Kilkenny Observer 4th June 2021

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 4 June 2021

The Leaving Are school days the best days?  See page 12

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Style in Kilkenny Eights pages of Great Fashion  See pages 44 – 51

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EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer EU funds crucial to recovery, says Ibec EU FUNDS must be deployed effectively to address the economic and social challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and ensure the long-term sustainable recovery and development of the economy, according to Ibec.

The group, which represents Irish business, in welcoming the Government’s National Economic Recovery Plan, said the plan “provided certainty for business as the economy gradually begins to transition from Covid restrictions” over the coming months.

But it stressed the importance of ensuring the EU funding was used to its full advantage, this including securing further innovation, deployment and adoption of the digitalisation opportunities presented by the emerging post-Covid landscape.

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “Despite the positive progress made in terms of the easing of restrictions in recent weeks, many businesses will struggle to return to pre-Covid levels of activity for some time. Financial support schemes have represented a crucial lifeline over the course of the pandemic and will continue to do so over the coming months.

“It is positive that Government has committed to a tapering off of the schemes rather than an abrupt cliffedge termination. Focus must now turn to ensuring the activation of the labour market and safely returning workers to the workplace as swiftly as possible, including those within the Experience EVERY FRIDAY

Economy.

“The commitment from Government to deliver the new Pathways to Work programme is a much-needed strategy that reflects the changed labour market because of Covid, and will undoubtedly play an important role in addressing emerging skills mismatches within particular sectors and avoiding long-term scarring within the labour market,” said Mr McCoy. The Ibec chief said it was “crucial for a long-term sustainable recovery’ that these funds were deployed ambitiously and effectively to address infrastructural investment deficits, secure digitalisation opportunities, and support the economy’s low carbon adjustment ambitions.

Welcoming the Government plan also, Director of the Small Firms Association (SFA) Sven Spollen-Behrens said: “Small firms are facing an increase in business costs from a rise in the National Minimum Wage (NMW), investment in new Covid-19 safety controls, with a raft of new employment legislation such as the extension of parental leave, a statutory sick pay scheme and also pension auto-enrolment, which will make the recovery period more difficult for businesses trying to get back on their feet.”

Through its new plan, the Government has a unique chance to address these challenges, he said but that, left unaddressed, would have a “devastating effect” on the small business economy.

The Kilkenny

Observer 1 GARDEN ROW, TOP OF WILLIAM STREET, KILKENNY, CO. KILKENNY R95 X95A

Kilkenny plan still on hold The latest Kilkenny Development Plan has yet to finally agreed. The proposal drew so many submissions from the public that councillors have requested extra time be given so that they can consider what people have said.

Page 6

More new houses A new development of homes planned on the outskirts of Kilkenny City has finally been given the go ahead.

Feveloper Chelmont Ltd plans to build 76 dwellings, a mix of houses and apartments, on a 1.8 hectare site at Drakelands Lower in the city’s Western Environs.

Don’t have a chopper land in your back yard...

THE Irish Community Air Ambulance and Macra na Feirme have launched a joint campaign to appeal to all rural communities to exercise care as activity in rural Ireland increases during the summer months.

A busy silage season, increased traffic on the roads and more children moving about farms all combine to present an increased likelihood of serious incidents that could result in the Irish Community Air Ambulance being tasked to rural locations.

Statistics from the Com-

munity Air Ambulance show that the summer months are the busiest for the heli-med service, with the highest number of callouts during 2020 occurring in July. Road traffic accidents account for the most incidents, with farm accidents and falls from heights requiring a regular response from the Millstreet-based service.

There have been 38 farming-related incidents so far in 2021. These include incidents involving PTO, machinery, falls from heights and animal attacks.

In total, the service has re-

Graduate jobs sponded to 233 calls since the start of the year.

While Cork, Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Tipperary and Waterford are the counties most likely to require the air ambulance, the helicopter was also tasked in 2021 to counties Kilkenny, Wexford, Wicklow and Galway. * Our picture shows Micheál Sheridan, CEO Irish Community Air Ambulance, and John Keane, President of Macra na Feirme, announcing the joint campaign

predominantly grass-based, family-farm sectors”, Mr Cullinan said its main aim was to increase the public’s connection with farmers.

“Their stories of commitment and pride in their work are often overlooked in the ongoing debate about the sector’s future,” he said.

The campaign, which is being jointly run with Agri Aware, also seeks “to reflect the variety of sectors producing food in this coun-

GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

Page 13

Greener future Firms in the South East has an important role to play in reducing emissions and building a more sustainable future, according to Enterprise Ireland which has a range of green supports to help them.

Page 22

Picture: John Allen

Majority of farmers are in favour of climate action, says IFA leader THE vast majority of farmers in are committed to climate action, according the President of the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) Tim Cullinan.

He said members of his organisation did not recognise themselves in how farmers are portrayed in certain sections of the media and by some environmental commentators.

Speaking at the launch of a campaign to showcase of “our

Graduates of an exciting new honours degree programme in business information systems – which has yet to take its first intake of students – are already in demand from employers, according to WIT.

try – and the critical role it plays in the economy and society,” he said.

Throughout 2020, during a global pandemic, Irish farmers continued to produce top-quality, nutritious food, he said.

Farmers wanted to continue a legacy that has been passed down through generations and ensure their children would be able to continue to live and work on the land.

INSIDE Covid Update..........................P4 Kathleen Funchion...............P8 Paul Hopkins........................P12 John Ellis..............................P16 Science & Wellbeing..........P19 Food & Wine.........................P28 Health & Science.................P31 Gerry Cody...........................P32 Picture Special.....................P34 Travel & Leisure..................P42 TV & Streaming..................P43 Sport............................P53 – P61

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Origins of the virus are being poisoned by politics: WHO THE World Health Organization’s (WHO) top emergency expert has said the search for the origin of the coronavirus was being “poisoned by politics”, days after US President Joe Biden ordered aides to find answers.

Since the virus outbreak ,that emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, scientists have been trying to solve the puzzle of where the virus originated.

“We would like for everyone out there to separate, if they can, the politics of this issue from the science. This whole process is being poisoned by politics,” Mike Ryan told Reuters.

A WHO-led team spent four weeks in and around Wuhan with Chinese researchers and said in a report in March that the virus had probably been trans-

mitted from bats to humans through another animal.

It said that “introduction through a laboratory incident was considered to be an extremely unlikely pathway”.

But many politicians and a number of scientists are not satisfied.

President Biden ordered aides to find answers to the virus’ origin, saying US intelligence agencies were pursuing rival theories, potentially including the possibility of a laboratory accident in China.

The United States on Thursday called on the WHO to carry out a second probe.

“Every country and every entity is free to pursue their own particular theories of origin, it’s a free world,” Mr Ryan said. “WHO is a member state organisation and we seek to work with all of our member states to seek answers collectively.”

Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s technical lead on Covid-19, added that the issue required multiple missions and would take time.

US report validates vaccine success A PROMISING new report from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found less than 1,000 cases of Covid-19 needing hospitalisation out of more than 100 million fully vaccinated people.

The CDC admits it is probably undercounting positive Covid19 cases. However, the report offers a powerful reminder of the real-world effectiveness of vaccines.

The CDC report chronicles a volume of what are called “breakthrough infections”.

These are positive Covid-19 cases seen in subjects who are at least 14 days post all recommended doses of a vaccine.

By April 30, 2021, the CDC reports around 101 million fully vaccinated individuals in the United States. Among that large fully vaccinated cohort, the CDC says only 10,262

breakthrough infections were officially recorded.

Around a quarter of those breakthrough infections were classified as asymptomatic.

Just 995 of these infections led to hospitalisation, and only 160 deaths were recorded. The average age of those patients who died was 82, and nearly 20 percent of the deaths were reported as potentially unrelated to Covid-19.

The CDC is cautious to note the limitations of the report, in particular noting that the overall breakthrough infection numbers are highly likely to be undercounted.

“The number of reported Covid-19 vaccine breakthrough cases is likely a substantial undercount of all SARS-CoV-2 infections among fully vaccinated persons,” the report states.

Feeling the pressure? Try Aspire Mental Performance CLAIR WHITTY

RECENTLY I was feeling some anxiety and stress. Most of it I could name and give reason for. But naming the cause or reason did not relieve the symptoms I was feeling. I have been trying to do mini meditations to relax, but I haven’t got the time (or so I tell myself).

For example, at Natural Health Store we’re building our new online store. It’s up and running now which is very exciting.

But it was stressful for us pulling it all together.

I had articles to prepare, radio interviews, advertising campaigns to organise. To tell you the truth, I was feeling the pressure while covering for holidays on the shop floor too.

One of the things I noticed was that when

anxiety was high my mind would go blank. This is fair enough if I am just considering what article to write about but not great when I am in the middle of a radio interview.

We have a new product, an Irish Brand called Aspire 2 Mental Performance.

What I liked about it is that it combined my favourite supplements for stress and anxiety in one product.

For example, it contains vitamin B5, B12, KSM-66 Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, Holy Basil, Siberian Ginseng, and L-Theanine. An advanced formulation to support mental and psychological function And I have to say I am amazed; it calmed this kind of anxiety and stress that I am talking about. But the brilliant thing about it was that it helped me focus.

One of the best examples of this is when I was on the radio talking about weight control. Someone rang in to disagree with some of my advice. Normally I would have gone blank and failed

badly at explaining myself in a situation like that. However, I remained calm, focused, and clear headed. I didn’t rush into my answer. I was able to think before I spoke, unlike before.

I was amazed at how focused and calm I felt.

My son experiences anxiety too, but for him there is also some social anxiety. We talked about how effective it had been for me so he said he would try it. He has had similar results regards feeling calm and focused with less anxiety around stressful situations.

Especially when there are lots of issues to be resolved around work and college studies. He too felt his focus was sharper.

This got me thinking about exam students and how the mind can go blank before an exam causing loss of focus.

Aspire 2 Mental Performance might be a good one for you to try. To help you focus on your exams with less stress and anxiety. Helping you to get the results you deserve.

For more information or advice call in and see us at Market Cross Shopping Centre or pop us an email.

Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@naturalhealth.ie Shop online: www. naturalhealthstore.ie

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Our coastline more renowned than Eiffel Tower!

THE Clean Coasts are launching a campaign that will provide guidance for beach users on how to take care of our beautiful coastal areas The programme works with communities to help protect and care for Ireland’s waterways, coastline, seas, ocean and marine life, by organising hundreds of beach clean-ups each year, mobilising thousands of volun-

teers, and removing large quantities of marine litter from our coastline.

The Irish coast offers breathtaking views, beautiful beaches, epic cliffs, and more, and its unique beauty and character has been attracting visitors from all over the world. Some of the coastal areas in Ireland have been named top tourists’ attractions in Europe, ranking higher

than other famous landmarks including Buckingham Palace, the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa?

The Irish coast also presents its visitors with numerous opportunities to have fun. With good weather on the way, more people will be visiting the beautiful coastal areas around the country, whether it is for sea swimming, water sports, or simply to

enjoy the stunning landscape.

With the ‘Enjoy and Protect’ campaign, we are asking people to enjoy and celebrate our stunning coastline, beautiful beaches, epic cliffs and all outdoor areas, but also to protect these natural treasures. Get out and make the most of Ireland’s wonderful coast, but also do you part to preserve our marine environment and keep it safe and

beautiful for future generations to enjoy too.

To launch the campaign, three guides have been released which contain tips and guidance on how to enjoy our coast, while doing your bit to protect it. Two of these guides – Outdoor Living and Day At The Beach – will be available to download on our website and will focus on activities such as camping, eating

outdoors and spending a day discovering marine biodiversity.

A third guide, the Community Guide, will be available exclusively to registered Clean Coasts groups and will include guidance on organising beach cleans, building a network, attracting new volunteers and promoting your work.

To find out more, visit www. cleancoasts.org

More time is needed to look at plans for Kilkenny THE latest Kilkenny City & County Development Plan has yet to finally agreed for the proposal drew so many submissions from the public that councillors have requested extra time be given so that they can consider what people have said.

Cathaoirleach Andrew McGuinness says a record number of ideas were lodged, telling KCLR News “459 submissions to our city and county development plan, fed over something like 360 pages of material and because we had such a big response from the public we decided yesterday to give the local councillors an extra week to go through all of the information”.

He said it was the highest amount of submissions they had ever had. “I think that’s reflective of the fact that people

really want to engage, people really want to be involved in the decision-making process when it comes to the future of Kilkenny City and county, “You might recall some months back I called on the general public to come out and to get involved in the development plan and make submissions and that’s what’s happened in an overwhelming fashion,” he said.

To all those who made submissions, Cllr McGuinness said: “I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of your listeners and all of the people that have engaged in the process and put in their submissions because it’s their future. I “It’s their city and their county and the decisions we make has to be reflective of all of that so I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone for taking part.”

Man charged after Garda car is rammed A MAN arrested over an incident where a stolen pickup truck rammed local Gardai has appeared in court in Kilkenny again.

One Garda suffered minor injuries when a car thief rammed his patrol car in the Callan area.

The silver Toyota Hilux had been stolen in Killenaule and was later found abandoned in New Ross after a major search

operation involving Gardai from Kilkenny and Carlow.

