Kilkenny Observer 3rd November 2023 by Kilkenny Observer

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We're Not Well Health service has too many bureaucrats  Marianne Heron Page 12

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A hard rain’s gonna fall Flood relief schemes to protect us still on drawing boards

With Storm Ciarán having tracked to the east and south of Ireland, with met charts showing Munster and southern Leinster – Kilkenny got its share – bearing the worst of the storm, numerous flood relief schemes identified as necessary to protect homes and property have yet to get off the drawing board more

than five years after they were prioritised for investment. They include the scheme for Enniscorthy in Co Wexford, where local people kept an anxious vigil as the Slaney came within centimetres of breaking its banks once again. And also a scheme for Midleton, Co Cork, which suf-

fered devastating flooding in the past fortnight. The Office of Public Works (OPW) has a €1.3bn fund to pay for flood schemes in 25 counties up to 2030. However, it says it cannot tell how many schemes will be complete by then or how much of the fund is likely to be used.

Concerns about more storms and expectant flooding are growing after Met Éireann recorded three consecutive months of aboveaverage rainfall countrywide from July to September. October has also brought extreme deluges to several regions and more heavy rain is forecast as Storm Ciarán

moves towards Europe. With ground saturated even before the winter rains begin in earnest, there are fears that fast-flowing rivers will spill over into homes and businesses again. A detailed nationwide assessment of flood risk was completed by the OPW in 2018. It identified the need

Father of three killed in US

So farewell Chandler, our dear Friend...

A Kilkenny man has been killed in a car accident in the US. Laurence ‘Larry’ Maher died after being involved in the accident in the state of Maine. The father-of-three, who was originally from Ballyline, Callan and Rossane, Cloneen, Co Tipperary, is survived by his wife Elizabeth, and his daughters Ciara, Ava and Saoirse. His funeral arrangements will be announced later.

For most of us, Matthew Perry’s sudden passing is such a shock, not just because he was somebody who entertained us growing up, but because he – and the show he helped create – was such a fixture of our lives for so long. Perry spoke out about the legacy he wanted to leave behind in an interview last year. The much loved actor, best known for his starring role as Chandler Bing, has died at the age of 54. The Los Angeles coroner has still to determine the cause of death. If you’re a child of the 80s, 90s or 2000s Friends is one of those TV shows that feels as if it’s just always been around.

Israelis see us as ‘challenging’

The Enduring Legacy of Friends Page 41

Vatican still lukewarm on women A CatholicChurch congress in the Vatican, which has ended a month-long thinkin, has agreed on the “urgent” need to give women decision-making roles in the church, but has stopped short of suggesting any definitive action to achieve it. “There is an urgent need

The Best Comment & Opinion in Kilkenny

for women to participate in decision-making processes,” the final declaration said. Synod leaders acknowledged the idea of women becoming deacons – and therefore eligible to preside over baptisms, marriages and funerals but not Mass – was divisive.

for 118 large flood relief schemes across the country. Of those, 54 were classified as less urgent and remain on a list of projects to be revisited at some time in the future. The remainder were prioritised for action but few have made it to construction stage or even have planning permission.

But they asked for further “theological and pastoral research on the access of women to the diaconate”, with the results due to be published at the next Synod of Bishops in a year’s time. The report is likely to disappoint progressives in the church, who have been

campaigning for action on issues such as women’s participation, the place of the LGBTQ community in the church and the celibacy of priests. The majority of participants at a synod held in 2019 supported the ordination of women as deacons.

However, Pope Francis hasn’t so far taken that step. The 365 synod participants included 300 bishops along with lay men and about 50 lay women. It was the first time the Pope gave women and lay people the possibility of expressing a vote on church affairs.

Israel’s Foreign Affairs Minister has described Ireland as one of the more “challenging” places in Europe. People Before Profit TDs have called for the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, to be expelled. However, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has ruled out such a move, saying there would be “no advantage” in expelling Ms Erlich as lines of communication should remain open. Global Report Page 22

900 people are still missing The number of live missing persons investigations has risen by 38 to almost 900 active cases since July, latest figures show. In past 11 years, nearly 40,000 people were reported missing in Ireland. Many cases are solved within hours or several days.

PAUL HOPKINS

MARIANNE HERON

JOHN ELLIS

GERRY MORAN

Telling it like it is. And with no holds barred

A straight shooter. Considerate and wise words

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Quirky take on bright side of life

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

News A survey among Irish workers has found that more than four out of five people believe that there is a ‘motherhood penalty’ in the workplace. Many people believe that workers who are mothers are penalised when it comes to career progression and treatment in the workplace. The survey conducted by recruitment firm Employflex found that almost two thirds of people believe that there is a ‘flexiglass ceiling’, meaning that by requesting flexible work it impacts on a worker’s career. A large 74% of people surveyed said that flexibility was the most important thing for them in the workplace, much higher than salary at 38%. Company perks were bottom of the list at 6%. Four out of five people would move jobs for more flexibility. Although two thirds of people would feel confident asking their boss for flexible work, nearly a third would not. The types of flexible work people most want, according to the survey are hybrid, reduced hours and remote working. More than a half of people said that their company has a policy on flexible work while 17% don’t know if their company has one. The survey found that 73% of people said they work in a flexible workplace, which is up from 64% in the same survey last year. This is also up significantly from the 53% in the 2019 survey, before the pandemic.

Gender pay gap report due soon

‘Motherhood penalty’ exists in workplace

Founder of Employflex, Karen O’Reilly said: ”To avoid a mass ‘flexodus’ of mothers from the workplace, and while we are waiting for the new proposed cuts in childcare costs, offering authentic

flexibility is key to retaining mothers in the workplace. In a tight labour market, companies can gain competitive advantage and increase their diversity by getting access to this valuable bank of ‘sticky

talent’. We would urge employers to listen to these survey results which show that for many workers flexibility is top of the agenda when it comes to what they desire from a job.”

The survey was conducted by flexible work recruitment specialists, Employflex and there were more than 475 respondents. The survey was conducted in October 2023.

Large organisations across Ireland are now preparing for the second year of gender pay gap reporting due in December 2023. They must not only report on their gender pay gap but also on the measures they have put in place to address it since the last report. This could have a significant impact for those organisations which are unable to demonstrate progress in closing the gap or explain why it hasn’t been possible. Gender pay gap reporting became a reality for organisations with more than 250 employees 12 months ago. Having waited several years for the legislation, the regulations were published last June with a reporting deadline in December. That short timeframe was challenging enough, but the scope and complexity of the reporting requirements were unexpectedly onerous. It had been expected that the Irish legislation would closely follow the UK model, but this was not the case.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

News

Vital winter medicines plan A new system is in place that will see Ireland be able to plead with other European countries to part with vital drugs in short supply here this winter amid fears of another scarcity of vital medicines. It is part of a new EU-wide agreement to stave off a repeat of last winter’s crisis. However, other countries

will still be able to turn down the request. Last winter’s so-called ‘tripledemic’ surge in Covid-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), along with a rise in potentially dangerous invasive strep A infection, led to demand for key medicines increasing two to three times higher than normal, and

pharmacists warning of critical shortages Penicillin, the first-line treatment for strep A, which can potentially kill, was in short supply earlier this year forcing doctors to prescribe other antibiotics which have more side effects. Several cough syrups and certain painkillers also ran

scarce on many pharmacy shelves. Along with the intermittent inadequate stocks of common treatments for conditions like blood pressure, it revealed how exposed Ireland is to a shortage of key medicines. In response to last winter’s alarm and amid criticism it was caught off guard, the

Renters living in ‘very poor’ accommodation National housing charity Threshold has released its Q3 Impact Report, with latest figures showing an increasing amount of tenant queries relating to poor standards of accommodation. There is a minimum set of legal standards that landlords must abide by, and tenants are acting within their rights by expecting that these standards at met. In order to combat the growing number of queries regarding accommodation standards, including issues regarding mould and broken heating systems, Threshold has proposed a new NCT-style system for housing that would ensure accommodation standards are met. In Q3, Threshold supported more than 900 households to stay in their homes or secure alternative housing, preventing them from entering homelessness, with 1,333 adults and 939 children supported. Of the new households who contacted Threshold in Q3, 5,318 were at risk of losing their homes and possibly homelessness. For the third consecutive quarter, most of these renters were at risk because their landlord wished to sell the home. Overall, almost 9,000 households were supported by Threshold’s frontline advisors on wider issues regarding their tenancy. More than half of the main queries in Q3 2023 related to tenancy terminations, an increase from 38% in the same quarter last year. General ter-

mination queries and queries regarding standards also ranked among the top concerns raised by renters who got in touch with Threshold. These various issues amounted to over 10,000 calls being answered by Threshold advisors. Threshold CEO John-Mark McCafferty told The Kilkenny Observer: “It is very worrying, if not surprising at this stage, to see that one of the main challenges facing tenants continues to be tenancy terminations and more specifically, termination as a result of landlords selling homes. “While our incredible team prevented over 900 households from entering homelessness, the threat – and reality – of tenancy termination continues to be a very real one for many households across the country. It shows that there is still a lot of work to be done to tackle the housing crisis.” A common challenge facing tenants is the poor standard of accommodation that they are living in. Tenants often report issues of dampness, inadequate ventilation, or poor insulation, making it expensive to heat their home. Below are some examples of the minimum legal standards that a tenant can expect in their home. Given the number of calls the housing charity has received regarding poor accommodation standards, Threshold is proposing an NCT-style system to address this issue.

Aontú’s Healy to run in locals A well-known economist and longtime community and trade union activist has been selected to run for Aontú in next year’s local elections in Castlecomer LEA. Tom Healy, a former Director of NERI (Nevin Economic Research Institute), is the party’s first candidate to stand in the county. Mr Healy said he was “honoured to have been selected by Aontú, a party whose principles and commitment to true equality and justice for all I

passionately believe in.It says a lot for Aontú that many people, who may have always been deeply engaged about Politics, but never actually ran for office, are moved to put themselves forward to the public for election”. “I truly believe that those on the margins of society need a fearless voice that will give them a platform. “The three pillars that Aontú is founded on- Life , Unity and Economic Justice truly are true principles to strive for.”

European Commission has launched a European voluntary solidarity mechanism for medicines from this month. This allows a member state to flag its needs for certain medicines to other EU countries in the hope they will respond by redistributing medicines from their available stock.

An EU list of critical medicines will be available at the end of the year as a first step to analyse the supply chain of selected medicines by April. The commission is looking to set up a joint buying scheme for antibiotics and medicines for certain respiratory illnesses ahead of next year’s winter period, it said.

Cormac brings his own brand of comedy to Kilkenny

With millions of views online for his Facebook university parodies, Christy Moore covers, pintfulness sketches and stand-up clips, comedian and award-winning broadcaster Cormac Moore is taking his brand new stand-up show ‘Atention To Detail’ to The Kilkenny Comedy Club on Friday, November 24. ‘Atention [sic] To Detail’

comes after Moore decided to walk away from a career in radio after almost 10 years and chronicles the challenges he faced trying to get to grips with a new job in a completely different industry. Swapping the studio for the office and demanding celebrities for difficult clients, Cormac only now realises how handy he had

it. The show highlights Cormac’s new found respect for sweating the small stuff in life and how not doing so can cause significant problems in everything from your health to your relationships. He didn’t pay attention cutting the grass once and set the lawnmower on fire, didn’t pay attention to his diet and developed liver

disease and didn’t realise how attractive his wife found him putting out the bins. Without being asked. The night before. Cormac has performed comedy all over the world, from Dublin to Sydney, from the UK to Malaysia. Tickets for the Kilkenny gig are €12.50 via www. kilkennycomedy.com

New ad. standards for Irish influencers The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) and the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) have published fresh guidance for Irish influencers on the clear labelling of ads on social media. The comprehensive and accessible guidance addresses paid promotion, items ‘gifted’ by brands or PR agencies, and the advertising of own-brand products and services.

The joint guidance has been developed following extensive research, including experiments with eye-tracking technology and a survey of 500 social media users. A number of influencers were also asked to review the new guidance and provide feedback to the CCPC. Key points of the new guidance include: • Use the hashtag #Ad • Hashtags must be instantly

visible to consumers • Posts about own brands must also be labelled as advertising • A number of different hashtags (#IWorkWith, #OwnBrand) are currently used by influencers to indicate advertising. For the avoidance of confusion, all commercial content should now be labelled #Ad (or #Fógra for Irish-language posts).

Kevin O’Brien, Member of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, said: “Our research found that consumers consistently overestimated their ability to identify influencer advertising. This guidance will support influencers to comply with their obligations under the law so that consumers know when they are being advertised to.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter Paul Hopkins

Hold the front page! A lot has happened in 50 years Ireland joined the European Economic Community on January 1, 1973. September 16 that year saw me join the Irish Press as a rookie, initially running copy to the print room in the halcyon days of hot metal. Back then, Dublin’s Rathmines College was the only institution offering a course in journalism – the rookie way, or via the regional press, was, until then, the norm. Rathmines refused me entry as it had an age ceiling of 20 years and I was then 21, having dabbled with a science degree. Ironically, in the ‘80s Rathmines invited me to lecture weekly, which I did for two years. The late Fintan Faulkner, an Ardee man, was deputy to Irish Press Editor Tim Pat Coogan. He was old school, and offered me the job as I had, previously, had the occasional piece published in the Press papers. I was the only male writer ever pub-

lished in the evening paper’s weekly ‘women-only’ Petticoat Panel. However, I was also the first to write about the (admittedly few, then) homeless sleeping rough when I spent a night on O’Connell St with a member of the now defunct charity Home. I was also the first to write about autism, then a relatively unknown. The ‘70s were the height of the Troubles, the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, the kidnapping of Dutch industrialist Tiede Herrema. The late ‘70s saw me head for Rhodesia/Zimbabwe to cover the bush war. I watched Robert Mugabe march his tanks down the capitol’s First Avenue before returning to Dublin and the Irish Independent in 1981. The ‘80s were the years of Reagan and Thatcher and Haughey, of course; and the long, drawn-out nights of the Hunger strikes. The Stardust disaster, too. It also saw the

European Union make its mark on Ireland socially and economically, on its fishing and farming and its GDP and allied issues. And our still contentious neutrality. A decade, too, of deep recession. The ‘90s saw the Good Friday Agreement and the Omagh bombings. And Mary Robinson as first woman president. The Celtic Tiger. I found myself in two more conflict zones – Colombia, undercover in 2003, and the civil unrest in Kenya in 2008. Down the years I got to meet and interview many noted people but the greatest moment was meeting Nelson Mandela. There were also the non-famous, their stories of grief and loss. They left a greater mark. In 50 years our demographics have changed dramatically. Property prices have risen much faster than average wages, and increased at more than three

times the rate of inflation. A report by the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows that, although the economy is 10 times the size it was in 1973, housing is far less affordable. The average worker needs more than seven times their salary to buy a house today, compared to

“Property prices have risen much faster than average wages...

four-and-a-half times in 1973. Mortgage rates may well have been into the double-digits in the 1970s. However, the Central Bank now restricts the amount of money a homebuyer can borrow to four times their gross income. Average residential property prices are now 35 times more expensive than in 1973, rising from an average of €9,009 to €318,000. But the average (nominal) industrial wage is only 21 times higher, rising from €38.25 a week in 1973 (£30.12) to €825.01, while consumer prices have risen tenfold. Ground-breaking referenda aside, Ireland has transformed since joining the EU, with gross domestic product (GDP) growing more than tenfold in real terms (taking inflation into account) – more than three per cent of the bloc’s total GDP. The population has almost doubled since 1973, from 2.9

million to 5.1.million people. And the jobs people have are very different. Almost a third was in the industrial sector in 1973, but that’s less than a fifth now. Almost a quarter was employed in agriculture in 1973. Now, it’s just four percent. People in services have grown from a little less than half 50 years ago to over three-quarters – due to the growth in tech and finance jobs. The number of thirdlevel students has increased nearly six-fold since 1973. Additionally, we are leaving it until later before settling down with partner and/or children, careers coming first. The population is getting older overall. Half a century ago, almost half was under 25. That is now less than a third. With all that that implies – and another braindrain seemingly begun – one cannot but wonder what the next 50 years will bring...

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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News

Solar panels could be answer to costly electricity Householders could save costly electricity bills in just over six years by converting to solar panels, according to a new Irish Independent/Swyft Energy Solar PV Index. With electricity prices still around 40% higher than in 2021, a combination of supports and the ability to sell back to the grid means that the payback time for an average household unit has

dropped by half compared to two years ago. Swyft Energy is one of Ireland's largest solar PV companies with more than 100 employees nationwide. In 2021, it would have taken 12 years to recoup the cost of installing a 12-panel solar PV (photovoltaic) system, less grants and VAT cuts, the index found.

New scam 'selling' you cheap holidays AIB has issued a warning about a new type of travel fraud that is on the increase internationally known as ‘ghost brokering’. Criminals target people searching for online holiday or flight deals using ads that appear to be legitimate but are not. The ads often appear as ‘sponsored’ and direct customers to fraudulent websites. The websites appear sophisticated and convincing and often request phone numbers and email addresses to use their search function. Fraudsters then use these details to contact the person via a messaging service such as WhatsApp, to entice them into buying cheap flights or holidays. The person believes the offer is legitimate, pays for the holiday and authorises it. They often receive a booking confirmation from the fake travel company, to create the appearance of legitimacy.

