcome. Names should be given to Paddy Butler on 0876367667 , Ann Burke on 086 2030224 or Marie O’Connor on 086 2547430 FILL THE JAR A big thank you is extended to all those who donated to “Fill the Jar for UIkraine” at O’Sheas Shop Freshford. A total of €920 was collected and the proprietors extend a sincere thanks for your kind generosity.

GAA NEWS Congratulations to local lads Alan Rafter, Mark Donnelly and David Brennan who were all members of the successful Kilkenny u20 victory in the All Ireland final recently when they defeated Limerick. Alan was the sub goalkeeper and Mark was on the panel while David was a member of the management team.

COFFEE MORNING AT LOOP CAFE The recent Coffee morning at Freshford Loop Cafe was a great success and very well supported. Many thanks to all those who donated cakes etc and all who supported the event.

Work is continuing on Freshfords new Community Café at Buncrussia Street Freshford and the volunteers are making great progress TRIP TO KNOCK On Saturday 4th June a bus leaves Kilkenny at Butts Green R95Fh90 at 8am for the All Ireland Rosary Rally. If you are interested in attending please contact 086 8469011 to book your seat.

SOCCER All is quite on the field of play for Freshford Town as the season has now finished for Juniors and the schoolboys.

The training sessions for U8s continue each Saturday morning (weather permitting) are on from 12noon to 1pm at the Sportsfield at Woodview. All boys from 5-8 are most welcome to come along and join in COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford /Threecastles Community Alert group held their AGM recently. This was their first AGM since covid restrictions and the following officers were elected for the forthcoming year; Chairman – John Bergin, Secretary – Jacinta Power, Treasurer –Mick Cormack PRO – Anna Morrissey

DUNNAMAGGIN GAA. May Lotto Syndicate Winners. Canice Hickey,Winnie Carroll €100 each. Jim and Rose McCormack,Robby and Claire Lodge,Rodger and Tanya Thomas, Aidan Donovan €50 each.

Have you signed up for next year. New year starts this Sat 28th.

U11 HURLING Our U11 had a mini blitz last Saturday, May 28th at the pitch, playing 3 games against a Wexford team Crossabeg Ballymurn, Graignamanagh and Windgap. A huge well done to all the players they played three great games and their commitment was great from start to finish. Winning two from three was great. Also thanks to our two referees Sean Lawton and Conor Alyward also thanks to the u13’s for doing umpires.

Thanks to all the parents for helping out with the tea and sandwiches and all the goodies . You all put on a great spread and the food was delicious.

KILMOGANNY BRIDGA CLUB Kilmoganny Bridge Club results for 25/05/2022: 1st Emer Wallace and Gerry FitzGerald. 2nd Josie O’Gorman and Tina Ronan. Bridge every Wednesday night at 7.30pm in St. Eoghan’s Centre, Kilmoganny. All welcome.

LOCAL LOTTO

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Community & GAA Notes was all to play for in Kilkenny, where they were 1 down with the other two matches all square going up the 18th hole. It finished 3.2. to Kilkenny. Well done to both teams who represented their club so well.

Wednesday 25th our ladies travelled to Mount Wolseley to play in the Carton Cup 37+ 9 hole competition which is run

by Carton House. With 3 matches won,1 lost on the 7th hole and the other called in heading up the 8th the victory went to Callan. Their next match will be against Baltinglass with all matches being played there.

As this was the first time for all the ladies to represent their club in an interclub match, great credit goes to the team: Maura Holden, Pauline Donovan, Marie Costello, Ann O’Shea, Alice Walsh.

TUESDAY 24th 18 Hole s/f. 1st Noelle O’Driscoll 40pts (23). 2nd Kathleen Phelan 39pts (15). 3rd. Claire Hendriques 37pts (20) 9 Hole. 1st Mary Croke 20pts. 2nd Eleanor Dunne 17pts THURSDAY26th Thursday 12 Hole. 1st Ellen O’Shea 28pts. 2nd Mary Grace 26pts c/b. 3rd Eileen Cuddihy 26pts 4th Bridget Holohan 25pts c/b KIRBY TROPHY The above mixed pairs club competition will be starting soon.