A man in his mid 20s was arrested in Kilkenny and again appeared before a special sitting of the District Court.

He was remanded in custody to Cloverhill prison and appeared by video-link at Kilkenny District.

He’s been further remanded to appear in court again on June 15.

Ormonde St dig to go ahead PLANNED work on the City’s Ormonde Street this summer is to go ahead, but a compromise will be found to allay fears of local businesses being inconvenienced.

The County Council is planning to dig up the street for a major refurbishment job.

But businesses like the Hiber-

nian and Ormonde Hotels have warned that the work would hurt them as they try and reopen after the lockdown.

Council Cathaoirleach Andrew McGuinness said he was being told that work had to go ahead but some way would be found to minimise the effects.

Cut those bills: Brendan Halpin, CEO of WeSwitchU.ie

Transition Year students raise funds for worthy causes THE staff and management at Kilkenny Rape Crisis Centre (KASA) wish to thank all of those involved for the fundraising efforts of the Transition Year students which resulted in a donation of €5,000 “This is very much appreciated and will greatly support the services the centre offers,” a spokesperson for KASA told The Kilkenny Observer.

A cheque was presented to KASA by two girls who

championed the work of the KASA school programme. They are Ailbhe Murphy and Oriel McDonald who presented the cheque to Geraldine Butler, KASA Schools Programme Co-ordinator.

Also present were Dr Brendan Lee, KASA Board of Management, Elizabeth Delehanty, KASA Board of Management, Mr Richard Butler, husband of the late Ruth Butler who developed the KASA schools

programme and Mr Jeremy Clarke, Head of Transition Year, Kilkenny College.

An essential element of any Transition Year in Kilkenny College is fundraising for charity. Covid aside, this year saw TY students fundraising for two charities; KASA and New Growth. Both charities were chosen after all students presented for a cause they considered were worth supporting.

Kilkenny College students

and staff managed to raise an incredible €10,000 for two charities through a series of Christmas fundraising efforts.

Students and teachers in Kilkenny College organised many activities including a Christmas jumper day, a fun run, an online market, baked good hampers and a candy cane distribution. A total of just over €10,000 has been raised by all these activities.

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Government must not abandon workers in need of pandemic income supports and redundancy payments BY: DEPUTY KATHLEEN FUNCHION SINN FEIN TD FOR KILKENNY CARLOW SINN Féin is bringing forward a motion which seeks to ensure a fair calculation of redundancy entitlements for workers who have spent time on the PUP. As concern grows among those on a pandemic payment they will lose out on significant sums of money because of time spent on the PUP. Kathleen Funchion TD said: “When the Pandemic Unemployment Payment was introduced last year, redundancy entitlements were suspended for people temporarily laid off.

“However, no provision was made for workers time in service for the period when they were in receipt of the payment.

“As it currently stands, due to a loophole in the law, workers could lose out on significant sums of money because time spent on the PUP will not count when calculating entitlements.

“The Redundancy Payments

(Lay-off, Short Time and Calculation of Reckonable Service) Bill which Sinn Féin have brought forward aims to address this situation and ensure that workers do not have a lost year, or 15 months, when it comes to redundancy entitlements.

“This Bill seeks to boost workers’ rights by ensuring that time spent by workers on lay off and short time, such as time in receipt of the PUP, is calculated as reckonable service in relation to the calculation of redundancy entitlements.

“Therefore, if future circumstances deem a worker needs to access to their redundancy entitlements, then this Bill will mean time spent in receipt of the PUP during 2020 and/or 2021 will be counted as reckonable service, and it will ensure a fair redundancy payment.”

Post-lockdown stress and how to beat it ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

EVERYBODY by now is familiar with the stresses of living very restricted existences. Anxiety, depression and other symptoms caused by life in a kind of open prison for the last twelve months and more are commonplace. People are itching to get back out there.

More than a year is a long time however. Over extended periods of time, we learn to adapt and we become accustomed to a changed lifestyle. For a great many people, living without lockdown restrictions is going to feel as daunting as existing with them.

Perhaps a good example is that places we want to go to once we’re free to do so will also be places plenty of other people wish to visit as soon as they can too. Think of any time you’ve been to your local town, be it Portlaoise, Carlow, Kilkenny

or elsewhere, over the last twelve months or so. What has it been like? Chances are, a lot less busy than in February 2020 and earlier.

Social contact is another thing we’ve all gotten used to restricting. It has, for many people, become a natural defensive behaviour to keep their distance from others. With a pandemic, that’s absolutely understandable. Soon though, we’re going to be able to bring down the barriers again. That’s going to lead to feelings of unease for some.

What has become naturally ingrained behaviour is not going to switch off like a light bulb.

The most important thing to know and to remember when trying to readjust is there is no requirement for how quickly or slowly you have to do it. Some people will adjust extremely quickly. That’s fine. If you’re not one of them, don’t feel like you have to join them. You can take this as slowly as you like. If you try to force yourself, you’re probably going to make the whole

progress longer as you’re pushing yourself into feeling uncomfortable. If you take it gently, it’s likely to be much easier.

Alongside that is resisting comparing yourself with others. Just because Mary takes to life without restrictions doesn’t mean she’s any better or any worse than Joe who takes a little longer.

Do what makes you happy and those who truly care about you will understand if you’re a little quicker or a little slower than they are.

Be flexible! A situation where all restrictions are lifted, without hiccups, in the order the government lines up is extremely unlikely. It’s almost certainly going to be a situation of try and see.

Some things will open up and will stay so, others will reopen and then close again for a while, other things will take a lot longer to reopen at all. Try to go with the flow and cope with frustrations when they occur.

Above all, do what you’re comfortable with and try to enjoy the ride back to normality!

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Playgrounds makeover is child’s play CHILDREN’S playgrounds across Kilkenny and Carlow are to have their facilities upgraded, according to FG Deputy John Paul Phelan.

The four outdoor areas in question are included in the Local Authorities play and recreation grant which will see €500,000 being spent across the country.

In Kilkenny, funding has been allocated to install a cable runway and sand diggers in Kells playground, Rath; and a cable runway at Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum Natural Playground in Inistioge.

In Carlow, equipment for a new obstacle course will be supplied and installed at Duckett’s Grove Palatine and an in-

clusive basket swing seat will be provided at Leighlinbridge Playground.

Deputy Phelan said new facilities would create “wonderful opportunities” for children and their families to get outside and play as restrictions ease in the coming months.

“This funding will support works to ensure these four play-

grounds are safe and inclusive for all children to enjoy. The projects funded encompass a wide range of initiatives that will deliver diverse benefits to children and young people, who have experienced such very difficult times because of the pandemic.

“We want to help make sure that they get outside, play, and

have fun. “ Further money is being made available to early learning and childcare services to improve outdoor spaces under the Government’s Playing Outside Grant for Early Learning and Care and School-Aged Childcare services.

This opens for applications on June 18.

Deputy Phelan said: “Early

National spotlight shone on our local heritage story DESPITE the Kilkenny Famine Experience, shortlisted for Heritage Award at the finals of the National Lottery Good Causes Awards as one of the six finalists, missing out, there is a sense of pride and joy among the team behind the project.

It was whittled down from hundreds of applicants from across Ireland.

The Kilkenny Famine Experience project is comprised of three strands: first, a community reconnection project stemming from the discovery of 976 human famine victims found on site during the construction of MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre in 2005.

The goal was to connect each of them to 976 living people from around the world who have left their fingerprints etched in brass on the memorial.

The second is to recount the human stories of life at the Kilkenny Famine Workhouse and offers a free audio-visual tour of the building. The final strand honours the victims and

PP granted for two solar farms TWO Kilkenny solar farms have been granted significant planning permissions.

Harmony Solar Kilkenny is to build 46 hectares of solar panels in Smithstown outside Kilkenny city.

The site will also have an electrical substation and invertertransformer stations and is planned to be in operation for 10 years.

Callan Community Energy Company has been given the go-ahead for a new grid connection.

The 3.6km connection with be between the already consented Ballytobin Solar Farm to the ESB substation south of Callan.

It will consist of half a kilometre of overhead line and just over 3km of underground cable.

survivors with a bronze sculpture located at the site.

As a community reconnection project, the Kilkenny Famine Experience has made a significant impact by connecting the 976 famine victims to living people from around the world. Not only has it developed these crucial connections, but it has allowed many others to hear the stories of life in the Kilkenny Famine Workhouse, ensuring victims may never be forgotten.

Centre Manager Marion Acreman said: “These National Awards underpin the importance of recording and sharing the history of our famine victims and survivors. The free tour which we launched in 2007 has attracted over 7,000 visitors to date, many of whom are overwhelmed by the story being shared here.

“There is huge potential at the site of the Kilkenny Workhouse to develop this story further and allow more of the people whose ancestors lived here to come home and reconnect to their past. The communi-

Big splash ends in wedding invite A diver received a wedding invite after finding an engagement ring that fell off a woman’s finger to the bottom of Britain’s largest lake.

Rebecca Chaukria’s ring slipped off her finger as a photographer was taking pictures of her and her fiancé, Viki Patel, on a jetty on Lake Windermere.

Bringing it all back home...

A manager at an Ohio library said a man who checked out a Bob Dylan record returned the borrowed item through the mail 48 years later.

Sara Philips, manager of the University Heights branch of Heights Libraries, said an oddly-shaped package arrived in the mail on the day the legendary troubadour tuned 80.

ty connection project resonates with all who took part in 2017 and those connections remain meaning the once forgotten victims are

remembered and thought of by the people connected to the project.”

The Kilkenny Famine Experience AV tour runs

daily at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre.

Visit www.kilkennyfamineexperience.com to book your ticket.

People are at their wits end over delivery of flood relief works KILKENNY county councillors have expressed concern over he timeframe for the delivery of flood relief works in Thomastown and Inistioge.

At the monthly meeting of Callan-Thomastown Municipal District Council, members were notified that the Office of Public Works (OPW) have yet to schedule a fixed consultation process start date.

This prompted immediate “worry” from councillor Deirdre Cullen.

Cllr Cullen proposed that councillors write to Minister

Learning and Care and SchoolAge Childcare services have already risen to the challenge of adapting to the current Covid-19 restrictions by enhancing their outside spaces to support children to spend more time outside.

“The grant will help services to further develop their outdoor spaces for learning and play.”

of State with responsibility for Office of Public Works Patrick O’Donovan to raise local concerns and acquire a fixed date for consultation.

“We really are badly in need of a start date for Thomastown and Inistioge,” she said.

“When you have businesses that are continually hit whenever there is a spell of bad weather, from flooding on a smaller scale to huge bursting of the river banks, you would be feeling anxious that we haven’t got a starting date.

“We have good weather at

the moment but when next winter rolls in, when we have a really bad weather spell, as we do every year, people will be wondering why this process has been pushed down the line.

“People are at their wits’ end.

I’m regularly taking calls from business owners whenever there is a spell of heavy rain over a couple of days.

“They are worried that their insurance won’t cover it, that their equipment is at risk and homeowners are tired of taking up flooring. The least they

deserve is to know that there is a start date.”

The motion was affirmed by contributing councillors, who emphasised that the flood relief works will be welcomed, as they have been in other areas of the county, but they can’t come soon enough.

Cllr Patrick O’Neill noted that there must be a push to get the consultants on the ground.

“The thoughts of Thomastown flooding badly again like it did a few years ago, the devastation that it brought, is almost unthinkable,” he said.

Never to late for college An Illinois man who left college to serve in World War II has returned to finish his education nearly 80 years later. Bill Gossett, 97, attended Lincoln College for a short time before transferring to the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign, but he ended up joining the U.S. Army Air Corps before finishing a degree.

Video games a cash earner A website is offering to pay a pair of friends $2,000 to spend 21 hours playing video games and report on the experience.

FrontierBundles.com, which sells Internet and phone service packages, said the selected pair of friends will each receive a Nintendo Switch Lite, Nintendo Online access, free snacks and popular games including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons for their 21-hour gaming marathon.

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Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Are school days the best days of your life?

JOHN DIGHTON was a British playwright and screenwriter of minor note, among whose work was Kind Hearts And Coronets and Roman Holiday for the cinema and the stage play The Best Days Of Your Life. The 1947 production is based upon a boys’ school and girls’ one merging just after the war.

With the Leaving Cert exam, in some guise or other, about to begin, it begs the question: are school days, in fact, the best days of your life, as Dighton’s play would have it?

My own memories are tinged with a mixture of trepidation and indifference as the (un) Christian Brothers beat the three Rs and the fear of God into me. I feigned illness often to avoid their wrath but, despite my indifference, was a grade A primary pupil, winning a scholarship to secondary school, long before there was free education.

With whizzing through primary

level, I took my genius as given and effectively sat on my laurels through my secondary years, just about passing my final exams. (I sometimes think I ended up in this business that is newspapers because I was not much good at anything else).

All that aside, a recent survey by website one4all reveals some interesting anecdotes about memories we Irish have shared from our school days.

A total of 53% say their school days were the best of their life.

Hanging out with friends is our favourite memory (47%) from our school days – somewhat disrupted by the pandemic – while pretending to be sick – or ‘mitching’ – and playing pranks on the teachers and not doing homework are some of the negative things we did during those halcyon days.