Once the criminal harvests the person’s card and security details, they often make several other genuine holiday bookings with legitimate merchants using the stolen card details, to sell them on to someone else later. AIB’s Head of Financial Crime, Carol Lawton [pictured] said “International intelligence shows us that this type of fraud or ‘ghost brokering’ is on the rise and as a result, customers should exercise caution when booking holidays online. These scams are often sophisticated and even use sponsored ads to target people who may assume that the travel company is genuine. "We ask our customers to always think before they click the link.” AIB urges people to: • When making travel bookings online don’t just follow the link. Use the internet to search for the property to ensure it exists. • Check that the person you are dealing with works for the company. Look up the company. • Ensure any website you use is secure and genuine by checking for the padlock symbol to the left of the web address and if it’s not there, beware. • Check the bank account number you are sending the funds to. Is it in the same country as the property? An Irish bank account has IE in the IBAN, a French one will have FR. It could indicate that there is a problem. • Beaware of current fraud threats by regularly checking your banks security centre on their website.

Solar PV technology allows householders to generate their own clean energy. This can save up to 70% on the cost of an annual electricity bill when combined with battery storage, and the ability to sell excess power back to the grid. The index assumes that half of the electricity generated from an optimally installed 12-panel system is consumed on site,

with the remainder sold back to the grid. Householders who install solar panels will make net savings of €27,117 over 25 years, according to the Irish Independent/Swyft Energy Solar PV Index. This is compared with paying for their power from the grid. The calculation takes into account a 15% reduction in

electricity bills this winter, and it builds in annual variations going forward. Systems that use a battery and charge it at a night rate, will make savings of €34,108 over the 25 years. The payback is also achieved in just over six years, the index found. Index author Adrian Casey, co-founder of Swyft Energy,

told the Irish Independent: "Although we see energy suppliers reducing prices by roughly 15pc this winter, they are still well above 2021 levels and are unlikely to return there any time soon. "This means that solar is the way to go for the average Irish household who want to save money and make a conscious contribution to a green future.”

Let's talk business: Tourism operators from Ireland at IMEX America in Las Vegas, including Sinead Monahan, Mount Juliet Estate (front, second left)

Kilkenny set to do business inVegas Thirty-five (35) tourism enterprises from Ireland – including Mount Juliet Estate – attended IMEX America in Las Vegas recently. IMEX (International Meetings and Events Exhibition) America is the largest trade show in the United States for the global meetings, events and incentive travel industry. More than 3,500 buyers from North America and elsewhere around the world attended the threeday show – which provided valuable business and networking opportuni-

ties for the participating tourism companies from Ireland. The show included scheduled appointments and evening networking events with top meetings and incentive travel buyers.   Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted to join with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI, as part of the ‘Meet in Ireland’ team, at IMEX America. IMEX is an important platform for Tourism Ireland and our partners to showcase the world-class meetings and

incentive facilities on offer right around Ireland. Our message is that the combination of our unique experiences, professional DMCs and warmth of our welcome ensures that Ireland is a fantastic destination for incentive travel and corporate meetings.” ‘Meet in Ireland’ is the official MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) brand for the island of Ireland, comprising Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland – who work in partnership to promote

the island of Ireland as a leading business events destination. Tourism Ireland is the organisation responsible for promoting the island of Ireland overseas as a leading holiday destination. In 2019, we welcomed 11.3 million overseas visitors to the island of Ireland, delivering revenue of over €5.9 billion. Tourism Ireland’s international website is www.ireland.com, with 33 market sites available in 30 different countries in 11 language versions around the world.

Get sport active in Kilkenny with 128 clubs Sport Ireland, the authority responsible for the development of sport in Ireland, has today welcomed the launch of ‘Get Ireland Active’, the definitive resource for information, advice, directions, and tips for people of all ages and abilities anywhere in the country to get active and take full advantage of the amenities around them. There are already well over 10,000 opportunities to be active in the database, including 6,000 clubs, 4,000 loca-

tions and 1,000 trails. Data has come from over 60 authoritative sources, with more coming on board every day. In Kilkenny, Get Ireland Active includes 128 clubs, 28 activity locations and 42 trailheads. The first project of its kind in Ireland, ‘Get Ireland Active’ brings together the collective resources of the Government of Ireland, Sport Ireland, local authorities, state agencies, local sports part-

nerships, and Irish sport’s national governing bodies to capture all sports facilities and places for people to be active in Ireland in one free, convenient, and comprehensive website. Get Ireland Active connects everyone who wants to move and be active with every resource around that can help them begin, improve, or supercharge their activity journey. The database includes up-to-date, accurate

information on opportunities to be active in Ireland. These include Sports and recreation facilities; public places such as playgrounds; and trails for walking, running, and biking. Each search can be filtered to check accessibility as well as amenities such as parking and changing facilities. Get Ireland Active is at the beginning of its journey and it will continually develop as more partners add details of their facilities to the database.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Health service suffers overdose of bureaucrats To say that there were ruffled feathers at Budget time over the Department of Health’s whopping over -spend of a billion plus is putting it mildly. The situation, as other ministers feared that they would get less of the Budget cake due to the HSE’s insatiable appetite for funds, put me in mind of a cuckoo in the nest which leaves the smaller nestlings starving. Health is a big spender with €22.5bn allocated for the next year, second only to social protection at €25.2bn and more than double the spend on housing and education. However much the Department of Health gets – this year the increase of €800 million was over 6% – it is never enough. Health Minister Stephen Donnelley had been seeking €2bn. There was an outcry that

that the Budget amount was a shortfall, prompting an immediate halt on recruitment for the HSE and warnings that the public would suffer even longer waiting lists for treatment. Nothing like weaponising long-suffering patients in the run up to a General Election as a means of getting more money is there? Our spending on health is about average for the EU, according to Eurostat, with their recent report suggesting that we could do better on prevention and that we need more doctors and nurses. Meanwhile, nearly half of us are covered by health insurance to ease access to health care. Given a long list of headlined problems from the delays and cost overruns of the children’s hospital now only due to open in 2026

at a cost of over €2bn to the ongoing crisis in overcrowded A&E department and Camhs, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service , it’s not unfair to say that our health system is unhealthy and that no amount of spending has provided the cure. What is wrong here? Bernard Gloster, HSE CEO, interviewed on radio recently’ mentioned a long list of reasons for runaway spending from increased demand for health services to the soaring cost of electricity food and services. In all the debate over funds the elephant in the room question wasn’t asked. Is the HSE badly managed and inefficient? There are plenty of managers in the HSE, hired at twice the rate of medical staff recently, but they don’t seem able to improve

the outcomes for the health service. The HSE is a huge employer with around 150,000 on the pay roll. The biggest category are nurses and midwives at 42, 657 according to 2022 figures, managers and administrators accounted for 22,635. When it came to hiring staff between December 2019 and September 2022 managers and administrators accounted for a 20% increase compared with an 11.7% increase in nurses, isn’t the ratio of bureaucrats a bit high? Bernard Gloster admitted last week that 6,000 managers were hired last year. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly has promised savings next year of €600m with the savings to be made mainly on hospitals and a cutback in the costly use of agency staff, currently three times what

it should be, and plans for a further 7000 staff were abandoned. Now, a bit confusingly, Bernard Gloster has just announced that a further 2,200 staff will be hired next year. The Green’s Eamon Ryan said on air recently that reform was needed in the HSE as well as funding and that digital technology was one area that would make a difference together with having a universal system for administration. Other reforms that would make a difference would be to improve the underdeveloped primary and community healthcare services which would deal with treatment earlier and prevent so many cases ending up in hospital. There is the point that having too many penpushers may not be best use of resources. Large

Natural solutions for everyday ailments

CLAIR WHITTY

Every day we get asked for natural solutions for things like pain, earache, headaches, and warts. For aches, pains, and stiffness, one of the first natural cures I learned about was the apple cider vinegar cure. I clearly remember a customer telling me about it almost 20 years ago now. Add one tablespoon of cider vinegar, one teaspoon of molasses, and one teaspoon of good quality local honey to boiling water and sip.

He drank this every morning, and said it was fantastic. He had less discomfort, stiffness, and pain, and swore by it. We have shared this remedy over the years and like him, many found it to be very helpful in relieving pain and discomfort. For toothache, Clove Bud Essential Oil is a go to for many. My older brother, told me that he had first heard about it in the film, Marathon Man over 30 years ago. If you saw the film, you’ll know what he is talking about! Clove Bud Oil has been traditionally used for painful toothache. Soak a cotton pad in water diluted with Clove Bud oil and bite down on the pad for some pain relief.

organisations have a tendency to end up running themselves, having meetings about meetings) or running performance studies, rather than providing the service they were set up to do – in tis case, concentrating on patient care. Next year Bernard Gloster has promised a shake-up of the HSE’s head office dividing it into two teams with a corporate division and national office in charge of delivery of health services under regional managers for six new health regions. Isn’t this back to where we were with regional health divisions before we had the HSE? Whether adding yet more managers and layers of bureaucracy to the system will improve the health of our health service remains to be seen. For headaches, try dabbing a few drops of Lavender essential oil on the temples. Or for earaches dilute Lavender in olive oil and massage behind the ears. Do a patch test first. I have used Lavender for headaches and earaches and I have to say it helped me when needed. Or if you prefer, you could try Magnesium Malate internally. It may be a good form to try for headaches that are associated with stress or tension. A clove of garlic a day can help support immunity, and has antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. When it comes to garlic some of you might prefer to take it in capsule form, Solgar Garlic is an option for you to try. You could try a garlic cure externally to help get rid of warts. To make the concoction, place three cloves of garlic in a small jar with olive oil for three days. After this time use a cotton ear bud to dab some of the garlic oil onto the wart morning and evening. Cover if you can and repeat daily. It has a very strong smell, so you may be lucky to manage this once a day! Maybe you have some old cures you would like to share with me? I would love to hear from you if you do. Shop online at www. naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

News

SPECIAL REPORT Kilkenny will be a hotbed of scientific experiment, technological ingenuity, engineering and mathematical endeavour in the coming days as up to 50 free events for adult audiences, all the family, schools and more get underway from November 11 to 19 as part of Kilkenny Science Festival. Kilkenny Castle, Castlecomer Discovery Park, schools, theatres, libraries as well as pubs and a brewery even across the city and county will be transformed for the festival. Once again, free events run daily and at evening time and showcase how science is anything but boring. This year’s free programme includes everything from an interactive, fun-filled event featuring experiments and demonstrations with scientist and TV star, Mark the Science Guy at Kilkenny Castle to an entertaining, circus-like experience for all the family at The Set Theatre with Dr Ken as he eats fire, cracks whips, juggles and explores the scientific principles behind skilful circus tricks and dangerous stunts. Key events include a Science Comedy Night with Sean Marshall, the producer/ presenter of popular podcast and blog Science Chat; a fascinating Dancing Physics at Barnstorm with Cindy Cummings, dance artist and a talk by Professor Pádraig Ó Macháin on The Liber Primus, a medieval treasure on display in the Medieval Mile Museum. The free programme also includes an evening of lyrical rhythms and performance with Stephen James Smith and Enda Reilly as well as the Science of Brewing at Sullivan’s Tap Room and a not-to-bemissed Science Scavenger Hunt online for all of the family with Steve Sherman, Chief Imagination Officer of livingmaths.com, and a weekend of Family Science Fun on Saturday November 12 in Kilkenny Castle and Sunday November 13 in

A hotbed of scientific experiment and ingenuity SET Theatre. The extensive programme of free events is brought to the public by CALMAST at SETU, with support from Science Foundation Ireland, Kilkenny Council, and Glanbia local organiser, Nollaig Healy, said: “People think of Science Week and they automatically think that it’s just focused on schools and on children. Kilkenny Science Festival has something for everyone. “Whether you’re curious about the brewing process, want to know more about

rubbish and its impact on the environment or are into textiles or performance art, our events show just how relevant the scientific principles of physics, chemistry and biology are in our everyday lives,” Nollaig Healy said. “The South East has become a magnet for science, technology and pharmaceutical firms. The growing sector offers great job prospects for graduates with science-related skills and a world of opportunities, rewarding salaries and a chance to travel the

showworld. We want to show case how exciting and wonderful science is to all age cohorts, all groups. “Our Festival has grown over the past 4 years and has evolved with the times. We are encouraging anyone with a spirit of adventure and who is curious about the world around us to have a look at the programme, book their free place now. Wherever you live in Kilkenny, there is something on your doorstep and we’d love to have you along,” she said. The Kilkenny Science

Festival also includes The Science of the Skywalk at Castlecomer Discovery Park; events with the National Reptile Zoo and Castlecomer Discovery park as well as creative workshops in Newpark Close Family Resource Centre and Ossory Youth and ultimate LEGO building at Ferrybank, Urlingford, Loughboy, Graiguenamanagh, Thomastown and Castlecomer libraries. Calmast is expanding the ‘grow your own bulb kits’ again this year in partnership with all of

Kilkenny’s libraries. Each kit available in libraries will contain spring bulbs, a step by step guide, details on how to plant the bulbs and look after the flowers as they bloom and announce the arrival of Spring. Kilkenny Science Festival is supported by Science Foundation Ireland , SETU, Kilkenny Council, Kilkenny Leader Programme and Glanbia * For pre-booking and further information on all events, visit www.STEMKILKENNY.ie

Kilkenny! Get involved inThe Great House Revival Now more than ever, architect and television presenter Hugh Wallace wants to meet people who are getting creative with their housing solutions – be it a one room cottage, an abandoned hay shed or something in between, he wants to hear from you! Produced by Animo TV, the fifth series of The Great House Revival is currently looking for homeowners in Kilkenny to feature. In particular they are looking for homeowners who have planning permission (if

needed) and who are going on site to start their builds before Christmas. As the series is filmed over one year, the home would need to be mostly complete by September 2024 to be included in the show. Hugh and his team will follow the progress of restoration projects across the country, as owners reclaim beautiful buildings from the past to transform them into spaces for modern-day living. Hugh Wallace said: “I can’t wait to travel the length and

breadth of Ireland once again to follow more brave restorers as they embark on their restoration journey. We’re looking for wonderful projects from Kilkenny to showcase as many fabulous properties across the nation as possible”. Maya Derrington, series producer and director of The Great House Revival said: “All over Ireland there are properties in need of serious repair and love, and The Great House Revival champions the bravery of those willing to take them on.

“Suitable projects include any old buildings that are about to undergo a restoration to be transformed into a home: church conversions, Garda stations, farmhouses, or Georgian townhouses and smaller city terraced homes. No restoration is too small.” * If you, or someone you know is about to embark on a restoration of any kind, Animo TV want to hear from you – email property@ animotv.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

67% of buyers fear never owning a home In a recent survey conducted by leading property website MyHome.ie, the concerns of potential homebuyers have once again come to the fore. The survey, which gathered responses from more 2,000 people in late October 2023, revealed a growing unease among those seeking to enter the property market, citing rising interest rates and lack of suitable properties as the key factors behind there decline in confidence. The survey findings indicate that 67% of those surveyed are apprehensive about how rising interest rates may affect their ability to purchase a home. This marks a significant 20% increase compared to a similar survey conducted in March of this year. The increase in borrowing costs has led to a significant shift in the preferences of homebuyers, with 58% now seeking mortgage terms lasting over five years. In addition, a striking 75% of those

surveyed are actively seeking fixed-rate mortgages, while only 5% are considering tracker mortgages. Despite the continued strong demand in the property market, the scarcity of available properties remains a significant concern for prospective buyers. Only a quarter (24%) of respondents believe that there is an adequate supply of suitable homes on the market. This divide between demand and supply has created a challenging environment for those looking to secure their dream home. Sentiment in the property market is notably low, with just 14% of respondents indicating that they believe that 2024 will be a favourable time to purchase a property. This pessimism is compounded by the fact that 75% of respondents expressed general worry about the state of the property market. Joanne Geary, the Manag-

ing Director of MyHome.ie, emphasised that interest rate hikes and the ongoing supply problems were the primary drivers of these negative sentiments. She pointed out that the sustained increase in interest rates had created a sense of uncertainty among potential homebuyers and the

inadequate supply of properties in Ireland exacerbates the situation, leading to increased competition and rising property prices. Ms Geary also noted that the concerns expressed in the survey have shifted over time. In the earlier survey conducted in March, energy

prices were the primary concern among potential buyers. Now, attention has shifted towards the impact of rising interest rates and the housing supply crisis. Addressing the issue of energy, the survey revealed that nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents plan to power their homes with renewable energy sources due to the escalating costs of conventional energy. However, among those who intend to renovate or build their homes, a similar percentage (74%) have faced setbacks due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. The majority of those survey (87%) believe that the government should do more to support the property sector, with only 11% of respondents expressing satisfaction with the housing measures introduced in Budget 2024 last month. To address the challenges faced by potential homebuy-

ers and the property market as a whole, Geary recommended the introduction of more affordable green initiatives. She noted that while many respondents plan to use renewable energy sources, but remain dissatisfied with the government’s response to this issue. To recap, rising interest rates, the limited supply of available homes, and dissatisfaction with Government measures have combined to create a challenging environment for those looking to enter the property market. While the demand for property remains high, the sentiment has been dampened by these pressing issues. As the property market continues to evolve, it is clear that measures to address these concerns are needed to restore confidence and vitality to the housing sector. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362622

