Kilkenny Observer 4th February 2022

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

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Friday 04 February 2022

Google Game Up 10 steps to stop big tech tracking you  See page 14

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The Young Ones The mission to halt us from getting old  See page 18

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COMPETITION TIME

WITH

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BACK ON TRACK

- Red Mills race day FEBRUARY 19TH 2022

WIN a €300 voucher for

Red Mills Race Day is a day that racegoers have been longing for since the last outing in 2020. A great chance to meet up with friends again to enjoy all that this day at Gowran Park has to offer with competitive racing featuring the Grade 2 Red Mills Chase and the Grade 3 Red Mills Trial Hurdle and lots of live entertainment to enjoy throughout the racecourse.

The Red Mills Store Country Style Event will take centre stage in the Red Mills Style quarter with fashion shows presented by MC Marietta Doran.

The Kilkenny Observer are holding a competition to mark this great occasion.

The prize is a €300 voucher for Connolly’s Red Mills Store at Cillín Hill, Kilkenny.

Just complete the entry form below with your details and answer to the competition question to be in with a chance to win this fabulous prize. You will have the opportunity to shop at Connolly’s Red Mills Store who feature brands such as Welligogs, Fairfax & Favor and Fox London.

Good luck everybody.

✁ COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

Competition Rules

Name ................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Address........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

County .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Mobile................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Email ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

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Question: What year did Connolly’s Red Mills open their store in Cillín Hill

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Answer .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

HOW TO ENTER COMPLETE THE ENTRY FORM ABOVE YOU CAN DELIVER THE COMPLETED ENTRY FORM BY POSTING OR DROPPING IN TO, THE KILKENNY OBSERVER, UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY

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This competition is sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer The prize will be a €300.00 Voucher for Connolly’s Red Mills Store at Cillín Hill The closing date for entries is Thursday, February 17th 2022 at 5.00pm The winner will be chosen by an open draw held at the office of The Kilkenny Observer on Friday, February 18th 2022 After being notified the winner will be announced in our edition of February 25th The prize is non-transferable; no cash equivalents may be claimed. .

All competition entries must be completed on the above form only.

The winner will be advised by phone / e-mail .

After being notified, the name of the winner will be posted in the next edition of the Kilkenny Observer.

Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to have agreed to be bound by them when entering the competition.

The competition is not open to The Kilkenny Observer employees or their families.

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EVERY FRIDAY

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A good business move KILKENNY businesses and entrepreneurs used the pandemic to adapt and innovate enterprises and launch new ventures during lockdown.

Newly published figures reveal Kilkenny registered no fewer than 802 new .ie domains last year.

The 2021 .IE Domain Profile shows 36,875 new .ie domains were registered in Leinster and 57,530 on the island of Ireland, making

2021 the second-best year on record for registrations.

As of December 2021, there was a total of 330,108 .ie domains in the database. .IE chief executive David Curtin said: “In the months of 2021 when Ireland was in strict lockdown and nonessential retail was closed, new .ie domain registrations surged.

“SMEs are also no longer simply reacting to the pandemic. Instead, consumer

behaviours are changing, and SMEs are changing with them. Businesses in Kilkenny and across Ireland are investing in new websites, integrating e-commerce technology, and making use of productivity-enhancing tools all year round because they now recognise the huge role they play in profitability and customer acquisition.”

Meanwhile, Dr Tony Holohan has advised politicians that there will be an “ongo-

ing need” to retain Covid-19 measures such as mask wearing.

Dr Holohan recommends the continued use of protective measures in schools and mask wearing in all the settings where they are currently required.

The policy on mask-wearing for school children is set to be reviewed at the end of February.

Dr Holohan also warned that “the pandemic is not

over” and that other variants of concerns were likely to emerge after Omicron.

“In advising that social and economic restrictions could be removed, the Nphet (National Public Health Emergency Team) stressed that the pandemic is not over and that with a significant level of infection nationally, Covid-19 still poses a risk to public health,” he said.

Covid Update, Page 15

Major road runs out of cash Planning works on a major road in Kilkenny have been suspended because of a shortage of funds.

The N24 regionally important transport corridor between Limerick and Waterford than runs through south Kilkenny and seven other schemes have been halted by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The projects also include a section of the strategically significant N11/M11 corridor between Dublin and Rosslare Harbour.

PRSI increase to aid pensions Possibly increasing PRSI contributions from 4% to 11% for self-employed workers is being looked at by the Government as they come under growing pressure to reject an increase in the State pension age after an influential Oireachtas committee recommended it remain at 66.

The pension age was due to rise to 67 last year, but that decision was reversed after it became a major political battleground during the last election.

For the birds!

A Swedish city is assembling a crack team of highly trained workers to combat the menace of discarded cigarette butts — its wild crows flying around the streets of Sodertalje while picking up butts and other small pieces of litter.

The birds will then drop them in a prototype container and be rewarded with a snack.

Elephants! Dublin Zoo invites visitors to ‘Woo At The Zoo’ with their beloved, for an unforgettable date on the most romantic weekend of the year!

Full story page 10

Girl attack: dragnet widened THE Mayor of Kilkenny, Andrew McGuinness, has said it is ‘deeply disturbing’ that a young girl was attacked just metres from her home.

At the time of going to print, a Garda manhunt was being stepped up after the girl was attacked while out walking EVERY FRIDAY

in rural Kilkenny, in what Gardaí believe may have been an attempted abduction.

The 17-year-old was out walking in the Johnstown area around noon when a man carrying a sharp implement, possibly a scissors,

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

grabbed her. The teenager fought off her attacker and after a “brief struggle” managed to make her way home after the traumatic incident and raise the alarm. She required hospital treatment after the assault but is now recovering at home.

Officers have established no motive for the attack and believe that it was ‘random as the victim did not know her assailant.

One line in the investigation is that the incident may have been an attempted abduction.

A senior source told The Kilkenny Observer that Gardaí were confident in solving the case.= and are seeking witnesses.

The man is believed to be in his forties, was wearing dark clothing and spoke with an Irish accent.

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News

Have your say in Fire & Rescue Service THE main objective of the fire service, provided by Kilkenny County Council, is to provide for the safety of people and properties by way of fire prevention and operational response to fire and accidents.

Theirs is an essential service that keeps the people of Kilkenny safe 365 days a year 24 hours a day.

Fire prevention includes certification and licencing of various types where buildings and services are used by the public, education and community awareness, storm and severe weather response and other measures. All working together to reduce the risk of incident for the people of our County.

Where incidents cannot be prevented we rely on the swift and efficient operational response of our fire and rescue service to minimise risk to life and harm to persons and property.

Every five years the Fire & Rescue Services is required to adopt a five-year operational plan to meet Kilkenny County Council’s statutory obligations. This year we will adopt a new Operational Plan for the period 2022 to 2026.

As this service is so vital to the people of Kilkenny it has been decided to consult with

‘It is important the public are aware of the services provided and the locations and extent of fire and rescue service ...

”

the public for comment on our proposed operational plan. It is important the public are aware of the services provided and the locations and extent of our fire and rescue service. We hope that the public will take a look at the operational plan on Kilkenny County Councils on-line consultation system consult.ie to increase awareness of what we do and to let us have your comments on the service going forward.

You can access the operational plan at www. consult.kilkenny.ie with the final date for submissions Tuesday, 15th February, 2022.

The operational plan outlines the structure of our service over seven fire stations, with 75 staff and an overall annual budget on more than €4m. It outlines the fire appliances, equipment and water services that enable service delivery and the high levels of training and procedural detail required to ensure that the quality and effectiveness of that service can be delivered as quickly and safely as possible.

The fire and rescue service requires highly trained professional firefighters as well as quality and up-to-date equipment to maintain and deliver services every day for the people of Kilkenny.

This operational plan forms the basis upon which fire prevention, protection and response services will be provided over the next five years and we all have a part to play. A large part of our fire and rescue service is around engagement and education and as part of that ethos of collaboration with the public we are inviting people to view our operational plan and to let us have your comments before the plan is brought to the elected members of Kilkenny County Council for formal adoption in March 2022.

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News

€1.3bn saved for rainy day KILKENNY households went back into saving mode in December, almost completely reversing their spending splurge from the month before.

Overall, Irish household deposits increased by €1.3bn in the last month of 2021 compared with a €1.4bn outflow in November, according to statistics from the Central Bank.

Net lending to businesses also fell in the month, with the spread of the Omicron variant adding to economic uncertainty as the year came to a close.

Household deposits stood at over €136bn at the end of 2021, increasing by almost €11.3bn over the year.

The four-year trend in savings accumulation, which accelerated during the

pandemic, appears to have resumed for the moment, despite a significant interruption in November when household deposits fell by the largest amount since 2010.

Deposits ended the year 9.1% up on 2020, which the Central Bank said was a sign the trend was ‘stabilising’ after a recent peak earlier in the year, when deposit

growth approached 15% annually.

Overnight deposits, which included current accounts, continued to be the driver of the annual increases in household deposits, the Central Bank said.

Lending also backtracked in December, with a net decrease of €74m as repayments exceeded drawdowns for the first time since April.

That result pulled down annual growth in loans for consumption into negative territory by €37m, or 0.3%.

Mortgage lending moved in the other direction, however.

Loans for house purchase increased in net terms by €657m in the final quarter of 2021 compared with a net increase of €589m in Q4 2020.

The strength of the mortgage market, which ended the year at €10.5bn according to the Banking and Payments Federation of Ireland, was enough to push overall net lending €272m higher year-on-year in December.

Meanwhile, business borrowing was flat on the year. cmpared to previous years, decreasing by a nearly negligible 0.1%

them,” the HPSC said.

There is a need to make progress in easing nursing home restrictions while recognising there is a continual level of “risk and uncertainty” it said.

The HPSC said that there was “no ceiling on levels of access for visitors. Progress towards full normal access should proceed as quickly as the nursing home provider assesses it is safe to do so”.

There is a significant

number of outbreaks in homes currently but the guidance says that “even in an outbreak a minimum level of visiting must be facilitated”.

There is no requirement to limit the total number of people who can visit a resident or maintain lists.

Occasional visitors should take an antigen test in advance and regular visitors should test twice weekly.

Children can visit if accompanied by an adult.

Normal visits to return to our nursing homes NURSING home residents are to be allowed normal visiting by friends and family. New guidance, which comes into effect on Tuesday, February 8, aims to “normalise access” to homes which were devastated by Covid-19 earlier in the pandemic, as long as it is assessed as safe.

It is one of the clearest signals yet that the emergency phase of the pandemic is behind us for now.

Guidance from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) says the requirement for visitors to have a Covid-19 pass will be gone; however, visitors are urged to take home antigen tests.

“The vaccination rollout in nursing homes has greatly reduced the risk of severe disease and death due to Covid-19 in this setting” and residents have a “right to meaningful relationships with people important to

11,000 make calls for homeless help THRESHOLD, the national housing charity, prevented 905 households entering homelessness during the final months of 2021, which included 1,250 adults and 735 children.

The number of people experiencing homelessness increased in Q4 2021. The Department of Housing’s monthly homeless figures show an additional 259 households without dependents, 103 families and 204

children in emergency accommodation in November 2021 compared to September 2021.

However, Threshold advisors intervened to prevent 1,985 individuals entering homelessness in Q4 2021, by challenging invalid notices of termination, invalid rent increases and assisting clients to resolve rent arrears.

An additional 1,808 households were also identified as at risk of homelessness by

Threshold in Q4 2021. This is an increase of 14% on the number at risk in the same period in the previous year.

Queries relating to security tenure remain the dominant type of queries Threshold received from private renters in this quarter. These include queries about the validity of a notice of termination and what rights the private renter has when it comes to ending the tenancy. Almost 1,800 renters

contacted Threshold in Q4 with enquiries about the security of their tenure.

Threshold CEO John Mark McCafferty said, that given the high number of landlords issuing notices for the purposes of sale, there could be no delay in taking action to retain landlords in the rental sector.

“Threshold believes the taxation system has a role to play in retaining small-scale landlords,” he said.

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News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

My spinal tap and the future of medicine There is nothing like a stay in hospital to reconnect one with life and how fleeting it can be.

I found myself the other week undergoing surgery on my lower spine, carried out by a man whose incalculable knowledge and sleight of hands I can only bow to.

Those wonderful traits and modern science — that the procedure was by way of micro-surgery — saw me discharged from hospital the next day.

Recovery mode has given me time to consider the wonders of modern medicine, in that much of what we take for granted today in health care was an unknown 20 or 30 years ago, even a decade ago. We have come leaps and bounds in the diagnosis and treatment of many once-thought incurable illnesses in the fields of cancers and cardiology, muscle and nerve regeneration, and in the fields, too, of transplants and artificial body parts.

Consider the American David

Bennett who, at 57, has became the first person to get a heart transplant from a geneticallymodified pig, after a seven-hour procedure in Baltimore. The cross-species surgery — xenotransplant — has been cited a “game-changing moment in the history of medicine” and raises hopes of clinical trials for humans with kidney failure.

Now, consider, too, the year is 2040. You go into hospital for routine surgery but, unlike today, this is performed by a surgeon operating remotely from a different continent, using new blood generated inside your own body without the need for a donor, and using medicine specifically designed to match your own DNA. These are just some of the ways futurologist Ray Hammond envisions healthcare will change in the next 20 years and beyond.

Although impossible to know the extent of that change, the eminent British scientist, who

has written some dozen books on the future world, sees a tomorrow in which medical care is increasingly personalised, digitally focused and data-driven.

Hammond predicts five main ways the healthcare landscape might change: personalised medicine, stem-cell medicine, nano-scale medicine, gene therapy and digital-driven health care.

Although these advances are already having an impact on healthcare, they are still at their early stages but, due to advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the decreasing cost of gene sequencing and ‘personalised’ medicine, they are fast becoming key parts of diagnostics, drug development and patient care.

In the last decade, healthcare has become increasingly focused on what cutting-edge technology can offer patients and physicians. In the next 20 years, the current ‘one size fits

Cost of living crisis facing households in Kilkenny as Government fails to respond to Central Bank report BY: DEPUTY KATHLEEN FUNCHION SINN FEIN TD FOR KILKENNY CARLOW SINN Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny Kathleen Funchion, has called on the Government to get a grip on the cost of living crisis facing households, as the recent Central Bank report warned that wages and social welfare payments would fail to keep pace with rising prices.

Teachta Funchion said: “The Government are failing to get a grip with the cost of living crisis that is hurting households, here in Kilkenny.

“Not only are they failing to respond, they are contributing to the crisis, with rising rents and sky-high childcare costs a direct result of Government policy failures.

“Last month’s report by the Central Bank has found that prices will have risen faster than wages in 2021 and 2022,

reducing household living standards.

“These price rises are expected to persist for some time.

“Increases to core social welfare payments in the Budget failed to keep pace with inflation, meaning those who rely on social welfare to protect their incomes will be worse off.

“Higher prices in rents, gas and electricity bills, home heating oil, petrol and diesel face low and middle-income households.

“Yet the Taoiseach’s biggest worry is that workers’ wages will rise.

“This Government need to get a grip on reality and the financial pressure workers and families are currently under.

“Rents should be reduced and frozen, social welfare rates must be increased to at least match price increases, and a comprehen-

sive strategy must be brought forward to respond to the energy crisis.”

all’ approach to medicine could be replaced, thanks to advances in personalised or ‘precision’ medicine. Analysing individuals’ DNA may mean doctors can start to treat patients with drugs tailored to their unique DNA. By 2040, medical science can expect to have collected DNA sequencing data from tens of millions of patients, shedding light on links between particular genes and diseases. By then, too, Hammond predicts every newborn baby will have their DNA routinely sequenced.

Stem-cell medicine, which is still at early stages, will become an important tool in everyday medicine. For example, rather than relying on donors human, organs will be grown on demand from stem cells in a lab.

Medical care could also be taking place on a ‘nano-scale’.