This proves to be a very popular competition and was missed by all the past two years of the pandemic. To register please enter your name on the list which is in the bar.

Tuesday 7th will see the Valerie Doyle Stableford Category Prizes.

Dunnamaggin Under 11 Hurlers Winning Numbers for May 23rd : 3 , 18 , 22. Winner : Kathleen Browne ( Pauline Walsh) Jackpot next week : € 1000 Venue : Townsend’s Dunnamaggin Monday at 9pm. All Welcome DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Madge’s Garden was bathed in sunshine last Sunday for our second market this year. Betty Holden gave a demonstration of flower arranging and all the beautiful arrangements were raffled afterwards. Another great day connecting with neighbours and friends. The last Sunday of every month sees Madge’s Garden host a market. See you all in June.

KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Barnstorm Theatre Company are looking for Front of House Volunteers to support them during their performances. This is a great opportunity to enjoy theatre and learn new skills.

Mount Carmel Nursing Home are looking for Cycle Without Age Volunteers - Trishaw Pilot Do you enjoy cycling ? Would you like to support the centre to drive participants around the community? Don’t worry full training is given and the Bike is Electric !!

Kilkenny Welcome Team is back for 2022. Volunteers will be in pairs along the medieval mile in Kilkenny City and will offer a friendly smile to visitors and answer any questions they may have .

Inclusive Camp Volunteers KRSP would love to hear from Volunteers who are interested in helping out with their Inclusive Summer Camps again this summer . This is also open to young volunteers aged 15yr- 18yrs.

Cois Nore Link Volunteers. Cois Nore offer invaluable support to people and their families who have had a cancer diagnosis.

The Link Volunteer is at the very centre of what is offered within Cois Nore and will provide support to our service users from their very first visit. Each service user will have a Link Volunteer who checks in with them on a regular basis, links them to information about their diagnosis and signposts to our professional services such as talk and touch therapies. For information on any of the roles please see our website www. volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 0892584946

GOWRAN AC Congrats to Marie Deegan for her silver medal in the O35 long jump at Leinster Track and Field championships in Carlow

recently. This was Marie’s first competition GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT Congratulations to Patrick Robinson who finish second overall in the Leinster Strokeplay finals.

Great stuff from Patrick finishing on 9 under after 36 holes. A final round of 5 under saw Patrick take second place overall.

Well done Patrick.

FAMILY FUNDAY AT GOWRAN PARK On Monday, 6th June a family fun day will take place at Gowran Park. Tickets available at gowranpark.ie and a family pass is €25, all children go free and the first 200 children get a free ice cream cone.

THE KILKENNY COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival is back this year in Gowran Park, and it will take place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers. Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com GOWRAN FESTIVAL OF SPEED The festival is taking place on Sunday, 21st August. Tickets available online, www.gowranpark.ie GOWRAN PARISH The weekly envelope box with the weekly envelopes will be distributed during the coming week.

Thanks to all who subscribe whether your subscription is annual, monthly, and occasional or weekly the money subscribed helps meet the everyday costs of heating, lighting, insurance, maintenance, wages and Altar supplies.

CLUB LOTTO LOTTO Results may 26th. Nos 13 - 4 - 31 – 2.Jackpot €2000.

1st Prize €50 Declan Gough c/o Declan Gough. 2nd Prize €25 4 Amigos c/o Gina Gaule. 3rd Prize €25 Eddie O’Donoghue c/o online. 4th Prize €25 Ger Power c/o online. Hurlers Co Op Ticket Lisa Hanrick . Promotors Prize Paddy Grace Next week Draw €2150 SUMMER CAMP 2022 Save the date for our hugely popular Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club Multi Activity Summer Camp.Week 1 - July 18th

- 22nd.Week 2 - August 15th - 19th.Booking System Now Open.

KILKENNY REPRESENTATIVES CAMOGIE Kilkenny Intermediate defeated Kildare and the Senior team defeated Limerick on a Sunny Saturday in Nowlan Park.

Congrats to our Senior players Aoife Prendergast ( captain) Ciara Phelan , Niamh Phelan Asha McHardy and Jane Cass CLUB RESULTS The Senior Hurlers played out a draw 2-16 to 3-13 against Mullinavat on Friday in the St Canice’s Senior Hurling League.