Irish government must articulate the urgent demand for full and immediate ceasefire in the Middle East BY: DEPUTY KATHLEEN FUNCHION SINN FEIN TD FOR KILKENNY CARLOW Sinn Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny Kathleen Funchion has said that the outcome of last month’s European Council meeting on the conflict in the Middle East represents a failure of EU leadership. She has called on the Irish government to articulate the urgent demand for full and immediate ceasefire at every opportunity. Teachta Funchion said: “Enduring Israeli bombardment and the total siege of Gaza continues by the hour. Every day the death count rises by the thousands. The most recent bombing of a refugee camp must not be allowed to continue. “European leaders have failed to even acknowledge that Israel is breaching internation-

al law and some have effectively given their imprimatur to those breaches. “The call of the international

community must be for an immediate and full ceasefire, and the universal application of and adherence to interna international law, with the explicit condemnation of those who breach it, regardless of who they are; including Israel. “European leaders have leader failed that test of leadership during this conflict. “The Irish government must now work with those global partners, including EU states, who are rightly seeking a comprehensive, inin formed international process that delivers an immediate ceasefire and a full huhu manitarian response. “The bombard bombardment must end. The siege of Gaza must end. Nothing less will do.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

News Science & Wellbeing A new paper published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences offers a possible tool for picking up the pace in the earth for life on Mars. A research team headed by James Cleaves of Howard University applied artificial intelligence (AI) to the challenging science of life detection to see whether a machine learning programme could tell the difference between non-biological samples containing carbon and samples from living organisms. They tested 134 carboncontaining samples, including coal, rice grains, human hair, and amino acids (both synthesised and from meteorites) and had the AI vote yay or nay on the presence of life. The AI got it right in about 90% of cases. The paper raises hopes that AI might revolutionise life detection, but several challenges need to be overcome first. The AI algorithm works by recognising functional groups in chemical compounds known to be associated with biology. Alien life might use vastly different functional groups, however. And the more alien, the less certain will be the detection because AI is only trained on life as we know it on Earth. The miss rate in the Cleaves study was about 10%. Although that is expected to improve with more sampling data to train the AI, in science we often require at least three standard deviations for proof — meaning 99.7%. So, as impressive as the AI is, it is still not accurate enough to unambiguously identify life. And of course, none of the samples in its training set would be alien lifeforms, until we have such samples in hand. Another great application of Cleaves’ approach will be to identify ancient life on Earth. One major question is when life first originated on our planet, and Cleaves’ AI could be used to screen samples suspected of be-

Writing in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, researchers at the National University of Singapore said they studied the coffee habits of 12,583 participants in a longitudinal study over 20 years, as they went from a median of 53 years old to 73. The fascinating and encouraging results they found: participants who drank copious amounts of coffee, which they defined as four or more cups per day, were twice as likely to avoid becoming physically frail as they aged into their 70s. While the study specifically called out coffee, the researchers said people who drank caffeine-laden tea also saw benefits, and were also less likely to wind up with “diminished strength, endur-

How AI may help find life on Mars

ing fossilized life. The more samples, the better it will get. This alone represents a major breakthrough. As for Mars, the Cleaves paper suggests that AI could be used to analyse molecules detected by a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer on a planetary lander. Both the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers carry such instruments, so some of the data analysis could be done right there on Mars, albeit not with the same accuracy you could achieve in a lab on Earth. Life on Mars could be related to life on Earth due to an

exchange of meteoritic material, so the AI might have a better chance of succeeding. How does all this affect the long-standing question of whether we need a sample return mission to identify life on Mars, or whether that identification could be done on the planet itself? Each approach has its unique selling points. If the samples are returned to Earth, you can apply the full power and range of hightech analysis in cutting-edge labs, now and in the future. On the other hand, in situ life detection has the advantage

I’ll have more coffee, please

that you might be able to detect active life. If you put your sample in a box for the long return to Earth — as is planned for Mars Sample Return — you are probably limited to studying dead and possibly decayed remnants. Considering astrobiology only, in situ life detection would be preferable. But a sample return mission is meant to fulfill other planetary science goals, too, including the study of Martian geology, geophysics, climate science, and atmospheric science. Despite decades of plan-

ning, there is a real danger that neither mission will happen soon. An independent review board examining NASA’s Mars sample return plans recently found that the mission faces major challenges. In fact, it’s basically impossible given the currently projected schedule and costs. NASA set up its own review team in response, which is expected to report back next spring. While the outside committee emphasised the great importance of sample return, the US Senate could still decide to scrap the programme.

ance, and reduced physiologic function that increases an individual’s vulnerability for developing increased dependency,” as they aged, or dying early. Of course, we have to keep in mind our old friend, “correlation v. causation”. For example, it’s possible that it’s just a coincidence that big- time coffee drinkers had a better chance at a more robust later stage of life, or else that there’s some other unidentified factor that leads to one or both of these factors. A study last year in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that moderate to heavy coffee drinkers had a 30 percent lower chance of dying from any cause than those who did not. (During the study period, obviously;

eventually everyone dies). A 2019 study of 347,077 people out of the University of South Australia suggested that five cups a day is the optimal amount of coffee to drink. In 2017, a study by the American Heart Association and the University of Colorado School of Medicine that suggested that each cup of coffee people consume each day correlates to an 8% lower chance of heart failure or stroke. Plus, a Spanish study found that drinking four cups of coffee a day led to a 64% lower risk of dying among study participants during the study period, and a British study of 498,123 people found that those who habitually drank coffee were between 10 and 15% less likely to die during

Either way, a 2028 launch (to collect and return samples gathered by Perseverance) now seems more than unlikely. The negative review has rattled the Mars science community, and even though the preferences of an astro-biologist would be for a life detection mission, cancelling the sample return mission would be a colossal loss for science. It could even derail, or at least damage, NASA’s entire planetary exploration program. Hopefully, there will only be a delay instead of an outright cancellation.

any 10-year period. Now for the opportunity for non-coffee drinkers. Recently, a new study showed 74% of Americans drink coffee every day. equal to a total of 440 million cups every 24 hours. That number keeps increasing rapidly according to a trade association: up from 66% of Americans in 2022, which was itself a 14% jump from 2021. That means that roughly 250 million American coffee drinkers are being told over and over that one of their most addictive habits is also good for them. Maybe you’re not a coffeedrinker yourself, but there’s a huge market out there, and it’s apparently growing fast. As a business leader, that sounds like it could be a piping hot cup of opportunity.

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Travel & Leisure Not knowing how to get around Many travellers are accustomed to driving, so they rent a car in Las Vegas without thinking about it. This can be a good idea, especially if you want to explore the broader region around the city or plan to visit several local sights within city limits, such as the Mob Museum on one end of town and the Olympia Sports Park on the other. Driving yourself can be a much cheaper alternative to taking taxis everywhere. But Las Vegas is a surprisingly foot-friendly city. Lots of folks spend their entire vacation on the Strip, which has wide sidewalks and pedestrian bridges over the multi-lane boulevard. Better yet, you can hop on the Las Vegas Monorail, a 3.9-mile mass transit system that carries passengers back and forth along the city’s busiest route. This system is scenic and relaxing, and it’s way less expensive than getting around on four wheels. Thanks to these amenities, many tourists see no reason to drive, and their rental cars end up sitting in a parking garage for days on end. Indeed, people who want to stick to the hotel, splash in the pool, and play a lot of card games may not need a car at all. Missing out on deals Las Vegas is overflowing with freebies, bargains, and instant rebates, and seasoned travelers may enjoy gaming the system as much as playing the actual games. If you’ve never visited Las Vegas before, you may approach the city like any other vacation: book a hotel, make some dinner reservations, and arrange a tour or two. That’s fine; you’re smart to plan ahead. But you may also leave yourself room to improvise. Once you hit the

With a global reputation built on producing highquality wines — a result of the region’s optimal climate and soil conditions, as well as its centuries of winemaking expertise — it’s no wonder that Bordeaux has become synonymous with wine excellence. Once you’ve sipped your way through some of the world’s best vintages, Bordeaux has plenty more to offer. Whether you like grand castles steeped in history or quaint market squares bustling with local life, travelers can go beyond the wine glass to explore the region’s rich culture and traditions. Nestled in the southwest of France, Bordeaux’s reputation as a wineproducing powerhouse precedes it. The region’s location near the Atlantic coast means that the country typically enjoys a maritime climate that’s ideal for grape-growing and seasonal harvesting. Specifically,

What to be wary of when visiting Vegas

tarmac, Las Vegas institutions will offer anything they can to lure you through their front doors. To start, Las Vegas hotels run an endless stream of promotions, and you can often snag your room for a song. (To do this, it’s best to book directly with the hotel, not through a third-party website). Once you arrive at your hotel, ask about memberships and “comps.” These loyalty programmes are almost always free, and members end up with a “player’s card,” which rewards them for playing games in the casino. You accumulate points throughout your visit and can redeem them for room upgrades, discounted show tickets, and restaurant

coupons. Once you get the hang of it, you will start spotting promos everywhere to uncover free things to do in Vegas. Picking the wrong hotel The biggest resorts have some sort of theme, such as Caesars Palace, with its Italianate architecture, or New York New York, with its painstaking replica of the Manhattan skyline. If you love Arthurian legends and want to see trained stuntmen dressed as knights jousting each other, then the Excalibur Hotel is the ideal choice. Clowns and acrobats at any hour of the day? Head to Circus Circus. There’s always the chance that you’ll pick the wrong hotel, not just because you

A great spot for grands amateurs de vin

don’t care for its gimmick, but because you’re far from the things you do want to see. Getting around Las Vegas can be tricky, and although the Strip may seem contained (it’s basically just one road), the length of Las Vegas Boulevard is about four miles. This is a long, busy corridor, and the less you have to walk or hail cabs, the better. The more popular resorts strive to be self-contained experiences, especially when summer temperatures break 100 degrees. If you don’t love the hotel you’ve chosen, you may hate it by the time you leave.

be able to pay your hotel’s room service bill. If your luck changes for the better, you can add these winnings to your personal pot and up your ante. But compulsive gambling can be serious business.

Playing too early, too fast Casinos are designed to pull you in and occupy you

for as long as possible, so it’s no surprise that lots of rookies blow all their money on the first day. It’s not just the casino itself. There are also roller coasters to ride, room service meals to order, and outrageous cocktails to sip. Few cities on Earth are as skilled at separating you from your cash — and there’s nothing more embarrassing than looking up from a Texas Hold’em screen at 2 a.m. and realising you’ve spent everything on a digital game built into the bar. Your best bet is to set a budget for each day. This may not sound like free-wheeling fun, but if you can lose up to, say, $200 each day without breaking the bank, you can at least rest assured you’ll still

the Médoc subregion (with 39,500 acres of vineyards) is known for its gravel-rich soil and for producing some of the most premium wines in the world. It is a beacon (and a must-visit) for wine connoisseurs. Stretching north from the city of Bordeaux, Médoc has become synonymous with prestige. It’s also where Bordeaux’s most famous Grand Cru Classé wine estates — which translates directly to “Great Classified Growth” and highlights a vineyard’s excellence in producing high-quality wines — are found. This, combined with the region’s picturesque chateaus and the scenic Route des Châteaux attract both wine and travel enthusiasts from around the globe. Diving into the details, Bordeaux’s wines are distinctive largely because they are blends — with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and cabernet franc as the three most common grape

varieties that make up a traditional Bordeaux red blend. To make things even more specific, Bordeaux blends are also categorized into two groups: “right bank” and “left bank.” Why banks? Put simply, the region is cut through by the Gironde estuary — a natural division that separates the area. So while “right bank” blends come from the right side of the estuary and are usually made up of mostly Merlot, “left bank” blends focus primarily on the cabernet sauvignon grape. A dream destination for wine lovers, Bordeaux isn’t just about rich flavors — it’s about helping travelers live out the process, too. With different wine tours starting from just $25, these guided visits are the perfect opportunity to see — and taste — the history of Bordeaux’s wine-making tradition. However, when it comes to choosing exactly where

to go and which wines to taste on your wine vacation, some of the top names in the region include Château Margaux, often referred to as the “Versailles of Médoc”; Château Lafite Rothschild, which dates back to the 14th century; Château Latour, renowned for its consistent wine quality across vintages; and Château Angelus, one of the most prestigious wineries in the SaintÉmilion district. As for actually getting to Bordeaux, the city’s Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport welcomes flights from different parts of the world, including the United States and other major European cities. However, if you’re already in Europe, taking the train into Bordeaux’s SaintJean train station will make for a much more scenic and affordable option — and best of all, the ride should only take about two hours from Paris.

Expecting to win Some people are professional card players. They play for huge pots, they excel at sizing up other players, and they know how to handle winning and losing. Mathematicallyminded players may walk up to a blackjack table and ‘count cards’, a practice that isn’t illegal and drives croupiers crazy. If you have any of these superpowers, you’ve probably already been to Vegas and don’t need any tips.

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Opinion

Furthermore Gerry Moran

Wrong direction and rice cake coincidence! A coincidence, according to my Oxford Concise dictionary, is “a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection”. Touché. Couldn’t have put it better myself. And let’s cut to the chase here and to my recent coincidence which was anything but remarkable but a coincidence nonetheless. Yet, when I think about it, it is remarkable in its own small, unassuming, way. Remarkable concurrences of events don’t necessarily have to be on a global scale although they are more dramatic and newsworthy. Sometimes coincidences happen in uneventful places, at uneventful times. I am in Dunne’s Stores with my shopping list in hand (without my shopping list I am lost, my shopping list is my SatNav, if you wish, when negotiating the

aisles of Dunne’s, or Supervalu or any supermarket). One item on my list (dictated, of course, by my wife) is rice cakes. I am not familiar with rice cakes. I have never eaten one, I have no idea what they look like and I have no idea what row they are stocked in. My wife, of course, gave me directions (or were they instructions?) as to where I would find them but between hopping and trotting my sense of direction abandoned me and, besides, women, as we all know, have no sense of direction. I say that quite categorically because of an incidence (not to be confused with a co-incidence) I had in France some years ago. We, my wife and four kids, are driving to a camp site in southern France. We’ve been on the road from Cherbourg for quite a while now and we are all

pretty tired, exhausted and emotional. Not least the driver. Moi, And as I am barrelling, sort of, down a French country road I begin to doubt my male, supreme sense of direction. And so I pull up beside a middleaged lady walking her dog. Her English, I have to say, was poor. But not as poor as my French. Nevertheless I produced a map and with my brilliant sign-language (honed from numerous games of charades with the family at Christmas) I distinctly pointed out where we were going and got the all clear that, oui, we were driving in the right direction. We were not. She sent me 30 miles in the wrong direction! Something we really could have done without. Okay, okay, so something perhaps was lost in translation (although she may have thought we

were English!) but I’ve never trusted a woman to give me directions ever since. Not the best of premises, I’ll agree, to arrive at that conclusion but a premise nonetheless. And a premise is a premise. Have I digressed? You bet. And am I in trouble with the wiser, more sensi-

“My shopping list is my SatNav..

tive, more intelligent of the species (who nevertheless have a poor sense of direction)? I am. But they are also more loving, caring and forgiving. I hope. And although my indiscretion may not be totally forgiven it might perhaps be placed to one side. For the moment. And so, I am looking, unsuccessfully, for rice cakes in the aisles of Dunne’s when I spy a young man stocking shelves. I make a bee-line for him to enquire where the rice cakes are stocked but as I do another customer, a man, reaches him first. “I’m looking for Rice Cakes,” he says, “where might I find them?” I am dumbfounded. I cannot believe this. Two guys approaching a Dunnes’s Stores assistant looking for the exact same product at the exact same time! Now that, for sure, is a coincidence, a

remarkable concurrence of events without causal connection. Furthermore, as the two of us walked to where the rice cakes are stocked, he confides in me that he has never eaten a rice cake. Doesn’t even know what they look like. “Same here,” I tell him. “I’m buying them for my wife,” he says. “Me too.” As it happens we both wear glasses, and we are both slim, trim and athletic looking. Actually that’s where the coincidences end. We both wear glasses and let’s just leave it at that. But still, I’m not a bookie, or an actuary, but I would dearly love to know what the odds are of two guys, approaching the same Dunnes’s Stores assistant for the same product, at the same time, not knowing what that product tastes like, or looks like!

Climate Change

– are we all playing our part?

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

kilkennyobserver.ie

Global Report From 2008 until October 6 this year, 1,434 Palestinian children were reportedly killed, with an additional 32,175 injured, primarily at the hands of Israeli occupation forces. Of these, 1,025 children were killed in Gaza alone, since the unlawful blockade began in 2007. And since the current onslaught of October 7 of this year, at least 3,195 Palestinian children have died, according to Palestine’s Health Ministry – run by Hamas but the figures are also supported by some aid agencies. In the past four weeks, the Gaza Strip has borne witness to a devastating toll on its children, with those reported 3,195 and a reported 5,364 injuries due to unrelenting attacks, or more than 400 children reportedly either killed or injured daily. Additionally, more than 30 Israeli children reportedly have lost their lives, and dozens remain in captivity within the Gaza Strip. The period since October 7 is the deadliest escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip that Israel that the UN has witnessed since 2006. Every child in the Gaza Strip has been exposed to deeply distressing events and trauma, marked by widespread destruction, relentless attacks, displacement, and severe shortages of essential necessities such as food, water, and medicine. “The killing and maiming of children, abduction of children, attacks on hospitals and schools, and the denial of humanitarian access constitute grave violations of children’s rights,” said Adele Khodr, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “UNICEF urgently appeals on all parties to agree to a ceasefire, allow humanitarian access and release all hostages. Even wars have rules. Civilians must be protected – children particularly – and all efforts must be made to spare them in all circumstances.” The West Bank has also witnessed an alarming surge in casualties, with nearly a hundred Palestinians reportedly If the people of America care about democracy, or about abortion rights or about the lives, freedoms and wellbeing of LGBTQ friends and loved ones, then the past weeks have been important. If you see former president Trump and his MAGA movement as a dishonest, disingenuous threat to America, if you believe religion and politics shouldn’t mix, that we are not a theocracy, the past weeks were important. They marked the end to the myth of the moderate Republican and the party’s full-on embrace of both Trump and a form of rightwing extremism voters has been proven. Republicans in the US House of Representatives ended their weeks-long leadership debacle by unanimously voting to elevate Louisiana Rep.

