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. e High Line was an old railway line that was no longer used. It was regenerated and lled with plants, benches, little food stalls and much more. It is a lovely place to spend an afternoon.

For something a little di erent 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. e 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. is 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 di erent 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 di erent person behind the wheel, while in Poland 42% said that driving is

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 lled with historic buildings, cobblestone streets and iron lampposts. e roof of Canada Place was designed to look like a sailing ship. Which is appropriate given that it is probably the rst 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 ight 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 ve 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. is is also where the noon gun is red 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. is 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. is atmospheric city has all the magic of the Middle East and

The worst drivers in Europe

North Africa with a slightly more European feel. e Blue Mosque in the late afternoon, a highlight of a week in Turkey e Blue Mosque is possibly Istanbul s most famous attraction. e 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 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. is 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 lled with lots of fantastic Instagram opportunities, particularly the colourful tiles. e Grand Bazaar or Kapali Carsi is the largest covered market in Turkey with over 4,000 shops. is market contains everything you could ever imagine needing. e market is 30,700 square metres and has 60 streets and is a must in any Istanbul itinerary.

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 cli location above St Lawrence River and the French in uence.

Quebec City is divided into the upper town and the lower town. e two towns are connected by both a funicular and winding streets. e lower town of Quebec City is lled with cute little cobblestone streets and squares. ere 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. is 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 stu . e 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.

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 highpro le brie ng and political panel discussion focused on children and young people’s safety and wellbeing online. e 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: “ ose 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. ere 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 opportunity 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. ese 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: “ ere has been so much statutory reform around sexual o ences [and] o ences 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.”

Less than 10 GPs offer abortion locally

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

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.”

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 o cially opened by Minister Malcolm Noonan, TD, in the presence of Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty and Mayor, Cllr. Andrew McGuinness. e houses, dated early 19th Century buildings, stand at the southern entrance to the Riverside Garden. ese buildings are important riverside landmarks, noted for their rarity and historical signi cance 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. e 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 o cially opened in the summer of 2021. e 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/co ee and relax at the banks of the river taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. e 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 signi cant 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 o cial opening of Isabel’s Teahouses with Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty and Mayor oAndrew McGuiness

The seeds of friendship and welcome sown ten years ago continues to grow and bear fruit at the Fr Mc Grath Centre

e Fr McGrath Centre in Kilkenny has come a long way. e one time school in the Butts area of Kilkenny city is now a thriving centre catering for a multitude of needs.

St. Canice’s Community Action Ltd (SCCA) is a not for pro t 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; e Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre, e 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. e 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. eir local centre includes extensive public play grounds, sports areas and public green space park facilities. e centre now employs a large team of specialist family, children and youth profession support workers. Furthermore, the sta is responsible for the children’s education, youth development and parent and family support services.

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; e Fr. McGrath Family Resource Centre, e Learning Tree Childcare, Kilkenny Multimedia IT Training Centre, and St. Canice’s Neighbourhood

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

Moreover, their newly adapted, three storey facility now boasts some of the best family and children support and training facilities in Kilkenny City. eir local centre includes extensive public play grounds, sports areas and public green space e centre now employs a large team of specialist youth profession support workers. Furthermore, the sta is responsible for the children’s education, youth development and parent and family support services.

HUNDREDS BENEFIT FROM FÁILTE ISTEACH

Last week ‘ e Kilkenny Observer’ was invited to attend the awards presentation for e ‘Fáilte presentation for e ‘Fáilte Isteach’ Isteach’

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

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

programme. is programme ten years of ‘Fáilte Isteach’ was founded ten years ago operating from the Fr. and continues to go from McGrath Centre has helped strength to strength. hundreds of immigrants

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

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

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 eresa 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, “ eresa 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

e annual Fr. McGrath ‘Fáilte Isteach’ English Awards, presented by Mayor Andrew McGuinness, took place on Wednesday 25th. e 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 nd themselves living amongst us. ey too want to learn and practice their English.

According to eresa 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 nd work and so take their place and contribute to Irish life. e Fr. McGrath ‘Fáilte Isteach’ Project is lling a vital need and enriching our community”, continued earesa.

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. eir 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 attempted, sometimes led by the students themselves. is makes for a relaxed environment and a person centred approach which underpins the ‘Fáilte Isteach’ ethos.