The use of minute materials for diagnosis and drug treatment will have advanced beyond the early stages it is at today. Scien-

tists, also, may be able to manipulate cells at a molecular level, allowing for an even greater level of personalised treatment and cure.

Although still an ethical grey area, gene editing, in which the genes responsible for certain medical conditions are deactivated or rewritten, will likely

‘First to get a heart transplant from a pig...

”

remain an ongoing debate in the coming decades.

In arriving at my need for my routine spine surgery, consultants also discovered that I have the potential for, or disposition to, developing aplastic anaemia, whereby my bone marrow is hindered in creating healthy red blood cells vital to life. Only the potential, mind you.

“It just needs ongoing monitoring for now,” says my haematologist. “Old age will likely get you before it does.”

Sitting in the sterile consulting room, I say: “My Mother had aplastic anaemia. It eventually developed into a secondary cancer, leukaemia, of which she died 22 years ago.”

The consultant smiles. “That was back then. Nowadays, we have a drug to treat aplastic anaemia, a derivative of a drug which enhances an athlete’s performance. We’ll have you running a marathon yet!”

And, so, I live in hope...

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5G for high population areas by 2030 in new plan THERE is to be 5G internet coverage in all populated areas by 2030, under a new Government strategy, with four out of all adults having basic digital skills.

The Digital Ireland Framework signed off by Cabinet will include a wide range of commitments aimed at making the country more technologically advanced.

Along with a commitment to upskill older people to ensure they can take advantage of technology, the report also pledges to make 90% of all Government services available online before the end of the decade.

The plan also commits to significant investment in cyber-security, including giving more funding to the National

Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).

The State’s weak defence against cyber attacks was exposed by last year’s hacking of the HSE and Department of Health by international criminals.

At the time, it emerged the most senior position in the cyber-security agency was not filled as a salary of only €89,000 was being offered for

the role. The Government has since increased this salary to €184,000.

The national digital strategy was developed by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Recovery and Investment.

A Government source speaking to Irish Independent said the plan was to “build on our success as a home for many high-tech multinationals, as

well as digital developments through the pandemic”.

The goals of the framework include increasing jobs, creating more business opportunities, while providing better access to state services and promoting flexible working conditions.

By 2028, all Irish households and businesses will have access to a “gigabit network”,

while every populated area of the country will have access to 5G coverage by 2030.

Developing a digital strategy is a commitment in the Programme for Government and the 2021 Economic Recovery Plan.

The blueprint will also align Government policy with the developments cited in the EU’s Digital Decade.

South East role in the pandemic honoured ON a virtual awards ceremony recently, the staff of the Department of Public Health, HSE South East were presented with a HSE Excellence Award by Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry. The awards now in their sixth year recognise the work and special projects carried out by HSE staff across the country. This particular award was accepted by Dr Carmel Mullaney, Director of Public Health, HSE South East, on behalf of staff across the region, comes as restrictions are being lifted.

Dr Mullaney said: “It’s a great honour to have our work recognised. It has been a very challenging time, as we worked with a constantly changing situation and evolving disease. We had to innovate and change as the pandemic progressed, to continue to provide services much needed by the public.

“Notwithstanding the pain, suffering and grief some people went through, our team worked to protect the health of our communities from Freshford to Ferrybank and from Urlingford to Castlecomer, and across the South East,” she said.

“Many members of the HSE were re-deployed to support the work of the Department of Public Health as case numbers

rose and the work of contact tracing and managing outbreaks of Covid-19 increased daily.

“This award is shared by us in Public Health with the personnel and other agencies across the South East who we worked with closely during this difficult time, thank you for your hard work,” Dr Mullaney said.

Addressing the online ceremony, HSE’s Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said; “It is an honour to present the HSE Excellence Award to all staff of Public Health departments across the country. Hundreds of hard-working staff in every region, including doctors, nurses, surveillance teams, contact tracers and administrative staff, have played a unique role throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Many lives have been saved through their tireless efforts in outbreak management and control, the tracking and tracing of the disease, and breaking and preventing numerous chains of transmission in the community.

“While Public Health’s work is on-going in this pandemic, it is important that we recognise and acknowledge their major contribution over the past two years,” Dr Henry said.

Woo at the Zoo this Valentine’s Day...

THE Zoo in Dublin invites visitors to ‘Woo At The Zoo’ with their beloved, for an unforgettable date on the most romantic weekend of the year!

On Saturday, February 12 and Sunday, February 13 at 8:30am, Dublin Zoo

will exclusively open its doors early to a very limited number of couples for what will surely be a memorable and magical morning. Upon entry, couples will be welcomed with a Dublin Zoo goody bag before venturing into

Ifac’s hybrid work shortlisted for national award IFAC has been shortlisted for the most prestigious HR awards in the country. Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm — the 8th largest, diversified professional services firm in Ireland — has been selected as a finalist for the CIPD Ireland HR Awards 2022 in the Flexible and Hybrid Working category.

The annual CIPD awards reward innovation and excellence in the fields of HR, L&D, and people management.

The Flexible and Hybrid Work-

ing category recognises organisations that have excelled in their response to COVID-19 and supported their people through the transition.

Ifac was shortlisted for providing flexible, futurefocussed working and choice for its teams in terms of how, when, and where work can be done, and all with consideration for their wellbeing and family commitments.

Ifac has more than 450 people looking after its clients’ needs. The firm formed and launched its new employee-

centered hybrid work approach in 2021, built on trust and the many lessons learned since COVID-19 arrived in Ireland. It comprises three days in the office and two days from home, as well as all the basics such as being available during work hours when you are working from home, keeping cameras on for team meetings, and a clean desk/shared workspace policy.

Ifac Chief Executive John Donoghue said: “We plan to grow our team at ifac and will be offering recruits the chance

to live and work where they feel at home. This will lead to greater job satisfaction, improved work-life balance and reduced commuting times, as well as enhanced retention for the firm.

“It is great to be shortlisted for this national award and to acknowledge the great work and contribution to the firm our teams are continuing to make while currently working remotely,” he said.

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony on March 25.

the dense bamboo-filled Kaziranga Forest Trail.

Here, couples will be invited to take a seat in the amphitheatre as a member of the animal care team introduces them to the majestic Asian elephant herd. Couples will enjoy a

romantic breakfast buffet in the Meerkat restaurant before they get to explore Dublin Zoo for the rest of the day.

Tickets can be purchased online by visiting https:// www.dublinzoo.ie/event/ woo-at-the-zoo/

Drop to 25,000 new cars NEW cars registrations for the month of January are down slightly -0.2% (25,093) when compared to January 2021 (25,140). Light Commercial vehicles (LCV) are up slightly 0.7% (5,055) compared to January last year (5,022). HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) registrations are also showing a small decrease of 1.5% (332) in

comparison to January 2021 (337).

According to the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), used car imports saw a 40.8% (4,041) decrease when compared with January 2021 (6,821).

New electric car registrations reached their highest month on record with 2,714 registered in January.

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Opinion

Why energy prices are a big turn off AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

February can be a lean month and it’s going to look leaner for those on tight budgets when they get their latest inflated energy bills. It seems wrong and completely out of proportion that a bill for electricity which has gone up by 53% in the last year can swallow an entire week’s pension once every two months.

During winter chill, this must have a cruel effect on the one third of over 66-yearolds who depend solely on their State pension not to mention all the folk on their knees financially due to the pandemic.

Yes, I know that the Government have promised a onceoff payment of €100 to compensate for the extortionate hike in electricity prices and there is the winter fuel allowance of €33 a week from September to April for those who qualify. And we are grateful, but that’s not the point.

There needs to be proportionality about the cost of living. There are howls of protest over high rents which prevent first-time

buyers getting on the housing ladder. In most areas of the household spend there is an element of choice — you can go where the prices are lower, or go without things. But when it comes to fuel prices our hands are tied, we need to keep warm, cook and have light.

Our pre-tax electricity prices are the highest in Europe.

Already 23% higher than the

European average, they are going to go higher. There needs to be long term subventions.

The average bill for electricity is over €200 per two monthly bill, that’s based on an average of 24 cents per kilowatt hour plus PSO levy and standing charge.

It’s the everyday worry over fuel bills that get you down: heat off I’m writing this

Know your B Vitamins CLAIR WHITTY

B vitamins are important vitamins that are needed every day for health. They are required for energy and red blood cell production, immunity, nervous system, and are essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails. B vitamins keep practically every cell in the body healthy and happy.

We need a supply of B vitamins everyday as they are not stored in the body.

They’re found in chicken, meat, seafood, eggs, dairy products, legumes, green vegetables, whole grains, seeds, and nutritional yeast.

Stress, worry, and anxiety can deplete them.

You might not absorb them well if you eat on the go or if you’re not relaxed when eating.

Common symptoms of B vitamin deficiency are; tiredness, confusion, inability to focus, low mood, skin problems, and hair loss.

Each B vitamin has a special role to play and from time to time you may need larger amounts of a particular one to resolve an issue. Don’t take own B on its own for long periods as they work synergistically together, opt for a high strength B complex or one that gives you a higher level of the one you need for long term use.

B6 deficiency can cause cracks around the mouth and lips, nausea, or skin rashes. You can be deficient if you’re on the contraceptive pill, have nausea, or skin rashes. It’s commonly used to help PMT. B5 is used to help deal with deal with stressful situations.

Signs of low levels of B9 also known as folate, can include irritability, headache, heart palpitations, shortness of

breath, and open sores in the mouth.

Signs of B12 deficiency can include tiredness, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, confusion poor memory, soreness of the tongue or mouth.

A bright red tongue, vomiting, fatigue, or digestive issues such as nausea can be associated with B3 deficiency. B3 is commonly used to help lower cholesterol.

If you want to top up on B vitamins you’ll be spoilt for choice. One of my favourites is Solgar B100 Complex high strength one a day supplement. It’s ideal for tiredness giving a good energy boost. It can help you deal with stressful situations.

It’s one I recommend for hair loss when associated with stress, and is good for skin health too.

Let’s see if we can get you sorted with your B’s.

Call in for a chat, we would love to see you or visit us online.

Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie Shop online: www. naturalhealthstore.ie

column wearing five layers of clothes and mittens.

There is some wriggle room for consumers though. Given the competition between the 14 different providers, switching between them can result in a lower rate, something that the majority of us don’t do.

“Roughly about 15 to 20% of people switch each year and around 10% negotiate a better rate with their provider which

means that 50 to 60% haven’t switched and are probably overpaying,” according to Daragh Cassidy of Bonkers. co. A free service which helps consumers to compare and save by switching on household bills Bonkers compares the cost of services like broadband, banks and house insurance.

Last year there were 35 separate price increases for elec-

tricity and more are expected.

Why is this happening? The reasons are multifarious. We are still too dependent on fossil fuels where prices have rocketed to generate electricity, with 40% still coming from gas. The tariffs to ESB networks and EirGrid by suppliers for the network and the grid respectively have gone up and this cost has been passed on to consumers. Also, some of the power plants have been out of action.

It costs money to invest in wind turbines, anaerobic digestion plants or solar panels to generate more of our energy from renewable sources and, guess what. it was quite windless last year.

Recently I wrote to my current provider questioning why my bill for electricity was 50 % higher than the average and wondering why the bill remains the same even if I have been away for a period.

The only response that I got was a circular claiming that I could make considerable savings but it turned out that in order to do so I would have to spend tens of thousands on retro fitting, solar panels or a heat exchange system.

Maybe electricity providers should stop spending money on sponsoring TV programmes or advertising campaigns and pass the savings on to their customers.

How to make resolutions stick ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

HYPNOTHERAPY works with your sub-conscious mind! That’s precisely why it is such a powerful tool in changing your habits and lifestyle. It quite literally has the ability to alter how you live your life in an instant and make those new year resolutions truly stick.

When you make a resolve to add, adapt or remove something in your life, you are making a conscious decision. It’s a thought process.

Likely you will have looked at what you think you need to change about yourself and came up with a list of a few items. Rationally, you probably put these into some kind of order of most to least important. It doesn’t matter whether you did this in your head, on paper or any other way. It was a deliberate, practical, purposeful procedure which you used to arrive at the thing

you think would make the biggest difference.

The trouble is that kind of deliberate, practical, purposeful procedure happens in another part of your brain to where your habits reside.

In short, anything which requires thinking is a conscious activity, your behaviours on the other hand are absolutely unconscious.

Think about it for a moment. You choose to sit and watch TV instead of doing exercise. You light up a cigarette. You eat unhealthily.

You drink a pint or two more than you intend. You avoid a social event because you don’t have the confidence to go. You perform badly at an interview due to nerves.

All of these are examples of behaviours you do instinctively and your instincts are utterly and completely subconscious.

Putting it simply you’re failing at your resolution because you’re using the wrong tools. Trying to change an unconscious habit with the conscious mind is like trying to start a fire with two sticks.

Sure, there is the possibility

it will work. With great effort and a lot of time. Probably involving having to start, stop and start again.

Far quicker and easier to use matches or a lighter.

Hypnotherapy is your matches or lighter. This is because it involves relaxing you into a state where communicating with your subconscious becomes easy.

That way you are taking your well-thought through decision from your conscious mind and moving it to the part of the brain where your habits live... and can be changed. There it will stick and become instinctive, cutting out the great effort and time you would otherwise have needed and giving you a far greater opportunity for success.

If your resolution for 2022 is flying, well done! Keep it up and may success be your friend. If, however, you are, like most people, finding it a slog, hypnotherapy could be just the thing you need to ensure you fulfil your dreams and make this year the one where you change your life for the better!

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News EVERY search you perform and every YouTube video you watch, Google is keeping tabs on you. Google Maps even logs everywhere you go, the route you use to get there and how long you stay, no matter if you have an iPhone or an Android. It can be eye-opening and possibly a little unsettling looking into everything Google knows about you.

There’s currently no way to make your account totally private.

10 STEPS TO SOME PRIVACY Google has adapted its privacy control dashboard for mobile devices as well as desktop browsers.

If you want to see the motherlode of data Google has on you, follow these steps to find it, review it, delete it or set it to automatically delete after a period of time.

If your goal is to exert more control over your data but you still want Google services like search and Google Maps to personalise your results, we recommend setting your data to autodelete after three months. Otherwise, feel free to delete all your data and set Google to stop tracking you.

For most of the day-to-day things you do with Google you won’t even notice the difference.

1. Sign in to your Google Account and choose Data & Privacy from the navigation bar.

2. To see a list of all your activity that Google has logged, scroll to History Settings and select Web & App Activity.

This is where all your Google searches, YouTube viewing history, Google Assistant commands and other interactions with Google apps and services get recorded.

3. To turn it completely off, move the toggle to the off position. But beware — changing this setting will most likely make any Google Assistant devices you use, including Google Home and Google Nest smart speakers and displays, virtually unusable.

4. If you want Google to stop tracking just your Chrome browser history and activity from sites you sign in to with your Google account, uncheck the first box. If you don’t want Google to keep audio recordings of your interactions with Google Assistant, uncheck the second box. Otherwise, move on to Step 5.

5. To set Google to automatically delete this kind of data either never or every three or 18 months, select Auto-delete and pick the time frame you feel most comfortable with. Google will immediately delete any current data older than the time frame you specify. For example, if you choose three months, any information older than three months will be deleted right away.

6. Once you choose an Autodelete setting, a pop-up will appear and ask you to confirm.

Select Delete or Confirm.

7. Next, select Manage Activity. This page displays all the information Google has collected on you from the

SPECIAL REPORT

Frightening the amount of info Google has on you Google collects data on what you watch, what you search and where you are at any time. Here’s how to put a possible stop to that activities mentioned in the previous steps, arranged by date, all the way back to the day you created your account or the last time you purged this list.

8. To delete specific days, select the trash can icon to the right of the day, then choose Got it. To get more specific details or to delete individual items, select the three stacked dots icon beside the item then choose either Details or Delete.