Suffer the little children

PAUL HOPKINS on the casualties of war and poverty losing their lives, including 28 children, and at least 160 children reportedly sustaining injuries. Even before the tragic events of October 7, children in the West Bank were already grappling with the highest levels of conflict-related violence in two decades, resulting in the loss of 41 Palestinian children and six Israeli children’s lives so far this year. “The situation in the Gaza Strip is a growing stain on our collective conscience. The rate of death and injuries of children simply staggering,” said Khodr. “Even more frightening is the fact that unless tensions are eased, and unless humanitarian aid is allowed, including food, water, medical supplies and fuel, the daily death

toll will continue to rise. “The footage of children being rescued from beneath the rubble, injured and in distress, while trembling in hospitals as they await treatment, portrays the immense horror these children are enduring. But without humanitarian access, the deaths from attacks could be the tip of the iceberg,” said Khodr. “The death toll will increase exponentially if incubators start to fail, if hospitals go dark, if children continue to drink unsafe water and have no access to medicine when they get sick.” Children in their thousands – and women too – are the first casualties of many wars taking place in the world today. Ukraine, Yemen, Somalia, South Sudan and their

Republicans showing their true colours

plight is not much better in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power. Iran is another case in point. Children are not just the saddening statistics of war and mayhem. In recent years, the world has made remarkable strides advancing development, yet hundreds of millions of people still live in extreme poverty. Children are disproportionately affected. Despite comprising one third of the global population, they represent half of those struggling to survive on less than €2.15 a day. An estimated 333 million children globally live in extreme poverty. Children who grow up impoverished often lack the food, sanitation, shelter, health care and educa-

tion they need to survive and thrive. Across the world, about one billion children are “multidimensionally” poor, meaning they lack necessities as basic as nutritious food or clean water. The consequences are grave. Worldwide, the poorest children are twice as likely to die in childhood than their wealthier peers. For those growing up through humanitarian emergencies, the risks of deprivation and exclusion surge. Compounding crises – from the impacts of climaterelated disasters, conflicts and the still Covid-19 – have stalled progress for the most vulnerable children. Even in the world’s richest countries, one in seven children still live in poverty.

No matter where they are, children who grow up impoverished suffer from poor living standards, develop fewer skills for the workforce, and earn lower wages as adults. Yet, only a limited number of Governments globally have set the elimination of child poverty as a national priority. In Ireland, 671,183 people are living in poverty, of which 188,602 are children. According to a 2022 report, Children Affected By Armed Conflict, some 468 million children – more than one in six – were living in a conflict zone, a 2.8% increase on the previous year. Such existence takes away the lightness of childhood and robs children of their future...

Mike Johnson [pictured] as new House Speaker. His name recognition was low, his demeanour and bespectacled countenance far calmer than your traditional Trump-enthralled MAGA lawmaker. But his ascendance to second in line to the presidency represented a jaw-dropping GOP capitulation to rightwing extremism and showed every American that the party is Trump’s, and Trump’s alone. Putting a figure like Johnson – election denier and a key legal strategist in the effort to overturn President Joe Biden’s clear victory, staunch abortion rights opponent, vocally anti-LGTBQ lawmaker – in power made a clear statement: There are no moderate Republicans in the House with power.

This is an extremist political party with no intention of untethering itself from its often-courtroom-bound leading presidential primary candidate, Trump. This is a political party willing to lie and dissemble and win at any cost to push an agenda wholly out of line with the views of most American voters, as evidenced by the GOP’s struggles in the last three national elections and in smaller special elections across the country. As soon as he won the gavel, Mike Johnson stood in front of the speaker’s chair and said: “I believe that scripture, the Bible is very clear that God is the one that raises up those in authority, he raised up each of you, all of us. “And I believe that God has ordained and allowed us to be brought here for this specific moment and this time.”

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Advertisement Opinion

The Callan Curates

Heroes of the Land War

Fr Thomas O Shea

19th century eviction scene in Ireland

BY JOHN FITZGERALD

In 1949, two brave clerics, Fathers Tom O' Shea and Matt O'Keeffe, founded the Callan Tenant Protection Society. This was Ireland's first pressure group to campaign for fair rents and against the tyranny of landlordism. Though it came to

prominence in the 1880s, the tenant rights campaign began three decades earlier in Callan. Callan's historic Town Hall, where the first meeting of the Tenant Protection Society took place, was given a face-lift by the County Council in 1999 for the 150th anniversary of the Society’s foundation. The front of the building was powerwashed and painted in preparation for the commemorative event. It had since fallen into disrepair and neglect and was

badly in need of restoration. Callan, and indeed Ireland, owes much to the courage of the curates who took a stand against a cruel and uncaring establishment...who gave a voice to the voiceless and downtrodden. They paid a high price for their compassion. The church hierarchy of the time and other clergy shunned them. Father Matt O' Keeffe was born in Higginstown, Clara, in 1811. He was ordained in 1836

at Birchfield College where he served as a Professor of Theology. He also studied rhetoric, philosophy, and the humanities. Father O'Keeffe was an eloquent speaker whose gift as a writer ensured that his sermons and orations were stylistic masterpieces. He was a man of great compassion and sensitivity, but could also be headstrong and determined. Once he embarked on an enterprise, he would see it through to the bitter end. He was appointed curate in Callan in 1843. Father O' Shea was born in Cappahayden, near Callan, in 1813. He was ordained in Maynooth in 1840. A Professor at the seminary described him as "idealistic, bright, witty, and captivating". He came to Callan in 1848. Both curates were familiar with the plight of tenant farmers. Father O' Shea witnessed the deaths by starvation of an entire family at Molassy, outside the town, after their cruel eviction by a landlord. He arrived in a town ravaged by the Great Hunger. His predecessor in Callan had died after catching fever from a famine victim to whom he was ministering. In his new parish, Father

O' Shea discovered that a powerful landlord had swept whole townlands bare through evictions. Taking a walk through the landlord's vast estate, he was appalled by the scene of desolation. Burnt-out cabins abounded. Bits of furniture, broken bedsteads and children's toys lay scattered where homes once flourished. Father O'Keeffe, likewise, was aware of heart-rending evictions. He grieved as friends and parishioners were carted off to the workhouse or told him of their plans to emigrate. He and Father O' Shea decided that enough was enough. They laid plans for an all-out attack on what they perceived as "a vile and inhumane" rental system. The curates aimed to ensure that tenants, having survived the horrors of the Great Famine, could look forward to lives of dignity, free from hunger and poverty. They called a meeting for October 14th, 1849, which was held at Cal-

lan Town Hall. This led to the formation of the Callan Tenant Protection Society. Its objectives were: 1. To use every legal and moral means to obtain fair rents. It described existing rents as "exorbitant and utterly intolerable, especially in view of the famine and crop failure from which people are struggling to recover." 2. To secure the recognition of Tenant Rights. 3. To provide jobs in industry for the impoverished labouring classes. Later that month, a meeting was organised at which Father O'Keeffe made a passionate address to the tenant farmers of County Kilkenny. Over 20,000 people from areas around Callan gathered to hear him speak. He was heartened to see a reporter from the Kilkenny Journal among the crowd. Publicity was essential if his message was to reach a wider audience... To be continued... The old town hall in Callan

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

MacDonagh Junction - Savour Kilkenny L-R Caoimhe Ormond & Lauren Daly as they were announced as one of The Savour Kilkenny Young Food Producer Market Winners

Overall Winner Caragh Ni Dhomhnaill showcasing her delicious cupcakes

Savour Kilkenny Young Food Producers Market

L-R Laura Delaney, Anna Purcell Duff, Emma Whelan, Ellie Brett, Cate Ni Chathain & Paul O' Keefe

Photos: Amanda Burke “MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre was proud to continue their longstanding tradition of hosting the Savour Young Food Producer’s Market on Saturday 28th October 2023. This one-day market showcased the culinary skills and de-

lightful inventions of young chefs, bakers, and entrepreneurs from first to sixth year. There were 3 judges on the day: Miss Kilkenny 2023; Caitlin Raven, Orlaith Fallon the 2022 overall winner of the Young Food Producers Market, & Paul O Keefe, owner of The Pantry at MacDonagh Junction Shopping

Centre. While every student was a winner, there were several prizes on offer in the categories of: Best Taste, Best Display and the Overall Winner. The winners of the “Best Taste” Category were Cate Ni Chathain, Emma Whelan, Ellie Brett and Anna Purcell

L-R Laura Delaney, Orliath Fallon, Caitlin Raven, Caragh Ni Dhomhnaill, Paul O' Keefe

Duff with their delicious array of brownies. The winners of the Best presentation were Lauren Daly and Caoimhe Ormond who went for an amazing Halloween themed display that wowed the judges. And the overall Winner was Caragh Ni Dhomhnaill who had an amazing array of cupcakes and cookies

that all of the judges enjoyed. Centre Manager Marion Acreman spoke of her excitement regarding the annual event: “Our ethos of allowing young entrepreneurs test the market environment by showcasing at the shopping centre fits well into this vibrant exciting event as part of the fantas-

tic Savour Kilkenny Food Festival and again this year the team at MacDonagh Junction were hugely impressed with the high standard delivered by our young food producers, we predict a bright culinary future for Kilkenny as they develop their talents in the years ahead”.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Stage musical

Fresh from its premier at Kilkenny’s Watergate Theatre, the brand new Irish musical drama ‘Letters From The Front’, written by Don O’Connor and Ollie Hennessy will play the O’Reilly Theatre, Belvedere College, Dublin 1, from November 21st - 24th starring the award winning West End leading lady, Rebecca Storm and a cast of thirty five. Set during World War 1,‘Letters From The Front’ is the new Irish musical that has everyone talking since it debuted earlier this year. The new musical tells the emotional tales of three families, caught up in the turmoil of WW1. This is a story of young love and sacrifice when Irish couple, Willie and Eileen’s circumstances force them to separate when Willie is sent to fight for the British military stationed at the Western Front. The only communication keeping the couple's connection alive is through the heart-felt letters they exchange.

‘Letters From The Front’ features a stunning orchestral music score and beautiful original songs that underpin the raw emotions of the characters as they navigate the turbulent waters of the Great War. From haunting melodies that speak to the depths of despair, to uplifting songs that celebrate the strength of the characters, inspired by and based on real letters that were written by soldiers and family members throughout the years 1914-1918, the music of ‘Letters from the Front’ will resonate deeply with audiences. Beginning life as ‘A Silent Night’ a 30-minute presentation during the Kilkenny Yuletide Festival in 2018, the theme of the story is inspired by true life letters written to and by soldiers on the front-line during WWI. Creators Don O’Connor and Ollie Hennessey said :The reaction ‘Letters from the Front’ got in Kilkenny back in March made us believe that there is an audience for these

Kilkenny music on Dublin stage Brand new Irish musical‘Letters From The Front’written by DonO’Connor and Ollie Hennessy comes to Dublin this November. Starring West End Leading Lady, Rebecca Storm and a cast of 35 members

stories. Many of our cast including Rebecca herself have family links to WWI and we were unaware of the scale of Irish participation in WWI (over 200,000 Irish men served in the British military with 35,000 losing

their lives) until we started writing the musical”. Ollie who is responsible for the music added “one of the most iconic songs of WWI is ‘It’s a long way from Tipperary’ recorded by one of Irelands best known

tenors John Mc Cormack so there is a real connection between this horrendous part of world history and our country. Having someone with such exceptional theatre experience as Rebecca agreeing to come on board

makes us believe we have something special in this piece of musical theatre”. Adding to the excitement of the musical rolling into the capital, West End leading lady Rebecca Storm joins the cast of ‘Letters from

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Stage musical

al to be performed

the Front’ for the Dublin dates. Having performed in major productions such as Calendar Girls the Musical, Evita, Les Misérables and Blood Brothers, Rebecca is sure to bring her extraordinary

talent and captivating presence, which will undoubtedly elevate this production to new heights, promising audiences a truly unforgettable show. Speaking to The Kilkenny Observer newspaper,

Rebecca said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to be a part of 'Letters from the Front' and to bring this incredible story to Dublin for the very first time. It's a powerful and moving piece of musical theatre. I actually have the

letters written by my great grandfather who fought at the Battle of the Somme, so these four performances in such an intimate Dublin venue will be very special not only for me but also the other cast members many who

like me have ancestors who fought in WWI.” Don’t miss your chance to be one of the first to witness this turbulent journey through a rocky chapter in history. ‘Letters from the Front’ is a must-see for

theatregoers and history buffs alike. Tickets are ON SALE NOW from www.gr8events.ie/ letters Tickets are priced at €34 and €30 for OAP/students

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

Customer Experience awards Advertisement

National Award win for MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre The Customer Experience Awards took place on Wednesday the 25th of October at Dublin’s Conrad Hotel. The Customer Experience Awards are a prestigious event that is dedicated to honouring businesses and individuals who have truly made a difference in the lives of their customers and recognise those that go above and beyond to deliver outstanding experiences. These awards shine a spotlight on those who have not only met

but exceeded expectations, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to putting customers first. MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre scooped two awards on the night: the ‘Best Use of Training & Development Strategies for Teams’ award and the national ‘Shopping Destination of the Year’ Award. Marion Acreman, Centre Manager at MacDonagh

Junction describes the accolades as “an amazing achievement and a testament to the hard work of the entire staff team, who are empowered to consistently go that extra mile for their customers. Customer service lies at the core here at MacDonagh Junction and we are so proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for all of our customers. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey and shared a vote for the Centre”. At the heart of every successful organisation lies a commitment to exceptional customer care and MacDonagh Junction focus their attention to the customer journey in everything they do. Some of the innovative services that MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre have introduced include their Age Friendly Discount Club every Wednesday Morning, their Autism Friendly Hours every Sunday afternoon and their family services including baby feeding suite, height adjustable changing bench, play castle and free heritage tours of the Kilkenny Famine Experience. The Centre also delivers dedicated training programmes that include hidden disability, age friendly business accreditation, dementia awareness, customer service, safety systems and suicide prevention on top of their regular research into continuous improvement and ongoing industry compliance training.

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Cinema

Film maker Nicholas and one hundred years of change In 2021, The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper sat down with Nicholas Ryan Purcell. It is fair to say that Nicholas is one of the kindest humans around and a more obliging young man you wouldn’t meet. Apart from that, he is one of the best film makers about. At thirteen years of age he was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, while also faced with mental health challenges brought on by early trauma. Nicholas overcame a series of obstacles to complete his Leaving Certificate and then undertake, and graduate,

from a three year course in TV production at Ballyfermot College in Dublin. It was in 2021 that Nicholas published his book ‘Anything is possible’ which received wonderful reviews and also reported great sales. He was later to publish ‘Underdog horse Gordon Lord Byron’ His 230 page book dealt with living with Autism and became nationally known after releasing his film ‘This is Nicholas: Living with Autism’ ( 2018) . That film led to Nicholas appearing on a panel on The Late Late Show. And now, the Tipperary film maker is making

headlines once again as his latest feature film hits the cinema screens. His latest work, ‘100 Years of Change’ tells the story of a lady in her 100th year and the societal changes that she has witnessed since

1923. The lady, Mabel Wallace tells of the changes that she has witnessed herself that include what education was like in her youth, remembering the first family car, what road

conditions were like a century ago, the threshing season on the farm, making butter in the home, going to the races in a pony and trap and sending cattle by train. Down Memory Lane with Mabel Wallace - 100 Years of

Change will be screened at the IMC cinema in Kilkenny on November 13. The film has been shown in numerous cinemas in recent weeks and has received a hugely positive reaction.