The U12s camogie hosted Faughs from Dublin on a glorious Saturday in Palmerstown. Great skill on show.The future is bright with these young girls.

U20 CELEBRATIONS. Thank you to everyone in the club who helped organised and came to celebrate the u20 All Ireland winners on Saturday evening in Palmerstown. A great night of celebrations was had by all.

CLUB REGISTERATION Many thanks to all those who have registered to date. The closing date for registration this year of March 31st has passed, all members must be registered now to take to the field.

Registration is available through the membership option on ClubZap and a phased payment option is available. Any members who are having difficulty paying online can contact a member from the executive to arrange a cash payment facility. Many thanks.

PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUES REOPENED Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is reopened Thursday from 8.30pm and every Thursday going forward Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table.We are offering a particular welcome to our senior citizens members, it’s been a difficult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat.

TUBORG PREMIER LEAGUE Andy’s Bar in Ballyhale is the place to be on Friday nights if you like playing or watching quality games of darts. Again the standard of darts was fantastic with 34 players in the draw , some of the locals are playing great darts with 3 of them in the top 10 at the moment. On to the 8 and it was a tough draw for everyone, 2 Carlow players played against each other in the first Q/F with Mick Kelly V Damien Moore, it was a fantastic game to watch with both players playing at the top of their games with Mick Kelly coming through, the 2nd Q/F was another great game between Mick Dwyer and Mark Cullen with Mark winning the game, on to the 3rd Q/F and what a game that was Wexford man Tom Kent against Carlow man Paddy Cullen each leg was brilliant with as good a game of darts that I have seen in a long time Tom Kent came out of that game, the final game in the Q/F saw local player Liam Walsh up against Allen Bennet another Wexford player in good form, after a big scoring and brilliant finishes game it was Liam Walsh who won.the first S/F saw Mick Kelly against Mark Cullen it was another great game again with high scoring and high finishing Mark Cullen won the game but you can see the very high standard of both players as they are at number 2/4 respectively. On to the 2nd S/F Wexfords Tom Kent against Liam Walsh the game went all the way down to the last leg with Tom Kent winning a great game. Down to the Final and what a Final it was, TV darts was what one of the lads said to me , Mark Cullen beat Tom Kent in one of the best finals I saw in a long time with Mark in the form that he needs to be in when he goes to the 6 Nations in the next few weeks. There has been 3 separate winners in the first 3 rounds so it’s a great place to come to if you want a game of darts and some of the finishing was great, Willie Fennelly took out 2 Ton Plus finishes and hit 2 scores of 171 he’s playing brilliant at the moment So I will see ye all on Friday night

This past week was a busy time for the Callan lady golfers with Interclub Competitions at full swing. The minor cup team played Edenderry on Tuesday 24th with a few of the matches going right down to the wire but it was the latter who came out on top. The Intermediate Cup team played Kilkenny having won the two matches in Callan on the 16th hole it

Wexford man Tom Kent who was beaten by Mark Cullen in the Final of the Tuborg Premier League on Friday night

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022

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Hurling matters

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Final Saturday, June 4th Croke Park, 7pm Galway vs Kilkenny

This could be huge. This could be epic.

This is Shefflin vs Cody. This is Galway vs Kilkenny.

Supporters from both counties will descend on the capital tomorrow evening for what is sure to be a right battle. When the sides met on the first weekend of May in Salthill, there was just the 1 point between them at the final whistle. There is nothing to suggest that the next encounter will be any different, but let’s hope the outcome is.

Galway and Kilkenny arrive at headquarters on the back of two very different results.

The Tribesmen were 6-point winners over Mattie Kenny’s Dublin team, while the Cats suffered a home defeat to Darragh Eagan’s Wexford.

Despite the loss to the Model County, Brian Cody’s charges still qualified for tomorrow’s Leinster decider, but will know that they cannot afford a repeat of that UPMC Nowlan Park performance, if they are to stand any chance of lifting a 74th Bob O’Keefe Cup in Drumcondra on Saturday night.