In the mix, school tours (remember them?) are favourite memories (22%) and the teacher

not giving homework (16%).

English tops our favourite subject while Maths is voted least favourite, while to believe in the impossible, always be honest and to work hard, are just some of the ways our teachers inspired us.

That said, a good education is much broader than mere schooling, or as Mark Twain put it: “I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.”

The dreaded PE provides the unhappiest memories of school days, another survey has found.

The misery of struggling up ropes in the gym and jogging through freezing fields in shorts and vests leaves its mark on many of us. A third of those polled cited PE as a “most horrible” experience.

Bullying was, sadly, another unhappy memory, cited by a quarter of those polled and rising to a third among 16 to 24-yearolds. One in five 55-year-olds chose bullying as their worst

memory, showing it is not a modern phenomenon.

But here’s something to bear in mind, as you have watched your children struggle with their schooling or lack of it during the lockdowns or where first year at college never went beyond the box room: in the developing world a staggering 130 million children — one in 15 — are not in school, with 70% of these being girls.

This is shocking, given that education improves lives, strengthens families and helps break the cycle of poverty In even the world’s most impoverished communities. as Nelson Mandela once noted: “Education is the most powerful weapon that you can use to change the world.”

But even in the late revolutionary’s ‘new South Africa’ students must pay school fees and buy uniforms, books, food, shoes and other items families living in poverty simply can’t afford.

Similarly, there is a lack of funds in many sub-Saharan African countries to build and maintain schools to keep pace with population growth and provide a quality education to an increasing number of school-aged children.

Such mismanagement is

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education...

”

another day’s debate but consider this: *Girls with eight years of education are four times less likely to be married as children. (National Academies Press) *Educated mothers are twice as likely to send their children to school. (Unicef) *A child born to a literate mother is 50% more likely to survive past the age of five. (Unesco) We should all remember Malala Yousafzai, the now 23-year-old Pakistani shot in the head by the Taliban because she campaigned for the right of girls to attend school, something forbidden by the madness of fundamental Sharia law.

This time last year Malala graduated from Oxford .

She has proved an extraordinary, brave young woman who, when faced with certain death, refused to be silenced.

A virtue, innate and beyond the remit of most school learning.

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€2.5 billion for culture, news and equality MEPs at the European Parliament have approved €2.5 billion investment for EU cultural and creative sectors. There will be more of a focus on music, inclusivity and promotion of female talent. In addition there will also be funding for the news media sector, supporting quality journalism and helping the media

to better address the challenges of digitalisation.

Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune said: “The pandemic has had a devastating effect on the creative sector and I welcome this news that this sector will receive funding under this EU programme. The cultural sector is so important to us in Ireland

and we must continue to support them and help it to recover from Covid-19.

“The City of Culture initiative is funded under this programme and Cork had a very successful year in 2005 when it hosted the City of Culture. There is a new element to this funding whereby there will be funding available

to support female talent. Also the programme will help support the news media which will help support quality journalism in Ireland which we should and must support as best we can.”

Alongside the significant increase in funding, MEPs secured greater focus on inclusion, on support for contempo-

rary and live music sectors that are among those hit hardest by the pandemic, and higher cofinancing rates for small-scale projects. There will also be an obligation for the programme to promote female talent and support women’s artistic and professional careers.

Around 3.8% of Europeans

work in European cultural and creative sectors.

Under the third, cross-sectoral strand, the support for the first time will go to the news media sector, promoting media literacy, pluralism, press freedom and quality journalism, and helping to better address the challenges of digitalisation.

New BIS course preparing today’s students for the jobs of tomorrow GRADUATES of an exciting new honours degree programme in business information systems – which has yet to take its first intake of students – are already in demand from employers, according to its course leader. Offered by Waterford Institute of Technology’s (WIT) School of Business, digitalisation is at the core of the four-year degree.

The Bachelor of Business (Hons) in Business Information Systems (BIS) was codeveloped with national and international industry representatives to ensure that graduates are prepared for current and future business information systems roles across multiple industries.

Dr Aidan Duane (pictured), a lecturer at WIT’s School of Business, said that already employers had contacted him seeking graduates of the BIS degree.

“This demand will continue for the foreseeable future as business digitalisation skills embedded in business knowledge, and complemented by communication skills, problem-solving capabilities, and critical thinking are the graduate characteristics most sought

after by organisations.”

“My message to parents and students who have an interest in business and technology, is that this course educates today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs. It enables a bright, productive, and prosperous career for graduates,”he said.

“The skills and knowledge attained will open the door for graduates to the ‘jobs of tomorrow’, a reflection of the ‘top 15 skills for 2025’ and indeed the ‘top 20 job roles increasing in demand across industries’ as identified by the World Economic Forum The Future of Jobs Report 2020,” Dr Duane said.

He said students would graduate with a thorough knowledge of new technologies, business knowledge, communication skills and experience as BIS professionals to drive digital transformation across all industries, nationally and internationally.

From a long-term graduate career development perspective, he says, digital transformation sets new demands on the leadership of organisations. “There has been a wave of new se-

nior positions with titles such as Chief Digital Officer, Digital Evangelist, Innovation Officer and Chief Digital Innovation Officer. These experienced roles demand real hybrid skills in science, technology and business capabilities and this trend is likely to continue as technology is increasingly embedded in business functions and processes across companies and sectors.

“Graduates with an entrepreneurial desire are also empowered to pursue their ambitions to start up their own company.”

Furthermore, modules in business research and communication skills, organisational psychology, teams and diversity, and social psychology emphasise the critical people and management skills required of a BIS professional. Modules in new business creation, start-up lab, lean practice, small business management, and sustainable development also embed entrepreneurial knowhow.

Dr Duane that graduates equipped with this hybrid skill set were an important condition for the competitiveness and the innovation capabilities of the European and national economies according to the Government funded Expert Group on Future Skills Needs.

Garden guru Gavin to dig in for Independence CELEBRITY Gardening guru Diarmuid Gavin has been commissioned to design a Gardens of Remembrance and RefIection in Kilkenny to commemorate The War of Independence and, in particular, the role played by women.

The commissioning has been undertaken by Kilkenny Tidy Towns Committee.

This centenary project, an initiative of leader of the Seanad Mark Daly and supported by Minister Pippa Hackett, also has the support of leaders of all political parties and groups and is being timed to mark

Truce Day in the Irish War of Independence on July 11.

The gardens, designed by celebrity gardener Diarmuid Gavin, will feature the Proclamation of Independence, the tricolour fIag and seven trees to represent the signatories of the proclamation. The design canCut be those adapted bills:to accommodate otherCEO local Brendan Halpin, features of ofimportance.

WeSwitchU.ie Situated halfway between the Friary Street Ambush site and the Old Kilkenny Gaol, it’s understood the Closh has been identified and suggested as being a suitable for a garden.

Keep Kilkenny Beautiful (KKB) Chairman Pat Boyd said the County Council had agreed to support this initiative, subject to appropriate community consultation and agreement.

KKB believe that a memorial garden within the Closh Green — led and supported by the local community — would further enhance the local area and would be a further addition to the many sites of interest and community recreation within the city.

If restrictions allow, it’s hoped an information meeting can be organised to progress the matter.

Chadwicks to build up a future with wheelchair charity THE Chadwicks Group, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchants, is delighted to announce the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) as its new charity partner for 2021.

The IWA is a community of people with physical disabilities across Ireland founded on the belief that everyone should be able to live a life of choice and equality. They offer services for

those with physical disabilities to live independently, all the while campaigning for equal op-

portunities for their community.

As part of this new partnership, Chadwicks Group will supply a range of building materials to IWA community centres across the country to help improve accessibility for its users. The IWA operates 57 community centres nationwide, including in Co. Kilkenny and throughout the South East, and provides 1.3 million hours of

assisted living services to more than 2,000 adults and children.

In addition to providing construction materials, Chadwicks Group will also team up with the IWA to raise funds for its national support services which include accessible transport, community centres, driving assessments and lessons, and respite care.

Launching the the initiative

was paraOlympian Patrick Monahan (pictured) who credits organisations like the Irish Wheelchair Association with helping him find his passion for wheelchair racing.

“My accident over 10 years ago forced me to face a dramatic and difficult challenge, but I did not do it alone. The support of my family along with incredible organisations like the

Irish Wheelchair Association enabled me to find my great passion, wheelchair racing, and for that, I am hugely thankful,” he said.

“As a former apprentice plumber, I look forward to working with the team in Chadwicks Group to highlight not only my story, but the vital work that the IWA co-ordinates across the country. “

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Community Group / Finance

Keeping on top of all your pensions

annual statements for all your pensions and keep them together in a safe place! Many people put them aside with the intention of reviewing them when they have more time, but invariably time passes, and they lose track.

For some, it may be sufficient to keep on top of the annual statements by adding up the value of various plans, but others with a more complex history will need to consider organising their pensions by combining older plans together with one provider.

A Financial Broker will source your old pensions and bring them together into a single pot, which can then be used for future savings.

For investors with a combi-

Several pension pots, each managed separately through a different employer, trustee, or pension provider, can make it very difficult to arrive at a single figure of how much you have put aside and its estimated value at retirement.

Without these figures it is impossible to know what pension you can expect in retirement.

Research shows the average person can have up to 10 different jobs over the course of their working lives, so the likelihood is they will have built up several different pensions of varying amounts.

If you are to understand your overall financial position is vital to have an overview of these pension.

The secret to building a thriving community

sense of belonging, value for one another and a stakeholder mentality. This is critical to living successfully together as one community, regardless of how different we each are.

Furthermore, living successfully together as a community means individually and collectively espousing principles/ values centred on mutual respect, community engagement and development, love and care for one another, fairness, equity, and justice. These are the hallmarks of happy, healthy and enviable communities.

To some, these terms or concepts may seem so highfalutin and a set of political mumbo jumbo. I agree. Because flamboyant language belongs in the Oireachtas. To everyday citizens like you and I, it simply means that, to build a thriving and inclusive community, please remember that 1. I am just like you, only different from you.

2. I want to be treated with love, care and respect, just like you do.

3. My needs are just the same as yours.

4. I want to make Kilkenny great, just as you do.

BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

KEEPING on top of pensions from past employment can feel like a monumental task.

BY: TOLUWANI AKEHOMEN

IF there is one thing Covid-19 has taught businesses/organisations, it is the nigh impossibility of business continuity or gaining competitive advantage where there is no willingness, ability and readiness to adapt, (re)adjust, learn (and unlearn, relearn), pivot, or simply change, especially during unplanned-for times. Communities are the same.

Over the last two decades, the largely homogenous communities of Ireland have had to adapt, adjust/readjust, learn, unlearn, relearn, pivot – to change, in order to embrace unexpected diversity and an increasingly diverse population. It was a call to embrace newcomers of different racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, who came

to make their homes amongst a largely homogenous people.

Embracing change takes a lot of courage, and the natural reactions are resistance and the need to protect oneself. This is because, oftentimes, what we are required to accept and embrace is unfamiliar, uncomfortable and difficult. It is even more so when we don’t know why. The truth is, while positive change can be as strange, uncomfortable and unfamiliar as when we first started to wear masks, once we open our hearts to the fact that it has come to do us good and not harm us, we do get used to it. Would we be right to categorise diversity as positive change?

To maximise the gains of diversity through inclusive strategies, the call to embrace change is a call to all – to the indigenous and the new communities. None should be left behind in working together to build a thriving, inclusive community; each person having a

Photo credit - “My Life Through A Lens” on Unsplash

Professionally, Toluwani Akaehomen is a Leadership, Learning and Inclusion Consultant. She also serves as a volunteer Newscaster and Presenter of Global Voices on Community Radio Kilkenny City and volunteer PR Consultant at Twilight Community Group. Toluwani has lived in Kilkenny for 20 years.

Getting to that place isn’t always straightforward. People move house and forget to tell their pension provider.

Former employers go out of business or companies’ merge.

Even pension providers themselves change hands or transfer blocks of clients to other providers.

So, make sure you are getting

The average person can have up to 10 different jobs over their working lives...

”

nation of personal pensions and defined contribution schemes, consolidation has advantages, including saving money in fees and ensure you get the retirement options you need.

Another option is to transfer older pots into your present employer’s pension. Like consolidation, this keeps everything in one place. However, be aware, some employerbased schemes will not accept transfers in.

And be very careful as many old personal pension plans, defined benefits schemes and traditional with profit plans can have very valuable guaranteed annuity rates or may have hidden early encashment or transfer fees.

Before deciding you need to consider whether the fees or early encashment penalty you will pay to transfer to a new contract are reasonable in comparison to any pension schemes you are proposing to leave.

Therefore, all investors should take independent advice from a Financial Broker and whatever you opt to do it is imperative to get a complete picture of retirement finances, realising that decisions based on incomplete information is a high-risk strategy.

And the closer you get to retirement, the more important it is to have a clear picture of how much money you will have to work with to provide for the rest of your life.

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News WATERFORD has retained its Blue Flag status for all five beaches awarded last year, and Green Coast Award status for all six beaches also awarded in 2020.

The five beaches in Waterford awarded the Blue Flag this year are Clonea, Counsellors’ Strand in Dunmore East, Dunmore Strand, Tramore Beach and Ardmore Beach.