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Smithwick's Experience

Barrel Yard rocking as Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny hosts tacos and ale pairing for Savour

The Customer Experience Awards took place on Wednesday the 25th of October at Dublin’s Conrad Hotel. The Customer Experience Awards are a prestigious event that is dedicated to honouring businesses and individuals who have truly made a difference in the lives of their customers and recognise those that go above and beyond to deliver outstanding experiences. These awards shine a spotlight on those who have not only met but exceeded expectations, demonstrating an unwavering dedication to putting customers first. MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre scooped two awards on the night: the ‘Best Use of Training & Development Strategies for Teams’ award and the national ‘Shopping

Destination of the Year’ Award. Marion Acreman, Centre Manager at MacDonagh Junction describes the accolades as “an amazing achievement and a testament to the hard work of the entire staff team, who are empowered to consistently go that extra mile for their customers. Customer service lies at the core here at MacDonagh Junction and we are so proud to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for all of our customers. Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey and shared a vote for the Centre”. At the heart of every successful organisation lies a commitment to exceptional customer care and MacDonagh Junction focus their attention to the customer journey

in everything they do. Some of the innovative services that MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre have introduced include their Age Friendly Discount Club every Wednesday Morning, their Autism Friendly Hours every Sunday afternoon and their family services including baby feeding suite, height adjustable changing bench, play castle and free heritage tours of the Kilkenny Famine Experience. The Centre also delivers dedicated training programmes that include hidden disability, age friendly business accreditation, dementia awareness, customer service, safety systems and suicide prevention on top of their regular research into continuous improvement and ongoing industry compliance training.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

WHEN? Avoid waiting till the last minute! Your stress levels will benefit from early Christmas shopping as you'll be wellprepared and have time to look at other options in case something is out of stock. 2. Have a (detailed) list Not simply a shopping list for gifts, but also a comprehensive Christmas list that includes everything you'll need for the occasion: • Wrapping paper • Cards • Tags • Decorations • Christmas Crackers Jot down everything you have planned for the Christmas season, including any necessary supplies.

How to survive the Christmas shopping frenzy Going shopping for gifts for someone you know they'll appreciate has a certain charm, but it can also be timeconsuming and frustrating. Love it or not, you have to buy everything you need for Christmas! Here are some

easy Christmas shopping suggestions to help make it as stress-free as possible. 1. Have a christmas shopping plan Making a plan at the beginning will make things much

simpler. Plan your shopping trip's WHERE and WHEN to avoid wasting time or having to return to the same shop because you forgot something. WHERE? Determine where you will shop from the beginning -

whether in person or online - so you can schedule your shopping time accordingly. Checking what you need to get and attempting to choose a location that has everything in one spot is the best course of action.

3. Have a christmas shopping budget Creating a budget that will cover all of your expenses without putting you in debt and having to pay it off long into the following year is one of the most difficult aspects of Christmas shopping. It all adds up quickly and can get out of control sooner than you think. Overspending shouldn't be a problem this year if you can establish and adhere to a budget for your Christmas shopping. 4. Do your christmas shopping online Why not do all of your Christmas shopping and gift-giving online to avoid standing in mind numbing

queues? You can purchase almost anything from the comfort and warmth of your own couch. You can also find internet discount codes, which occasionally can help you save a few cents. Even if you don't want to shop online, it could still be worthwhile to check pricing online before you go to the shop so you can recognise a good deal when you see it in person. When you order online, don't forget to factor in delivery and return times. You might not get what you want, or certain products might not arrive until after Christmas. In order to avoid disappointment, it's a good idea to study the fine print. Most stores provide extended return deadlines throughout the Christmas season, along with gift receipts and other benefits, so use these to your advantage if necessary. 5. Use sales if you can Take advantage of any bargains that occur in the leadup to Christmas; in general, the earlier you start your shopping, the better. If you can find them, amazing shopping offers are available on days like Black Friday! With a little bit of help from these Christmas shopping suggestions, you should be able to purchase all you need. Don't forget to budget, have a strategy, and shop when it's appropriate—don't wait until Christmas Eve for one! That way, you can’t go too far wrong!

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Christmas at Iris Floral Design Ho Ho Ho, it’s that time of year again! Iris Floral Design would love to welcome you to Iris Flowers Christmas Market, launching on the 27th November. Their products are unique and they are ready and able to provide a superior floral service with fresh flowers that you enjoy and that they are proud of. Their goal? To bring a smile to the faces of their customers. They are ready to send flowers for any occasion you can think of: birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, thank you, congratulations, get well, sympathy arrangements and seasonal arrangements. They deliver fresh flowers throughout Kilkenny City and the surrounds, with same day delivery! Why not add some sparkle to your home to complement your mulled wine and mince pies this festive season? Pop in to browse Iris Floral Design’s selection of unique gifts and arrangements. Send flowers to someone and remind them that you're thinking of them. Iris’ Christmas Workshop is asking you to place your order as early as possible so you can get everything on your list.

Iris Floral Design would like to thank all of their customers for their continuous support and to wish them a very Happy Christmas! Call 087 349 1414 today.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

Support local and support your community this Christmas When you support anything local you are investing in your own welfare, and this is also true when you support local business. The money you spend stays within the local community. Your money goes towards paying wages which should be re-spent within the local economy. Local business pay rates go towards paying for your street lighting, street cleaning and streetscapes along with the upkeep of playgrounds, parks, walkways, libraries, community centres etc. The list goes on. Local businesses are owned or managed by local people who have invested their lives into their shop, salon, office, café, restaurant, bar, workshop, factory, services or facilities. They support and sponsor local charities, clubs, neighbourhoods and schools. They are involved in the community, they know you, and you know them. Your choice is important in maintaining a strong local economy and community, when you buy ‘online’ you are losing that personal touch, you are now dealing with a faceless

person and the rules and conditions have changed. You will struggle to receive feedback if there is an issue and you lose out on the chance that a quick re-visit to a local business will solve any problem. Instead you have the long telephone wait, obeying some machine’s instructions while you waste hours waiting to talk to somebody who in the end, does not have the authority to help you. It is so true that local business customer service is better, because it has to be. They depend on you and will go that extra mile to ensure that they have a happy customer because they want to see you again and again. Local businesses create local jobs, they provide the training, skills, up-skilling, and education of their staff to go further to provide a service that will deliver value to you. Be it a new business or long established, they all need one thing, and that is your support and they in turn will support you in making sure you are a happy and longtime customer. The experience of shopping, using a service, or spending

time in a café, bar or restaurant should be a rewarding one .You should not only admire a locally manufactured product, piece of art and craft, or food produce but you should also be proud of your close proximity to its creation. A sense of pride that you are purchasing the very best that is available in your locality. Local businesses will interact with you to provide the service you require. You can discuss your requirements, negotiate a deal, make a plan, work together outside the normal parameters, and be more exact or more flexible. You can work together to best suit both of your needs. You can build a relationship with a business owner or manager so that they know how best to serve you. They can get to know your likes, taste, style, what pleases you and they can inform you of new arrivals, trends, and products. They can order stock with you in mind. They can look out for you. Local businesses create growth in our local economy, community and neighbourhood. Their success encour-

ages others to set up a new business, expand an existing business, develop stronger and more sustainable communities, and encourages more investment from local and national government agencies. Success builds on success, community builds on strong community efforts. When people see good they want to be a part of that good, when people see greatness they want to be associated with creating that greatness. A thriving local economy encourages more people to explore the business world, setting up new enterprises which in turn serve your needs better. A strong local economy can provide additional opportunities in the expansion of people’s social interactions, education and health. It gives people more options when choosing how to live their lives. Local businesses are working hard but need your support. In return, you get to live within a thriving community with a promising future for our young (and not so young) individuals. A community we can all enjoy and be proud of.

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Santa’s Magical Village:

A Christmas wonderland

Castlecomer Discovery Park's Craft Yard is set to transform into a whimsical wonderland this holiday season with the return of Santa's Magical Village. Running from November 15th to December 23rd, 2023, this enchanting event offers families the opportunity to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their mischievous elves, visit the elf workshop, get a little treat from Mrs. Claus, and explore the park's festive trails and attractions. Visitors can also enjoy delicious refreshments

at Jarrow Café or TukTuk Asian Street Kitchen Restaurant, and shop for last-minute gifts at the on-site retailers in the Craft Yard. On Friday, December 1st, the village will welcome all neurodiverse families to celebrate with Santa in a way that works for them. With free parking and tickets selling fast, book now to avoid disappointment and experience the magic of Christmas at Santa's Magical Village in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

Avoid overspending on the Christmas food shop More food is wasted around Christmas than any other time of year. Having a plan based on how much food you actually need will save expenses and avoid waste.

are also a money saving and handy option. Potatoes The Christmas roasties are frequently the main attraction, kicking the Christmas turkey off its throne. Allow roughly two medium-sized potatoes for each individual. You can still get more value for your money if you purchase a larger bag of potatoes because they will keep for a few weeks if kept in a cool, dark spot.

Make a meal plan Create a three-day menu that includes meals for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen's/Boxing Day. Then, build your shopping list around that menu. Consider whether the people in your home will consume leftovers, which will cut down on that list. Cupboard staples and kitchenware Before you leave, have a look at what's in the cupboards. Don't wait until you're at the shop to question whether the herbs and spices in your cupboard are enough. Look in your drawers for baking parchment, tinfoil, and freezer bags to store leftovers, among other essential cooking materials. What size turkey? One of the best things about the few days following Christmas is having leftover turkey, but you don't want an excessive amount of turkey or

one that won't serve everyone. The number of people you are preparing for and whether you want leftovers or not should be taken into consideration when choosing the size of your turkey.

Stuffing No Christmas meal would be complete without a festive side dish of stuffing. While some people cook the stuffing within the turkey, cooking the stuffing separately will help the turkey cook faster. You'll also be able to cook more than can fit inside the bird safely, which is an extra benefit.

How much vegetables and stuffing to buy Vegetables The typical Christmas veggies, such as sprouts, carrots, and parsnips, are best purchased in-season and frequently grown nearby. Try to buy them loose so you can make exact purchases for your needs. Frozen vegetables

Nibbles and treats It's easy to overindulge on sweets and snacks, particularly when you're hosting visitors. However, there's no reason to overspend. Refrain from giving in to the temptation of the mountains of chocolate and biscuit tins scattered throughout the store; instead, stick to your shopping list!

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Savour Kilkenny

Savour Kilkenny Food Festival one to remember as 57,000 attend Photos: Dylan Vaughan

picnic, a Young Food Producers’ Market and a fun-filled Hallowe’en cooking class. Additionally, the much-anticipated Madra Monday was hosted by singer Jake Carter, bringing joy and excitement to all attendees and their pets.

It is estimated that 57,000 people attended the 15th annual Savour Kilkenny Food Festival 2023. Taking place across numerous different Kilkenny venues as well as food markets on the Parade,

families and food enthusiasts enjoyed a wide range of cookery demonstrations, sell-out events and workshops. Savour Kilkenny offered a star-studded line-up that delighted visitors from near and far. Taking to the stage over

the four day festival included iconic Ballymaloe chefs, Darina Allen, Rachel Allen and Rory O'Connell, renowned culinary experts Kevin Dundon, Jess Murphy, Arun Kapil, Edward Hayden and Anne Neary as well as lifestyle experts Derval O'Rourke and

Nathalie Lennon. Chef Kevin Dundon said: “I was delighted to be asked to take part in Savour Kilkenny this year. What an atmosphere across the weekend! Kilkenny has always been welcoming to me and the joy of sharing food tips and ideas with fellow

food lovers at Savour is truly unparalleled.” The weekend also ensured a memorable experience for the entire family. The festival provided Halloween-themed activities that catered to children, including a teddy bear’s

Savour Food Festival Manager, Marian Flannery, said: "Our team is thrilled with the overwhelming success and positive response we have received for Savour Kilkenny Food Festival 2023. We believe in celebrating the diversity and richness of Irish cuisine, and this year's festival has truly exemplified that. We are grateful to all the talented chefs, food producers, local businesses, sponsors, volunteers and, most importantly, the food enthusiasts who made this event a huge success. We’re looking forward to what 2024 has in store."

Design Kilkenny 2023 –Global Ambition Following on from the success of Design Kilkenny last year, Kilkenny County Council is again staging an Irish Design Week event in November to examine the global impact and continuing influence of the Kilkenny Design Workshops. Kilkenny County Council is staging a conference on Friday November 17th as part of Irish Design Week 2023. The event will examine the influence of Kilkenny Design Workshops on business, academia and the creative arts – an influence that continues to this day. This event takes place in the Parade Tower of Kilkenny Castle between 9.15am and 1.30pm and is a booking only event, with tickets free of charge from the Event Brite link at the bottom of this article. Part 1 of the conference sees Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart present Cartoon Saloon’s Folklore Trilogy, an exhibition opening 17th November 2023 in the National Design and Crafts Gallery. This exhibition is a celebration of Kilkenny-based Cartoon Saloon’s Academy Award®nominated modern animated classics which comprise the Irish Folklore Trilogy - The Secret of Kells (2009), Song of the Sea (2014) and WolfWalk-

ers (2020). All three films weave folklore and mythology into the narrative, creating a deep connection between the characters, their adventures, and the rich cultural heritage of Ireland. Part 2 includes key note addresses from Holger Strøm and Nora Twomey followed by Panel Discussion and Q&A. Celebrated Danish designer

Holger Strøm spent three years as a staff designer in KDW between 1970 & 1973. Cofounder and Creative Director of Cartoon Saloon Nora Twomey joins us to speak and illustrate the story and evolution of Cartoon Saloon. Event MC, Richard Curran will then chair a panel discussion including Design Historian, Consultant and

Senior Lecturer in Design and Visual Culture at IADT, Dublin Dr. Linda King; Senior Lecturer in Design at the TUDublin, School of Art & Design Robert Tully; Artist and creator at Nicholas Mosse and Guardian of Kilfane Waterfall & Garden Susan Mosse; Co-founder and Creative Director of Cartoon Saloon IFTA winner and Academy Award®, Emmy and

Bafta nominee Paul Young and Senior Vice President, Fidelity Investment Aidan Kenny. Closing remarks will be by Mary V Mullin, Chairman of the Sir Misha Black Awards for Distinguished Services to Design Education. Aileen McGrath, Acting Head of Enterprise in Kilkenny County Council notes “Kilkenny Design Workshops initially set up to create an Irish solution to an Irish problem – has had a global impact and continues to influence Kilkenny’s global brand today. This event is an opportunity to showcase Kilkenny’s design legacy and how this legacy is alive in Kilkenny today, the event will examine this influence across business, academia and the creative arts. We want to showcase Kilkenny Design Workshops to encourage entrepreneurship and expansion across all sectors”. Design Week Ireland 2023 is funded by the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment through DCCI. For more information visit www.belongkilkenny. ie , or register for a ticket through Event Brite https:// www.eventbrite.ie/e/ design-kilkenny-2023-tickets-736387574057

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Ginger beer and tamarind ham Prep: 20 mins Cook: 2 hrs and 30 mins plus overnight soaking and cooling Serves: 10

Let the spicy notes of ginger come into their own in this Christmas ham. It’s poached in ginger beer, then basted in a sticky tamarind glaze. Ingredients • 3kg unsmoked gammon • 3 litres ginger beer (don’t use diet ginger beer or any that contain sweeteners) • 100g ginger, unpeeled and sliced • 4 spring onions, each chopped into 3 pieces • 1 whole garlic bulb, cut in half through the equator • 2 bay leaves • 1 tbsp pimento (allspice) berries • 1 tbsp black peppercorns • 2 tbsp tamarind paste (if it’s a concentrated paste, use 1 tbsp) For the glaze • 3 tbsp tamarind paste (if it’s a concentrated paste, use 1 tbsp) • 2 tbsp caster sugar or honey • ½ tsp ground ginger

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 2 tsp cider vinegar STEP 1 The evening before you want to serve, put the gammon in a large container and cover with water to soak overnight. Drain and cover with fresh water at least twice. STEP 2 The next day, put the gammon in a

large saucepan and pour over the ginger beer, topping up with water until fully submerged. Add the ginger, spring onions, garlic halves, bay leaves, pimento berries, black peppercorns and tamarind paste, and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 1 hr 30 mins. Turn the heat off and leave to cool in the pan, then transfer to a shallow baking tray lined with baking parchment. Reserve the cooking liquid.

STEP 3 Meanwhile, strain 800ml of the reserved cooking liquid into a saucepan to make the glaze. Cook over a high heat for 20 mins, or until reduced to about a quarter of its original volume. Add the tamarind paste, sugar or honey, spices, mustard and vinegar, and continue to cook until thick and glossy. Leave to cool slightly. Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4.

STEP 4 Cut the string off the ham and remove the skin. Trim any excess fat, leaving a ½cm-thick layer on the ham. Score it in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. Brush over the glaze, then bake for 10 mins. Baste again and repeat until the ham is dark golden and all the glaze has been used, about 20 mins. Leave to cool before slicing and serving.

Easy roast leg of lamb Prep: 20 mins Cook: 1 hr and 40 mins Serves: 4-6 Roast a leg of lamb for a family feast. It’s ideal served with roasties and your favourite spring vegetables for a Sunday roast. Ingredients • 2kg-2.5kg leg of lamb • small bunch rosemary, cut into 2cm short sprigs • 4-5 garlic cloves, finely sliced • 4-6 brown anchovy fillets, chopped (optional) • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 large onions, thickly sliced Method STEP 1 Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/ gas 7. Remove all packaging from the lamb and keep a note of the weight to calculate the roasting

time. Make incisions into the lamb using a small sharp knife, at an angle, about 5cm into the meat. Making the holes at an angle will mean more of the meat is flavoured, and the flavourings will be less tempted to be pushed out when roasting. STEP 2 Insert a short sprig of rosemary, a garlic slice and a small piece of anchovy (if using) into each of the holes, pressing in well with your finger. Season the meat all over with salt and pepper, then rub the lamb all over with the olive oil. Transfer to a roasting tin, sat on the onion slices. Roast for 20 mins. STEP 3 Lower the oven to 190C/170C fan/ gas 5 and cook for another 15-20 mins per 500g (1 hr – 1 hr 20 mins for 2kg leg) depending on how pink

you like your lamb. You can also check the internal temperature of the lamb if you prefer pinker meat

– it will be 55C for medium (pink) and 70C for well done. STEP 4

Cover with foil and rest for 15 mins before carving. Save the tray juices and onion slices to make gravy.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Advertisement Advertisement TV & Streaming

for foodies to watch now on Netflix 1. Chef’s Table

This was Netflix’s first documentary series and it has been nominated for eight Emmys throughout its six seasons, including Outstanding Documentary and Outstanding Cinematography. Each season of the show closely follows a handful of chefs from around the world who are at the top of their game, with each episode focusing on one of those chefs and how they’ve built their reputation. Chef’s Table gives the audience a chance to see what goes on behind the scenes at award-winning restaurants and the vision behind them.