Since the embarrassing defeat to the Yellowbellies, a few home truths will have been spoken and many minutes racked up on the training pitches as the management team look to carve out an advantage as they seek to gain revenge on Henry’s men following that controversial defeat in Salthill. Controversial? Yes, that’s right. I’m still not happy at Colm Lyon’s decision to award that free against O’Loughlin’s Paddy Deegan, right at the death.

One of the things we learned from the defeat to tomorrow’s opponents, is that Conor Cooney will not pass up many opportunities from the placed ball, so those in stripes be warned – no silly fouls please!

The St Thomas’s man, who is now second only to the legendary Joe Canning in championship scoring history for Galway, hit 0-13 in his latest outing against the Dubs.

While TJ may only have seen one half of action in Salthill, I think it’s safe to say he’ll get a few more minutes on the clock at Croker. The

battle of the free-takers will again be crucial, and in Conor Cooney and TJ, we will witness two of the best around. Should Alan Murphy keep his starting spot, this may well prove useful to the Noresiders, as the Glenmore man has been very reliable when tasked with placed ball duty. Not only that, but Alan also brings a different kind of physicality to the table. It is clear that Kilkenny will need to win the physical battle, in order to earn the right to play the game on their terms tomorrow.

One Kilkenny man that will look to continue a decent run of form is Ballyhale’s Adrian Mullen. Deployed in a deeper lying role recently, Mullen has shown a great ability to pick-off scores from distance and deliver quality ball to the inside forward line. This will be vitally important to the Cats cause in the provincial decider, as Galway’s defence will look to shackle the black and amber threat closely.

Mullen’s Shamrocks club mate, Eoin Cody knows all about that kind of shackling, as the westerners tried a number of markers on him last time, before Padraic Mannion stifled the twice Young Hurler of the Year’s influence on the game.

Mind you, Eoin Cody finished with 1-2 that day. The Carlow IT man was unusually quiet in Nowlan Park last week, and failed to raise a flag of any description in the defeat to Wexford. I would imagine that Cody will relish the big open spaces of Croke Park, and this will allow the diminutive attacker freedom to hopefully wreak havoc in the Galway rearguard.

The other members of Kilkenny’s forward line will need to step up in tomorrow’s

The Final C Provincial crown up for grabs as master meets the apprentice Photos

by INPHO

Paddy Deegan will give everything to get the win

Cody & Shefflin both legends are up for the cup

final. It will be interesting to see who gets the starting jerseys in the attacking third.

Martin Keoghan only got a few minutes against Galway last time out, but he has been a hugely reliable goal-getter for the Noresiders this season.

Perhaps the boss would prefer to spring Mossy from the bench in the 2nd half, and use his undoubted energy when defenders are tiring.

It was a surprise to many that Padraig Walsh was benched for the Cats last outing against Wexford. The classy Tullaroan man has been in sensational form while wearing the No.11 jersey this year. He’s always good for a couple of points, especially from long-range, and given the likelihood of a packed Galway defence, shooters from distance might

be a good weapon in the Kilkenny arsenal. Unless he’s injured, Padraig Walsh WILL start tomorrow.

Talking of Walsh’s, Walter will be looking forward to another crack at those in Maroon. The TullogerRosbercon man hit 0-3 in Salthill, and one can see his aerial ability and lungbursting runs being of major importance to the Cats,

especially if we try to work the sliotar through the lines at headquarters.

Graigue-Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan is another player that will hope to be recalled to the starting XV. Some feel the pacey forward has been a victim of the manager’s desire to get the ball from back to front in the shortest time possible, or to put it another way, dropping long balls

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Hurling matters

ountdown!

Eoin Cody can be sure of close attention

and his battling qualities will be needed in the capital tomorrow night.

Henry Shefflin has carefully managed the re-integration of key-man Conor Whelan to his side. Whelan struck 0-5 from play against the Dubs, and will demand special attention in the provincial decider, as when on form, he can be simply devastating.

At the time of writing, it isn’t known if late injuries suffered to former captains, David Burke and Padraic Mannion will prevent either from starting the final, but both men will be crucial to Henry’s game plan for the Cats.

It is the responsibility of Brian Cody and his management team to ensure that their plan trumps that of Shefflin. Noreside expects.