9. If you’d rather delete part or all of your history manually, select the three stacked dots icon to the right of the search bar at the top of the page and choose Delete activity by, then choose either Last hour, Last day, All time or Custom range.

10. To make sure your new settings took, head back to Manage Activity and make sure whatever’s there only goes back the three or 18 months you selected.

ACCESS GOOGLE’S RECORD OF YOUR LOCATION HISTORY Perhaps even more off-putting than Google knowing what recipes you’ve been cooking, what holiday destination you’re interested in or how often you check your Insta, the precision of Google’s record of your whereabouts can be downright chilling, even if you never do anything you shouldn’t.

If you’re signed in to Google Maps on a mobile device, Google is watching your every move. It’s about enough to make you want to leave your phone at home. Thankfully, that’s unnecessary. Here’s how to access, manage and delete

your Google location data: 1. Sign in to your Google Account and choose Data & Privacy from the navigation bar.

2. To see a list of all your location data that Google has logged, scroll to History Settings and select Location History.

3. If you want Google to stop tracking your location, turn the toggle on this page to off.

4. To set Google to automatically delete this kind of data either never or every three or 18 months, select Auto-delete, then pick the time frame you feel most comfortable with. Google will delete any current data older than the time frame you specify. For example, if you choose three months, any information older than three months will be deleted immediately.

5. Once you choose an autodelete setting, a popup will appear and ask you to confirm.

Select Delete or Confirm.

6. Next, click Manage History.

This page displays all the location information Google has collected on you as a timeline and a map, including places you’ve visited and the route you took there and back, as well as frequency and dates of visits.

7. To permanently delete all location history, click on the trash can icon in the lower right corner and choose Delete Location History when prompted. To delete individual trips, select a dot on the map or a bar on the timeline, then on the next page click the trash can icon beside the date of the trip you want to delete.

8. To make sure your location data really disappeared, go back to History Settings, then after Manage History, make sure the timeline in the upper left corner is empty and there are no dots on the map indicating your previous locations.

HOW YOUR DATA IS NOW COLLECTED Since 2019, Google has made changes to how your location data is collected and the options you have in controlling it. This includes autodelete controls, which allow people to automatically delete their location data on a rolling basis, and an incognito mode in Google Maps, which lets people browse and get directions without Google saving that information.

We’re going to cut through all the clutter and show you how to access the private data Google has on you, as well as how to delete some or all of

‘It’s ultimately up to you to protect yourself from invasive practices..

it. Then we’re going to help you find the right balance between your privacy and the Google services you rely on by choosing settings that limit Google’s access to your information without impairing your experience.

WHAT PRIVATE DATA IS CONSIDERED ‘PUBLIC’ Chances are, Google knows your name, your face, your birthday, your gender, other email addresses you use, your password and phone number. Some of this is listed as public information (not your password, of course). Here’s how to see what Google shares with the world about you.

1. Open a browser window and navigate to your Google Account page. 2. Type your Google username (with or without “@gmail.com”).

3. From the menu bar, choose Personal info and review the

information. You can change or delete your photo, name, birthday, gender, password, other email addresses and phone number.

AND FINALLY...

One more important thing about your privacy Be forewarned, just because you set Google not to track your online or offline activity doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve closed off your data to Google completely. Google has admitted it can track your physical location even if you turn off location services using information gathered from WiFi and other wireless signals near your phone. Also, just like Facebook has been doing for years, Google can track you even when you’re not signed in.

Not to mention, there are seeming contradictions between Google’s statements on privacy issues. For example, Google has admitted to scanning your Gmail messages to compile a list of your purchases in spite of declaring in a 2018 statement, “To be absolutely clear: No one at Google reads your Gmail, except in very specific cases where you ask us to and give consent, or where we need to for security purposes, such as investigating a bug or abuse.”

Perhaps by “no one” Google meant “no human,” but in an age of increasingly powerful AI, such a distinction may be moot.

At the end of the day, it’s ultimately up to you to protect yourself from invasive data practices.

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Covid Update

How we are nearing ‘super immunity’ THE contagious Omicron variant has run rampant through this winter. And, although the infection spike was sudden and intense, experts say the fact that many vaccinated people have come down with Covid might help build what some scientists are calling ‘super immunity’, according to a report by scientists at at the Oregon

Health & Science University in the US. Super immunity refers to what happens when a vaccinated Covid patient has a strong immune response following a breakthrough infection, according to the study released in December by researchers at the university.

The combination of vaccine immunity and natural im-

munity — no matter in what order it occurs — gives people more protection than someone who had just one or the other, according to a follow-up study published last week.

“It makes no difference whether you get infected and then vaccinated, or if you get vaccinated and then a breakthrough infection,” said

Fikadu Tafesse, a coauthor of the study and a professor of molecular microbiology and immunology in the Oregan School of Medicine.

The phenomenon of ‘super immunity’ was also recently observed in South Africa, Dr Jessica Justman, associate professor of medicine in epidemiology at Columbia Mailman School of Public

Health, told Fortune Magazine In other words, these are still preliminary findings, and many experts are looking for more data before drawing any concrete conclusions. And no one should purposely try to get a Covid infection in an attempt to boost their immunity. “The findings from both studies make sense to me, but

it will take more time before we can say they are widely accepted,” Dr Justman said.

Still, it’s helpful that initial studies show that having antibodies from a combination of vaccines and a natural Covid infection offers more protection than simply relying on antibodies generated from multiple, natural Covid infections.

Fifth jab is coming within a few weeks WE will soon have a fifth Covid19 vaccine available to us here in Ireland. The Novavax vaccine is to be rolled out shortly after being recommended by immunisation experts here.

Professor Karina Butler, chair of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac), decided it should be offered and said it could be given to people over 18 who are at risk of having an allergic reaction to the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

It is also an option for those who have decided to take either of the other two vaccines.

Novavax was approved last month by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) which said the results of two studies showed the vaccine efficacy for the jab was around 90%. The original strain of Covid-19 and some variants of concern, such as Alpha and Beta, were the most common viral strains circulating when the studies were ongoing.

There is currently limited data on how effective it is against other variants, including Omicron.

Novavax is given in two doses, three weeks apart.

Unlike the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines, this is a protein-based vaccine. It is also produced on tried-and-trusted technology used for other common vaccines. Professor Kingston Mills of Trinity College says it was good to have this as an option for people who might be hesitant because its technology is more traditional.

The HSE said that guidance had been received from Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan and Niac. It is now working to operationalise the extension of the programme.

Prof Butler said administration in pregnancy can be considered when the benefits of vaccination outweighed the potential risks to the mother or the foetus, or when an mRNA vaccine was contraindicated or declined.

Niac said Novavax had been shown to boost antibody responses following primary vaccination with either Pfizer or Moderna, although the magnitude of the antibody response is less than that following a booster with an mRNA vaccine.

Prof Butler said that, while boosting with an mRNA vaccine remained the preferred option, Novavax may be considered for those aged 18 years and over with a contraindication to an mRNA vaccine, or who have chosen not to receive another form of booster.

Around 2.69 million of the booster top-up vaccines have been administered. Last week just 37,109 vaccines were given out, compared to over 500,000 before Christmas.

The slow-down is due to a number of factors including the fact so many people were infected with Omicron in December and January, leaving them having to wait three months for a booster.

But it is also due to other factors such as believing the worst of the pandemic is over and people living busy lives again. People can still get their booster at a walk-in clinic, or by booking an appointment or at a pharmacy.

Meanwhile, there is no data on when booster shots will wane and it will only emerge over time. They are holding up well against Omicron and, along with natural immunity, they are why Ireland has now reached this better phase of the pandemic.

The next vaccines to watch out for are those which target Omicron. The hope is that these will be available by the summer.

Gut bacteria may play a role in development of Long Covid MANY people, globally, who recover from Covid-19 report lingering symptoms such as fatigue, muscle weakness, and insomnia, known collectively as Long Covid Previous research has found that individuals who experience severe Covid-19 tend to have gut dysbiosis, a disruption in the community of microorganisms living in the gut.

A new study has found the first evidence that there may also be a connection between gut dysbiosis and Long Covid, according to a report in the journal Medical News Today.

Future clinical trials could

therefore investigate probiotics, dietary changes, or faecal transplants as potential treatments for Long Covid.

As many as three-quarters of people who recover from Covid-19 report experiencing at least one lingering symptom six months later.

Common symptoms of this condition include fatigue, muscle weakness, and insomnia.

The exact cause remains a mystery, but possible contributory factors are excessive immune responses and cell damage sustained during the illness itself.

It also remains unclear

why some experience lingering symptoms for weeks or months while others recover completely.

In 2020, researchers at the Centre for Gut Microbiota Research, part of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, found a clue.

They discovered that people with Covid-19 had distinct changes in their gut microbiota, the community of micro-organisms living in their gut, compared with healthy controls.

The collection of genomes of the gut microbiota is known as the gut microbiome.

Faecal samples from people

with Covid-19 contained more opportunistic pathogens or disease-causing organisms and fewer ‘friendly’ bacteria.

“There are important implications for future research regarding the mechanisms of disease underlying Long Covid where most have tended to ignore the gastrointestinal system,” one scientist told Medical News Today.

She added that possible treatment approaches might include diets that support a healthy and balanced gut microbiota, avoiding antibiotics where possible, and probiotic supplements.

Moderna and Pfizer jabs ‘highly effective’ IN a new study, researchers looked at the differences in effectiveness between the two vaccines, according to a report in the journal Medical News Today.

They found that people

who had received two doses of the Moderna vaccine were less likely to develop Covid19 or become hospitalized with the illness than people who had received the Pfizer vaccine.

Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines — a relatively new type of vaccine technology.

These vaccines work by providing our cells with

instructions for making a SARS-CoV-2 protein. Our immune system then reacts to these proteins and develops the tools to respond to any infection with the virus in the future.

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Your Money

Beware burst pipes in a freezing February

BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

IRISH WATER have appealed to homes and businesses to take preparatory steps to prepare for freezing weather and to conserve water. At the time of writing the long-range forecasts for February is suggesting a very rainy month but in the short term we could expect some freezing conditions which can lead to a higher-than-normal volume of burst pipes.

A burst pipe can cause severe damage to your home and lead to the loss of valuable water. Even a small leak can lead to expensive repair bills and a disrupted water supply.

Therefore, Irish Water are asking home and businessowners to take some simple steps to winter-proof their premises over the coming months.

Tom Cuddy, Head of Operations, Irish Water, said: “With temperatures often dipping below zero at this time of year, we are appealing to homes, businesses and those responsible for unoccupied buildings to check for leaks whilst adhering to current public health regulations and advice, and

to turn off water where it’s not needed.”

They want customers to check outside pipes that can freeze and burst during periods of cold weather and report leaks immediately that

they see on the public network to 1800 278 278.

Irish Water offer the following as a guide only and if you have a basic knowledge of plumbing the following tips will help you locate and thaw a

frozen pipe or make an emergency repair to a burst pipe but if you are at all unsure of what to do, turn off the supply and call a registered plumber.

What should you do if you have a frozen pipe?

• Protect or move anything which might be damaged if the pipe bursts when thawed • Turn off the water supply.

The stop valve is usually located under the kitchen sink • Turn off the stopcock in your cold-water tank, usually located in the attic • Check the water pressure in appliances such as taps and toilets to see if it is lower than usual • Locate the general area where you think there may be a frozen pipe and check for visible pipes that are not insulated, pipes that feel much colder than others, have nearby draughts or damage • Then turn on nearby cold taps to relieve pressure on the frozen pipe. NEVER turn on the hot taps.

• Thaw the pipe and if the pipe and fittings are not cracked or broken, you can try gently thawing the pipe. Use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to gently warm the pipe, starting at the end nearest the tap and NEVER attempt to thaw out frozen pipes by switching on your immersion, central heating, blow torch etc.

What should you do if you have a burst pipe?

• Act as soon as possible to limit the damage by turning off the water supply as instructed above.

• Drain the system by turning on all the cold water taps and

flushing the toilets.

• Switch off the central heating and immersion. If you use solid fuel, let it die out and when the water heating is completely off, turn on the hot taps to further drain the system If water from a burst pipe is leaking near any sockets, switches, or appliances, switch off the mains if it is safe to do so. If the switch is wet, do not touch it but instead call a qualified electrician.

You can make a temporary repair to a burst pipe by binding it tightly with a cloth or tape but replace this as soon as possible by a permanent repair carried out by a qualified and registered plumber.

Ensure your hot water system is refilled BEFORE you switch back on your immersion or boiler.

If you have a shared water supply e.g. if you live in an apartment building, ensure you have access to the stop cock. This is usually located where the water supply enters the building and check with your neighbours that turning off the water has not affected their supply.

Irish Water encourages people to visit their Winter Proofing page for more tips at https://www.water.ie/help/ supply/winterproofing john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633.

COMPETITION WINNER Mary Kearney - Winner of the Quiz

Congratulations to Mary Kearney, Oldtown, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny who is the winner of the quiz competition sponsored by John Ellis – Financial Advisor Mary collected her prize of €100.00 One For All Card from John Ellis at the office of The Kilkenny Observer, Friary Street, Kilkenny.

Caption for photo:- John Ellis presents the prize to Mary Kearney Photo Credit:- Jack Moore

New poems on the Poetry phone KILKENNY County Council Arts Office Poetry Phone has a new selection of poems featured for February – March 2022, selected by writer and poet Colm Keegan.

Colm Keegan is an award winning writer and poet from Dublin, Ireland. His first book “Don’t Go There” was released in 2012 to critical acclaim. His latest collection “Randomer” is now available from Salmon poetry. His debut fulllength play “For Saoirse” was staged in Axis Theatre and shortlisted for the Fishamble New Writing award in 2018. His short play “Something Worth Saying,” commissioned for the Abbey Theatre’s Dear Ireland project in 2020 was called ‘exquisite and devastating’ by reviewer Emer O’ Kelly.

Everyone is welcome to the poetry phone. Just dial 1800 272 994 to listen to one of twelve wondrous poems written by Kilkenny poets.

The poems are beautifully recited by Kilkenny actors Colm Keegan

Susie Lamb and Ger Cody.

Here you will find poems of memory, recollection, nature, nurture and place which will bring a smile to your heart, give you a sense of solace and comfort and some will take you back in time. They are poems of real kinship, understanding and connection.

Please pick a number between 0 and 9. All of the poems were written

by Kilkenny poets and previously published in our annual Kilkenny Poetry Broadsheet.

The selected poems can also be listened to on the Arts Office Blog which features biographies of each poet, follow the below link: http://kilkennyartsoffice. ie/kilkenny-poetry-phonecolm-keegans-selection/ Enjoy

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Science & Wellbeing FOR millions of patients who have lost limbs for reasons ranging from diabetes to an accident, the possibility of regaining function through natural regeneration remains out of reach. Regrowth of legs and arms remains the province of salamanders and superheroes.

But in a study published in the journal Science Advances, scientists at Tufts University and Harvard University’s Wyss Institute have brought us a step closer to the goal of regenerative medicine.

On adult frogs, which are naturally unable to regenerate limbs, the researchers were able to trigger regrowth of a lost leg using a five-drug cocktail applied in a silicone wearable bioreactor dome that seals in the elixir over the stump for just 24 hours. That brief treatment sets in motion an 18-month period of regrowth that restores a functional leg.

Many creatures have the capability of full regeneration of at least some limbs, including salamanders, starfish, crabs, and lizards. Flatworms can even be cut up into pieces, with each piece reconstructing an entire organism. Humans are capable of closing wounds with new tissue growth, and our livers have a remarkable, almost flatworm-like capability of regenerating to full size after a 50% loss.

But loss of a large and structurally complex limb — an arm or leg — cannot be restored by any natural process of regeneration in humans or mammals. In fact, we tend to cover major injuries with an amorphous mass of scar tissue, protecting it from further blood loss and infection and preventing further growth.

The Tufts researchers triggered the regenerative process in African clawed frogs by enclosing the wound in a silicone cap, which they call a BioDome, containing a silk protein gel loaded with the five-drug cocktail.