2. Iron Chef: Quest for an Iron Legend

Friends will always be there for us Friends’ Matthew Perry spoke out about the legacy he wants to leave behind in an interview last year. The much loved actor, best known for his starring role as Chandler Bing in US sitcom Friends, passed away at the age of 54. Fans of the star have flooded to social media to commemorate him, sharing clips of Perry, including an interview he did with Tom Power. In an interview about his memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry sat down with reporter Tom Power of USA Today at the end of last year to reflect on his life, and Power asked the actor how he would “like to be remembered”? To which Perry responded: “I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker and his paramount thing is he wants to help people.” The actor openly admitted he struggled most of his life with alcohol addiction and related issues. The truth about Friends is staggering. Instead of fading into irrelevance, it has only increased in popularity since it went off the air in 2004. This autumn saw the 25th anniversary of the first episode’s airing. Netflix paid WarnerMedia something close to $100 million to keep the show on

its service for a single year after fans went postal over a proposed platform change in 2018. In January, the BBC reported that Friends was the most popular show among under-16s in the UK —currently. This has come as a surprise. When the show became available on Netflix in January 2015, it prompted a wave of think pieces about millennials who were rejecting Friends over its outdated cultural politics. Offended by Ross’s anguish over his gay ex-wife and Chandler’s transphobic comments about his father, such essayists predicted that Friends’ supremacy would soon be over. In a trend-bucking twist of TV fate, the opposite came true. Friends is somehow more relevant than ever. Friends ran from 1994 to 2004, and never materially changed in format during that time. A group of six young adults — Joey, Chandler, Ross, Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe — live in close proximity to one another and preserve the unity of their ‘family’ at all costs. They reside in New York City but are rarely filmed outdoors or at work, instead mostly occupying one of two large apartments or the Central Perk café, where they regularly put their shoes on the furniture. Various romantic permutations coalesce and

break apart, threatening but never destroying the family’s integrity. Outsiders (like Phoebe’s eventual third husband Mike) may only become permanent members of the community by submitting to the group’s codes; all others are shrugged off in short order. Probably the best-known critique of Friends came from Oprah Winfrey. In 1996, she had the cast on her show, where she told them, “I’d like y’all to get a black friend. Maybe I could stop by.” Race on Friends was comparable to race on Girls: It just so happened that an entire social group was white, despite living in an extremely mixed city. Neither show intended that casting as a statement, but the effect was to alienate many people. In reality, a New Yorker would have to live a pretty cloistered life to end up in such a homogeneous clique. And in reality, they’d have to have inherited enormous wealth to live so carelessly as the friends of Friends do. From its very first scene, Friends offered its viewers an odd mix of fixed gender roles and satire on them. Chandler is an indulgent portrait of self-obsessed masculinity, while Monica’s terrible taste in boyfriends recurs as a punchline about women’s inability to understand men.

Though every ‘friend’ is straight, Friends tried to have its politics both ways by including queer characters who were simultaneously mocked and admired by the other characters. Ross’s ex Carol is certainly meant to seem smarter than him, but Ross makes many more homophobic jokes than Carol gets lines at all. (Ross reflects in the pilot that he should have known Carol was gay because she drank her beer “straight from the can”). There is also a large quantity of trans-bashing on Friends, as Chandler bemoans his “gay dad” who seems much closer to a trans woman. In one episode, Chandler’s mom delivers this line to her expartner: “Don’t you have a little too much penis to be wearing a dress like that?” The laugh track goes wild. Friends acknowledged the existence of gay people, while not treating them as quite fully human. The same was true for race: There are plenty of actors of colour who played bit-parts on the show, but they never made it into the family’s magic circle. Despite its flaws, the 25th anniversary of Friends occasioned a flurry of positive reminiscences. In The Guardian, Anne T. Donahue called it “the best ever show about 20-somethings”.

This brings fierce competition and cooking excellence to the centre stage as eager challengers battle for the top spot, facing off against acclaimed Iron Chefs. In each episode of the show, contestants are tasked with creating several dishes within an hour that incorporate the selected secret ingredient. These secret ingredients put the challenging chefs’ skills to the test in a major way as they work with uncommon ingredients like medieval game birds and sturgeon.

3. Street Food

Netflix’s Street Food gives you a glimpse into the diverse world of street food and the inventive, hardworking people creating the food. Street Food was originally launched on the streaming platform in 2019 with Street Food: Asia. The first season explored the culinary world of street food in nine busy cities, including Osaka, Japan; Dehli, India; Seoul, South Korea; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and more. Season 2 is the same concept, but takes viewers to Latin America with the beloved street food of Lima, Peru; Salvador, Brazil; and more. In the most recent 2022 season, Street Food: USA, the series explores some of the vast differences in culture, cuisine, and history through street food in major US cities.

4. Somebody Feed Phil

“Somebody Feed Phil” is a fun travel and food series hosted by Phil Rosenthal. Rosenthal is a comedy television writer best known as the creator of the hit family sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond. But, in this Netflix series, Rosenthal moves from behind the scenes to in front of the camera. In the lighthearted docuseries, you can watch Rosenthal tour the world, discovering new places and digging into the favourite cuisine of the area.

5. The Great British Baking Show

There’s nothing quite as cozy as sitting down to watch The Great British Baking Show. Despite being a competition, the show has a feel-good charm that’s not at all cutthroat. None of the contestants are actual chefs. Instead, the show brings on 12 passionate athome bakers per season. Each of the amateur bakers tests their skills with three challenges per week, which are then judged by professional chefs Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith. At the end of the series, one of the bakers is crowned the UK’s best amateur baker.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Community & GAA Notes

CAMOGIE Clara Camogie Club will hold its AGM on Sunday 26th Nov at 12:00 pm. Please return your nominations before Friday 17th Nov. If anyone wants to get involved in any capacity, please let current committee members know New faces and fresh ideas are always welcome.

Team Captain Mark Bergin takes ‘Tom Walsh’ out to visit a very proud Clubman Tommy Gregg

TEA PARTY Keep date free on Friday 17th November for an American Tea Party End of Season Camogie fundraiser. Further details to follow. All welcome. CASTLEWARREN DEVOTIONS Devotions to our Lady of Fatima continue on the first Saturday of every month from 10am to 12 noon at St Scuithin’s Church, Castlewarren. The Devotions begin with Rosary followed by the celebration of Mass and concludes with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction. People are welcome to attend all or part of the three part ceremony. CLUB LOTTO Lotto results 24th October. Numbers drawn - 13, 21, 26. No jackpot winner. €30 each to Sarah Mulrooney, Paul Delaney, Tommy Murphy, Jamie Dreeling, Paul Delaney. Thanks to all for your support. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of club Lotto October 24th. Numbers drawn were 8, 9, 17, 27 Bonus 28 Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto. Thank you for your continued support Promotors Draw. 1. Michael O’Halloran. 2. Shane Doyle C/o E Doyle. 3. Ml Kinchella C/o E Kinchella. 4. Molly Bawn C/o G Buckley. 5. Betty Leydon C/o P Leydon . 6. Seamas Trehy C/o JJ Cullen. 7. MME C/o Benny Walsh. 8. David Crudge C/o Online. 9. Richie Delaney C/o Online. 10. Eddie Burke C/o Online COUNTY CHAMPIONS There is a write up in the Sports Section of The Kilkenny Observer so no need for us to go through the game again. A huge well done to everyone involved. A success like that takes a massive effort not by just players and management but also a host of club volunteers who help them with logistics and planning and facilities management. Thanks to the club committees, the grounds staff, sandwich makers, those looking after dressing rooms, and clubhouse. Thanks to all coaches and mentors, first aiders, hurl carriers for all teams, and thanks to our families and supporters who bring, carry, to comfort and applaud every effort that’s played out on pitches all over the county. Being county champions is a whole club celebration and boy god do we do that well too. Well done to Ruth Comerford and her team for facilitating a night to remember at St. Johns Park on Sunday and thanks to everyone for being there. Lovely hurling WED Congratulations and best wishes are extended to Thomas Condon of The Square and Bohergloss, Freshford and Rhiannon Mackin from Callan who were married recently in Callan Church. A reception was held in Hotel Kilkenny. The happy couple are wished all the very best in their married life together.

O’Loughlin Gaels County Champions

ON STAGE Congratulations to Patrick Rafter well-known Violinist who performed at the National Convert Hall Dublin last week. Patrick shared the stage with Gavan Ring and Anna Sulkowska Migan conductor and the RTE Concert Orchestra. LEO ON WINNING SIDE Local lad Leo Costigan from Cooleshall was part of the Good Counsel hurling team who won the Dublin Junior G Final on Sunday last defeating Parnells in the final. Leo is son of Tony and Mary Costigan and was an ardent member of St.Lachtains hurling teams since his school day SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Ms. Fiona Butler, Nuenna Court, Freshford and all her family on the recent death of her brother Paddy Walsh in UK. Burial of his ashes took place in Freshford last week. Sympathy goes out to Paddy Moriarty, Woodview and all his family on the recent death of his sister in law Vera Moriarty. Funeral mass took place in Johnstown Church followed by burial in Johnstown Cemetery. NEW BABY Congratulations to Ger Doheny, Ballylarkin and his partner Ciara on the recent birth of their baby boy. The couple already have two children Jake and Ali. DEATHS The death took place recently of Claire Kearney late of Churchtown, Dublin and formerly of Lisdowney. Claire was a member of a well-known and respected family in the area and word of her passing caused widespread regret and sadness. A private family funeral took place on Wednesday25th October followed by burial. She is mourned by her husband Peter, brother Ronan, sister Grace, and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended. The death took place also last week of Francis Hoyne

late of Rathielty, Rathmoyle, He loved the hunt and the horses and was widely known and respected in the area. His funeral mass took place on Friday last in Tulla Church followed by burial in Ballinamara Cemetery. He is mourned by his sons, their mam, sister, brothers, nieces nephews and extended family to whom sympathy is also extended. GAA St.Lachtains Junior hurlers were beaten by Tullogher Rosbercon in the Junior county final at Nowlan Park recently and so stay in the Junior grade for next year. Hard luck lads and well done to all involved including the panel, management and back room team for all their time and efforts. Team; D.Brennan, B Quinn, J.Bergin, S Rafter, B Kennedy, Maher, M.Donnelly P.Donnelly P White, A Rafter, D.Maher, C.O’Leary, S.Donnelly, L.Hickey, C.Hikcey DOG NIGHT A night out at the Dogs was held in Kilkenny greyhound stadium on Friday evening last as a fundraiser for the club. Thanks goes to all those who supported the event and those who sponsored or donated prizes for the raffle. IONAD LACHTAINS St. Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30am to 4.30pm. BRIDGE Freshford bridge club resumed play on Monday 25th September and continues each Monday at 7.30pm in Tulla Hall, Threecastles. New members are very welcome. For further information please contact Olive on 087 9257610. SOCCER With the soccer season now started back Freshford Town remind parents that Training is being held for boys and girls every Saturday at 9.30am at Wood view. You can contact Eoin or Graham for more info on 087 7672040 or 0872639770 The U15 boys were beaten by a stronger Evergreen side on Saturday evening at the away venue. ATHLETIC CLUB Nena Athletics club have launched fit4life. In the Freshford area. All abilities are welcome from walkers wanting company to runners training for marathons and everyone in between. Very experienced leaders are leading a program established by Athletics Ireland that caters for all experience and abilities. They meet each Tuesday morning and Wednesday evenings in Freshford GAA club. If you are interested please contact us on nuennaac@gmail.com or call Caoimh on 0874175550 LOOP CAFE Another very successful dinner evening was held at the Loop café recently with a full house in attendance and some beautiful food served up. The bookings are been taken for the next dinner evening. The autumn raffle will now be on sale in The Loop Café. The Loop Café is a wonderful addition to the village full of character and history and is open from Tuesday to Saturday each week from 9.30am to 4pm. Why not go along and meet a friend or try some of their lovely food and support a local community café. They are also looked for volunteers to help out so if you can give little bit of your time please do so. FITNESS SESSIONS Fitness sessions boxing/fitness sessions at Community Hall Freshford. Have you had a diagnoses of Parkinsons; Alzheimers or other neurological condition? If so maybe you are keen to get some level of fitness back or work on you balance or upper body strength? These classes are just what you need. Classes take place each Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon - sessions cost just €10 each and are facilitated by a boxing coach. They will also give you the chance to socialise and meet other people for more information or to sign up please contact Brenda Cooper on 0871369253 PARISH NEWS Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed

by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory. ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 21 HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808 . SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie. KELLS ROAD Due to the heavy rainfall over the last week resulting in the playing surfaces on Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain being partially flooded and unplayable the Field Committee has directed that the grounds will remain closed for all activity until further notice. U-21 CHAMPIONSHIP On Sunday next, 5th November, the U-21 hurlers will travel to Tom Ryall Park for a championship Q-final fixture against the home club, Graigue-Ballycallan. The best of luck, lads AUSSIE VISITOR On Sunday morning a hastily convened meeting was arranged for a brief get together with surprise Aussie visitor, Niall Morrissey in The Hoban Hotel. Home for a family wedding, Niall rescheduled his plans to meet up for a trip down memory lane with his cousin, Liam Tyrrell, and former teammates Mick Crotty and Mick Moore. Niall was a star performer in the club’s late 1960’s and 70’s golden era winning Kilkenny senior championship medals in 1969, ‘75 and ‘76. His younger brother, Eamon was also a member of the 1969 and ‘76 championship winning teams adding an All-Ireland senior hurling medal to his collection having starred at wing back in Kilkenny’s 1972 victory over Cork before the family emigrated to Australia. An uncompromising defender in his day Niall also helped to create club history adding the Leinster and All-Ireland club titles to its honours board in 1976 -- the first Leinster club to claim the prized Tommy Moore Trophy. Following his retirement from the game Niall, a talented carpenter by trade was appointed site manager for the clubhouse development being undertaken to replace the fire damaged pre-fab buildings erected in 1976 in Larchfield. With the club headquarters completed on schedule Niall and his family emigrated to Australia setting up home in Sydney to start a new adventure. Naturally with memories flowing back to that golden era while recalling the many memorable moments and a few disappointments thrown for good measure the hours slipped by before the welcome visitor had to depart to continue his round of visitations. Earlier in the week, Niall attended the 1959 Kilkenny CBS Primary school reunion night in J.B.’s Bar on John Street. Among the 20 plus past pupils in attendance on the night and who enjoyed reflecting on their “long lost youth” and “happy” school days were club stalwarts Sean Brennan (Sheestown) and Eddie Kelly (Ardnore). As the saying goes in respect of both events “old friends are best”. SELF HELP AFRICA On behalf of the James Stephens GAA and Camogie club and Kilkenny Camogie the club’s star player Michelle Teehan has volunteered to travel to Kenya with the Self Help Africa Group and the GPA in November with the aim of planting one million trees to help reduce harmful greenhouse carbon from the atmosphere. Each participant must raise €10,000. Supporting the cause McKeever Sports has designed a Warrior for Humanity jersey costing €50 of which €20 will be donated to Self Help Africa. Alternatively donations may be made through the portal https://portaleur.myshopify.com/collections/warriors-for-humanity-Michelle-Teehan. For further information or to donate directly to Michelle phone 085-1400841. BAND PERFORMANCE It was a pleasure to see and listen to the youth section of the St. Patrick’s Brass and Reed Band perform under the Kilkenny Hurlers sculpture on Canal Square for a lunchtime concert on Saturday afternoon. Performing in late Autumn sunshine the youthful band members,

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Community & GAA Notes male and female, performed an excellent selection of classical, traditional and popular music for an appreciative gathering attendance in Kilkenny for the Savour Food Festival. KILKENNY STROKE SUPPORT Lynda Colgan of the Kilkenny Stroke Support Group advises that the group will be holding a meeting in The Orchard Bar Function room on Friday 3rd November starting at 2.30pm. The guest speaker will be virus nurse Gillian Buggy. The meeting would welcome stroke survivors and their carers. For further information contact Lynda at 085 7331522.. . . LOTTO This week’s numbers were 1 3, 5 28. There was no winning ticket. The €40 consolation winners were Ger Cody, Richard Condon, Ollie Kearney, John O’Neill and Ollie Millea. MENS SHED There was a good interest and attendance at a meeting last Wednesday to discuss the possibility of setting up a Men’s Shed group in Bernnettsbridge. The meeting was addressed by two member of the Danesfort/Kells/Burnchurch Mens Shed Group. Jimmy O’Brien and Michael Saunders gave the attendance a rundown of activities undertaken within their group. It was decided to have a further meeting in the Community Centre in Bennettsbridge on Wednesday, 8th November at 2,30pm. All interested in getting involved are welcome to attend. CHRISTMAS CARD SEASON With Christmas approaching the local Art group would like to draw your attention to their Christmas Card selection for this year. A number of exciting new additions have been added. Thanks to local photographers who provided some lovely shots of the bridge and the ‘Bridge. Many of the old favourites are also included. The cards are avail-able in the local shops and we acknowledge and appreciate this facility from the businesses. As has been the custom for many years, the local St Vincent De Paul will share in the proceeds.