IMPORTANT TO REACH OUT

e 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. e 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

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

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” e Awards were not just for the students but for tutors also. e students who come from di erent countries were presented with certi cates in recognition of their sterling work and their continuous commitment to the Project. e next term commences on 21st September. Further details can be obtained by phoning:

e 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 e Kilkenny Observer)

Community Group

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

e 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. e Attendees were welcomed to the Orchard House by Members of the Twilight Community Group and refreshments were served on arrival and during the twohour event. Present were the Fire Chief John Collins and his team as they informed the co ee morning of the services available from the Fire services. e Garda community engagement programme were represented 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 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. e Area of wills and assisted living is now a mine eld 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

Twilight’s trips are back

e 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. at 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. e main project was learning coding practices through non formal education models.

Other objectives included nding out the cultural di erences 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 ight, arti cial 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. e 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 nd the ways to adapt adequately to the labour market’s needs.

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

Next to pack their bags and go are the younger members of the Twilight Youth Inclusion Group. is 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 lled days around Kilkenny e 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

What are the chances of hundreds of Ukrainian ghters 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. e 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 con ict, 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 con ict?

Is this a humanitarian move? e 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 con ict.

Strategic calculations often play a key role in prisoner exchanges. To make an 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 signi cant 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 ghters, compared to the Russian side.

Given that Russia’s population outnumbers Ukraine’s, o cials 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 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. e 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. e 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 ght 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.” e primarily symbolic nature of the prisoner exchanges in the Russia- Ukraine 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. is represents a tiny subset of the total estimated number of prisoners of war. e symbolic function of these exchange deals is also re ected in the speci c individuals included in the swaps. e Ukrainian side prides itself for the release of Roman Hrybov, the Ukrainian border guard who de antly 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 o cer for ve Ukrainian soldiers. is 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 o cers trade at a higher price. By publicly rewarding military leadership, such deals may foster military hierarchies and encourage military ambitions of the rank-and- le.

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 o cer who was ve 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.

e 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 o by leaders meeting in Brussels on May 30. e 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

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. e 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 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 o ers 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 o from the US market, experts say. at has some in Iran worried amid concerns about a price war.

“ e only lifeline Iran really has right now for its crude is through China,” said Handjani. “It has really been China keeping Iran a oat.” is month, Iranian oil minister Javad Owji said Iran is a good price” and that “new markets have been identi ed.”

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

“We can say that nally, 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. e 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.

The real reasons behind prisoner exchanges

It’s a humanitarian move mostly, but there’s another side to it

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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 rst 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 signi cant advantages of a single market and a single currency, the eurozone market, is a key target.

In order to help drive that diversi cation, in 2019 Enterprise Ireland designed and launched a new strategic market entry programme called ‘Enter the Eurozone’, aimed speci cally 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 strategy from 2017 up to 2020.

Enterprise Ireland is now proudly on its fth 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 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. e 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. is local presence has allowed it to win four Italian customers since completing the Enter the Eurozone programme.

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

Vivagreen Group decided to target France, given the signi cant 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.

Helping Irish firms develop a market entry plan for eurozone countries

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. e 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

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.

“ ese 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. “ e Pride of Place awards 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: “ ese awards continue to be as important as ever as we are about to start judging the 20th year of the competition. e purpose of the awards has never changed. ey 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.”

Our silage farmers facing a 40% increase in plastic costs

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 signi cant 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”. e 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.

Kilkenny’s Golden Age

e 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 o cials arrived in Kilkenny for the rst ever meeting of the National Assembly of the Confederation. is assembly that purported to represent the Irish people had taken shape over the previous seven months. e 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. e City that greeted them impressed the Assembly delegates. ey 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. e City streets were kept impeccably clean throughout the Confederate era as Kilkenny put its best foot forward. Civic pride soared to unprecedented new heights. e 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. e Assembly at its rst 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. e 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 nal phase of the irty 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 o ered actual nancial support to what it perceived to be a Catholic regime that would cleanse Ireland of all “heretical” beliefs and in uences. e 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. ey 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! ere was a owering 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. ese drew huge attendances. e taverns were packed with political bigwigs, swaggering gentry, and clerical merry-makers.

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

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

Irish 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 their choice of songs.

After that it is the special relationship that artists have with their fans. e 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 leave that to myself. So I started playing Irish tunes by Irish artists and I haven’t stopped since.”, said Mr Barry. at was twenty eight years ago explains Johnny. As a young man Johnny was a member of the Kilkenny re 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 e 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.

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

KCLR presenter Johnny Barry receives his certificate from Mayor Andrew McGuinness

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 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

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 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”. e head of the radio 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 nish.

A member of e Watergate eatre in attendance on the night recalled a night of Country music at the Parliament Street venue. e night’s entertainment was complete and the artists gathered in the foyer to meet their fans. e sta 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 sta member went into the auditorium to see what the issue was and could only smile at what he saw. e 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 olsel.

Surrounded by family and neighbours and sta 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.