Each drug fulfilled a different purpose, including tamping down inflammation, inhibiting the production of collagen which would lead to scarring, and encouraging the new JEFF BEZOS is on a mission to conquer ageing. He has just recruited Hal Barron from GlaxoSmithKline to help lead Altos Labs, the ambitious new anti-ageing company with billions of investment. So what does science say about this?

Could we beat ageing?

Ageing isn’t just a change in how we feel or look; ageing happens at a cellular level. In a lab culture dish, adult skin cells divide roughly 50 times before stopping. But skin cells from a newborn baby can divide 80 or 90 times. And on the flip side, cells from someone elderly divide only around 20 times.

Ageing is also evident in our genes. Our genetic material is modified over time — chemicals can be attached that change which genes are switched on or off. These are called epigenetic changes, and they build up as we age.

Another kind of change

Scientists regrow frog’s lost legs, so could human limbs be next? growth of nerve fibres, blood vessels, and muscle. The combination and the bioreactor provided a local environment and signals that tipped the scales away from the natural tendency to close off the stump, and toward the regenerative process.

The researchers observed dramatic growth of tissue in many of the treated frogs, recreating an almost fully functional leg. The new limbs had bone structure extended with features similar to a natural limb’s bone structure, a richer complement of internal tissues (including neurons), and several ‘toes’ grew from the end of the limb, although without the support of underlying bone.

The regrown limb moved and responded to stimuli such as a touch from a stiff fibre, and the

frogs were able to make use of it for swimming through water, moving much like a normal frog would.

“It’s exciting to see that the drugs we selected were helping to create an almost complete limb,” said Nirosha Murugan, research affiliate at the Allen Discovery Centre at Tufts and first author of the paper. “The fact that it required only a brief exposure to the drugs to set in motion a months-long regeneration process suggests that frogs and perhaps other animals may have dormant regenerative capabilities that can be triggered into action.”

The researchers explored the mechanisms by which the brief intervention could lead to long-term growth. Within the first few days after treatment, they detected the activation of

Jeff Bezos on mission to stop us ageing

known molecular pathways that are normally used in a developing embryo to help the body take shape.

Activation of these pathways could allow the burden of growth and organization of tissue to be handled by the limb itself, similar to how it occurs in an embryo, rather than require ongoing therapeutic intervention over the many months it takes to grow the limb.

How the BioDome works Animals naturally capable of regeneration live mostly in an aquatic environment. The first stage of growth after loss of a limb is the formation of a mass of stem cells at the end of the stump called a blastema, which is used to gradually reconstruct the lost body part.

The wound is rapidly covered

by skin cells within the first 24 hours after the injury, protecting the reconstructing tissue underneath.

“Mammals and other regenerating animals will usually have their injuries exposed to air or making contact with the ground, and they can take days to weeks to close up with scar tissue,” said David Kaplan, Stern Family Professor of Engineering at Tufts and co-author of the study. “Using the BioDome cap in the first 24 hours helps mimic an amniotic-like environment which, along with the right drugs, allows the rebuilding process to proceed without the interference of scar tissue.”

Next steps in frogs and mammals Previous work by the Tufts takes place at the ends of our cell’s DNA. Repeating segments of DNA called telomeres act like the plastic tip of a shoelace, preventing the twisted coils of genetic material from fraying at the ends or knotting together. But these telomeres shorten each time a cell divides. We don’t know if short telomeres are merely a mark of ageing, like grey hair, or are part of the process by which cells age.

To keep alive and keep dividing, immune cells stop their telomeres shortening when they multiply, as do cancer cells. This is probably a contributing factor in their apparent immortality.

Treatments that stop telomerase from working also show promise against cancer (although cancer cells can evolve resistance).

Given that ageing has such a profound effect on our cells and genes — the effects men-

‘Humans are capable of closing wounds with new tissue growth...

”

team showed a significant degree of limb growth triggered by a single drug, progesterone, with the BioDome. However, the resulting limb grew as a spike and was far from the more normally shaped, functional limb achieved in the current study.

The five-drug cocktail represents a significant milestone toward the restoration of fully functional frog limbs and suggests further exploration of drug and growth factor combinations could lead to regrown limbs that are even more functionally complete, with normal digits, webbing, and more detailed skeletal and muscular features.

“We’ll be testing how this treatment could apply to mammals next,” said corresponding author Michael Levin, Vannevar Bush Professor of Biology in the School of Arts & Sciences, director of the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts, and associate faculty member of the Wyss Institute.

“Covering the open wound with a liquid environment under the BioDome, with the right drug cocktail, could provide the necessary first signals to set the regenerative process in motion,” he said. “It’s a strategy focused on triggering dormant, inherent anatomical patterning programs, not micromanaging complex growth, since adult animals still have the information needed to make their body structures.” tioned here being just some examples — a much bigger question emerges: why does this happen? Why do we age?

We can describe a lot of what happens during ageing at the level of what physically happens to our genes, cells, and organs. But the fundamental question of why we age is still open. In all likelihood, there is more than one correct answer.

Of course, nobody knows whether Bezos’s company can succeed in helping extend the human lifespan. But what is clear is that by studying ageing, exciting new discoveries are bound to emerge. Never listen to anyone who says the big questions have already been answered. * A fuller version of his report was originally published on The Conversation

by Daniel M Davis at the University of Manchester

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Travel & Leisure

10

must-haves in your carry-on

also be restricted in some situations. Imagine sitting throughout the flight doing absolutely nothing. Feels tiring and except the view of the sky from the tiny airplane window is enough entertainment for you, be sure to stock up on some entertainment before the trip. Games, books, podcasts, and offline videos are cool things to help deal with boredom.

5. FAVORITE SNACKS To be honest, airplane food is not for everybody! Those strange combinations can ruin one’s intestines in seconds and make the rest of the flight uncomfortable.

There’s no need to pretend.

Travellers should take some favourite snacks to have an alternative if the food served during the flight is not compatible with their stomachs. It can also serve as a bonus to support the food served by the airline service because sometimes the quantity might not be enough to satisfy even a fiveyear-old child.

6. HEADPHONES Headphones do not just offer an enjoyable consumption of multimedia content, they also offer privacy, and noise-canceling headphones offer even more privacy as it cancels the surrounding noise. Many travellers can’t help it when they are stuck on the plane for hours with noisy neighbours and it’s in these cases that these ear blocking speakers will come in handy to ensure no one has to put up with all that noise.

7. PORTABLE CHARGER A portable charger is a device that can be used to extend phone battery life in the case where charging outlets are not available at the moment. They’re easy to carry and can be very useful in some situations. The last thing one wants is to get stuck on the plane holding a phone with a dead battery.

EVEN experienced packers admit that packing for a flight can sometimes be a daunting task. It is even more daunting for first-timers. While some packing lists can be really helpful, they sometimes get overly detailed thereby making travellers pack items they probably might not need.

1. BACKPACK Suitcases are necessary to carry more spacious items but a backpack will come in handy when it comes to carrying important things needed to be in one’s possession at all times. This is because most (small) backpacks can be placed right under a passenger’s seat which makes it easier to reach for the bag and take out something easily. Suitcases are usually out of immediate reach and they also tend to get lost sometimes. It won’t help if an essential item such as a charger is in a lost suitcase.

2. DOCUMENTS Passports, ID Cards, travel visas, and travel insurance are the most important travel documents to never forget.

Some of these documents are required before access to flights so be sure to bring them along. Due to the pandemic, many countries now require passengers to provide health documents such as proof of Covid 19 vaccination before they can be allowed access into the country.

3. CHARGER Wireless charging ain’t just a friend, it’s the future.

Locating an outlet and plugging in a charger is the second thing many travellers do after sitting down in their passenger seat. Imagine dipping a hand into your bag and not being able to find a charger. Can be pretty heartbreaking. To avoid being in this type of situation, be sure to include

a charger on the packing list.

Charger adapters also come in handy when there are no available outlets to plug in a USB cable. Travellers watching movies or working on some tasks on their laptops during the flights should include their laptop chargers as well to keep the device on.

4.INFLIGHT ENTERTAINMENT This is a no-brainer item to include on the packing list but some travellers might still forget it. The reason why it is important is not so far-fetched as many airlines require mobile phones to be in flight mode during the flight since cellular radio has been deemed hazardous to smooth flying.

This inevitably means there might be no access to the internet for the majority of the trip.

Although some airlines offer Wi-Fi service, it can

8. EXTRA PAIR OF SOCKS The feet can get really cold during flights, especially long ones and that discomfort may, unfortunately, continue if the destination’s weather is also cold. A pair of socks is important in this case to keep the feet warm throughout the flight.

9. YOUR TOOTHBRUSH Toothbrushes and Toothpaste are so tiny, they take up little space hence they should always be included in one’s plane travel kit, especially during long flights. A bad breath can ruin a warm welcome.

10. A WATER BOTTLE Of course, airplanes offer water to passengers but to avoid getting short of some euro, it’s better to bring an empty water bottle and then fill it up at the airport refilling station after getting the empty water bottle past the security.

Pick the ‘worst seat’ on the plane!

UNLESS you can afford to splash out on business class tickets, travelling in an aeroplane can be pretty uncomfortable — especially if you’re flying long haul.

Whether you’re someone who likes to stare out the window for the entire journey, you’re up every half an hour needing the loo or you’re the unlucky one who always stuck with a kid kicking them in the back for the entire trip.

Thankfully one frequent flyer has revealed a sneaky way to get around the latter happening on your next trip - and it involves carefully selecting where to sit.

While most travellers stress over picking the best seat on a plane, John Burfitt says he always chooses the ‘worst’ seat on a plane when he travels — the window seat at the back of the plane, by the toilets.

Writing for escape.com.

au, he claimed that it can actually be the most relaxing place to sit. John explained how after once spending an entire flight being kicked in the back by a passenger, he vowed never to have a similar experience again.

Towards the end of the journey he walked down the aisle to go to the bathroom and soon realised there was nothing behind the last row of seats but a wall, so if he sat there, no one could ever kick him in the back again.

“In that instant, I decided the back row would be the only place I would sit on a long flight from now on,” he wrote.

“Sure enough, on my next flight, I booked into the back row of the cabin and, even better, my seat was the one right next to the window. As I nestled into that corner, I discovered what true airline love is about. I had just found the best seat on the plane.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

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Much More Than Words THIS WEEK, in our look at the recently published book of poetry and prose by The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and The Recovery College, we feature work from Robert O’ Neill, Kassie O’Mahony and Grace Power .

If ever a book deserved the award for ‘The Perfect Title’ surely that accolade must go to a new compilation of poetry Much More Than Words.

Indeed its very title describes comprehensively the diversity of the treasures to be discovered within its covers.

This volume of carefully crafted poems, interspersed with prose and enhanced with well-chosen

Robert O’Neill

images, is the second collection produced by The Involvement Centre Kilkenny and the first in a joint venture with The Recovery College.

The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to promote the work of The Involvement Centre and The Recovery College, and so, will publish a selection of their work over the coming months.

Kassie O’Mahony

‘Much More Than Words’ can be purchased at the following Kilkenny outlets: Bargain Books, The Butterslip Khans Bookshop, James’ Street & The Book Centre, High Street.

Price: €10

Grace Power

We Wear our Masks

M

Róisín

We wear the mask that guards and serves, In a world now struggling to life preserve, We now depend upon this simple cloth that muzzles us from fear of war.

A war upon our very existence, Let’s wear the mask, without resistance.

What is this mask? What’s its design?

Is it a modern Turin shrine?

Of cloth imprinted with souls of woe And suffering, yet modelled so.

Is it our armour in a war?

Preventing death from our dark doors?

An altruistic battle cry?

We don the mask, through wearied sighs.

we used to lie on trampolines together on hot summer evenings. our bare backs scalded from the canvas pressed against our skin. we would drown ourselves in ice lollies and make ourselves sick from skittles. we’d attempt to dance like broadway stars and perform tricks like olympic gymnasts. you taught me how to play hurling, cricket, introduced me to the world of sport. i was no good but you, you were an all star champion in the making. i used to force you to make up silly routines and throw me around like a rag doll. we never understood makeup or clothes or boys. we only understood hurleys and films and noise. we’d play tip the can and tag making sure everybody knew we ruled the street. we’d split pints of ice cream even though it made me nauseous and i’d make you eat copious amounts of sugary foods. at sleepovers we made forts from blankets but they weren’t forts to us, they were castles. we’d fall asleep at six am and wake at seven to watch the latest episode of dance moms, devouring bowls of milky cereal at the same time. and then one day, all that changed. you stopped knocking on my door asking if i wanted to watch your dad play a match. i stopped going training, you stopped going dancing. our dance moms’ days were done. my hurley sits idle in the shed because the only time it got use was when i was with you.

I’m sure your dance shoes don’t get much wear anymore. you were shocked when i cut my hair because i ‘took so much pride in it when i was young’. but we’re not so young now anymore. we were innocent, we were fun, we were young, we were kids. and now i don’t know what we are. but i know, that you were my childhood best friend.

“Take no heed of how time may fly, a fleeting kiss to say goodbye.

Heartstrings broken but tied with thread, words of love beside the bed.

The rabbit called to take your hand, it was time to go to wonderland.”

But this is not living , not the life we know, And every dancefloor’s empty now, And ever choir’s song is sung, And football boots for now are hung in cold and musty dressing rooms, We wear our masks, despite the gloom.

When the sounds of children’s playgrounds stops In schools, and parties, and soulless, desolate shops, A deep resounding bell is knelled, We’ll wear the mask, but why, do tell…

This debt we pay will be worth it all To once again return to small pleasures, Small joys that we once had We wear the mask, it’s not so bad.

With pride we wear the mask and smile, A smile that’s hidden now for some time.

Our eyes rely on showing glee, approval and normality.

But nothing’s normal, this is not life.

Yet unified deny our strife, by this mask.

We’ll wear the mask.

And now it’s fashion, styles and shapes, We wear these masks, to convince ourselves, That one day soon, it’ll be worthwhile With torn and bleeding hearts we smile.

That while’s too long now, it feels unending and all the while our lives are spending in the cold confines of grim complicity We’ll wear the mask, for you, for me.

So underneath this mask we smile, but, our hearts cry.

Our souls try still to clap and sing, fondly remember every living thing of normal life, Real normal life. Without the mask.

And all is left is hope That in a fanfare of discharge We’ll say goodbye and masks discard, For though we wear them, day on day, This is not living, life shouldn’t be this way.

Robert O’Neill

Kassie O’Mahony

Grace Power

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

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‘We need to rethink mortgages’ THE Ibec group that represents the property and construction sector, Property Industry Ireland (PII), has said that existing mortgage measures in Ireland are outdated and need to be amended to reflect new economic realities.

The call comes as PII publishes its submission to the Central Bank’s review of

‘macroprudential’ mortgage measures.

Existing mortgage measures were introduced in 2015 to provide stability and ensure prudent lending to support Irish consumers following the global economic recession. These measures have had their desired effect for the last six years but the economic context in Ireland has

changed significantly since the 2016 rules were introduced and Ireland’s mortgage measures are now restricting home ownership opportunities for a generation of firsttime buyers, young families and lower income households. PII believes Debt Service Ratio, or DSR, should replace the current Loan-toIncome (LTI) limit.

Director of PII David Duffy said: “PII is not calling into the question the importance or the benefits of the mortgage measures. They are an important pillar to managing the systemic and cyclical risk within the sector.

“However, the design and calibration of these measures needs to be amended to reflect that the economic

landscape is significantly different to when the existing measures were introduced in 2015, including the significant reduction in and much wider availability in fixed long-term interest rates.”

Ireland’s current mortgage measures are amongst the strictest in the EU. The existing Loan-to-Income (LTI) model limits mortgage lend-

ing to that of 3.5 times the income of the household. The average price of a new home sold to household buyers in Ireland in 2020 was €350,000, requiring the purchaser to have a single or combined income of €90,000 to qualify for a 90% LTV mortgage. Only roughly 4% of households in Ireland have incomes at or above this level.