A record 93 Blue Flags for clean beaches and marinas have been awarded this year, an increase of two on the previous year.

Inchydoney east beach in Cork has received a Blue Flag for the first time, while Warren in Cork, Killiney in Dublin and Golden strand in Mayo regained their clean status this year.

The counties with the most Blue Flags are Donegal and Kerry with 14 each.

Six locations in Co. Waterford retained a Green Coast Award including three in Ardmore – Ballyquin, the Curragh and Goat Island Beach.

While the Guillamene Cove, Newtown Cove and Annestown also were awarded the Green Coast Award.

One beach in the South East – Ballymoney North beach in Wexford – did not retain its Blue Flag status.

Blue Flags are out... so lets head for a day at the beach!

PICTURE: Naoise Culhane

It can be a real pain in bum for most parents...

CONSTANT worry, mum brain, being compared to others and not being prepared for the reality of nappy rash are just some of the concerns cited in a recent study as the most surprising and irritating aspects of parenting.

The research carried out by Irish brand WaterWipes®, the No. 1 wipe against nappy rash, also revealed that a staggering 95% of parents said their baby experienced nappy rash with more than 40% going on to say that they were worried their baby was in pain or distress.

Furthermore, when asked about how it made them feel, almost half (40%) were worried their baby was in pain or distress and worried about their skin, and a fifth (23%) felt like a bad parent.

The new parenting research follows on from a recent independent clinical study by the University of Salford, which revealed WaterWipes® to be clinically proven to be the No. 1 wipes against nappy rash.

Not surprisingly, when it comes to baby ailments, the top concerns or ‘pain in the bums’ for Irish parents are nappy rash, ranking second at 40% just slightly below teething (49%).

The study of 500 parents of babies aged 0-2, also highlighted that 23% of parents are in constant fear of getting it wrong, with a fifth (20%) of mums surprised to discover ‘mum brain’ is real!

Other frustrating parenting moments highlighted included being woken up in the middle of the night (32%), when their baby had a poo-nami when they were out and about (25%) and nearly a quarter (24%) stated that it was when their baby was sick on themselves after an outfit change.

Competitive or interfering parents were the cause of other ‘pain in the bum’ moments.

These included: parents diagnosing your baby (39%) e.g. they must be tired or hungry,

Taiwan’s PPE gift to nursing homes here

parents comparing your baby to other babies (35%), other parents sharing unwanted advice (34%), other parents showing their ‘perfect’ baby on social media (31%), and unrealistic and boastful celebrity parents (28%).

Commenting on the findings, Rosanna Davison, mum and WaterWipes spokesperson,

said: “I am not surprised by the findings of the research as all aspects of parenting can be really daunting. Parents just want to ensure that their little ones are happy, comfortable and content.

“Some of my friends have experienced nappy rash with their children and it can be really distressing for baby as well as

parents. In our house we have always been huge fans of WaterWipes and they are always close to hand! Now that the brand is independently proven to be the No. 1 wipe against nappy rash is great news for all parents. For me as a mum it is important to use baby products that I trust and know are gentle for the children’s delicate skin.”

More than 30 still homeless in the county A TOTAL of 32 people in Kilkenny are either homeless or living in emergency accommodation, according to the latest figures.

The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage Monthly Homelessness

Report for April reveals there has been a drop of just one person on the March figures.

Although seemingly remaining stagnant, the latest figures represent a near 50% drop in homelessness since the beginning of the pandemic.

In March 2020 49 people were recorded as being homeless or living in emergency accommodation in Kilkenny.

Nationally, 5,889 people are currently homeless or living in emergency accommodation, one-third of whom are women

according to the report.

At the end of March 2020, 6,552 people were deemed homeless, 663 more than the present figures, representing a 10% decrease.

From 27 last year, a range of Government measures were

introduced to prevent people becoming homeless during the pandemic, including a moratorium on all evictions and a rent freeze. Focus Ireland and many others have long called for such preventative measures to be introduced.

A NUMBER of nursing homes in Kilkenny have been given donations of PPE donated by the Ireland Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association, that is chaired by Deputy John McGuinness.

This is the second donation from the group since the start of the pandemic and is part of a national rollout of donations to community hospitals and public nursing homes throughout the country.

Deputy John McGuinness and Cathaoirleach Andrew McGuinness last week made donations to Gahan House in Graignamanagh, St Josephs Care home in Kilmoganny, O’Gorman Home in Ballyragget and Mount Carmel in Callan.

“It was very kind of the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland and the Ireland Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Association, to offer these donations around the country at a time when we need it most. I’m delighted to be part of it and grateful that Kilkenny has been allocated donations on two occasions,” said Deputy McGuinness, Among the materials donated were medical masks, surgical gloves and hand sanitiser. The previous donation also included infrared forehead thermometers, gowns and goggles, and medical gloves.

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Musgraves in €650k. boost to retail IRELAND’S leading wholesale supplier to foodservice, retail, and SME businesses, Musgrave Market Place, is investing €650,000 to support the reopening of Irish hospitality this month. As part of this investment, Musgrave has launched a range of new initiatives to support the industry and assist the reboot and recovery of the sector.

The company will roll out a nationwide campaign to encourage consumers to support their local hospitality businesses. #SupportIrishHospitality will include press ads in

seven national dailies, local radio, digital and social media advertising campaigns calling on consumers to help the industry get back on its feet by dining out responsibly.

Musgrave Market Place will also be using its social channels to spotlight local hospitality businesses around the country throughout the campaign as well as giving consumers a chance to win vouchers for their favourite local eateries.

It is estimated that the foodservice industry was worth €6.3 billion pre-Covid, employing between 150,000 and 250,000

people making it vital to the recovery of the economy.

In addition to rallying consumer support, Musgrave MarketPlace has also created a series of new measures to help hospitality businesses get back up and running. These include: 1. Extended opening hours: Musgrave branches across the country will now be open for longer with some branches open seven days a week (from June 6th) to allow customers more access to products as and when they need them.

2. Time saving products: Based

on feedback from the industry earlier this year, Musgrave has new labour-saving products such as pre-prepared vegetables, desserts, and sauces to save time in the kitchen and help ease the impact of reduced staff numbers.

3. Increased network support: To help manage the surge in demand over the coming days, Musgrave MarketPlace has increased its driver pool by 33% to accommodate more deliveries as well as increasing the number of customer service

representatives available in branches nationwide to help facilitate customers’ needs during the recovery period.

4. Food service promotions: The cost of 200 products, including food and equipment, has been reduced to support customers as they restock their business.

5. Irish suppliers: 680 Irish suppliers have been re-engaged

by Musgrave MarketPlace to rebuild stock levels and over 3,500 Irish products are available from Musgrave MarketPlace.

6. Dedicated online hub: Cre-

One in three of us wants to start own business

A strong start-up economy is absolutely vital to the future of Ireland’s regions, says Martin Corkey

A NEW study of 904 remote workers carried out by the South East Local Authorities and their Local Enterprise Offices , in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Ireland South East Development Office, shows that 30% of people who are currently remote working are interested in developing their own business.

Enterprise Ireland Regional Director in the South and South East Martin Corkery said: “A strong start-up economy is absolutely vital to the future of Ireland’s regions and we look forward to working with the Local Enterprise Offices to support these individuals in realising their business vision.

“The South East has become a prime nurturing environment for start-up activity with many examples of indig-

What the study found enous entrepreneurs inspiring others from across the country that they too can start and scale successfully in the South East,” Mr Corkery said.

The study reveals that three out of four remote workers surveyed in the South East are saving at least an hour a day, and 24% are saving at least three hours a day, by remote working which provides a greater work / life balance and means that commuting is much decreased which helps to support the environment.

Kathleen Holohan , Chief Executive of Carlow County Council on behalf of the South East Local Authorities told The Kilkenny Observer: “The South East provides many unique options for remote workers depending on their needs and tops the

poll when it comes to offering work / life balance. The South East region offers lower housing and childcare costs, rural/ coastal lifestyles with great transport infrastructure.

“Most businesses, individuals and households have been affected significantly by a change of working conditions since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. As we look with hope towards the re-opening of our country and economy this study has given clear insights into the opportunity for remote workers in the South East through the development of a hub network supported by Enterprise Ireland , the South East Local Enterprise Office network and the South East Development Office.” She said.

“It also demonstrated the opportunity to provide start-up supports and training to these individuals that will foster a thriving start-up culture in the region.”

THE key findings of the survey include:

• The South East has an opportunity to be a hub for new innovative start-up supports for the new remote worker community as over 30% of respondents are interested in starting or developing their own business.

• The South East has an opportunity to work with the current hubs in the various strategic locations and develop new solutions for remote working and enterprise development.

• The development of hybrid working models will accelerate the achievement of the green agenda for the South East with the potential for significantly less people commuting than in the pre-Covid Era. Alan Quirke, Director, Ireland South East Development Office told this paper: “The South East region has numerous advantages to offer when it comes to remote working and this study provides a solid foundation to guide future policy development and implementation to the benefit of all remote workers in the South East.

“This includes, for example, the benefit remote working provides for the green economy through the reduction of commuting time which can also attract more remote workers by providing an improved work / life balance which in turn would bring a renewed vitality to the region,” he said.

“Remote working offers employers a wider choice in facilitating the right person to work for their organisation from a location of their choice. This trend presents an opportunity for the South East’s Towns and Villages to market themselves as an attractive place to live.”

ation of a dedicated online Foodservice support hub featuring reopening advice, menu inspiration and great value offers to help customers reboot their business.

7. Musgrave MarketPlace Plus: An affinity scheme, in partnership with Wrkit, has been created to help customers cut costs with a range of offers and discounts on everything from insurance to fuel to recruitment and much more.

There is also the opportunity for customers to promote their business to over 100,000 users on the Wrkit platform.

We’re back on the road again post pandemic THE Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) has said its members are optimistic after the first weeks of trading following the reopening of car showrooms.

SIMI retailers across the country have reported A steady flow in business, with an increase in enquiries for both new and used cars, and this should be reflected when the official new car registration numbers for the month May are released.

Customers should be re-assured when attending showrooms for test drives, with social distancing, car sanitation and other COVID safety protocols, all standard practice in SIMI dealerships.

Gillian Fanning, President of SIMI, told The Kilkenny Observer: “The motor industry like many other industries has faced significant challenges over the past 15 months. To have all parts of our sector fully operational will help secure the continuation of many businesses, and safeguard local employment and the 40,000 employed nationally in our ondustry.

“Recovery against Covid will clearly be driven by the vaccine rollout and while we face considerable uncertainty, pent up demand and the accumulation of personal savings over the last year are reasons to be optimistic.

“It is hoped that some of these savings might translated into car sales, both new and used in the months ahead, while the removal of the inter-county travel restrictions should increase the level of vehicle service business across the national fleet.”

Ms Fanning (pictured) was recently re-elected to a second term in office.

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It’s time to end insurance ‘rip-off’, says Funchion TD Kathleen Funchion has called for cross-party support for a Sinn Féin Bill that would force insurance companies to pass savings on to their customers, which is being debated in the Dáil.

The legislation, drafted by Sinn Féin spokesperson on Finance, Pearse Doherty TD, would require the insurance industry to

provide information to the Central Bank outlining how the cost of claims have reduced as a result of the new Personal Injuries Guidelines, and how they have passed those savings onto their customers, euro for euro, for each of the next four years.

Ms Funchion said: “We must end the insurance rip-off and reduce premiums for consumers.

“The Personal Injuries Guidelines, which have been in place for over a month now, significantly reduced the cost of claims for insurance companies.

“But we must ensure these savings are passed on, euro for euro, to customers in the form of lower premiums.

“A survey by Pearse Doherty found that 58% of respondents

Funding to help look to a green tomorrow IRISH manufacturing and exporting companies have an important role to play in reducing emissions and building a more sustainable future, according to Enterprise Ireland which has a range of green supports to help them.

Recently launched by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, and the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications and Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, the ‘Climate Enterprise Action Fund’ includes three supports that Kilkenny-based companies supported by Enterprise Ireland can access to assist on their sustainability journey.

These are: • Climate Action Voucher – a €1,800 grant to engage consultants to develop plans in areas such as resource efficiency and renewable energy.

• GreenStart – up to €5,000 to measure carbon footprint and identify actions to reduce emissions and operate more sustainably.

• GreenPlus – grant funding of up to 50% to develop a multiannual climate change plan aligned to international standards and frameworks.

Martin Corkery, Regional Director for the South and South East at Enterprise Ireland said: “Ire-

land has an ambitious target to reduce emissions by more than 51% by the end of the decade.

The enterprise sector accounts for 13% of Ireland’s emissions so it has an important role to play in this national strategy.

“Reducing emissions and adopting more sustainable production practices is a smart business strategy. Increasingly consumers are placing a premium on environmentally sustainable products and services.

Responding positively to this growing demand is important for consumer-facing businesses.

“Applications to the Climate Enterprise Action Fund will close on August 31 so I would strongly encourage companies to visit www.globalambition.ie/ climateaction for more information,” he said.

Enterprise Ireland is also holding a series of webinars to outline the benefits of making sustainability central to business strategy and how to avail of Enterprise Ireland green supports.