Deirdre Cullen,Chairperson, Bennettsbridge Camogie with Captain Meg Ryan, Bennettsbridge /John Locke’s Junior County Camogie Champions 2023

Bennettsbridge/John Locke’s Junior County Camogie Champions 2023 CHURCH NEWS MASS TIMES Thursday and Friday Bennettsbridge 10.30 am Both days Weekend Masses, Tullaherin Saturday 8pm. Bennettsbridge Sunday 10.30am OCTOBER STATIONS Thanks to all who have contributed so generously to the October Stations. The November Offering envelope can be handed in anytime from now and a NOVENA OF MASSES for deceased members of contributors will commence on November 2nd. SCHOOL BOARD OF MANAGEMENT The present School Board of Management will complete its term at the end of November. Sincere thanks to all who have served on the School Board. The process of forming a new board began this week with a meeting of the parents of the Bennettsbridge National School. At this meeting two Parent Representatives will be selected for the incoming School Board. All parents are welcome. The school will be the venue unless otherwise advised. GATHERING GROUP The weekly meeting of the Gathering Group continues on Wednesdays. Tea and chat are on the agenda and bingo and cards will be on offer. A date and venue for the Annual Christmas Dinner will be finalised and numbers confirmed. LOTTO RESULTS No winner of Jackpot last week. Numbers, 3, 19, 20, 28. Consolation Prizes, Suzie, c/o Fr Duggan, Ruby Moran, Woodlawn, Rosie, C/o Fr Duggan, Martin Egan, Norewood Heights, Hugh O’Neill, Ballyreddin. ART GROUP Bennettsbridge Art Group was represented at an Information session mounted by the KCETB Training Board in the Ormonde Hotel last week. The group has benefitted from KCETB grants over the years and is looking forward to a continued relationship in the coming year. This week’s meeting took place on Tuesday due to Bank Holiday. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Kilkenny Volunteer Centre is looking for volunteer in a good number of areas. Lots of fantastic initiatives happening in the centre. If you are not registered, please do (www.volunteerkilkenny.ie) as you will get more information and will keep you up-todate, or call us on 089-2584946. CAMOGIE CLUB

Massive day for the Bennettsbridge/John Lockes Junior Camogie team with a fine win over Graiguenamanagh in the Kilkenny River Court Hotel Junior Championship Final. Thanks to all of our sponsors and the great effort involved to deck out the village in our club colours. Credit to all the girls on the pitch today, a credit to your club and families. The cup was presented to Captain, Meg Ryan and Rachel Phelan won the Player of the Match Award. GAA Camogie County Champions Congratulations to Bennettsbridge / John Locke’s camogie team on their fine win over Graiguenamanagh in the Junior Championship final in Dunmore last Saturday. The score line was 16 points to 2-2. Well done to all involved. CLUB SHOP New additions of a training top and shorts have been added to the Ben-nettsbridge O’Neill’s club shop. To access the full range of club gear simply go to the O’Neill’s website and enter Bennettsbridge in the search box. With Christmas coming why not get some club gear as a gift this year. SPLIT THE POT The next draw takes place today Friday at 6 pm in the clubhouse. The competition can also be entered on-line using club force. Please see the clubs Facebook page for details of how to enter on line. Envelopes are available in the usual spots around the village. Thanks for the continued support.

first half performance the Girls and dominant second half our Captain Jenny Clifford got to lift the Cup and bring it back to Palmerstown. These girls have played in their fourth Final in five years which is testament to them and their Management Team. Their commitment and dedication this year has not gone unnoticed. We now wish them the very best for this Saturday 4th November as they take on St Martins of Wexford in the AIB Club Championship Semi Final at 1.30pm in Palmerstown. Please come out and support. Boro Abu U10 Girls Our u10 Girls finished up on Saturday morning with a training session and a visit from our County Champions with the Cup. Thanks to all the coaches & the girls for their commitment this year and we hope to see ye back playing in Palmerstown for 2024. BORO STREET LEAGUE Saturday was the final day of the u9 and u10 Boys Steet League. Some great hurling and skill displayed by all the boys. Thanks to Boro and Kilkenny Senior Hurlers Timmy and Padraic for presenting the boys with their medals. A huge thanks to all the Coaches involved throughout the year. PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is opened every Thursday from 8.30pm. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table, we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee also available so come along and enjoy.

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results 26th October 2023. Nos: 6 8 24 30. Jackpot Not Won Draw Prizes. €50: Ian Morrissey c/o Ian Morrissey. €25 each Grace Walsh c/o Online. €25 each Damien O’Connell c/o Tom Beirne. €25 each Eileen Morrissey c/o F and E Morrissey Hurlers Co Op Draw Ella and Sha c/o Patsy Phelan. Promotors prize T Hackett. Thank you for your continued support

MR. SEAN HOGAN RIP The death has taken place, peacefully at Sacred Heart Nursing Home, Crosspatrick of Sean Hogan, Rathdowney Road, Johnstown and late of Gathabawn. Predeceased by his parents John and Mary and recently by his wife Marie ,he will be greatly missed by his son John, daughter Jacinta, grandson Adam, son in law Denis, John’s partner Marianne, sisters Brigid and Martina, brothers Paddy and Michael, brothers in law, sisters in law, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and many friends. Sean was laid to rest in Johnstown Cemetery after Requiem Mass in St. Kieran’s Church. ART CLASSES Art classes are being held in Galmoy Hall each Tuesday

SENIOR CAMOGIE CHAMPIONS 2023 Last Saturday in Mooncoin our Senior Camogie Team were crowned County Champions 2023. After a powerful

U9 and U10 Boys Street League

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

Community & GAA Notes go ahead again this year and fundraising is underway. There will be a craft, cake sale and coffee morning on November 12th in the Cannon Malone Hall 11.15 to 12.30 with raffle on the day STROKE SUPPORT GROUP The Kilkenny Stroke Support Group meet next Friday, November 3rd, 2.30-4pm, at The Orchard Bar Function Room off J9, Kilkenny. Guest speaker Gillian Buggy, virus nurse. The meetings are open to stroke survivors and carers. For further information contact Lynda 0857331522.

Senior Camogie Champions 2023

U10 Girls Camogie

Captain Jenny Clifford receives the Cup

at 10.30am. BOXERCISE Classes for females in Colaiste Mhuire beginning Wednesday November 8th from 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Contact Ciara on 0858782773 or email ciara@krsp.ie PILATES AND BOOT CAMP Classes are being held in St. Mary’s Hall, Johnstown Monday 6th November. Bootcamp 8pm to 9pm and Pilates Thursday Nov 9th 6.45 to 7.30pm. Contact 0851734211. ROSARY Rosary is being held in St. Kieran’s Cemetery each Sunday during November at 2.30pm. FENIANS Bingo is continuing each Wednesday. in St. Mary’s Hall. Split the pot for the four weeks during November is in aid of the Christmas lights for the village. HURLING TEAM HONOURED The great Fenian Hurling Team, who won the three in a row County Finals in ’72,’73,’74 were honoured during the 2024 County Final in Nowlan Park and later treated to hospitality in Lyrath Hotel. Members of the team were Dickie Dowling, Billy Fitzpatrick, Martin Fitzpatrick, Shem Delaney, Mick Garrett, P.J.Ryan, Billy Watson, Pat Henderson, Paddy Broderick, Frank Holohan, John Moriarty (RIP), Nicky Orr, Pat Murphy (RIP), Pat Delaney (RIP), Tommy O’Connell (RIP), Neddy Dowling, Mick Dowling, Frankie Hawkes, Tom Dermody, Paddy Fitzpatrick (RIP), Gerry Murphy, John Ryan and Frankie Hickey. ST. KIERAN’S HALL 500 CLUB Winners for October 1st. Bernie Dowling (Evelyn Sweeney), 2. John Hayde (Peter Norton), 3. Michelle Gannon (Evelyn Sweeney), 4. Dolores Tynan (Evelyn Sweeney), 5. Peg Barry (Peter Norton) Next draw last Saturday in November. SPA UNITED AFC Junior League division 2 Newpark 3 Spa 2 (Ml. Carroll, James Whelan), Youths League Division 1A.Spa 2 Stoneyford 1, U16 boys league division 1A Spa 0 Evergreen 2, U14 boys league division 1A Bridge Utd 3 Spa 5, U14 boys league division 2 Spa 4 Thomastown 0, U12 boys league division 2 Spa 3 Lions AFC 0. Also in action both U8’s and U10 boys travelled to play Southend and all enjoyed their games. SPA DEVELOPMENT/FENIANS LOTTO Winning numbers 13,14,22,23 one match three Jimmy/ Michelle c/o Post Office. EUCHARISTIC ADORATION

Glengoole Wednesday 10am to 2pm, Gortnahoe Thursday 10am to 1pm 400 CLUB DRAW Tickets for the new draw are now available from promoters. €50 per ticket for 12 monthly draws. The first draw will take place on Monday 13th of November. TUESDAY BRIDGE Bridge is being played each Tuesday night in Gortnahoe Hall at 7.30pm. If you would like to join or find out more information please contact this number 089 4349106 GLENGOOLE COMMUNITY GROUP Yoga classes starting in Glengoole Hall on Thursday 9th November from 2-3pm, €20 for 6 weeks, supported by ETB and MFRC. Names to Julie O’Halloran, MFRC, on 087-1008075. Luchaireach Lamha Sensory Play Sessions for 6 months - 4 years on Friday 3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th November in Glengoole Hall. €45 per child. Details/ bookings 0877001883. Glengoole Christmas Festival Friday 1st & 2nd December. GORTNAHOE BINGO Bingo continues this Saturday evening at the earlier time of 4.00pm with doors opening from 3.00pm and will continue each Saturday evening at the same time. Over €2,660 in prize money on offer including a special €500 game. We would like to thank so many who came from the parish and outside for our special Halloween bingo last Saturday evening which was a huge success. CAMOGIE COUNTY CHAMPIONS Congratulations to Gortnahoe Glengoole Camogie Club who won their County Final last Sunday in The Ragg. This a great result for the camogie club and the results show that much more success will come to club with these pool of players. Congratulations to the players and management. DOG NIGHT Gortnahoe Glengoole GAA Senior, Juvenile and Camogie Clubs are holding a dog night this Saturday evening the 4th November at the Thurles Greyhound Stadium. First race is at 7.35pm. Tickets are €10 and there will be a bumper raffle on the night. Please give your support. SPLIT THE POT Congratulations to last weekend’s winner Ger O’Keefe, Ballysloe who won €203 in the Split the Pot draw. Envelopes are available at the usual outlets. Split the Pot for the month of November will be in support of The Gortnahoe Christmas lights. The draw takes place each Sunday at 12pm in Gortnahoe Hall. Your support would be appreciated BALLYNONTY COMMUNITY HOUSE Cookery and Nutrition Class with Eileen Bowden for 6 weeks starting on Tuesday 7th November - 12th December, 10.30am - 12.30pm. Flower Arranging Class with Bertranda Delaney for 4 weeks starting on Thursday 9th November - 30th November, 7pm - 9pm. ELDERCARE SERVICES Eldercare services through MFRC Glengoole will include the following: meals on wheels deliveries every Tuesday and Thursday, social group every Wednesday 1-3pm,includes soup, dinner and entertainment, laundry service, senior alert scheme for Gortnahoe Glengoole area, dementia cafe 1st Tuesday of each month 11.301pm, social group every Tuesday at 11am in the Old School House, The Commons. For further information on any of the above please contact Alice Teehan 0529157992 BALLYRAGGET BALLYOUSKILL Congratulations to Kevin Kelly and Kate Holland on the arrival of their beautiful baby girl, Nell Marie. Born on 17/09/23. From the Kelly and Holland families GAA Congratulations to the Under 21 side who defeated Paulstown away on Saturday on a scoreline of 2-8 to 0-11 CHRISTMAS PARTY The annual Christmas Party for the senior citizens will

MASS TIMES Hugginstown Vigil - Saturday 4th. at 8.00p.m. Sunday 5th. at 10.00a.m. Stoneyford: Vigil - Saturday 4th. at 6.30.pm Friday 3rd. at 7.00pm. Friday 3rd. Feast of St. Malachy. First Friday Home Visitation with Holy Communion will take place as usual on Friday. Please let us know if you would like to receive Holy Communion in your home on First Fridays or at any other time. Pray for: Gorge Lee, Mayo, late of Stoneyford. Barry Audoire, Sheepstown. REMEMBERANCE MASSES FOR THE FAITYFUL DEPARTED Remembrance Masses for the Faithful Departed will be celebrated on next Saturday 4th.November. In Stoneyford Church at 6.30p.m. and in Hugginstown Church at 8.00p.m. We will remember all who have lost a family member during the past twelve months. Families will be invited to bring a candle to the altar in remembrance of their loved ones during Mass. If you had a family member who died outside the parish and would like them included in this Remembrance Mass, please let us know during the week. All are invited to write down the names of their own departed ones and place them at the altar for the month of November. They will be remembered at all Masses during November. ROTA Rota for next week-end. 4th. and 5th. November (Thirty First-Sunday in Ordinary Time) Readers. Stoneyford, Saturday 6.30p.m. Sheila Lennon. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Pat Power. Sunday 10.00a.m. Noreen Kenneally. Eucharistic Ministers. Stoneyford: Saturday 6.30p.m. Kitty Wallace. Hugginstown: Saturday 8.00p.m. Mary Cahill. Sunday 10.00a.m. Ruth Crowley. OCTOBER STATIONS The October Station Envelopes 2023 are available at the Church Porch. Your contributions are for the support of the priests of the Parish and the Diocese. Your envelopes can be left into the Collection Boxes at the Churches or you may donate directly .Use IBAN: IE19 AIBK 9330 9000 0561 20 (BIC: AIBKIE2D). CONFIRMATION 2024 Bishop Niall Coll will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in Hugginstown Church on Thursday 22nd. February 2024 at 11.00a.m. PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS Many thanks to all who have contributed to the “October Station” Contributions during the past weeks. LOTTO Aghaviller Parish and Carrickshock G. A. A. Draw: Monday 23rd. October 2023. Numbers: 14; 16; 12; 17. No Winner First 3 Numbers Drawn. No Jackpot Winner: €30.00. Winners: Lillian Carr, Barnadown; “The 4 of Us”, c/o James Irish; Emma Delaney, Coolmore; Catherine Dwyer, Croan; Edward Dwyer, Croan.. 3 x €15.00 (Sellers): JohnPower; Padraic Crowley; Mary Raggett.. STORIES OF KILKENNY’S CHRISTIAN HERITAGE Did you know that some of the treasured stories of Kilkenny’s Christian heritage are now being told on YouTube? The Irish Dominicans, as part of the Treasure Ireland Series on their YouTube channel (youtube.com/ irishdominicans), have visited ten sites in Co. Kilkenny, and are currently posting the videos they recorded. In this series you’ll find videos about St. Kenny’s Well and the controversial statues of Jerpoint Abbey, the Black Abbey and Cantwell Fada,the huge defences of Kells Priory and the Franciscan Friar who reported on the Black Death in Kilkenny before succumbing to the disease. SOUTH KILKENNY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Mass for deceased members, family members, friends and those associated with the society will be celebrated in St. Beacon’s Church, Mullinavat at 6.30pm on Friday, 3rd November 2023. All are invited to attend.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Sport

Kilkenny Sport Focus Michael O’Leary

Ronan Kavanagh Ronan Kavanagh from Goresbridge has been plying his trade as a Sports Scientist cross channel for the last decade with a variety of teams along with the Wales International set-up, and he has now made the move to Italy where he is Head of Academy Performance with Parma. Ronan joined The Welsh set-up in 2013 following a path from Irish company Stat Sports, as they began to enjoy heady heights not seen since the 1950s when they previously qualified for a major tourmament. Wales managed by Chris Coleman qualified for their very first Euro Finals in 2016 when they went all the way to the Semi-Finals, and it was highlighted by that most memorable Quarter-Final win when they defeated Belgium 3-1. However, they missed on a play-off spot for The 2018 World Cup in Russia following defeat to The Republic of Ireland in Cardiff. Led by Gareth Bale and Aar-

on Ramsey, Wales bounced back and qualified automatically as Group winners for the Covid delayed Euro 2020 in 2021. Under manager Rob Page, Wales once again reached the knockout stages but lost 4-0 to Denmark in the last 16. However, they qualified for their first World Cup since 1958 last year as they defeated Ukraine 1-0 in the Play-Off Final. Unfortunately, The World Cup in Qatar didn't go according to plan as following a

draw against the USA in their opening game, they suffered defeats to Iran and England that ended their prospects. Ronan has been involved at club level over the past decade, and he joined Preston in 2013 while combining his work with Wales around the same time. The Goresbridge native joined up with Burnley in 2015, and spent 6 years in Turf Moor with Sean Dyche at the helm, while he was also involved with Nottingham Forest prior to moving to Italy. Parma are in Serie B for the third consecutive season following relegation in the 2020-2021 season, and that is certainly a long way removed from the glory days of the not too distant past. It's a club with a proud tradition that has endured a lot of financial problems. However, it's a wonderful opportunity for Ronan to work with one of the big Italian Clubs as they to look to gain promotion and return to the glory days of old and compete with Italian's elite.