Climate change pressure on dairy farmers

Snowdrops are nature at its best ALTAMONT GARDENS in neighbouring Co Carlow has the largest public snowdrop collection in Ireland, boasting 150 named varieties of the flower.

The 40-acre estate, on the banks of the River Slaney near Tullow, is now holding its 21st ‘Snowdrop Month’.

“I think the snowdrop, because it’s so small and it survives a very cold winter, a very long winter, I think

it’s bringing the light out of the darkness. And I think it’s heralding spring,” said gardener Pauline Dowling.

“We were open during the pandemic but only people within five-10kms could come in and walk.

They told us the garden saved their life because they were able to come out of their houses and walk around and get really restored by the garden.

“It’s very much a living

garden. It’s a healing garden. It’s full of wildlife and it’s full of nature at its best.

Everybody can come now from any distance.

“The sunlight at the time of the year is just amazing.

We would love everybody, particularly in the South East, to come visit us now and experience that.”

Ms Dowling said: “She was given a present of a snowdrop called Drummond’s Giant and it was

given to her by her neighbour, Mrs O’Neill. That started the collection about 60 years ago. So, she fell in love with the snowdrop.

“After that, herself and her sister used to visit old, derelict gardens. They used to have a look and see if there was any snowdrop of interest. We have Straffan which is another Irish variety. We have Liam Schofield. We have Mrs McNamara.”

Pauline Dowling says “nature is at its best” at Altamont. For her, the snowdrops at Altamont Gardens are a small symbol of hope after winter.

She said: “The colour is pure white with just a few speckles of green or yellow. ‘ The snowdrop collection was started by Corona North, the former owner of Altamont Gardens, in the 1960s.

Warning as milk replacer prices up 20% FARMERS have been advised not to compromise on quality, as milk replacer prices increase by up to 20pc this year George Ramsbottom, Teagasc Dairy Specialist, warned that cheaper milk replacers derived from plant sources were

not recommended, particularly for young calves.

Speaking on a Teagasc webinar , he said milk replacers were trading anywhere between €45 and €60 a bag and are understood to have risen further in recent days. Howev-

er, he warned there was “huge” variation in quality.

Mr Ramsbottom said there were four “non-negotiables” that have been agreed by technical experts in Animal Health Ireland on milk replacer for young calf care.

“These are protein content 22-26%; fat content 16-20&; ash content 7-9%; and fibre content less than 0.1%,” he said.

“For young calves, those proteins should be derived from milk sources.

“The reason for that is you

could have a high protein content in your milk replacer, but the amino acid content might not be right,” he said.

“Proteins from plant-derived sources may not have those quality amino acids to ensure good growth in your calf.”

THE Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue TD, is putting pressure on the dairy industry to come up with a plan to reduce its emissions.

In a series of recent meetings with farm organisations and coops, the minister announced the creation of a high-level industry committee chaired by former Teagasc director Prof Gerry Boyle to develop a plan in the coming weeks.

It is understood the first step will be to stabilise emissions rapidly, so technologies in development can deliver the reductions to the level targeted under the Climate Action Plan.

However, the Irish Cream Milk Supplier Association (ICMSA) said an arbitrary cap would do “irreparable damage” to “the main driver” of Ireland’s rural economy. The Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) said it would not allow the sector become a “twilight industry”.

The expected halt to dairy expansion will come less than seven years after the abolition of milk quotas; since then cow numbers increased from 1.3m in 2015 to 1.5m in 2020.

The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS) said its main priority entering these talks would be to protect “productivity growth” within the sector and said it was essential to support family farm units.

According to The Farming Independent, the minister told the meetings that, while total cattle numbers have been stable in recent years, this was only due to a decrease in suckler cows — there has been an increase in dairy cows, which have higher levels of emissions per head.

It is understood that Mr McConalogue highlighted that of Ireland’s 16,000 dairy farmers, up to 4,000 are still in “expansion mode” and noted the development of some very large units and some farmers with multiple platforms. However, he is also understood to have stressed that the “shutter will not be thrown down” for those who see dairying as a viable career choice.

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Feature

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

Centenary of the takeover of the Kilkenny Military Barracks February 7th is a special day here in Kilkenny, marking as it does the centenary of the takeover of the Military Barracks.

The Kilkenny Observer is grateful to Larry Scallan for his research into this period in our history and we are delighted to publish his observations.

Over the coming two issues, we look at the history of the Barracks including an account given

by James Comerford in his book ‘My Kilkenny IRA Days’

Commandant Larry Scallan (retired) pictured at the old RIC Barracks on Parliament Street, Kilkenny .

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

W

e are now approaching the centenary of the takeover of the Military Barracks, Ballybought Street, Kilkenny City.

This momentous event occurred on February 7th 1922. The Barracks had been home to over sixty Infantry Regiments of the British Army since 1803.

It also served as a Brigade Headquarters of Artillery from 1908, as well as being the home of various units such as King Edward’s Horse (The King’s Overseas Dominions Regiment). This was the cavalry regiment of the British Army which saw service in the First World War. The Kilkenny Militia used the Barracks as their home base for annual training, particularly in its active service periods during the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, The Boer War and of course the Great War. This twelve-acre walled village on the edge of Kilkenny City has been an ever-present feature of the city for over 220 years. It replaced two preexisting Barracks after the 1798 rebellion. They were located off John Street (the current site of Butler Gallery) and the Horse Barracks which was in the vicinity of the brewery site. Horse Barrack Lane and Barrack Lane signpost these long-gone encampments.

Its strategic location, on the edge of an expanding city which was positioned on an economic crossroads for trade in the Southeast of Ireland, was enormously beneficial

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Feature The IRA mobilizing at St James’s Park before marching through the city to take over Kilkenny Military Barracks.

(Photo by Moran, Kilkenny. With thanks to Rothe House)

for the crown forces.

They used it as a strong base for enforcement and projecting military power across an extensive area and especially for conducting joint operations with the Royal Irish Constabulary during the Irish War of Independence.

The high walls that enclose the Barracks now accommodate a modern light Infantry battalion called the 3rd Infantry Battalion.

This is, incidentally, the oldest infantry battalion in the permanent Defence Forces. It should be noted that every soldier, airman and sailor has sworn to defend and protect the Irish State as enshrined in the Irish Constitution – a legacy of the loyalty that was espoused by those who joined the volunteers in 1914.

In contemporary Kilkenny the Barracks and its soldiers blend into the streetscape and fabric of local communities. Its members are often found in

St Patrick’s Band who led the Irish Volunteers into Kilkenny Military Barracks on February 7th , to take over from the departing British troops.

Column Commander, George O’Dwyer, and his wife Angela

local GAA, soccer, or other sporting clubs as players or administrators on school committees. They are supporters of many local good causes and charities.

Our Defence Forces have always been fast to respond to a request for the civil power (An Garda) or the civil authority (e.g. County Council).

With their skills and talents they provide support to the local community such as after severe weather events where they help with clean-up operations.

We particularly saw their contribution to the community during the current pandemic.

They also provide prominent support to Portlaoise Prison.

It was very impressive to see the 3rd Battalion providing the honour guard for the ceremony held in Dublin Castle on January 16th 2022 when the centenary of its handover was commemorated.

This all happens while maintaining an absolute commitment to overseas service and their altruistic attitude to proactive peacekeeping in often difficult operational situations.

One hundred years ago the Barracks was garrisoned by the 2nd Battalion of the Devonshire Regiment. This Regiment would have been involved in military operations which involved the lethal use of force: included among these military operations were Coolbawn

(death of Nicholas Mullins and Jack Hartley), Knocknagress (death of Pat Walsh and Sean Quinn), Friary Street (death of Tom Hennessy and Michael Dermody) and the ambush at Uskerty near Coan.

The Irish Republican Army, the sworn army of Dáil Éireann had fought a guerrilla type war 19191921, attacking and evading the Crown Forces and then disappearing into the local population. When this tactic was combined with an excellent knowledge of the landscape, it led to successful continuous operations to ensure denial of freedom of movement to the British military. Most Crown Forces’ fatalities in the Kilkenny Brigade area during the war were RIC members; however there are many examples of targeting of the Devonshire soldiers, the main one being the attempt of the 1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade to trigger an ambush on Friary Street in March 1921. It is in this context that it is important to reflect and remember this seminal event in what we now refer to as our decade of centenaries.

Next week we look at an account given by James Comerford in his book ‘My Kilkenny IRA Days’. This is a highly important account as he was a member of the marching body of troops who entered the Barracks through the Ballybought Street gate under the command of Brigadier General George O’Dwyer.

Kilkenny Brigade members on Parade.

Kilkenny Military Barracks 1921.

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News

Building commences at St Brendan’s National School, Newmarket, Hugginstown THE Board of Management, Principal, Staff, Students and Parents at St. Brendan’s National School are delighted to see the long awaited building work commence.

The Department of Education and Skills approved the construction of 1 Mainstream

Classroom, 1 Special Education Needs Room and a Wheelchair accessible toilet.

The sod was turned by Deputy John Paul Phelan T.D. on Monday 31st January.

Larry Comerford, Construction Ltd. also commenced on site on Monday.

On completion of the building it is planned to commence an after-school club to facilitate parents and students.

The school community look forward to seeing this facility open, it will bring many benefits for the students and staff.

Larry Comerford (Building Contractor), Claire Cahill ( Parents Association) , Margo Brennan (School Principal), John Paul Phelan (T.D) , Teresa Broderick (Board of Management), Brendan Moore (Architect)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

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MacDonagh Junction Carraig Donn €39.95 u

Regatta €30 u

Spread the Love...

Love...

Dunnes Stores €35 u

this Valentine’s Day with the perfect gift or outfit from MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre.

Nothing screams romance quite like a proposal and the perfect proposal needs the perfect ring. Fields the Jewellers have a stunning range of diamond engagement rings to suit every style and budget.

Not ready for that big a gesture? They also have beautiful gifts including this beautiful 9ct white gold love heart pendant or a fashionable brown leather watch for that special man in your life.

An evening of romance calls for a new outfit, this flowy dress from Carraig Donn or cute dress from Dunnes Stores ticks all the boxes. Paired with a gorgeous lingerie set from River Island and styled with their heart necklace to complete the look.

Going for a more casual date night for Valentine’s this year? Stay cosy with this pink cardigan from Carraig t River Donn paired with this frill skirt from Dunnes Stores Island perfect for an intimate dinner at home or a cosy €33 brunch. Or go crazy and add a pop of colour to your outfit with love heart shoes from Skechers.

Guys head to Jack and Jones to get an outfit that will make sure to turn heads this Valentine’s. Or at least add a bit of red to your wardrobe for the day that’s in it, with this top from Regatta.

Now that your sorted with the gifts and outfits, time for the actual date…why not keep it fun and casual with a round of bowling at Kbowl Kilkenny.

Enjoy a milkshake from Eddie Rockets for the River Island €29 perfect ending to a perfect date. q If all else fails, we have the perfect way to say I love you…with a MacDonagh Junction gift card. Accepted in over 30 top brands and restaurants, it’s the perfect gift. * All prices correct at time of print

Carraig Donn €42.95 u

p River Island €18

Skechers €73 u

Fields €129 q

t Fields €195

t Fields €3950

Dunnes Stores €25 u

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Feature Kilkenny is home to the most famous cats in the world. For over two hundred years, people everywhere have heard of the fierce Kilkenny Cats. They are part of our history; part of our DNA. They reflect Kilkenny in all its glorious past, its developing present and exciting future.

The Kilkenny Observer has invited local author Donal Cadogan and illustrator Gemma Aloisi to share their unique view of Kilkenny’s history and culture, as seen and told by its magnificent and ever-present Kilkenny Cats.

These are taken from their recent illustrated children’s book We are Kilkenny Cats!

It is proving to be a great way to get children to learn about the story of where they are from.

Martin Luther King once said “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.” Over the coming weeks the cats that saw our history being made, will help us understand what history has made us.

Up the cats!

Our city, our history, as told by some famous Kilkenny Cats NORA  A KILKENNY CAT Hello. My name is Nora and I am a Kilkenny Cat. I am named after the mighty River Nore which travels through the county of Kilkenny from top to bottom. Like the Nore, I can be strong and fierce when I need to be, yet gentle and peaceful at other times. The river looks after the people of Kilkenny, as do I. I will tell you what it means to be a Kilkenny Cat and let you meet other cats from my family tree, which stretches back before written history began.

Nora, a Kilkenny cat

I like to think there is a little of each of these cats in me. You will find magical cats, holy cats, fighting cats, rich cats and poor cats. Some are mean but most are kind.

Most cats had a human owner. They minded and protected each other. Over time, they began to look and act like each other which is why their stories are the same as the humans’ history of Kilkenny.

At the end of our journey, when you understand better how my family has made me the proud cat I am, I will tell

you the legend of how Kilkenny Cats got their name.

Welcome to my family. They are the cat’s meow.

BAWNY  THE LEGENDARY CAT Long, long ago, long before your time, there lived a mouse in a cave in a place called Derc Ferna. Today it is known as Dunmore. This was before a place called Kilkenny even existed. His name was Luchtigern, an old Irish name.

In Irish luch means ‘mouse’ and tigern meant ‘lord’, for Luchtigern was the mouse-

lord of all the lands around Dunmore and far across Ireland.

But my ancestor Bawny, a fearless warrior cat, came and a mighty battle followed. His real name was Banghaisgidheach*, but we all called him Bawny for short. He was one cat against an army of mice. He should never have had a chance but he was huge and a hellcat and, with sharp tooth and pointy claws, he killed mice in their thousands until only he and Luchtigern were left. They fought each other for a day and

a night but in the end, Bawny won, and the mighty reign of the Kilkenny Cat started.

Bawny’s story was so famous it was recorded in the Book of Leinster in the 12th century.

You can still visit the cave today. It is the darkest place in Ireland. If you go there, into the deepest part of the cave, some cats still say you can see two bright shining lights in the dark.

Are they Bawny’s eyes?

He hasn’t gone away, you know. *Pronounced: Bawn–gashkuh-duck

OSSIE THE CHIEFTAIN’S CAT Nearly two thousand years ago there were two big kingdoms in Ireland, Leinster and Munster. They were next door neighbours and were always finding reasons to fight. In between were lands with large forests around the river Nore.

The people living there became very annoyed at armies always running across their fields chasing each other. These people called themselves the Osraige, which means People of the Deer, and their Kingdom was called Ossory.

They decided to elect a king to keep the armies out so that they could live in peace and quiet for a few years. His name was Aengus. But Aengus needed help in his great task.

Did he look for help from a deer? No! He needed someone who wouldn’t pussyfoot around. He turned to a fearless royal cat who he called Ossie.

She was also my ancestor.

Together, Ossie and Aengus kept the two other armies (and their mice) apart and the people of Osraige settled down.

For nearly a thousand years they called the lands along the river Nore their home. In fact their descendants were still powerful in the land until the 16th century, when they were pushed aside. But by then, my family had added many more famous cats to the Kilkenny story.

‘We are Kilkenny Cats’ is available in Kilkenny bookshops

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

Picture special Aidrian Cashin

Angela Ray

t u o b A nny Out &

WITH

Da t Lahar

Shane Fitzgerald, Sarah O’Dwyer and Joey the dog.

Fionn O’Hargain

Chloe, Emma and Sinead Byrne with buddy the dog

The McCormack fam

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Picture special

Ashley Moran Nunn

Edward Byrne

mily

The McCormack family

Goran and Ivana

Ailish and Ian Durkin

The Brennan family

The Tyrrell family

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Community Community Group

Eyes down to buckle your shoe !