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Croke Park - The stage is set

into the opponents defence.

Whichever way you look at it, Billy possesses a turn of pace and scoring threat to trouble most defenders.

Talking of troubling defenders, Craughwell’s Tom Monaghan did exactly that in Salthill. His powerful runs from the midfield area caused untold problems for Kilkenny and he went on to notch 0-3 that day. He is definitely a

player that Brian Cody will need to have a plan for in the final, as curbing his influence could be key. One Galway man that thoroughly enjoyed his last outing against the Cats was Kilmordaly man, Brian Concannon. The bustling forward was a nuisance throughout and finished the day with 0-4 to his name.

Let’s hope Huw Lawlor is restored to the full-back line

for this fixture.

The other Cooney, Joseph, matched Concannon’s personal tally in the Salthill showdown. The Cats halfback line will need to ensure he is well-marshalled. Will the half-back line be Mikey Carey, Richie Reid and Paddy Deegan? This year’s captain, Richie Reid didn’t feature in round-robin clash between the sides. Despite the

Wexford result, I’d probably opt for this trio at 5,6, and 7.

As mentioned earlier, the extra bit of rest will hopefully see O’Loughlin’s Huw Lawlor return to duty at the edge of the square. I think we can safely say his club mate, Mikey Butler is nailed on to start in the corner beside him, having more than acquitted himself in the intercounty scene to date this

Let me get this off my chest.

I think it’s only right to mention the throw-in time – 7pm on a Saturday night in Dublin. This certainly puts a huge pressure on Gaels looking to attend their provincial final. It could be almost midnight before you make it back home, and that isn’t easy when you have a car full of kid’s intent on seeing their idols play on the field of dreams.

Fancy staying over in the capital? Have you seen the prices of hotel rooms in Dublin? Surely the powers that be could have scheduled the Joe McDonagh Cup final for 1pm then have the Leinster showpiece on 3:30 or 4pm? You’d wonder who makes these decisions.

Anyway, sorry about that rant. Let’s talk turkey.

So, its round two of Galway vs Kilkenny with the two current managers at their respective helms.

I think it’s fair to say we owe the Tribesmen one for that 1-point defeat in Salthill. Don’t start me on that injury time free.

This contest could give us one of the games of the season. All the plots, sub-plots etc., mean that everyone is keenly awaiting the throw-in.

The stage is set for Eoin Cody to deliver. Should the Shamrocks sharp-shooter be on form, this could well propel the Cats to a 74th Leinster title.

Let’s hope Wexford’s James Owen’s allows the game to flow, allows the fair hits to be given and taken.

Lifting Bob O’Keefe tomorrow is the best way to secure an All-Ireland semi-final berth. The direct route is always the best. We demand that Kilkenny are the best provincially tomorrow night. Let’s make it horrid for Henry.

season. Butler is like a terrier,

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022

Motors Classifieds

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

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Classifieds Motors

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Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Pat and Carmel Trant intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Permission for garage and boiler house at Ballycloven, Callan, 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. We, Eoin & Anne Larkin have submitted significant further information to planning application 22/123 which consisted of full planning permission to construct a rear extension to dwelling with all associated site works at 66 Roselawn Road, Bolton Woods, Callan, Co. Kilkenny. The significant further information includes for revised plans & elevations for rear extension.

Significant Further Information/Revised Plans have been furnished to the planning authority in respect of this proposed development, and are available for inspection or purchase at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public hours 9.00 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made 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 (€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.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022

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kilkennyobserver.ie

Miracle Prayers

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

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.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. D.B

(never known to fail).

O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, 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 grant my request.

(Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen.

This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. S.F

St. Anthony Prayer,

O Holy St. Anthony gentlest of Saints, your love for God and charity for His creatures, made you worthy, when on earth, to possess miraculous powers.

Encouraged by this thought, I implore you to obtain for me (request).

O gentle and loving St. Anthony, whose heart was ever full of human sympathy, whisper my petition into the ears of the sweet Infant Jesus, who loved to be folded in your arms.

The gratitude of my heart will ever be yours.

Amen M.R

The Miracle Prayer

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. S.F

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.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. D.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. A.R

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 June 2022