Kilkenny City and County Bridge results Ormonde Castle Bridge Club – Monday Nights Results 23rd October 1st Prize Catherine McGoff/ Mary Shields 2nd Prize Anna Morrison/ Yvonne Grant 3rd Prize Maura Holden/Joan Holden 4th Prize Ellen Dowling/ Marion Kilbride Club 17 – Tuesday Mornings Results 24th October 1st Prize Christine Leonowicz /Brian Keane 2nd Prize Breda O’Donnell/ Ann O’Shaughnessy 3rd Prize Brigid Holohan/ Liam Holohan

Kilkenny Bridge Club – Tuesday Nights Results 17th October 1st Prize Sheila Ryan/Melanie O Briain 2nd Prize Maura O Mahony/ Teresa Dunne 3rd Prize Michael Delahanty/Pat Wall Results 24th October 1st Prize Michael Delehanty/ Pat Wall 2nd Prize Catherine McGoff,/ Margaret Knowles 3rd Prize Ellen Dowling/ Maria Troy Bridge every Tuesday evening New members most

welcome. Contact Secretary 086 6050075 Please be seated by 7:15pm Confederation 350 Wednesday Nights Section A 1st Prize Kathleen O'Shaughnessy/Eileen Fox; 2nd Prize Margaret Stewart/ Helene Holohan 3rd Prize Ann Lennon/ Loretto O'Driscoll Section B 1st Prize Margaret Kiely/Phil Kenealy 2nd Prize Sheila O'Mahony/ Kevin White 3rd Prize Mary Fawsitt/Anne

Brennan Nore Bridge Club – Thursday Nights Results 19th October 1st Prize Margaret Knowles/ Helen Blanchfield 2nd Prize Angela Carroll/ Teresa Dunne 3rd Prize Peter Ryan/Liz Jennigs Results 26th October 1st Prize Colette O’Neill/ Hugh Donnelly Swift 2nd Prize Gretta Brennan/ Catherine King 3rd Prize Ellen Dowling// Margaret Knowles KILKENNY BRIDGE

CONGRESS Kilkenny Bridge Congress is back again in Ireland’s Medieval City from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November in The City Suite, 2023 at Hotel Kilkenny, College Road, Kilkenny This is the first Congress since Covid so let’s hope the Kilkenny Bridge players will come out and play. Programme of Events: FRIDAY: 7.00 p.m. Official Opening by the President of the C.B.AI. Gordon Lessells (North Munster Region) 7.30 p.m. Mixed Pairs Competition Novice Pairs Competition Gala Pairs Competition SATURDAY: (All prizes subject to entries) 1.30 p.m. Congress Pairs (2 sessions) 1.30 p.m. Intermediate A Pairs (2 sessions) 2.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m.- Open Pairs 7.00 p.m. Intermediate B Pairs (1 Session) 11.30p.m. Presentation of Prizes. SUNDAY: 11.00 a.m. Team of Four (2 sessions) 11.00 a.m. and 2.30 p.m.Open Pairs Prizes - Open Pairs Howell 10 Tables or more 1st €80.00, 2nd €50.00 & 3rd €30.00 Mitchell

1st €80.00 and 2nd €50.00 N.S. & E.W. TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR: Diarmuid Reddan, Limerick Entry Fees: Congress Pairs and Intermediate A. Pairs €25.00 Intermediate B. Pairs €12.50 Team of Four €25.00 Mixed Pairs €12.50 Novice Pairs €12.50 Open Pairs €10.00 COMMITTEE: President: Hugh Donnelly Swift Vice President: Colette O’Neill Secretary: Ann Brennan Phone No: 087 9908954 Asst. Secretary: Loretto O’Driscoll Phone No: 086 8847839 Treasurers: Gretta Kelly and Tish Leech Entries to: Gretta Kelly Phone No: 056 7752040 Mary Fawsitt Phone No: 087 2474900 Marion Kilbride marion. kilbride@gmail.com Any club in Kilkenny City or County that want their bridge club results included please email them to marion. kilbride@gmail.com before lunchtime Tuesdays the latest. Any results received after that will be included in the following week.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Hurlng matters - Review

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

St Canice’s Credit Union Kilkenny Senior Hurling Championship Final O’Loughlin Gaels 0-20 Shamrocks Ballyhale 0-19 UPMC Nowlan Park Referee: Peter Burke O’Loughlin Gaels, Kilkenny Senior Hurling Champions 2023! Paddy Deegan’s late, late strike ensured that Shamrocks Ballyhale’s name would not be etched onto the Tom Walsh Cup for a sixth successive year in a pulsating encounter at UPMC Nowlan Park last Sunday. Brian Hogan’s team will now move on to tackle a Leinster campaign in a week’s team, but that’s a matter for another day. In front of a crowd of just over 7,000, this year’s finalists put on a display of courage, fight and no shortage of skill, and while we may not have been treated to a major, this game had a little bit of everything from start to finish. When Loughs wing back David Fogarty’s effort struck the upright as the game entered 4 additional minutes of injury time, it looked like Shamrocks might just hold on for another historic win, but this O’Loughlin Gaels team are built of strong stuff and went onto notch two scores in this added time through Fogarty and Paddy Deegan to dethrone Pat Hoban’s side and claim their fifth senior title and first since 2016. In a sign of things to come, the game started quickly with Sean Bolger getting the opening score of the game in the third minute, latching onto a long delivery out of the O’Loughlin’s defence before popping over a nice point. Captain Mark Bergin split the posts with his first two placed ball efforts which sandwiched a stunning long-range sighter from match-winner Paddy Deegan to leave Brian Hogan’s men four points up after the opening seven minutes of action. Shamrocks Ballyhale got off the mark in the 8th minute when TJ Reid sent in Evan Shefflin for a lovely point and the legendary attacker opened his personal account in the 11th minute when he rifled over from what seemed an impossible angle. From the restart midfielder Jack Nolan picked up possession before firing over but the response from the champions was immediate, with the lively Eoin Cody striking his first point of the game. Nolan repeated his point of a couple of minutes earlier but again Cody hit back, to reduce the gap to just two points. Evan Shefflin then batted the sliotar to TJ who struck over a lovely score to leave just the bare minimum between the sides before Mark Bergin hit two scores on the bounce for the city side. There was

Hogan’s heroes! Deegan’s late strike sinks Shamrocks

Mark Bergin Raises the Tom Walsh Cup

lots going on all over the pitch, little battles in every position as both sides jostled for supremacy. At times an extra referee or two might have come in handy, but to Peter Burke’s credit, he was letting both teams get on with matters and seemed to appreciate that the occasion of a county final may mean that things might get a little heated now and again. Huw Lawlor then fouled Eoin Cody which gave TJ the opportunity to add to his tally from the placed ball. Bergin & Reid exchanged free’s before a possible goal opportunity for TJ was crudely halted by Paddy Deegan, who saw yellow for the challenge on Shamrocks main man. TJ duly slotted the free over and his

side were level just a minute later, thanks to a fine over the shoulder effort from Adrian Mullen, who was being heavily shackled by his county teammate, Mikey Butler, no matter where the sliotar was! Paddy Mullen was then adjudged to have thrown an illegal handpass by Emerald’s whistler Burke and once again Mark Bergin made no mistake from the resulting free. A nip and tuck opening period finished with Adrian Mullen striking over his second of the day to bring the sides level as the short whistle sounded with both sides on ten points. The second half began in blistering fashion, with Eoin Cody notching

TJ Reid takes possession as match winner Paddy Deegan gets in his tackle

his 3rd point of the game in the opening minute to give the Shamrocks the lead for the first time in the game. The lead was short lived as county panelist Conor Heary split the posts seconds later as O’Loughlin’s stood toeto-toe with the All-Ireland club champions. TJ Reid then took another trademark catch before being halted illegally and punishing the foul with another placed ball score. His nemesis on the opposing

side, Mark Bergin then sent over a booming free from his own ‘65, before he added a nice point from play having taken a fine pass from Paddy Butler. The hard-working Eoin Kenneally then finished off a lovely flowing team move to level matters again before the unusually quiet Owen Wall pointed after a nice pass from Conor Heary. TJ Reid then scored another lovely point, this time over his left shoulder from the ‘65 as the sides could not be separated on a sunny Sunday in UPMC Nowlan Park. O’Loughlin Gaels then made the first change of the game, with Conor Kelly replacing Eoin O’Shea

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Hurling matters - Review

O Loughlin Gaels Celebrate their last gasp win

in the forward line. Brian Hogan’s charges then fashioned a goal chance, and it took a magnificent save from Dean Mason to deny Sean Bolger a certain major. Small margins in a county final. O’Loughlin’s didn’t leave empty handed, as the ever-reliable Mark Bergin cooly split the posts from the ‘65 that followed. Adrian Mullen then found Conor Welsh in space and the midfielder struck over a lovely point to deadlock the game once again. Then came a little schemozzle that involved numerous players from both sides, possibly as a result of Paddy Mullen leaving a little on his man as the ball went out of play. When order was restored, Adrian Mullen was the somewhat

bounce from some more fresh legs. A well-worked sideline cut from the challengers saw Conor Kelly swap passes with the influential Bergin before rifling over a cracking score to the delight of the O’Loughlin’s faithful in attendance. Veteran forward Colin Fennelly then opened his TJ Reid bears account with down on goal as a typical score Paddy Deegan is before Paddy in Pursuit Mullen joined his brother Adrian in referee Burke’s book for a high tackle on Jordan Molloy. Again, Mark Bergin punished the indiscretion by popping over the free. The sides were level again on 57 minutes when sub Luke Hogan went on a storming run before dispatching a quality score between the Shamrocks posts. The holders hit back instantly, the travelling Fennelly notching his Huw Lawlor tries to second point prevent Eoin Cody from to nudge his gaining possession side ahead with unlucky just three minutes recipient of the scheduled 60 of the remaining. game’s second O’Loughlin’s threw yellow card. everything at the retreating TJ Reid then added to his Shamrocks as they looked to snatch tally with two further placed balls to a score that might force the game edge the Shamrocks into a 2-point into extra-time. One of this season’s lead with 10 minutes of normal time standout players for the city side, remaining, the first after he took David Fogarty raided forward and another lovely catch before being struck an effort that looked to be fouled, the second after Jordan the equalizing score, but his effort Molloy had cut across Eoin Cody struck the upright and Shamrocks as he look destined to test Stephen cleared the sliotar down field as Murphy in the O’Loughlin’s goal. time ticked by. Luke Hogan was then sprung Fogarty was not to be denied, from the bench to replace No.14 and the wing-back was presented Paddy Butler as Brian Hogan and with another chance in injury time his coaching staff sought to gain a which he nailed to deadlock matters

with about 2 minutes of additional time remaining. The O’Loughlin’s supporters roared and punched the air in all sections of UPMC Nowlan Park as the prospect of extra-time loomed. O’Loughlin’s were not about to wait for extra-time. Sean Bolger had the ball out on the left and played a pass infield towards Paddy Deegan. Colin Fennelly almost intercepted it with his foot, but Deegan collected the sliotar and headed towards the left sideline before he shortened his grip and struck a stunning effort off his left which curled beautifully over the bar. The sound of O’Loughlin’s support was immense. There was to be no six in a row for the Shamrocks. Time was up, Final score from UPMC Nowlan Park, O’Loughlin Gaels 0-20, Shamrocks Ballyhale 0-19. Scorers for O’Loughlin Gaels: M

Bergin (0-10, 0-6f and 0-1 ‘65’); P Deegan and J Nolan (both 0-2); D Fogarty, C Heary, O Wall, S Bolger, C Kelly and L Hogan (all 0-1) Scorers for Ballyhale Shamrocks: TJ Reid (0-9, 0-6f ); E Cody (0-3); A Mullen and C Fennelly (both 0-2); E Shefflin, C Walsh, E Kenneally (all 0-1) O’Loughlin Gaels: S Murphy; T Forristal, H Lawlor, M Butler; D Fogarty, P Deegan, J Molloy; J Nolan, C Loy; M Bergin, E O’Shea, C Heary; O Wall, P Butler, S Bolger. Subs: C Kelly for O’Shea (41); L Hogan for Butler (50); J Ryan for Nolan (57) Shamrocks Ballyhale : Dean Mason; Dara Mason, D Corcoran, K Corcoran; E Shefflin, R Reid, P Mullen; C Walsh, L Barron; A Mullen, TJ Reid, E Cody; E Kenneally, C Fennelly, N Shortall. Subs: None used Referee: P Burke (Emeralds)

>> SHERRY SAYS.. Congratulations O’Loughlin Gaels on a hard-fought victory in UPMC Nowlan Park last weekend. From the first whistle they never took a backwards step and left everything on the pitch. They brought the fight to Shamrocks and went toe-to-toe with one of hurling’s greatest club’s and got over the line by the bare minimum. The final two scores of an absorbing, pulsating contest were things of beauty, very Ballyhale-esque. Having struck the post moments earlier, David Fogarty showed tremendous courage and confidence to strike the next effort which split the posts and levelled matters, for what seemed like the 100th time! Extra-time looked nailed on, but perhaps Paddy Deegan had seen the photos of the fantastically decorated O’Loughlin’s clubrooms at half-time and didn’t want to hang around. His winning score was exceptional, pure Paddy Deegan. O’Loughlin’s had big performances from many, but captain Mark Bergin was both influential and inspirational on the big stage and was many pundits’ MOTM. For Shamrocks, TJ was again everywhere and tried to drag his team across the line once again, but they just came up short this time. There’s no doubting that Joey’s; Holden and Cuddihy, Ronan Corcoran and Brian Cody to name but a few, would have added much quality and depth to this side. The fact that their starting XV finished the game perhaps is the biggest indicator of the loss of these bodies. Ballyhale is a very proud club. They will regroup and be ready to challenge again next August. A Leinster quarter-final clash with Mount Leinster Rangers at Netwatch Cullen Park awaits for the newly crowned Kilkenny champion’s next weekend. Let’s hope they enjoy the celebrations and give the provincial campaign a right good go. To Brian Hogan, his backroom team and all at O’Loughlin Gaels – congratulations on a great win and best of luck as you represent Noreside going forward.

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Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Ann O’ Grady for full planning permission to: 1. Construct an extension to dwelling 2. Install a domestic wastewater treatment system & water supply borehole 3. Carry out improvement works to existing vehicular entrance at Burnchurch Viper, Kells, Co. Kilkenny R95 P2T2. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Jessica Lynch intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain existing extension to the rear of existing dwelling house and all associated site development works at 3 Rothe Terrace, Kennyswell Road, Kilkenny R95 Y63H. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL

I, Jean O’ Brien intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Retention Planning Permission to retain existing extension to the side and rear of existing dwelling house and to retain existing detached garage and all associated site development works at Goslingstown, Kilkenny R95 Y22D. 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.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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S E A N K E N N E D Y 6TH S E A A N N N K I E V N E N R E S D A YR Y 6TH 7TH A N N I V E R S A R Y

47 47 kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

J U L I A K E N N E D Y 5 J TH U L I A A N K N E I N V N E R E DS A Y R Y

5 TH A N N I V E R S A R Y 6TH

I n lo v in g m e m o r y o f S e a n a n d J u lia K I n e n l o n v e i d n y g , ml a t e e m o o f r G y r o o f v S i n e e a , n W a n a t d e Jr f u o l r i a d K e n n e d y , Rl a o t e a d o , f K G i r l o k v e i n n n e y , . W a t e r f o r d R o a d , K ilk e n n y . Just a prayer from the family who loved you Just a from memory fond and true Just a prayer the family who loved you InJust our hearts you fond will live a memory andforever true Because we thought the world of you In our hearts you will live forever Because we thought the world of you Sadly missed by your son Colm and Family XX Sadly missed by yourSunday son Colm and Family XX Anniversary Mass, November 5th at 10.30am in St. Joseph’s Church, Foulkstown.

The Miracle Prayer The Miracle Prayer

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The Miracle Prayer The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked manyin Dearheart heartof ofJesus, Jesus, infavours. thepast pastIIhave haveasked asked Dear the This time Imany ask you this special one many favours. favours. Thistime time(mention askyou youfavour). thisspecial specialone one This IIask this Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within (mention favour). (mention favour). yourititheart where father sees it. Then Take dearheart heart ofyour Jesus andplace place within Take dear of Jesus and ititwithin inyour his merciful eyes it will become your own your heart where your father sees it. Then heart where your father sees it. Then favour not Amen.your inhis hismerciful merciful eyes willbecome become yourown own in eyes ititmine. will Say this prayer three three days and favour nottimes mine.for Amen. favour not mine. Amen. your favour will befor granted. Saythis thisprayer prayer threetimes times for threedays daysand and Say three three Never beenwill known to fail. your favour will begranted. granted. your favour be Must promise publication of prayer. Neverbeen been knownto tofail. fail. P.L. Never known Mustpromise promisepublication publicationofofprayer.M.B. prayer. P.L. Must

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour). Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. M.M.

The Miracle Prayer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

Classifieds Motors

Classified section To advertise your business in our classified section call in or telephone: 056 777 1463, or email: accounts @kilkennyobserver.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023

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Classifieds Motors

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 03 November 2023