Webinars taking place during the month of June will focus on the manufacturing and construction sectors, and digital technologies, fintech, BPO and consumer services. * To register for the webinar on the food and beverage sector, go to www.globalambition. ie/webinar-climate-enterpriseaction-fund-food/.

who received their renewal since the new guidelines came into effect actually saw their premium increase,” Ms Funchion said.

“Only 22% saw their premium fall. The insurance industry promised to reduce premiums for motorists and businesses significantly as a result of these guidelines.

“They are not keeping their

promise and consumers cannot afford to wait any longer.

“The government’s policy is to cross their fingers and hope the insurance industry will do the right thing and reduce premiums,” she said.

“That is not good enough and the insurance industry needs to be held to account.

“Pearse Doherty’s Judi-

cial Council (Amendment) Bill would require the insurance industry to provide information to the Central Bank for each of the next four years outlining how the cost of claims have fallen as a result of the new Personal Injuries Guidelines, and if and how they have passed these savings onto their consumers in the form of reduced prices.

Gardai to auction Rachel photo to help ill children

A SIGNED photo of recordbreaking Rachael Blackmore winning this year’s Grand National on Minella Times is to be auctioned off in aid of the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, a not-for-profit charity operated by Garda volunteers to make dreams come through for children undergoing long-term medi-

cal treatment.

Hospital visits, support, providing holiday breaks and rewarding these heroes with honorary membership of the Gardaí is at the core of what Little Blue Heroes do.

Little Blue Heroes Foundation is a not-for-profit charity operated entirely by volunteers (no paid staff) made

up of Garda members/staff, retired Garda members, their families, friends and civic minded people from communities. It aims to help families in need from local communities in Ireland who have children undergoing long-term medical treatment for serious illness.

The name ‘Little Blue

Heroes’ came about when Gardai found that the vast amount of the children we support have a strong fascination with police uniform, equipment, vehicles, Garda units, etc.. This has even led some of the children to make a wish to become an Honorary Garda and become part of the Garda family.

New local survey sounds a little fishy to us INLAND Fisheries Ireland (IFI) is carrying out a new survey about less well-known fish species. Some migratory fish species like salmon, and lesser-known species such as shad and the extremely rare sturgeon amongst others, are in decline in many European countries.

These species spend much of

their lifecycle at sea and periods in riverine habitats. As part of the multinational European project, DiadES, IFI and other project partners are assessing the recreational fishing interest in several of these species including shad, thin-lipped mullet, smelt, flounder and others. This online survey will also record the economic

benefits that the species support.

Dr William Roche, Senior Research Officer at Inland Fisheries Ireland, told The Kilkenny Observer: “We are urging anglers who fish for these species to participate in this online survey as it will help us get a more comprehensive view of these less common species in Irish waters.

“In this way we can contribute to providing better information to inform future policy and management of these species, and the economic, social and cultural activities associated with them.”

Future predictions suggest that some of these species will see northward and southward changes in distribution under cli-

mate change scenarios. This may increase or decrease their availability to recreational fishing and the economic benefits they bring to businesses in local areas, as well as the enjoyment and associated health and social benefits for fishers.

If you would like to participate in the study you can find the

survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DiadES_IRL. It has questions about your fish catching activities and will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your participation is very much appreciated as this study relies on your knowledge and experience as a ‘citizen scientist’ angler/fisher.

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Wellness

Low back pain and subluxation EOIN EVERARD

SUBLUXATION means a vertebral joint of the spine is out of its normal position.

It’s the same as a sprain because the ligaments are stretched when this occurs.

But how does a joint get out of its normal position? Usually, the culprit is some sort of trauma but not necessarily at the level of a high fall or a major car accident (although these trauma do cause problems).

Many times, the spine is injured because it is more vulnerable in awkward positions, such as when we bend forward and add a little twist to a lift. Perhaps it’s putting a baby seat into the back seat, or pulling weeds in the garden.

For many patients, it’s life’s trips and tumbles as a child that set the stage for a prob-

lem years later. We can all remember how we thought our spines were once invincible. The reality is something much less. Those jumps from the rooftop did have a consequence.

That small sprain of the ligaments did just enough to make the joints function abnormally. Over time the muscles adapt and our movements become less even. Then some twenty years later, a simple sneeze or less throws our back out.

Some patients get back pain when they are under work stress or have to sit for long periods of time.

The important thing is to get subluxations reduced or corrected. The adjustments we perform at the clinic are meant to align the spine and make the movements of spine symmetrical from side to side. This tends to reduce the tensions on ligaments and muscles, and most importantly, makes you feel better.

When your spine moves normally, you may have less

pain when you exercise or move the spine in a stressful way. We can’t make the ligaments perfect, there will always be scar tissue, but we can optimize your life and improve its quality. For many, just working without constant pain can be a real lifesaver. Many patients find their moods improve and they cannot wait to return to the sports or hobbies they once did. This is true wellness, healing not just the body but also the mind.

Being in chronic pain is not much fun. While drugs can help many people and get them out of excruciating pain, they do have their limitations. Physiotherapy and osteopathy, which I deliver can be a drug-free and natural alternative for health.

Email everardpilates@ gmail.com to get our free book Secrets to a Healthy Spine or for more information about back Pilates and availing of a free trial.

Visit everardpilates.com/ backfreetrial.

Murty Brennan’s achievements are acknowledged by Mayor of Kilkenny MAYOR John Coonan presented a Mayoral Certificate to acknowledge and thank Mr Martin Brennan and thanked him for the example, leadership and encouragement to his family, residents, communities, and the diverse international cultures in the importance of participation in maintaining and development of integration, inclusion and solidarity and a friendly and welcoming society.

On receiving this certificate Murty Brennan acknowledges the great help and assistance he has received from his family, friends and colleagues in Twilight, as without them he would have not accomplished any of the activities and actions he is now been recognized for by the Mayor of the Kilkenny Municipal District Mr. John Coonan and he was honored to receive the certificate of Acknowledgement on all their behalf’s.

Murty particularly wished to thank one particularly important person and their family who were unaware of today’s presentation. In 2014 Murty was given just 3 weeks to live. A young person, a brother, sister,

mother or father had to die for Murty to Live. That person and their family donate their loved ones liver to Murty so he could live and enjoy more time with his family and friends. Making the point Murty said “ That person died way to soon and had so many more dreams to accomplish and many of life’s great experiences. I believe I must live my life , and achieve as much as I can, while still in good health , for not to do so would only be dishonoring their death and their family’s tremendous loss Murty Brennan has dedicated his time and energy working for the communities of Kilkenny & South East region of Ireland.

To date he has many achievements in sport and recreation, as an advocate for change and improvement for all citizens regardless of nationality, beliefs, or social background. He is the PRO for the Older people’s Council ,Age alliance , St Luke’s Hospital Steering Group and in 2014 established the Twilight Community Group.

The Twilight Community Group is active with all our ‘new communities, Traveller and

Indigenous population. It has created and environment for Integration, Inclusion & Solidarity.

The Twilight Community Group has been expanding its services year on year and the group announced it was

opening open their new Media & Training Centre , Twilight European Network (TEN)Studio 10 , And will be broadcasting

the 2021 Kilkenny Polska Eire Virtual festival worldwide from their International Cultural House 15A Hebron Business Park, Kilkenny July 2nd to 4th .

Working in tandem with the Department of Justice, Erasmus+, European for Citizens, Leargas, Community Foundation of Ireland , Leader Partnership and The Wheel, The Twilight Community Group has completed many projects of interest to all communities These included their ‘Connecting Cultures’ bringing students from across Europe to Kilkenny for Personal Development and to promote Interculturalism. Their theatre training programme which gave opportunities to all comers to write and perform their works under the professional guidance of local Thespian and Director Mr. Ger Cody with his brother Frank the project manager of this remarkably successful programme.

Murty and the Twilight Community Group team of dedicate members has organized student exchange programmes with Malbork Poland and Margny Les Compiegne ,France Sighisoara Romanian and Tiznit in Morocco having signed Charter of Friendship agreements with their Municipal Districts pledging to build stronger ties between all partners In 2019 Martin was appointed Honorary Consul for the Republic of Poland as recognition for the outstanding work he has done and continues to do for the Polish Diaspora

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New poems I

N 2019, ‘The Kilkenny Involvement Centre’ published a book of poems with the wonderful title ‘Poems from a Kilkenny Laneway’.

The ninety page publication features forty poems with contributions from members at the centre as well as work from Kilkenny’s wider writing community.

In conjunction with The Involvement Centre, The Kilkenny Observer newspaper will reproduce these poems over the coming weeks.

The Kilkenny Observer is delighted to promote this project and we hope you enjoy the poems.

Week one sees poems from Deirdre Beale, Anne McDarby-Beck and Niall Bourke.

Old Church Hill

The Conquistadors Lagos, Portugal

The Fun House

By Deirdre Beale

Anne Mac Darby-Beck

By Niall Bourke

We all walked together up the old church hill in the windswept darkness of a cold winter’s night, all talk and laughter despite the November chill. There we all sat on the wet soggy grass.

“Your arses will get wet!” our friend Rachel shouted. We didn’t care. Why not. We were young and took on life as a dare. The world was ours for the taking.

We looked at Dublin city spread out far below, lit up like a patchwork of gold and silver stars. There we sat eating chips, hot and salty from brown paper bags. What’s out there, I thought. What adventures are to be had, what future does this city hold for me.

For us now the years have flown by. I still remember that night we friends lay on the wet soggy grass promising each other our friendship would last forever, but life gets in the way of best laid plans and we scattered to the four corners of the land. Now others, young like we once were, follow the path up old Church Hill on dark winter night and see Dublin city shining with its patchwork of gold and silver stars and wonder, just like we did, what does the future hold for us…out there.

At a respectful distance behind the Prince, past the church of Santa Maria, climbing the steep cobbled street towards the church of Santa Antonio, hooves clatter through its giant doors, from the sun’s heat to a yellow interior: pouring back from the New World, gold showered lavishly over walls.

Heads thrown back on their shoulders, they take in the altar’s full magnificence; minds drift from the Latin texts, laughing cherubs catch the eye.

The Prince leads them down the hill towards the ships moored at the waterfront, their shadows sweep over ancient streets, as the sun glides hissing into the western sea.

I spent that night in the bath.

Miroslav poured me into it, dragging me face-down ‘cross the carpet when my snoring sawed through even his black-stilts of sleep. The next morning I learned some things: you can sink whole pylons in the depths of a foreman’s fury, how it is a day becomes the week, the true weight of two tons of timber.

At lunchtime my box was empty. Jonty laughed.

I eyed his sandwich. ‘You’re useless,’ he said, ‘we’d be better off traipsing timbers with a jellyfish’.

‘Miroslav used to be a body builder,’ I said.

‘Whose body was he building?’ said Koresh and sighed before breaking me off half his soft egg-roll.

Jonty had a gold earring, could lift a whole fence panel over his head with one hand and pretended to send money home to his wife. The pretence was for us, his wife knew. Koresh had eyes that flicked like a whip.

I heard later he did time for opening up an artery with a spring-pin pulled loose from a bumper car.

That afternoon I screwed brittle little bulbs into the mouths of a thousand clowns in the House of Fun. That afternoon I learned some more things: when you’ve slept in a bath you sure conduct a current, Miroslav liked pottery, Koresh didn’t know his children, sometimes we were villains but mostly we were electricity, just searching for the path of least resistance.

Fair day, Castlecomer, Co Kilkenny,1960’s.

Thanks to John Coffey for photo

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

Take three of the best Italian

With

Roasted tomato, basil & parmesan quiche

Best Overall: Livio Sassetti Brunello di Montalcino Pertimali 2015

Prep: 40 mins Cook: 40 mins Easy Serves 8 A taste of summer, this quiche is full of Italian flavours and is perfect for dinner in the garden INGREDIENTS • 300g cherry tomato • drizzle olive oil • 50g parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), grated • 2 eggs • 284ml pot double cream • handful basil leaves, shredded, plus a few small ones left whole for scattering • For the pastry • 280g plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 140g cold butter, cut into pieces METHOD STEP 1 • To make the pastry, tip the flour and butter into a bowl, then rub together with your fingertips until completely mixed and crumbly. Add 8 tbsp cold water, then bring everything together with your hands until just combined. Roll into a ball and use straight away or chill for up to 2 days. The pastry can also be frozen for up to a month.

STEP2 • Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured surface to a round about 5cm larger than a 25cm tin. Use your rolling pin to lift it up, then drape over the tart case so there is an overhang of pastry on the sides. Using a small ball of pastry scraps, push the pastry into the corners of the tin. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 20 mins. Heat oven to 200C/ fan 180C/gas 6.

STEP 3 • In a small roasting tin, drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Put the tomatoes in a low shelf of the oven.

STEP 4 • Lightly prick the base of the tart with a fork, line the tart case with a large circle of greaseproof paper or foil, then fill with baking beans. Blind-bake the tart for 20

Seven quick and easy snacks for kids APPLE DOUGHNUTS Slice an apple into discs, about ½cm thick, through the core. Use a small cookie cutter or apple corer to make a hole in the centre and remove any pips. Spread cream cheese over the slices, and top with raisins, flaked almonds or sprinkles.