But...Heads up for out and about

IT is now time to get the ball rolling again for our senior members of society. Yes! let us open the front door, back door and windows of our houses and let the fresh air not only fill all the rooms of the house but blow away the cobwebs that gather in both our lungs and our brains during that never to be mentioned word again, you know what I am talking about, and if you don’t? was the weather nice on the Mars for the past 24 months.

All joking aside it is time to head back out to meet our friends and families. Time to take those lovely walks we spoke about a few editions back.

The Castle park, Jenkinstown wood, and down by the lovely easy flowing River Nore as she flows majestically through the marble city as it heads on down to join her two sister rivers, The River Barrow and the River Suir. It is time to really get the fresh air into those lungs, a nice brisk walk on the golden sand of Tra – mor or Tramore as the tide heads out in to the same outlet of the three sisters and in to what some refer to as the Celtic Sea. A sea where many a trawler fished for the shoals of herring that the Clancy Brothers sang about from their home on Bridge street in Carrick-On-Suir.

The great outdoors is calling and it is up to us all to answer.

The Older Peoples’ Council of Kilkenny are now delighted to be in the position of announc-

ing that they can now have their AGM that has had to be deferred from 2020, and then again, in 2021, but it will take place in the Ormonde Hotel the Tuesday after St Patrick’s weekend March 22nd at 10.30am.

Not only will it be the AGM but to have a wonderful meet and greet coffee prior to the first votes being casts. A day for the diary everyone.

Yes, we are open for business again. The Twilight Community Group are now kick starting their coffee mornings.

Each month the community group will be holding a friendly interactive information get together where invited guest speakers will talk to the seniors about topics of interest to our age group. One morning in the city and the other in the county as they bring their vibrant volunteers to a community near you. If you wish to have your local community group/ association to hold one of these Protecting, Assisting, Senior, Services (PASS) supported by the Bank of Ireland and the Community Foundation of Ireland programme, mornings, call Murty Brennan 086 3255840 or 056 7813105. And just top of the mornings the compulsory Bingo must take place at each venue.

So, its eyes down to buckle your show for the Twilight Bingo and keep your head up for things to do while out and about this spring

Community Group

DAVID: Twilight’s LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Project THE Twilight Community Group has initiated a new Diversity Awareness Visibility Inclusion Development programme (DAVID) specifically aimed at supporting members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Funding for the project was received from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth.

In issuing the funding Minister Roderic O’ Gorman TD complimented Twilight on the breadth of the innovative DAVID programme.

The ethos of the project was

validated with video testimonials from the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and MEP Maria Walsh.

In supporting the DAVID project Maria Walsh acknowledged that successful implementation will deliver fundamental progress to the LGBTQIA|+ community. Ms Walsh stressed that utilising rural areas of County Kilkenny to highlight issues would significantly assist in broadening perspectives and in changing mindsets.

The objective of the DAVID

programme is to promote visibility and awareness and to provide a safe inclusive space where members of the LGBTQIA+ communities are supported, treated equally, allowed to flourish and to live fulfilling lives, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity The DAVID programme will focus on promoting the diverse needs of LGBTQIA+ communities and will deliver

work packages in the public domain using community halls and civic spaces.

Twilight is aware the DAVID project faces difficulties but are confident that these will be overcome. Obstacles will be challenged through a social inclusion format by developing workshops, roadshows and by forming intergenerational peer support groups. A partnership with Mental Health Ireland adds

further professional expertise to the DAVID project.

Integral to the successful delivery of DAVID is the specially selected team of experienced facilitators, led

by Dublin based graduate Karen Hughes. The team also includes Rebecca Harold founder of Translife Kilkenny, Ryan Shannon, Board Member Ireland Pride Network, Cavan, resident Pam Leonard, Professional Social

Care worker and Grace Byrne, Twilight Youth Coordinator, pursuing studies in NUI Galway.

The Twilight team welcome your suggestions and support.

If you wish to be involved in the DAVID project contact Karen at k.hughes@twilight.ie You can follow the DAVID project @twilightcommunitygroup on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter @ twilightcommun3.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Easy classic lasagne Prep: 15 mins Cook: 1 hr Serves: 4 to 6

Children will love to help assemble this easiest ever pasta bake with streaky bacon, beef mince, a crème fraîche sauce and gooey mozzarella.

Ingredients • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 rashers smoked streaky bacon • 1 onion , finely chopped • 1 celery stick, finely chopped • 1 medium carrot , grated • 2 garlic cloves , finely chopped • 500g beef mince • 1 tbsp tomato purée • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes • 1 tbsp clear honey • 500g pack fresh egg lasagne sheets • 400ml crème fraîche • 125g ball mozzarella , roughly torn • 50g freshly grated parmesan • large handful basil leaves, torn (optional)

Method STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan. Use kitchen scissors to snip the bacon into small pieces, or use a sharp knife to chop it on a chopping board. Add the bacon to the pan and cook for just a few mins until starting to turn golden.

Add the onion, celery and carrot, and cook over a medium heat for 5 mins, stirring occasionally, until softened.

STEP 2 Add the garlic and cook for 1 min, then tip in the mince and cook, stirring and breaking it up

Slow cooker mulled cider Prep: 5 mins Cook: 1 hr Serves: 10 Planning a party? Let guests help themselves to this mulled cider – simply plug the slow cooker in and ladle into heatproof glasses.

Ingredients • 1.5 litres dry cider • 500ml apple juice • 75g light brown soft sugar • 1 orange, sliced • 1⁄2 lemon, zest pared into strips • 5 cloves • 10 allspice berries • 3 cardamom pods, bruised using a rolling pin • 2 bay leaves • 2 cinnamon sticks • 100ml calvados, apple or regular brandy Method STEP 1 Put all the ingredients except the calvados in a slow cooker and cook for 1 hr on high or up to 4 hrs on low.

STEP 2 Just before serving, stir in the calvados. Ladle into heatproof glasses or cups to serve.

with a wooden spoon, for about 6 mins until browned all over.

STEP 3 Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1 min, mixing in well with the beef and vegetables. Tip in the chopped tomatoes. Fill each can half full with water to rinse out any tomatoes left in the can, and add to the pan. Add the honey and season to taste. Simmer for 20 mins.

STEP 4 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. To assemble the lasagne, ladle a little of the ragu sauce into the bottom of the roasting tin or casserole

dish, spreading the sauce all over the base.

Place 2 sheets of lasagne on top of the sauce overlapping to make it fit, then repeat with more sauce and another layer of pasta. Repeat with a further 2 layers of sauce and pasta, finishing with a layer of pasta.

STEP 5 Put the crème fraîche in a bowl and mix with 2 tbsp water to loosen it and make a smooth pourable sauce. Pour this over the top of the pasta, then top with the mozzarella. Sprinkle Parmesan over the top and bake for 25–30 mins until golden and bubbling. Serve scattered with basil, if you like.

Chicken, leek & blue cheese pilaf Prep: 10 mins Cook: 35 mins Serves: 2 Enjoy our gluten-free chicken dinner with blue cheese, leeks and walnuts.

Ready to eat in 45 minutes, it’s healthy too, containing three of your five-a-day.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • • •

75g brown basmati rice 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder 1 bay leaf 1 tsp rapeseed oil 2 skinless chicken breast fillets (about 300g), chopped 1 leek (about 190g), thinly sliced 2 courgettes (about 215g), thinly sliced 160g frozen peas 4 walnut halves, broken 25g gorgonzola, chopped

Method STEP 1 Tip the rice into a large pan with 600ml water, the bouillon powder and bay. Cover, bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 mins. When the rice has been cooking for 10 mins, heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok, and stir-fry the chicken for a couple of minutes over a medium-high heat until just cooked.

Remove from the pan, then fry the leek until starting to colour. Add the courgette, stir-fry for a few minutes more, then add the peas.

STEP 2 When the rice is cooked, tip it into the vegetables along with any liquid from the pan. Return the chicken to the pan or wok, then cover and cook for 5 mins more. Stir in the walnuts and cheese, and serve hot.

Gooseberry gin Prep: 10 mins plus steeping Makes 1 x 700ml bottle Make the most of those gooseberries you’ve been growing and turn them into gooseberry gin. Drink neat, with tonic, or mix with sparkling water and mint.

Ingredients • 400g gooseberries • 150g-250g caster sugar • 700ml bottle gin • You will also need • 1l wide-mouthed, flip-top jar, sterilised Method STEP 1 Wash, then top and tail the gooseberries, discarding any leaves or stalks. Cut each berry in half, then put the fruit into the sterilised 1-litre jar. Add the sugar – 250g for green gooseberries, 150g for sweeter, red gooseberries, then pour over the gin. Seal the lid and shake until most of the sugar dissolves. Reserve the emptied gin bottle for later.

STEP 2 Keep in a cool dark place, and give the jar a shake every day if you can, or every couple of days. The gin will be ready after three weeks, but can be kept for up to three months with the fruit in for a stronger flavour. Don’t keep the gooseberries in the gin for any longer than three months or the flavour will start to deteriorate.

STEP 3 Decant a little into a glass, and taste. When you’re happy with the flavour, discard the fruit, and strain through a fine mesh cloth or muslin, back into the original, or another, clean bottle. The flavour will keep developing over time, store in a cool dark place. Drink on its own, mix with tonic or drink with sparkling water and mint for a refreshing summery cocktail.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

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Recruitment

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news

LORETO WIN Congratulations to Emma Corr of Clara who was on the winning Loreto Convent panel that defeated Presentation Convent Kilkenny at the second time of asking in a titanic Leinster Senior Camogie final last Thursday in Callan.

The Loreto prevailed 1-11 to 2-5 and were marginally better than their opponents over the two games, their overall athleticism being a key factor.

Clara girls dominated the Presentation line out with seven starters in total. Joint captains Katie and Keara Ryan, Laoise Nolan, Rachel Whelan, Grace Barcoe, Gráinne Glynn and Emma Shortall all played big parts, while sisters Niamh and Rachel Brickell were also on the panel. Keara Ryan was top scorer with 1-3 and Gráinne Glynn and Emma Shortall also got their names on the scoresheet, with 1-0 and 0-1 respectively. Having so many young hurlers exposed to top class competition like this can only be good for the future of Clara camogie. Well done to all.

REGISTRATION GAA Membership 2022 is now open and due.

Thanks to those who have completed already.

Please log in to Foireann at www.Foireann.ie to confirm your details and pay by credit/debit card. Membership rates are the same as last year and can be viewed on the website www. clara.kilkenny.gaa.ie Please note all players and coaches must have membership paid before taking part in Club/ County training sessions/games.

If experiencing problems please contact Club Registrar, Peter Coogan at registrar.clara@gmail.com

CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of this week’s Perfecto Print Club Lotto ( Jan 25th) Numbers Drawn were 6, 7, 9, 14 Bonus 19 Next Weeks Jackpot will be €10,800 ( Feb 1st) Play Now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Betty Leydon c/o Padraig Leydon 2. Geraldine c/o Gerry Buckley 3. Ann Croghan c/o Neil Loy 4. The Sunday Six 5. Martin Murphy c/o Dan O’Driscoll 6. C Prendergast 1 7. Martina Tyrrell c/o Noel Tyrrell 8. Amy Bryan c/o Online 9. DJ Donohue c/o Online 10. Danilla Burke c/o Online Thank you for your continued support.

JOIN O’LOUGHLIN GAELS Registration for Juvenile Membership takes place NOW and is Online for existing members. New members are invited to see the club’s facilities on Feb 5th between 7pm and 9pm, where both club’s Registrars and Juvenile Chairpersons will be on hand to help with setting up your Foireann account.

For existing members please log into your Foireann account (Return to Play app) and find the plan that suits you. Access to both club’s Foireann Registration System can be found at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto along with all the membership options.

From this year families can register for both clubs together - so if you’ve Boys or Boys & Girls register via the O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club.

Girls only - Register via O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie. Once you’re logged in, follow the instructions and complete the questionnaire before payments. Installment options are available.

SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES

Every Tuesday Night from 8pm to 9:30pm there will be Social Dance Classes held at Johnswell Community Hall. Learns to waltz, foxtrot, quickstep and much more in a fun, social and relaxing way. Contact Yvonne at 0872448535 for more details

Seamus is new Chairman Congratulations to Freshford man Seamus Cahill who has become the new chairman of Louth Camogie County Board. Seamus is oldest son of Ann Cahill and the Late John Joe Cahill from Church Street, Freshford and has been involved in hurling since childhood and has been a significant influence on Louth hurling and camogie in the past two decades.

In addition to been one of the founders of Blackrock hurling and camogie club Seamus is an accomplished coach with involvement with a number of club and county teams include the current U16 camogie and nursery and previously was involved with Louth’s U14 side.

TAKE AWAY AWARDS Congrats to local business Brennans Sisters Take Away who are finalists in the Yes Chef Take Away Awards. The winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner to be held at the Raddison Blu Hotel Athlone on 21st February.

They are wished all the very best in the final.

FIONA ON TIC TOC Local girl Fiona Bergin from Cooleshall Freshford featured on a programme on Today fm recently. Fiona who is a daughter of Willie and Josephine Bergin and was reared on the farm at Cooleshall and now works in the theatre in London. She was speaking about her success on Tic Toc. She loves the farm and the animals and set up the site about animals and farming during lockdown and her followers just grew to a totally unbelievable amount over the months.

PROUD GRANDPARENTS Congrats to Mary and Tony Costigan Coolleshal who have become proud grandparents yet again. Ross Costigan and his partner Catriona have welcomed their baby son in Perth Western Australia recently. Oscar Michael was born on 25th January. Ross works as a construction manager and Catriona, who is a native of County Tyrone is a Planning officer with Perth local government.

NEW CROSSING Local residents are happy to see that the new pedestrian crossing at Kilkenny Street in the village is now fully operational making it safer to people to cross the busy street.

PLAYGROUND There has been exciting news for Freshford recently with the announcement that Planning Permission has been granted for the long awaited village playground. Great credit goes to the Committee and their hard work in this regard.

SOCCER Freshford Town had a number of teams in action at the weekend. The junior side travelled to Thomastown on Sunday and were beaten on a 3-1 scoreline. Shea Burke scored Freshfords only goal.

In the schoolboys section, the U13 boys were away to Highview Athletic and had a good win coming out deserving winners on a 5-0 scoreline with goals fom Charlie Kavanagh(2) Cian Dalton, Jack Marnell and Paddy McCarthy. The U17 boys were away to Evergreen and they came out winners on a score line of 2-1. James Comerford and Shane Culleton getting the goals for Freshford.Well

done to the U9, U10 and U11s who were all in action also at the weekend.

The training sessions for U8s started back recently and will continue each Saturday morning from 12noon to 1pm at the Sportfield at Woodview. All boys from 5 to 8 years old are welcome so go along and join up.

MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area.

This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie GAA NEWS AGM St Lachtains Gaa club AGM will be held on Friday 4th Feb at 7.30pm at the Clubrooms .

All motions should be with the Secretary as soon as possible.

LAST MAN STANDING St.Lachtains GAA Committee will once again run a “Last Man Standing” competition for the upcoming National League. Test your knowledge with our national hurling league competition. Enty is €10 with first prize of €500 to the winner. All players and committee members have been given sheets to take names for this competition if you would like to get involved please contact any player or committee member. Please read the rules and best of luck to everyone.Cut off for week1 is at 12noon on Saturday next 5th February.

PARISH NEWS Attendance at Masses and indoor settings are now back to full capacity Mass in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 8pm.

Some safety measures remain in place which includes wearing of masks, sanitising and you have the option to be seated without any seating restrictions in the top section of the church or with seating restrictions.

This year is the 1400 year celebration of St.Lachtain and there are lots of events being planned in our church and village and there will be more info closer to the time..

Last Sunday marked the beginning of Catholic schools week 2022 and during the week celebrations will be held to mark the contribution that catholic schools primary and post primary make to supporting each other.

The restoration of the Stations of the Cross in the Church continues with ten now completed and just four more to go. In order to continue the work you are invited to sponsor one of the stations maybe with your family or a group of your friends. The sponsors will be included in a special roll of honour displayed in the church as a lasting legacy. For further information re same you are asked to please contact Monsignor Kennedy 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 Jennifer 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.

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 COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford/Threecastles Community alert group remind you that the annual text alert scheme membership is now due. It cost just 10euro per phone number and you can pay membership to any committee member. If unsure or for more information please call Jacinta on 0877658671 or Anna on 0858277965. New members are welcome and the group wish to thank you all for your continued support. With winter upon us now and the dark evenings and long nights you are reminded to take care of yourself and take care of your elderly neighbours or friends HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@ amberwomensrefuge.ie.

DUNNAMAGGIN DUNNAMAGGIN LOCAL LOTTO Winning Numbers for January 24th 2022: 30,31,34. No Winner.

Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30.Ado AND OJ Martin ( Helen F Martin ), Ger Martin ( Helen F Martin ),Jim Dog ( Pat Comerford ),Fred Malzard ( Joe Sheridan ), Michael Wilkins ( Mary Heffernan) . Jackpot next week €5200 January 31st Venue Delaney’s Bar at 9pm All welcome.

KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Kilkenny Volunteer Centre are delighted to have a number of new roles on our database for January and a new project for our Volunteers to get involved in. Afterschool Volunteer The Village Childcare and Community Services, Kilkenny are looking for volunteers to support their afterschool’s programme for primary school aged children.

GUIDE RUNNERS Kilkenny Sports and Recreation Partnership are working with Vision Sports Ireland and are looking for Guide Runners to assist and support our vision impaired participants to go for a run.

BRANCH VOLUNTEERS MS Ireland’s Kilkenny Branch is a local support service for people and families with MS. Their branch is looking for new volunteers to join their committee and help plan activities that meet the needs of branch members across Co Kilkenny.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS The Good Shepherd Centre are currently supporting a vulnerable person living in the

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Community & GAA Notes Kilkenny City suburbs and would love the help of a volunteer to assist them.

YOUTHCLUB LEADER THOMASTOWN The No Name Club in Thomastown are keen to recruit new volunteer leaders to keep the club running for the local young adults.

CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to St Brigids College Callan girls on winning the Junior B Leinster final in Galmoy on Sunday morning they defeated Banagher College 2-10 to 0-5, and a special mention to our Windgap girls Aisling O Brien Ciara O Shea Caoimhe Power Cathy Power Eleanor Hayes Lauren Enright Ria McCormack and to the trainers Ms O Driscoll and Ms O Keefe well done and best of luck in the All Ireland semifinal (TBC) WORLD WETLANDS DAY Birdwatch Ireland Kilkenny Branch have organised an outing to Newpark Fen on Saturday 5th February at10 am (meet at Newpark Fen) to celebrate World Wetlands Day. Please wear suitable hiking boots and warm waterproof clothing in case of inclement weather and wear a mask in case of large crowds. Email patandmarydurkin@ gmail.com for further details.

BIODIVERSITY WALKS AND TALKS Norevision will host a series of Biodiversity Walks in Kilkenny and Laois to connect people to each other and the River Nore. Led by ecologists and well-known personalities, they will share their knowledge as you explore the river and its surroundings. The first Kilkenny walk, facilitated by Éanna Ní Lamhna, will take place on Saturday 12th Feb at 2.30pm. It is a free event but registration is required at http:// www.norevision.ie/ Check out their future events at www.norevision.ie

GOWRAN PARISH DRAW Final Draw took place on Thursday morning after 9.30am Mass. The following were the winners €150 John Joe Kelly, Huntingtown €100 Peader and Brid Bolger Bennettsbridge €60 Pat Purcell, Callan €30 Thomas Doyle, Watree €800 Dungarvan Residents Association. €500 Jim & Jessie Conlon, The Demense €250 Hannah Connolly, Gowran €150 Peader & Brid Bolger, Bennettsbridge €100 Noel Power, Stoneyford. Congratulations to all the winners throughout the draw.

Thanks again to all the promoters for their promotion of the parish draw this year and for the collection of subscriptions under the difficulties caused by Covid. Thanks to all who supported the Parish Draw. The profit on the draw is €7,250.

GOWRAN PARK Connolly’s Red Mills are sponsoring Red Mills Day on Saturday, 19th March with free gate tickets.

Ticket registration is now live at gowranpark. ie/racing a maximum of four free tickets per person. In addition, Red Mills will also sponsor the stable staff canteen and the owners and trainers’ hospitality for those with runners on the day.

This year Red Mills will celebrate 42 years of sponsorship at Gowran Park, where Joe Connolly has been Chairperson for 25 years.

GOWRAN AND DUNGARVAN COMMUNITY ALERT The annual subscriptions for the Gowan & Dungarvan Community Alerts are due by end of February. €10 per mobile number. How to Join/Pay: If you were a subscriber in 2021 you can pay online at www.communityalerts. ie. If you’d prefer to pay ‘off-line’ or if you are

new to this group and want to join just take a dedicated envelope from Pat Hennessey’s Garage or Billy Carroll’s Pharmacy, complete it and drop it back to either locations. Feel free to take an extra envelope for a neighbour you feel may like to join the community alerts group.

GOWRAN AC At the All-Ireland indoor combined events on Saturday last, Tómas Carroll came 3rd in the boys U14 Pentathlon in a strong field to win a bronze medal. The Pentathlon is five events combined which challenges the athlete in a range of skills. The boys U14 events are 800M, 60M Hurdles, Long Jump, High Jump and Shot Put. Tómas was not alone from Gowran AC as he was joined by Kate Hayden in the girls U14 competing in this event for the first time, James Kelsey in boys U15, and Noah Denieffe in boys U15. Well done to all.

THE KILKENNY AND COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival is back this year in Gowran Park, and it will take place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers. Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy & Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival.ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com YOUNG IRELANDS AGM The 2021 Young Ireland AGM took place and due to the current COVID guidelines, it was held as a virtual event Online.

Following a comprehensive report on the years activities, the Officers & Management Teams for 2022 were ratified as follows with some unfinished business.

Chairperson: Denis Quinlan Vice-Chairman: Ciaran Phelan ,Secretary: To Be Confirmed Registrar: Mary Holden, Treasurer: To Be Confirmed Assistant Treasurer: Billy Carroll PRO: Michael O’Leary Health and Wellbeing Officer: Joe Loughrey ,Children’s Officer: Pat O Neill Health & Safety Officer: Liam Walsh Team Management 2022 are as follows: Intermediate: Tom Coogan, Shane Lanigan, Ollie Carter, Joe Langton Junior A: Tom Drennan (Manager) Selectors To Be Confirmed U-21 & U-19: To Be Confirmed Meanwhile, Young Irelands GAA Club Juvenile AGM took place last night, Thursday 3rd February at 8pm in Dungarvan Hall

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results January 25th.Nos: 7–15– 29– 32 Jackpot: €7,450– not won Draw Prizes – €50:Ann Eardly c/o Joe Phelan €25 each Martin O’ Shea c/o Jim Murphy €25 each Karl Osbourne c/o Online €25 each Five Girls c/o Joe Phelan Co op draw ticket Ann Foley c/o Online Promotors prize Davy Dalton New weeks draw 7,600 4th of Febuary 2022 PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE REOPENS Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar re-opened Thursday 27th January from8.30pm and every Thursday going forward. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners cards table. We are offering a particular welcome to all of our senior citizens members, it’s been a difficult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee

and all the usuals.

The Club bar was open on Sunday 30th from 5pm after the Camogie Leinster Final that day in Dublin for some post match analysis and craic. We look forward to seeing you all.

CAMOGIE FINAL Hard luck to the Dicksboro Senior Camogie Team and Management who played Oullart on Sunday in Leinster Senior Camogie Club Championship Final, losing by the narrowest of margins. 1-12 to 3-04. A huge thanks to all the panel for a great great campaign.

CLUB REGISTER 2022 We are delighted to announce that Registration for Dicksboro GAA & Camogie Club for 2022 is now open. There are a number of ways for existing and new members to register with the club ;Click on the link below ( For existing members enter your e mail address to retrieve all details from last year’s registration process )Go to the membership page on Clubs App and sign up https:// dicksborogaa.com/membership_signup

MARY HOYNE A popular outgoing and lovely lady in the person of Mrs. Mary Hoyne, Corstown, has entered eternal life. Born in Tinnakilly, Kilmanagh, Mary spent all of her married life in Corstown, Ballycallan. Her cheerful disposition endeared her to all who knew her.

An avid fan of Big Tom and The Mainliners, his songs and lifestyle were always uppermost in her conversations with everyone. If one did not know Big Tom you certainly knew him when you met Mary. When local radio station, KCR, was resident in Ballycallan, Mary was a constant visitor. She knew all who were part of it and no doubt she was always welcome. She was a loyal member of our parish community.

She was always ready and willing to help whenever the occasion arose.

The attendance in the funeral home on the evening of her repose and subsequently on the removal to St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycallan for her requiem mass, celebrated by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P., bore witness to the love and popularity all had for her. Her burial took place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballykeeffe. She is predeceased by her husband Tom. Our sympathy is expressed to her daughter Mary, sons Thomas and James, grandchildren Chloe, Molly and Lily May, sisters Margaret, Brigid, Annie, Kathy and Philomena, many relatives and friends.

May her soul rest in the Peace of the Risen Lord.

ANNA COMERFORD The death of Mrs. Anna Comerford has brought sadness and a sense of loss, not alone to her family, but to her many friends in our parish and in Kilkenny. During her long illness, which she bore with dignity and resignation, she was lovingly attended to by her husband Tom, daughters Marie, Susan, Áine and sons Eamon, Thomas and Michael.

A woman of great faith she loved the mass and rosary. Before her illness and, for some time, she led the rosary on Saturday mornings in the Black Abbey, Kilkenny. Undoubtedly it brought her peace and joy. Her requiem mass took place in St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycallan and was celebrated by Fr. Liam Taylor, P.P. with burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ballykeeffe. Our parish community express sympathy to her husband Tom, daughters Marie, Susan and Áine, sons Eamon, Thomas and Michael, daughters in law, sons in law, grandchildren, relatives and many friends.

May Anna’s soul rest in the Peace of the Risen Lord.

MONICA LANIGAN Our thoughts and prayers are with Lily McCluskey and family at this time on the death of Lily’s sister Monica Lanigan, Inistioge.

Monica was born and spent her youth in Newtown, Callan before entering the nursing profession. She worked for some years in St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny where the sick and seriously ill were the centre of her life. May she Rest in Peace.

KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Kilkenny Volunteer Centre have a number of new roles on their database for January and a new project for our Volunteers to get involved in.

Afterschool Volunteer : The Village Childcare and Community Services, Kilkenny is looking for volunteers to support their afterschool’s programme for primary school aged children.

Guide Runners : Kilkenny Sports and Recreation Partnership are working with Vision Sports Ireland and are looking for Guide Runners to assist and support our vision impaired participants to go for a run!

Branch Volunteers : MS Ireland’s Kilkenny Branch is a local support service for people and families with MS. Their branch is looking for new volunteers to join their committee and help plan activities that meet the needs of branch members across Co Kilkenny Community Support Volunteer : The Good Shepherd Centre are currently supporting a vulnerable person living in the Kilkenny city suburbs and would love the help of a volunteer to assist them.

Youth Club Leader - Thomastown : No name club in Thomastown are keen to recruit new volunteer leaders to keep the club running for the local young adults.

RIVER RANGERS SOCCER NEWS River Rangers U-14 team got 2022 off to a winning start with a comfortable victory over Highview Athletic in Clonard Park recently.

Goals from Keelan Lynch, Ben McEvoy and Cormac Neary set the tone in the first half.

Highview started strongly in the second half with an early goal but a goal from Alvaro Roca de Togores and an excellent goal from Reggie Carthy saw Rangers finish 5-1 winners.

Team: Andrew Tector, Sean East, Oran Hoyne, Sean O’ Halloran, Shane Hogan, Aidan Ging, Cian Dermody, Reggie Carthy, Keelan Lynch, Cormac Neary, Ben McEvoy, Cillian Murphy, Rory Buckley, Alvaro Roca de Togores.

JOIN THE CHOIR The Aluna Choir would like to extend an invite to any person interested in joining their choir. Contact Frances 086 225 1020 for more information.

CANDLEMAS & ST. BLAISE Candles will be blessed at the Thursday evening Mass at 7pm in Ballycallan and, as it is also the memorial of St. Blaise, throats will be blessed directly after the Mass. You are welcome to join us for this double celebration.

CONFIRMATION Next week we will welcome the confirmation candidates when they will request to be confirmed at a short prayer service. This will take place during school hours. From then on it will be just two short months until confirmation on April 2nd. Do keep these young people in your prayers at they prepare for their full entry into their Catholic faith.

KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment.

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

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

Hurling matters

Sport

Brian Cody - plenty to ponder Chris Bolger has been in good form

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group B Kilkenny vs Antrim UPMC Nowlan Park, Sunday February 6th

HAVING been at the helm since the back end of the 1998 season, Brian Cody is under no illusions as to the importance of this year’s Allianz League campaign.

With the 2022 season being somewhat condensed, the James Stephens clubman will know that early momentum will be vital as Kilkenny seek to solve the seemingly impossible puzzle that is Limerick.

The early rounds of the league will see the cats minus the Shamrocks Ballyhale contingent, as TJ Reid & Co. Seek another All-Ireland club title when they face-off against neighbours Ballygunner next weekend.

The extended season of James O’Connor’s team, along with Mooncoin & Glenmore has allowed Cody to give opportunities to a number of players in their two Walsh Cup games in January, against Laois and Wexford. The experienced bainisteoir has been casting his eye over the ‘trialists’ as he and his backroom team seek to trim the panel to a more manageable number.

First up for the black and amber will be Darren Gleeson’s Antrim. The Tipperary native committed to a further year with the Saffron’s in August last year, despite mounting speculation that the long commute may bring his tenure to an end. While they endured a frustrating Walsh Cup campaign, Gleeson knows that it’s the National League that will lay the foundations for his side’s championship exploits later this year. Antrim suffered a trio of defeats in the pre-season competition. Mattie Kenny’s Dublin, Michael Fennelly’s Offaly and Henry Shefflin’s Galway all recorded victories over Gleeson’s charges.

First up from Antrim, was a 9-point defeat in Parnell Park. Deaglan Murphy hit the nest that day for a major, but Dublin pulled away in the second half to secure the win. A trip to Tullamore was next up, and their failure to take a couple of clear goal chances, proved to be their downfall, along with the sending off of Gerard Walsh.

11-points down at the short whistle, Gleeson’s side showed more fight in the second half, but went on to lose by six.

The louth Centre of Excellence at Darver was the venue for their final match against Henry’s tribesmen. A much better showing from Antrim saw them lose by 6 again, but they created a number of goal chances, but only managed to take one.

During their three games, the Saffron’s used some 30 players, and like the cats, they will have spent the past week finalising their squad for the league.

Portroe clubman Gleeson will look to the likes of Ciaran Clarke and Neil McManus to keep the score board ticking over, while the potential that that Seaan Elliott has shown, could see him get many minutes during the up-coming league campaign.

Kilkenny, on the other hand had a workman-like win over ‘Cheddar’s’ Laois, before they shared the spoils with Darragh Eagan’s Wexford, following a spirited comeback.

One would think that the XV selected to line out against the Glensmen, will be a concoction of both the Walsh Cup line-ups.

In the 6-point win over Laois, Lisdowney’s Liam Dunphy got the nod as net minder and kept a clean sheet on his debut. Last season’s understudy to All-Star Eoin Murphy, St Lachtains Darren Brennan, was between the sticks for the trip to Chadwick’s Wexford Park, and one would expect Murphy & Brennan to share the duties in the opening rounds. Brian Cody only retained two starters from the win over Laois for the match against neighbours Wexford, Mikey Butler and Chris Bolger being the chosen ones.