CUCUMBER ‘SANDWICHES’ Peel a chunk of cucumber and cut into ½cm slices.

Sandwich two pieces together with a little ham or cheese (or both), and secure with a cocktail stick.

THE typically balanced, elegant wines of Italy are famously food-friendly across the board, so you’re certain to find the perfect pairing for everything from pasta night to a seafood extravaganza to an antipasti picnic. Here are three the best Italian wines to seek out right now.

OATCAKES WITH MACKEREL OR SALMON PATÉ Mash some flaked smoked mackerel or hot smoked salmon with a few tablespoons of natural yogurt, mayonnaise or cream cheese, then add a twist of pepper and some lemon zest, if you like. Spread over oatcakes.

YOGURT BARK Spread some natural yogurt over a tray lined with baking parchment

mins, remove the paper and beans, then continue to cook for 5-10 mins until biscuit brown.

STEP 5 • When you remove the tart case from the oven, take out the tomatoes, too.

STEP 6 • While the tart is cooking, beat the eggs in a large bowl. Gradually add the cream, then stir in the basil and season. When the case is ready, sprinkle half the cheese over the base, scatter over the tomatoes, pour over the cream mix, then finally scatter over the rest of the cheese. Bake for 20-25 mins until set and golden brown. Leave to cool in the case, trim the edges of the pastry, then remove from the tin. Scatter over the remaining basil and serve in slices.

– don’t make it too thin. Scatter over some halved raspberries and blueberries (fresh or frozen) and freeze until solid. Break into shards to serve.

CELERY BOATS Fill the cavities of celery batons with nut butter, and arrange some raisins on top.

PARSNIP CRISPS Peel a parsnip then keep shaving down to the core to make thin strips. Gently toss in a drizzle of oil, a pinch of salt and some mild spices if you like. Spread the parsnip out on a baking tray and bake at 180C/160C fan/ gas 4 for 15 mins, shaking the tray a few times during cooking, until the pieces are crisp. Cool for a few minutes then serve TRAIL MIX Mix equal quantities of pumpkin and sunflower seeds, almonds or cashews, pretzels, raisins or dried cranberries and dark chocolate drops. Keep in a jar and portion into little cups to serve. For younger children, make sure the nuts are chopped into small pieces to avoid choking.

When it comes to history and tradition, no Italian wine region can hold a candle to Tuscany, where viticulture has been practiced since the 8th century BC. The bucolic rolling hills and dappled afternoon light that have made Tuscany the setting of many romantic films and famous works of art also form the spiritual home of Italy’s signature grape, sangiovese.

Although Chianti may be Tuscany’s most famous wine-producing region, Brunello di Montalcino is where sangiovese truly shines.

Here, it makes some of Italy’s most complex and long-lived wines, like this ethereal 2015 vintage from a revered third-generation winemaker. There is so much going on in this floral, savory, and herbaceous wine with notes of tart red berries, mushroom, black tea, and anise—and it’s only going to get better with time. Pair it with hearty fare like roasted rosemary lamb, wild boar ragù, or truffle risotto.

Best Red: Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco 2017 Along with sangiovese, nebbiolo is one of Italy’s noblest grapes. In Piedmont’s Barolo and Barbaresco regions, it strikes a balance between power and elegance unlike almost anything else. Nobody does Barbaresco better than Produttori del Barbaresco, a co-operative estate widely regarded as the benchmark producer for the entire region.

The 2017 Barbaresco is the entry-level wine in the range, but the price-to-quality ratio it delivers makes it one of the best buys in all of Italy. It’s somehow rustic and pretty at the same time, with deep black fruit, floral accents, and savory herbal nuances. Alissa Fitzgerald, a former chef at Reynard in Brooklyn, NY, says, “If I see nebbiolo on a wine list, it’s always my pick. It can be quite tannic, but with vibrant acidity like a pinot noir.” She loves to pair it with hearty roasted vegetables, but it works with everything from pasta to meats and aged cheeses.

Whatever you choose, top it with plenty of truffles, like they do in Piedmont!

Best White: Benanti Etna Bianco 2019 Etna bianco is sort of like the chablis of Italy, but with a personality all its own. From the volcanic soils of Sicily’s Mount Etna, this bottling from Benanti balances rich texture with vibrant, almost salty acidity, while crisp citrus and orchard fruit flavors combine with appealing savory character and flinty minerality. Made from 100% carricante—a grape you’re unlikely to find anywhere outside of Sicily— this wine shows the complexity and character you would normally find in a white Burgundy that costs several times the price.

It may share certain characteristics with white Burgundy, but its unique profile could only come from Etna’s sun-drenched, mineral-rich slopes. This a wine that really shines with fresh seafood—the Sicilians love how its refreshing salinity complements creamy sea urchin pasta!

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Science & Wellbeing News THE 16 months or so of the pandemic has allowed nature breath a little easier, with so much less air pollution and less noise what with aircraft and other modes of transport curtailed.

Have you ever found yourself in a meditative state. Strolling in the county-side of by the sea, listening to the calming sounds of nature, only to have an aircraft pass by overhead?

And getting your hackles up?

Man-made noises like that of a low-sounding jet can interfere with your overall experience out in Nature and cause what scientists call ‘hyperarousal’, affecting your behaviour, physiology, and overall fitness.

Additionally, jarring noises can lead to high blood pressure and other ailments, says the latest research. These negative effects are also true for animals — their ability to communicate, survey their environment, and find food and mates is affected by ongoing noise pollution.

A growing number of studies explore noise’s negative effects on animals and humans alike, but could the same be true for the opposite? Could natural sounds actually have a positive impact?

A group of researchers from Michigan State University, Carleton University, and Colorado State University partnered with the National Park Service in the US to analyse 18 studies on how natural sounds can impact human health.

Their results, published in the journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences’, show that listening to existing noises in nature, its natural sounds, has incredibly positive effects, including a decrease in stress and pain, an improvement in cognitive performance, an enhancement in mood, and much more. The research even goes into further detail outlin-

How listening to the sounds of nature is good for you

ing which particular sounds might bring about specific benefits.

Why we have such a positive response to certain natural

sounds isn’t completely clear, but researchers have their theories.

To explore the possible health benefits of natural

Just how cold was the last Ice Age? HOW cold was the Ice Age? While one can imagine layers of ice covering everything around the world, that’s not exactly what happened. In fact, researchers identified the temperature of that the term the ‘Last Glacial Maximum’ (LGM), from about 20,000 ago, to be about 46 degrees Fahrenheit (7.8 C).

This, of course, was the average global temperature – not the extent of how cold it really got in some places. The LGM was a very chilly period, when glaciers covered about half of North and South Americas, as well as Europe and parts of Asia.

Overall, the new paper found that the world’s temperatures were about 11 degrees Fahrenheit or 6 degrees Celsius less warm than today.

If you’re comparing, the average global temperature was 14 C (57 F) in the 20th century.

The study’s lead author, Jessica Tierney, associate professor at the University of Arizona Department of Geosciences, said

that this may not sound like a big deal to some but was, in fact, “monumental”.

“In your own personal experience that might not sound like a big difference, but, in fact, it’s a huge change,” explained Tierney. “In North America and Europe, the most northern parts were covered in ice and were extremely cold. Even here in Arizona, there was big cooling.

But the biggest cooling was in high latitudes, such as the Arctic, where it was about 14 C (25 F) colder than today.”

This corresponds to climate change models, which show that high latitudes get warmer at a faster rate than low latitudes.

This means, according to projections, that this process of “polar amplification” will make it warmer and warmer over areas like the Arctic which are more sensitive to climate change.

Tierney’s team calculated that every time the amount of atmospheric carbon will double, global temperatures should go

up by 3.4 C (6.1 F). Carbon levels during the Ice Age were about 180 parts per million, then rose to about 280 parts per million during the Industrial Revolution, and have by now reached 415 parts per million.

How did the scientists reach their conclusions? The team used models that connected data from ocean plankton fossils to sea-surface temperatures. A technique called data assimilation, used in weather forecasting, was then employed to link the fossil data with climate model simulations of the LGM. The findings will help climate scientists evaluate how today’s rising atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide influence the average temperatures around the world.

Co-authors of the new study also include professor Christopher Poulsen from the University of Michigan and postdoctoral researcher Jiang Zhu, now with the National Centre for Atmospheric Research.

sounds, the team studied more than 10 years’ worth of studies conducted around the world.

Researchers found that

activity in the brain’s default mode network differed in listening to natural sounds versus man-made sounds.

Natural sounds resulted in

outward focus of attention, whereas man-made sounds evoked an inward focus of attention—a pattern linked to stress.

Head injuries dementia link boosts sports field concerns A SINGLE head injury, like that perhaps suffered in a rugby game or from a header in Gaelic football, could lead to dementia later in life, according to ongoing research.

Such has been a concern in sports circles here and in the UK for some time.

Furthermore, as the number of head injuries a person sustains increases, so does the risk of dementia.

The findings also suggest stronger associations of head injury with risk of dementia among women compared to men.

Head injury in common in many sports, not least boxing. However, a variety of different situations —from car and motorcycle accidents to those sports injuries

— can cause head injuries.

What’s more, it has become increasingly recognised that the effects from head injuries are long-lasting.

The researchers, whose findings appear in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, conducted the investigation using data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study, which aimed to uncover associations between head injury and dementia over the span of 25 years.

Previously, data on traumatic brain injury has been limited to select populations, such as military and medical claims databases.

These are among the first findings to specifically in-

vestigate head injury and dementia risk in civilian populations, as well as among both males and females, in communitybased settings.

“Head injury is a significant risk factor for dementia, but it’s one that can be prevented. Our findings show that the number of head injuries matter — more head injuries are associated with greater risk for dementia,” says Andrea L.C. Schneider, an assistant professor of neurology at the University of Pennsylvania.

“The dose-dependence of this association suggests that prevention of head injury could mitigate some risk of dementia later in life.”

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

Community Group / Feature

Gallant to the ladies, Freney was known as the noblest highwayman in Ireland IMAGINE the early 18th century in Ireland – 100 years before the first railways – travel was dependent on horseback or horse-drawn vehicle. The roads were unsafe. Every county had its highwaymen, outlaws, raparees, and, over the years, in many cases, the line between Robin Hood characters and villains became blurred.

Here in Kilkenny we had our own highwaymen, and one of the best known has written his own story for us.

James Freney was born in Ballyduff, near Inistioge, about the year 1719. His parents worked on the Robbins estate, his father as a labourer who progressed to head gardener and eventually steward, and his mother as a parlour maid. In time, young James was also employed on the estate and was a special favourite of Mrs. Robbins who provided for his schooling. Her hopes and those off his parents for his future were however not realised.

FECKLESS AND INDILGENT Although he was clever and capable he was feckless and self-indulgent and his father told him he would never come to any good. Mrs Robbins

offered him an apprenticeship, but, as he says himself in his autobiography, he preferred “hurling, horse-racing, gaming, dancing and such like diversions.”

In 1742 Mrs Robbins died and James felt free to be his own man, disregarding the advice of both his father and Mr. Robbins. He married, and with the help of his wife’s dowry, he went to Waterford and set up a public house there. This never worked out. He was argumentative in character and between that and local opposition his venture failed. This left him with a feeling of resentment against people in authority which he never really lost.

A CAREER OF CRIME He moved to Thomastown where one of his neighbours turned out to be John Reddy, a former member of the infamous Kellymount gang. Freney fell into debt and, influenced

by Reddy’s advice, decided to embark on what became a career of crime and earned him the name by which he is remembered “Freney the Robber”.

Robbery of cash and silver and gold plate was widespread

in Freney’s Ireland. Anyone possessing such was considered fair game. Robberies took place both in the homes of those with money and on the roads, sometimes with violence. Freney was a clever and daring man and many of his exploits have passed into history, or even mythology.

His own account of his time as a highwayman was written either by himself or with a ghost writer and was first published in 1749 and many times since, most recently by the late Frank McEvoy in 1988.

THE NOBLEST HIGHWAYMAN In 2009, Michael Holden’s Freney the Robber, the Noblest Highwayman in Ireland was published by Mercier Press.

While he may have fallen a bit short of being “Ireland’s Noblest Highwayman” there are nevertheless many instances of him helping people in trouble.

Ald. William Colles of Kilkenny, founder of the Kilkenny marble trade, in a letter in 1749, speculated that Freney was most probably descended from the first Anglo-Norman families in the country, the De la Freynes of Ballyreddy, though whether this

rendered him noble is doubtful.

Colles says that he inherited much of the chivalrous feeling of his knightly ancestors, and although a daring and success-

ful freebooter was unstained by any act of revolting atrocity. He was particularly gallant towards the ladies whom he met in his professional excursions and a woman had no fear of being robbed by him.

The laws were penal and punishment by hanging for robbery was commonplace. Magistrates and police had a system of offering pardon in exchange for betraying and giving evidence against fellow gang members, and this was widely availed of. Robbers lived in constant fear of being “shopped” by their colleagues.

Indeed ultimately James Freney

himself lived by the ethic of his profession and secured his own pardon in this fashion.

James Freney’s career of crime covered a relatively short period of five years.