Clara attacker, Bolger, has looked very lively, and his

Emmet Landysocred 1-2 agaisnt Laois

Cody’s seas starts now!

Allianz League crucial to championship hopes

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Hurling matters All pix: Danny Lahart

Darren Brennan

Colm Prenderville made a great impact from the bench

Walsh Cup displays, might just see him retained for the Allianz League. Another talented player to make his senior inter-county debut Laois, was Tullaroan sharp shooter, Shane Walsh. Padraig & Tommy’s brother settled in nicely and was very accurate from the placed ball, hitting six frees and a ‘65, along with a couple from play.

Other players to impress against the O’Moore County were Graigue-Ballycallan’s Colm Prenderville, The Village’s Luke Scanlon and Windgap’s Emmett Landy, who finished the day with 1-2. A notable mention to Substitute Robbie Buckley, who looked extremely menacing when introduced. In defence, O’Loughlin’s scoring wing-back, Conor Heary played at No.6, and as expected, also got on the score board.

In the entertaining draw with the Yellowbellies, most scores came from Eoin O’Shea, Cian Kenny, John Donnelly, James Bergin, Mossy and Chris Bolger.

Substitute, Prenderville also found the net in the helter skelter tussle. Conahy Shamrocks Bergin, was on placed ball duty and hit a magnificent 7, before Cian Kenny took the reins. Walter Walsh also had a scoring return when sprung from the bench.

Speaking to the assembled media after the draw at Wexford Park, Cody was clear in his assessment of the upcoming league campaign: “We need the competitive games that we are about to get in the League,” added Cody.

“These games and the League are ultimately about preparation for the Championship, but the League is hugely important in itself, so we’ll be treating it with the utmost respect as always.

“We’re in serious training now and like all teams we have a very big training panel with players being given opportunities.

“They know that we will eventually have to cut the panel because we can’t carry huge numbers throughout the year.

“Competition for places is strong and they realise that the battle for places is fierce.”

At the time of writing, the Kilkenny line-up hasn’t been released, but whatever XV are selected to start, will be ready for the battle that Antrim will try to make Sunday’s contest. On their last visit to Norseide, the Saffrons put on a decent showing, when they went down 1-28 to 3-15 at UPMC Nowlan Park.

Antrim will battle, but I expect Kilkenny to show the necessary bottle to make the perfect start to their league campaign.

>> SHERRY SAYS...

ason w!

Mikey Butler has lined out twice for his county in 2022

Larger numbers of spectators in grounds, changing rooms in use, no more dreaded water breaks. Yes folks – the return of a proper Allianz National League.

As we (hopefully) begin to learn to live with coronavirus, the sense of normality is slowly beginning to emerge.

Note for your diaries.... The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final is penciled in for July 17th. Yes, that’s right, July 17th.

Before I get accused of ‘jumping the gun’, the above date is purely for your reference. Ahead of this date, you can also pencil in the weekend of April 2nd/3rd - that’s the date for the Allianz Hurling League Final.

We might as well get the other big dates out of the way too. May 1st, Bank Holiday weekend. Shefflin vs Cody. All things being equal, Leinster Senior Hurling Final, June 4th.

So, Antrim come to town on Sunday. Darren Gleeson will no doubt have his charges well pumped up for this opening weekend clash. As a hurler, if you can’t raise your game for a n outing in UPMC Nowlan Park against Brian Cody’s Kilkenny, well you’d better take up chess!

Kilkenny will need to earn the right to play their brand of hurling first. Expect some big hits and clashes early doors. Getting off to a good fast start, should allow the black and amber to dominate and enjoy the first REAL taste of competitive action this season.

Really looking forward to seeing some of the ‘new kids on the block’ in action again during this league campaign. It must be comforting to know that you still have the likes of TJ, Eoin Cody, Richie Reid, Adrian Mullen, Paddy Deegan etc. etc. to come back into the fold.

Let the games begin!

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Hurling matters Sean Gannon & Adam Croke will look to topple the opposition

Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

AIB All-Ireland JHC Final Mooncoin vs Ballygiblin (Cork) UPMC Nowlan Park, Croke Park, Saturday February 5th 2022

ALL eyes will be on the Mooncoin machine when it rolls into Croke Park tomorrow as they look to be crowned All-Ireland Junior Hurling Champions. Standing in their way will be Munster’s finest, Ballygiblin. Indeed, Saturday’s decider will be the seventh time that teams from the Marble & Rebel Counties have contested the final at this grade.

The memories of 2017’s painful defeat to Cork’s Mayfield will linger in the back of the minds for Willie Coogan’s charges, but this latest Mooncoin model has perhaps a little more about them this time round.

Goals have been a great friend of the Kilkenny and Leinster champions this season, and no doubt they will look to keep the green flag flying in tomorrow’s decider.

During this incredible march to the final, Coogan’s crew have registered some 23 majors, as their attractive attacking style has been rewarded in kind.

One of this teams’ major strengths is the spread of scorers across the games to date. Pa Walsh has certainly taken many headlines en-route to Croker, but the likes of Adam Croke, John Fitzgerald, Kevin Crowley, Killian Hogan, Ciaran Quilty and Mairtin Gannon have all weighed in with vital scores.

Hopefully the knock sustained by Mairtin Gannon, that saw him replaced during the semi-final win over SalthillKnocknacarra, won’t hinder the talented forward from taking is place in tomorrow’s final.

While greatly appreciated within the club, the performances of centre-back, Martin O’Neill have been one of the highlights of the campaign to date. From his No.6 position, O’Neill sets the tone and his distribution is magnificent. Defensively sound, his ability to notch scores is vital in the modern game.

O’Neill has rifled over some delightful long-range points this season, and the big open spaces of Croke Park will no doubt encourage him to stride forward and strike from distance.

Behind Martin O’Neill, is likely to be full-back Shane Walsh, who has also been crucial in Mooncoin’s defensive displays this season. It is likely that Walsh will be given the job of containing the threat of Ballygiblin’s star attacker, Sean O’Sullivan. This won’t be an easy task, and his corner back colleagues may need to get in and around him at times to keep the back door shut. Keeping Sean O’Sullivan company in the Cork sides attack will be Kieran Duggan and Dean Barry. Both corner men possess a scoring threat and will prove a stiff test for the Kilkenny sides defence.

Ballygiblin’s half-forward line has an excellent blend of industry and ability. Colin English and Michael Walsh may trouble the score board more regularly than No.10 Dillon Sheehan, but the latter’s passing ability and link-up play is a key component of the North Cork side’s attacking style.

Should Mooncoin concede scorable frees, Midfielder Joseph O’Sullivan has the ability to punish them. The placed ball specialist hit 0-7 last time out, and was good for 0-9 in the Munster Final win over Skeheenarinky. Joseph also has the ability to score from the sideline cut to. Should Cork U20 All-Ireland winner, Darragh Flynn recover from a foot injury, enough to line out, he may well resume the free-taking duties.

While the Munster champions win in the All-Ireland semifinal over Lancashire side, Fullen Gaels was expected, they showed great hunger to keep going right to the end, and had a scoring total of 4-21 at the long whistle. Tipperary U21 AllIreland winning captain from 2018, Colin English top scored for his team, hitting 2-4 in Portlaoise. Ballygiblin have been strengthened by the presence of Aussie rules man Mark Keane, who appears to have delayed his return down under to help drive his teams bid for glory. Both Keane from centreback and team captain Fionn Herlihy are the anchors in the back 6. Keane’s ability to provide quality delivery into his

All pix: Danny Lahart

Mooncoin on the edge of glory Munster champs will test Coogan’s crew

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Hurling matters attacker’s mirrors that of his opposite number Martin O’Neill.

Ballygiblin manager Ronan Dwane has benefited greatly from having a settled side through this season’s competitions.

So, the majority of his starting XV will pick themselves.

Corner-back Brian O’Gorman has been managing a tight hamstring for the last few weeks, but got through the one-sided semi-final victory without too many problems.

Speaking after the win over Fullen Gaels, Dwane said he hoped the extra couple of weeks rest should stand to the influential Darragh Flynn.

Willie Coogan will be hoping that the wide-open spaces at headquarters will suit his strong-running side. If the service to his forward unit is provided, the Ballyhale native will be confident that the likes of Pa Walsh and co. will trouble the Cork sides defence and keep the score board ticking over.

Ciaran Quilty is another Mooncoin player who was been in decent form in the season so far. His accuracy and direct style will be instrumental in the Noresiders bid for glory tomorrow.

In the corners, Adam Croke and Killian Hogan have enough talent to keep their markers busy and create space for the supporting cast.

One of the men to taste defeat to Mayfield in 2017, was John Fitzgerald. The impressive forward hit 1-5 in his sides semifinal win and will hope to raise a few flags tomorrow.

Mooncoin netminder, Eoin Purcell will also look to continue his fine form and thwart the Ballygiblin quest for majors. His accuracy from the puck-out will hopefully create the platform for those in front of him to put the opposition on the back foot.

There certainly seems to be a huge buzz around the SouthKilkenny’s run to tomorrow’s decider in the Captial. The flags, bunting and posters are up and the whole community will be anxious to see their county and provincial champions clinch their 3rd piece of silverware this season. No doubt the Mooncoin faithful will travel in big numbers to Croke Park tomorrow believing that the treble is on. Their heroes on the turf will empty the tank in their quest to deliver.

Goal getter Pa Walsh

Ciaran Quilty - vital cog in the Mooncoin machine

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Any trip to Croke Park is special. When the trip involves the chance to be crowned All-Ireland champions, it’s even more special. The Mooncoin club last made the trip to headquarters in 2017. Like tomorrow, it was Cork opposition that went toe-to toe with the Kilkenny side. Mayfield triumphed that day, 2-16 to 1-18, a one-point defeat for Joe Murphy’s team.

Eoin Purcell, Conor Brophy, Cormac Daly, John Fitz, Kevin Crowley all started in the show piece at Croker. Pa Walsh, Mark Kearns were on the bench.

This experience will hopefully stand to Mooncoin when they run out at Croker tomorrow. Sometimes hurt can drive you on to the next level.

As we’ve seen, Mooncoin carry a serious scoring threat. Ballygiblin will be worried about the attacking force that they will meet. Ronan Dwane will look to captain Fionn Herlihy and Mark Keane to put the squeeze on the Kilkenny forwards.

With a bit of luck, Mairtin Gannon will be fit for selection. He has been pivotal to his side’s success so far this season. In Midfield Seanie Gannon will not be left wanting in the engine room battle.

It could well be a battle of the numbers tomorrow.

Pa Walsh vs Sean O’Sullivan. Martin O’Neill vs Mark Keane. Whichever No.14 & No.6 come out on top, could go a long way to deciding which side prevails tomorrow.

The Mooncoin faithful will make plenty of noise in Dublin supporting their team, I fully expect Willy Coogan’s men to bring the noise on the pitch too.

Mooncoin’s Road to Croker

JJ KAVANAGH & SONS KILKENNY CLUB JHC 30th October 2021 Semi-final: Slieverue 0-13 Mooncoin 6-13 14th November 2021 Final: Mooncoin 3-19 Tullogher-Rosbercon 3-11

AIB LEINSTER CLUB JHC 27th November 2021 Quarter Final: Mooncoin 3-23 St. Oliver Plunkett’s 1-14 11th December 2021 Semi-Final: Tara Rocks 2-19 Mooncoin 5-19 (AET) 8th January 2022 Final: Mooncoin 4-13 Shamrocks 0-15

Martin O’Neill can control the tempo Focus - Jim Delahunty

AIB ALL-IRELAND CLUB JHC 23rd January 2022 Semi-Final: Mooncoin 2-26 Salthill-Knocknacarra 0-11

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

Kilkenny District League All pix: Danny Lahart

Kilkenny District League Freebooters - 3 Deen Celtic - 2

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Kilkenny District League

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

Motors Classifieds

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

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 056 7726289 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

JOE PARSONS GARDEN MAINTENANCE SERVICES INCLUDE • Hedge cutting • • Grass cutting • • Power washing • • Dry rubbish removal • • Tree pruning •

CONTACT JOE: 086-8587568

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Classifieds Motors

Advertise your Legal Notices/Licence Applications with us at The Kilkenny Observer.

Call: 056 7771463 / 086 2395370 or email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie for extremely competitive rates.

Glass & Glazing Services Window + Door Repairs Units, Hinges, Locks Repaired or Replaced Mirrors Cut Toughened Glass/Security Glass All Domestic & Commercial work undertaken

Call Jerry 0894976758 jerharding66@gmail.com

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements.

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Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by Fox Meadow Homes Ltd. to modify existing approved housing development (Kilkenny County Council Planning Reference 21-788, 20-923, 10-10, An Bord Pleanala Planning Reference 10.238383) as follows: a. Change of house types, replacing 14 No. detached houses (1 No. House Type B, 10 No. House Type C, 3 No. House Type F) with 16 No. Semi-detached houses.- (4 No. House Type E1, 4 No. House Type E2, 4No. House Type H1 & 4 No. House Type H2), 3 No. detached houses (3 No. House Type E3) and 8 No. Maisonettes (2no.

J1 Units, 2 No. J2 Units, 2 No. J3 Units & 2 No. J4 Units) an increase of 13 houses. The proposed amendments are located along Lake View, Canices Road, and Canices and areas of the proposed development. b. Change of house type, replacing 1. No. detached house (1 No. House Type D) with 1 No. detached house (House Type G1) along the Avenue road of the proposed development. c. Change of house type, replacing 1. No. detached house (1 No. House Type F) with 1 No. detached house (House Type C) along the Canices Road of the proposed development. d. Altering layout of associated internal site boundaries. e. All associated site developments works.

At Tullaroan Rd. Loughmacask and Lousybush ( Townlands), Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

TO PUBLISH PLANNING APPLICATION, CONTACT US: Call to our office at: Unit 7 Friary Street Telephone: 056 7771463/086 2395370 Email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

JAMES BARRY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

JOE MINOGUE 23RD ANNIVERSARY

James Young IrishBarry Film Kilmoganny, Co.ofKilkenny Makers on the set

In loving memory of Joe Young Irish FilmMinogue, late of 7 Newtown Thomastown, Co. MakersTerrace, on the set of Kilkennythe who died on February 5th 1999.

National Youth 792019 years FilmAged school Rest In Peace

the National Youth

school 2019 ParentsFilm Walter and Angela, sister Catherine, brother-in-law Michael & nephews Barry and Gavin wish to acknowledge the sympathy and kindness shown to us during the sad passing of James.

Our heartfelt thanks to friends, relations, neighbours and well-wishers who visited our home, provided emotional and practical support to us and to those who attended the funeral.

Thanks to all who sent Mass cards, phone calls, message of condolences on the RIP Website and to those who donated to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

A special thank you to Damien Mason and James’s friends in Sydney for all the help and support.

After Glow I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one I’d like to leave an after glow of smiles when life is done I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days I’d like the tear of those who grieve to dry before the sun of happy memories that I leave when life is done.

Always loved and remembered by his loving wife Alice and family.

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.B.L

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.T.S

We thank Fr. Farrell for the lovely Mass and to everyone who participated in James’s Mass and his Guard of Honour.

Sincere appreciation to Tommy and Molloy’s Funeral Directors REMEMBER ME Don’t remember me with sadness Don’t remember me with tears Remember all the laughter We’ve shared throughout the years Now I am contented That my life it was worthwhile Knowing that I passed along the way I made somebody smile When you are walking down the street And you’ve got me on your mind I’m walking in your footsteps Only half a step behind So please don’t be unhappy Just because I’m out of sight Remember that I’m with you Each morning, noon and night

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. J.C.B

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. M.D

The Miracle Prayer

Dear heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours.

This time I ask you this special one (mention favour).

Take it dear heart of Jesus and place it within your heart where your father sees it. Then in his merciful eyes it will become your own favour not mine. Amen.

Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted.

Never been known to fail.

Must promise publication of prayer. A.R

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 February 2022