A NEW PATH AS OFFICER Many years after his pardon he turns up as a “tide-waiter” in New Ross port, i.e. a customs officer who awaited the arrival of ships on the high tide and boarded them to ensure compliance with customs regulations. He was one of the few Irish highwaymen to survive into old age and die in his bed.

In Rothe House Museum in Kilkenny there is a blunderbuss the property of the Loftus family of Mount Loftus, which family tradition says belonged to James Freney. It is 32 inches long and the barrel is 2 inches wide. It weighs 8 lbs – an impressive piece of artillery, which recalls in a vivid way the times in Ireland when highwaymen roamed the roads.

The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper wish to acknowledge the folowing as sources for this article : Peter McQuillan ;Kilkenny Archaeological Society; Rother House Kilkenny; Frank McEvoy.

Another inititive, but what about the last one?

AS we are all getting back to normal more and more programmes have now been advertised for our seniors. In conjunction with the Kilkenny Recreational Sports Partnership have their Movement Minutes for older adults (or anybody really!) each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 11am on their Facebook page. Join in and keep well and active.

As part of a national initiative, the PPN has been tasked by Government with the development of a Vision for Community Wellbeing at a Municipal District and County level. This work will help identify actions that can be undertaken by communities to increase the quality of life in Kilkenny.

What is a Vision for Community Well-being?

Developing a Vision for Community Well-being means thinking about what we have and what we need to help Kilkenny to be as great as it can be for us and for the many generations that follow on from ours.

It is important that our seniors have a major say in these discussions on a vision for the future.

We get Skateboard parks, well what about a senior’s community living space in the abbey quarter?

Our well-being is affected by many things, the economy, the environment, community ser-

vices and more.

The Workshops are online, maybe a more traditional workshop should be planned for when the public health guidelines allow. We can go to the Pub, inside dining, see Kilkenny play hurling, from July 7th so let us have a workshop for seniors that is in a safe environment for all to contribute.

The following is the virtual workshop concept. Unfortunately, we must register online to attend. Now the Twilight Community Group has been engaged in circulating Laptops for free to the communities, however not all our seniors have access. It is very important the Government, Local Authorities and organisations are cognizant of this fact or once again our senior demographic voice will not be heard.

Come along to a virtual workshop!

In progressing this initiative, the PPN is hosting several virtual workshops during the month of June to continue this important conversation. You are invited to attend the workshop for your area: Tuesday 08 June at 7pm: Groups in the Callan-Thomastown Municipal District.

Fill out the registration form below or simply reply to this email and we will register you!

For more information click on our website- https://kilkennyppn.ie/creating-a-vision-forcommunity-well-being-forkilkenny/ To register for the Kilkenny City Workshop on June 01 at 7pm, clickhttps://us02web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZEufu2hqz8rE9f48d7Y YCPhC Y8SIPs9Wnsk To register for the CallanThomastown Workshop on June 08 at 7pm, clickhttps://us02web.zoom.us/ meeting/register/tZEqdeuqDgjHN0TBJJcaLJ9OAy1PRgwEEJ

Spread the Word!!

Please feel free to invite other members of your group or other groups in your community to participate.

What will a Vision for Com-

munity Well-being look like?

Although we often think about well-being in terms of good physical and mental health, it can also describe the wider conditions we need as individuals and communities to have a better quality of life, healthier environment, and increased prosperity. Community Well-being, rather than an individual, is where the conditions applying for everyone in the community are the focus.

So, a community with a high level of well-being is likely to be one where all people have a strong sense of belonging and identity, opportunities to work individually and together for the common good, can support each other through different life stages, access the services they need, live consciously sustainable lives in a positive environment, and are able to participate in the making the decisions that affect them, and so forth.

Under this programme, Kilkenny PPN will consider all the aspects of community wellbeing together to help identify actions that can be undertaken by communities. These aspects include social and community development; environment and sustainability; work, economy, and resources; health; values, culture and meaning; and participation, democracy, and good governance.

It looks and sounds like a great initiative and we wish all involved success in their endeavours, but so was, ‘Remembering Yesterday living today’ a great initiative of a booklet of memories and preferences if a senior had to go to a home , until the HSE and St Luke’s decided they want to have their own patient passport , which was the same but now needed to be redesigned , at a new cost, when one was already in circulation.

Memory Matters launched in 2018 at the Kilkenny Older peoples Conference, where is it now and the promised follow Up? Rather than see a project

through and have a final report on the outcomes of the original objectives our government, locally and nationally, public bodies tend to let the wonderfully expense to publish documents sit on a shelf gathering dust and the belief of ‘Once Published the job is oxo ‘as my senior colleague told me as we spoke about these previous initiatives.

“They want us to do it for them as a Volunteers or our civic duty!

Or our older people’s Council!”

Walking away down main Street he turned as he had to step of the path while a young lad skate to the new skate park and muttered ‘I rest my case’.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

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Eamon and Adam Hayes

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Niamh Buggy and John Kingston

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Johnny Purcell

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CLARA GAA CLARA CHURCH WEBCAM A new webcam has been installed in Clara Church. Sunday Mass at the new time of 10am can be viewed on the following link - https:// churchcamlive.ie/clara-parish-livestream/ CAMOGIE Well done to Mary O Connell who was outstanding on Saturday as Kilkenny enjoyed a rather facile triumph over Offaly in the National League. Mary hit five points from play and was announced as the Player of the Match.

Congratulations to the six Clara girls who were recently involved in county minor trials. Remarkably all six made the final cut, which augurs very well for the future of Clara Camogie. A seventh, Grace Barcoe, is just returning from a long term injury, and would almost certainly have made this squad also if she had attended these trials. The girs who made it were the Ryan twins Katie and Keara, Gráinne Glynn, Emma Shortall, Rachel Whelan and Laoise Nolan. Great stuff girls.

HURLING Like their Camogie counterparts the young Clara lads had strong involvement in the squads when they resumed following the series of lockdowns. There were a total of seven boys in for county minor trials - Harry Boyle, Rory Glynn, Cian Kelly, Ned Langton, Sean Carrigan, Zach Lawlor and Ben Crow. With more Clara lads expected to make the U15 and U14 squads when they resume, again the future looks bright.

O’ LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB JERSEY OFFER Our new juvenile jersey went on sale on the O’Neills online Club Shop this week sponsored by our new partners Eurospar Ireland. To launch the jersey the club is offering a special rate of €30 up to size 11yrs, €35 up to size 14yrs and €40 for the large sizes for a limited time only. Orders will be taking at Juvenile training on, Thursday June 3rd at 6:30pm, and Sunday June 7th at 10:30am After that the jersey will only be available online. #WearYourClubColours #SupportOurSponsors O’LOUGLIN GAELS GAA CLUB LOTTO The Club Lotto continues to roll over and at last Tuesdays draw the jackpot stood at €15,800. This is a main stream fundraiser for the club to update facilities for our young players and we invite all to play.

Jackpots range from €6,000 to €20,000 and it’s so easy to play,just log into www.oloughlingaels.com/ lotto and click the link to play.

HEY ALL, WE WANT YOUR HELP....

McCarthy’s Eurospar at Newpark Shopping Centre Eurospar Ireland are taking over the sponsorship of all our Juvenile Teams. There is a joint loyalty scheme in place whereby shoppers earn money for the club with points gained through their loyalty cards. If you haven’t got one collect one from me and register your name online, and if you already have a card just drop into Miriam in-store and she’ll register you as an O’Loughlin Gaels supporters. It’s not just for members so if you’ve neighbours who shop there ask them to sign their cards to O’Loughlin

Gaels too. It will cost them nothing but will earn funds for our teams. It’s Supereasy!! Thanks

Caroline and Moira, grandchildren and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

Thanks to the McCarthy family for their continued support of O’Loughlin Gaels. #supportinglocalbusiness #shopkilkenny

SYMPATHY Sincere sympathy is extended to Mrs. Marie Quinn of Clintstown Road Freshford and all her family on the death last weekend of her mother Mrs. Bridie Collins late of Fr.Albert Place, Kilkenny. Funeral Mass took place on Monday morning last at St. Marys Cathedral Kilkenny with burial afterwards in Foulkstown Cemetery

USED EQUIPMENT BANK! If you’ve old equipment that’s no longer in use because your family has grown out of them O’Loughlin Gaels GAA would love to take them and have available for our new members.

We are looking for helmets, good hurls and even old club tops that are taking up space in your cupboards, dump rooms or from under the bed!!

Just leave into any team manager or drop in on Sunday mornings (10:30am) or Thursday evenings at 6:30pm to our juvenile sessions.

SUMMER CAMP 21 Registration for Summer Camp 21 this Sunday at the club from 9:30am to 10:30am. Register early and don’t miss out. We’re looking forward to an action packed two weeks with lots of Gaelic Games Activities, loads of fun for the Boys and Girls of O’Loughlin Gaels and likely a few special guests appearing. We welcome our new Juvenile Sponsors Eurospar Ireland .

It’s going to be Lovely Hurling CÚRSA GAEILGE na hÁRDTEISTE LEAVING CERT IRISH COURSE ‘21/’22 Beidh Cúrsa Gaeilge na hÁrdteiste at siúl i Halla an Phobail, Thobhar Eoin an Samhradh seo. Beidh an cúrsa seo dírithe go príomha ar an scrúdú béil agus clúdófar gnéithe éagsula eile de scrúdú na hArdteiste chomh maith.

There will be a Leaving Cert Irish course running in Johnswell Hall this Summer. This course will primarily focus on the Irish Oral Exam and will also feature lessons on Grammer, essay writing , comprehension etc. All the benefits of Gaeltacht style classes without having to travel from home. Áit/ Venue : Johnswell Community Hall Dáta/ Date: 16th to 20th August Am/Time: 10am to 1pm Táille/Cost : €80 Uimhir Teangmhála/Contact: Maria 0876673302, Nick - 0872255751 “Breaths Teanga, í a labhairt!”.

Please also contact the above numbers for an Irish Summer Camp to be held in Johnswell from the 5th to the 9th of July for 4th and 6th classes.

FRESHFORD MAXI PASSES AWAY The sudden death occurred last week of Winston Maxwell late of Woodview Freshford. “Maxi “, as he was known to all who knew him was in his early 70s and although he had been unwell in recent times nevertheless his unexpected passing caused widespread shock and sorrow. He was from Dun Laoghaire County Dublin and came to Freshford back in the early 70s to work as a Saw doctor at the local Saw Services where he remained until its closure. He was outgoing and enjoyed life and loved music and the craic. His remains were removed from Kennedys Funeral home on Thursday morning last for cremation service at 2pm at Newlandscross Crematorium. He is mourned by his wife Joan, his son Roger, daughters

DEATH The death took place last week of Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty ) Dunne (nee Kenny) late of Milford County Carlow and formerly of Clontubrid Freshford.

A private family Funeral mass took place on Sunday morning last at St.Fintans Church Ballinabranna followed by burial in St.Lachtains Cemetery Freshford. She is mourned by her daughter, son in law, sister Kathleen (Freshford) brother, grandchildren, sister in law, nephews, nieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended.

PLAYGROUND There was great news for Freshford Playground recently. The Playground Committee announced that they are to receive a Grant of €125,000 towards their new outdoor activity hub/playground.

The Committee stated that sincere thanks for this goes to Freshford ie, Kilkenny County Council and local Cllr Michael McCarthy for all the hard work and commitment they have put in to date to get them to this stage.

FITNESS CLASSES Fitness classes are resuming outdoors on Mondays and Wednesday evenings catering for all levels of fitness. Individual and group sessions available also. For further information please contact Tommy on 083 1069291 COMMEMORATION The organisers of the Knocknagress Commemoration in Tullaroan have announced that the 100th Anniversary Commemoration has been postponed until further notice because of COVID restrictions. They hope the event will go ahead later in the year.

TIDY TOWNS NEWS Freshford Tidy Towns were delighted to launch their Community Action for Biodiversity workshops recently.

The highly educational, practical and enjoyable workshops takes place with Eva Holmes and commenced two weeks ago on Wednesday evenings. Participants gather in the Millennium Park at 7pm each weeks.

The course will look at suitable pollinator plants for hanging baskets and they will use these skills to plant the village hanging baskets. This course is free to all with all covid procedures in place.

WORKS Preliminary works, including drainage have taken place on the LS 5005 and the LS 5008 at Clashacrow and Sart ,Freshford,in preparation for a full Macadam overlay which will take place in the coming weeks.

Local Cllr. Michael Mc Carthy would like to acknowledge the Area engineer and his staff for their help.

Cllr. McCarthy also stated that remedial work will be carried out on the Loop walk in the coming weeks.

The area beneath the wood will be

the main focus of these works and is being out in conjunction with the Parks Department of Kilkenny County Council under the Outdoor Infrastructure Recreational fund.

PARISH NEWS With the lifting of some Covid 19 restrictions recently Masses and Church services are one of the restrictions to be lifted. During lockdown the church has always been open for private prayer each day. Mass resumed on 12th March and continues in St.Lachtains Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and each Sunday at 11am with a limited number of 50 people. Mass resumed in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 8pm with numbers limited to 25 due to social distancing requirements. It is however most important that we continue to wear masks, main social distancing and sanitise our hands and it is very important that you do not attend if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid 19. Freshford Parish website is now live and can be found at www.parishoffreshford. com. They will continue to add content in the coming weeks and if you have any suggestions as always just send an email to the Parish office and thanks to all those who have contributed to date.

NOTICES The parish newsletter continued to be issued each week during the restrictions.

The Parish office is open each morning 9.30am to1pm (except Wednesdays).

If you have a community notice you would like included in the weekly newsletter you should submit details of same in person to Freshford Parish office before 1pm on Thursdays or you can email same to Freshford@ ossory.ie MASS CARDS Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory. ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy on that number or on 087 25235 There will be no celebration of First Communion or Confirmation for months to come Children of second class due to receive their first Communion may wait till later in the year.

FAMILY CARERS IRELAND Card scheme Family Carers Ireland in partnership with An Garda Siochana,the National Ambulance Service Community First Responder Schemes, The Irish Red Cross and The Order of Malta has developed an EMERGENCY CARD SCHEME for family carers. When a family carer has an unplanned hospital admission there is a risk that the person who needs their care and support could be left at home alone and uncared for .The Emergency Card scheme is intended to give peace of mind to family carers as well as ensuring that the person they care for remains safe in such emergencies For more details on the Scheme visit their website on www.familycarers. ie or call their Freephone careline on 1800240724 PAWS FOR CAUSE The team at Family Carers Ireland are hoping that you will get behind their upcoming fundraising and

awareness campaign, Paws for a Cause. Raising much needed funds for their depleted National Crisis Fund, Paws is aiming to get the people (and pooches if you own one!) of Ireland walking 24k during National Carers Week (Mon 7thSun 13th June) in solidarity with Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers and the 24/7 nature of care they selflessly provide.

Family Carers Ireland has never been more caring as a charity but they also have never experienced such a fall in fundraising income as we have this year. Even with hope in sight, thousands of family carers are still experiencing enormous challenges e.g. not being prioritised for the vaccine, reduced day services, coping with working from home whilst juggling care in the home, dealing with behaviours that challenge, balancing households on low income and constantly having to fight the system. They are the national charity dedicated to supporting the 1 in 8 people in a caring role but they simply cannot do this without the support of people and companies like you.

They are simply asking for €20 to register for the walk, for which you will get 10% off purchases with their partner www.buy4petsonline.ie, 30% off a pair of Skechers and 20% off a B&B booking with the Neville Hotel Group. For an extra €10, you can buy a FCI branded t-shirt and an additional fiver will get you a doggy bandana!

HOWEVER! If you wanted to fundraise as a team, that would be amazing! You can easily raise money for their charity through Facebook, idonate or Given Gain.

Their crisis Fund has been a practical life line for family carers most affected by Covid. They have bought bite proof clothing, specialised hydrotheraphy baths, sensory clothing, helped complete vital housing adaptation projects, put food on tables and oil in tanks.

But after 15 months of demand, their fund is nearing zero. So please help them help family carers as they believe no one should have to care alone. Please register to walk today and join them next month in walking together in support of family carers.

SOCCER NEWS Since the lifting of further restrictions Freshford Town soccer club have all underage teams back in training with matches resuming after June 10th.

Training for 5-8 year olds has also resumed and continues each Saturday morning at Woodview from 12noon to 1pm.

Freshford Junior side have been drawn against Thomastown B in the Cup competition.

POSTPOINT Local corner shop – O’Shea’s Newsagents announced recently that they are now agents for An Post Postpoint. You can buy your stamps there, top up with Vodafone,3Three,ie An Post mobile ,Lyca mobile or Eir, or pay your bills.

Over 130 bills can now be paid at O’Shea’s Newsagents and this is a great service for the Community of Freshford and surrounding parishes.

GAA NEWS St.Lachtains GAA club are delighted to announce that Drive in Bingo is back! The popular drive in bingo

will take place on Sunday afternoon next, 6th June starting at 2pm sharp with a prize fund of €2,500 on the day. Single book - €10, Double book €20, Children €5 (including Jackpot sheet) Eircode R95T6D8. All at St.Lachtins once again look forward to seeing you there and bring your friends along.

With the GAA season kicking into gear there will be a lot more numbers in the hurling pitch and St.Lachtains Club would like to emphasise the need for everyone to take extra care and keep safety the top priority while in the grounds.

MEMBERSHIP With the start of the GAA year in sight it is very important to have membership paid up. Having membership will mean all will be included into potential draws for upcoming GAA fixtures if crowd limits are brought in as a rule.

Membership can be paid to any Committee member.

KINANE & McGREE TOURNAMENT The annual Philip Kinane Cup and Colin McGree Shield Tournaments began last weekend at Pairc Lachtain. Four teams participated with Jack Daltons team, Jamie Denieffe’s team, Colin McGree’s and Cian Donnelly’s all in action.

The finals will take place on Bank Holiday Monday next with full report next week.

DICKSBORO UNDER AGE HURLING Great to see Palmerstown and James Park buzzing this evening with our youngest hurlers back in the Boro! Well done everyone involved. Parents are advised to download Clubzap App to follow the Covid Protocols. Please see relevant clubzap groups for training schedules.

CONDOLENCES Dicksboro GAA & Camogie Club would like to send condolences to the Everard Family on the death of John Johnny Everard. Johnnys son Enda and his family are involved with all things underage with all teams hurling and camogie in the club. May he rest in peace. https://rip.ie/death-notice/johnjohnny-everard-templetuohytipperary/459625 CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results May 28th 2021 Nos: 8– 2– 29– 18 Jackpot: €2,900– not won Draw Prizes – €50: john kennedy (c/o online) €25 each ken maher c/o online €25 each speedy c/o ned buggy €25 each alan dunne c/o stella doyle €25 each pasty murphy c /o ann tynan Promoters prize - gerry o neill Next week’s (June4th 27th) Jackpot – €3,000 Club Lotto: We are encouraging every Dicksboro family to support the Clubs Fundraising efforts by signing up to the Club Lotto. https:// dicksborogaa.com/categories/lotto/ products MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION Registration is now due and should be in place prior to resumption of play. This needs to be paid before entering the pitch. https://www. dicksborogaa.com/membership_ products

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Community & GAA Notes SUMMER CAMP SAVE THE DATES DICKSBORO SUMMER CAMP 5 Day Summer Camp open for Boys and Girls.

JULY 26th -30th AUGUST 16th - 20th Come for one week or both.

BOOKING SYSTEM Online https:// www.dicksborogaa.com/summercamp DICKSBORO GAA ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC Dicksboro GAA will host its Annual Golf Classic in the Kilkenny Golf Club on Friday 23st of July 2021.This event has been a very successful event in the past and we are encouraging all members, supporters, former players, and friends of the club to support this fundraising event. Please see below link on how to register https://dicksborogaa.clubzap.com/ product PITCH SIDE BUSINESS ADVERTS Should your business want to arrange an advertising hoarding at our Club grounds click here for details: https://www.dicksborogaa. com/products For any queries contact any committee member. https://www.dicksborogaa.com/ contact (Camogie contact runai Ted Carroll (086) 837 6544)

KILMANAGH DIAMOND JUBILEE Hearty congratulations to Joan and Jack Ronan, Knockeengloss who celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary recently. Here’s to many more.

THANK YOU The committee of the David Lanigan Memorial Fund would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who cleared out their wardrobes and donated clothes to our recent fundraisers. We held three clothes recycling collections over the past six months and have raised over €2000 for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

SCRAP METAL The annual Scrap Metal Collection in aid Naomh Aodhán Community Centre, Kilmanagh will take place on Saturday July 10 & Sunday July 11. Thanks once again to the Harris Family for the generous use of their Yard for this fund raiser.

LOCAL LINK BUS SERVICE The Local Link Bus Service from Kilmanagh to Kilkenny continues to operate at 50% capacity every Tuesday. To book on for this service please call on 1890 424 141 or 056 771 5912 Monday to Friday 09.00 to 16.30pm.

MASS SAFETY – BALLYCALLAN PARISH · A maximum of 50 people are allowed in our three churches. · Face coverings are still required, whether you’ve had a vaccine shot or not. · Please listen to the advice of the stewards, they are there for everyone’s benefit. · Please sanitise before and after you leave the church. · Funerals and weddings are limited to 50 indoors. Baptisms are limited to just 6 until at least June.

MASS ON THE INTERNET You can now view Mass on Tuesday & Friday at 10am and Saturday evening at 6.30pm on our webcam. We

recommend using Google Chrome App or Web browser for viewing this live service.

NEW CANDELABRAS Fr. Liam Taylor is pleased that people like the new candelabra that is placed in Killaloe church. It uses the latest in wax technology and produces zero waste (there are no cases to throw out).

In trying to improve our environmental impact, we will, over the summer months, replace the candelabras in Kilmanagh and the Marian shrine in Killaloe. We will also replace the Sacred Heart one on Ballycallan.

CEMETERY CLEAN-UP Thanks to all who gave their time to the clean-up at Ballykeeffe Cemetery last Friday night, Your work is appreciated. Please take home withered wreaths and flowers, don’t leave it for someone else to tidy up.

SOCCER NEWS The re-booted 2020-21 local soccer season will comprise of the usual knockout competitions. The draws for these were made recently and the games will take place between mid June and July. In the McCalmont Cup (first round), River Rangers are drawn away versus Evergreen B, whilst in the Ken & Michael Byrne (Div 2) Cup, its Castlewarren Celtic v River Rangers in the quarter final tie.

FAMILY CARERS FUNDRAISER The team at Family Carers Ireland are hoping that you will get behind our upcoming fundraising and awareness campaign, Paws for a Cause. Raising much needed funds for our depleted National Crisis Fund, Paws is aiming to get the people (and pooches if you own one!) of Ireland walking 24k during National Carers Week (Mon 7th- Sun 13th June) in solidarity with Ireland’s 500,000+ family carers and the 24/7 nature of care they selflessly provide.

Family Carers Ireland has never been more caring as a charity, but we also have never experienced such a fall in fundraising income as we have this year. Even with hope in sight, thousands of family carers are still experiencing enormous challenges e.g., not being prioritised for the vaccine, reduced day services, coping with working from home whilst juggling care in the home, dealing with behaviours that challenge, balancing households on low income and constantly having to fight the system. We are the national charity dedicated to supporting the 1 in 8 people in a caring role, but we simply cannot do this without the support of people and companies like you.

We’re simply asking for €20 to register for the walk, for which you will get 10% off purchases with our partner www.buy4petsonline.ie, 30% off a pair of Skechers and 20% off a B&B booking with the Neville Hotel Group. For an extra €10, you can buy a FCI branded t-shirt and an additional fiver will get you a doggy bandana! You can register by logging on to www.familycarers.ie.

HOWEVER! If you wanted to fundraise as a team, that would be amazing! You can easily raise money for our charity through Facebook, idonate or Given Gain.

Our Crisis Fund has been a practical lifeline for family carers most

affected by Covid. We have bought bite proof clothing, specialised hydrotherapy baths, sensory clothing, helped complete vital housing adaptation projects, put food on tables and oil in tanks. But after 15 months of demand, our fund is nearing zero. Please help us help family carers as we believe no one should have to care alone.

Please register to walk today and join us next month in walking together in support of family carers.

MINING HISTORY NEWS The Commons Old School Community Centre & Mining Museum are delighted to let all the local mining community and mining heritage enthusiasts know that over the next few months, with support from The Heritage Council through the Community Heritage Grant Scheme, they will be working towards producing a virtual tour of the mine sites in the Slieveardagh Coalfield.

This tour is a very popular event organised out of the Old School during Heritage Week each year and, from this year on, it will also be available online regardless of what restrictions may be in place in August. They have also worked on the exhibition in The Old School during the lockdowns and will be sharing the exhibition online, so an exciting summer lies ahead. By the autumn there will be an online virtual museum with new videos and lots of images, and our local mining heritage can be visited from all around the world. ​ FIRST HOLY COMMUNION The following dates are planned for the Sacraments this year: · Tullaroan Confirmation: September 18th at 11am in Tullaroan. · Ballycallan First Confession: Tuesday September 21st at 7pm Kilmanagh. · Ballycallan First Holy Communion: Saturday, September 25th at 11am (venue to be decided) · Tullaroan First Confession: Tuesday September 28th at 7pm in Tullaroan. · Tullaroan Holy Communion: Saturday October 2nd at 11am in Tullaroan.

Our hope is that the vaccine rollout will be well underway by then and there will be less risk of infection from our gatherings. However, there will, most likely, be restrictions on numbers gathering indoors, even in September, so families should plan accordingly.

FREE BOOK During the last lockdown, Fr. Eamon Kelly, who tirelessly promotes the charity Mary’s Meals, gathered together some photos he took from a recent trip to Africa (financed by himself), wrote some poetry based on those photos, twisted the arm of a publisher to print it for free and is now distributing these for sale at €6.10c. We are giving the book free of charge to you this weekend and if you like it, then you might consider donating the €6.10c to Mary’s Meals.

And if you don’t like it, or can’t afford it, then keep it as a shelf filler. It’s very colourful, the poems are great and it’s for a good cause. And you may ask, as I did, why charge only €6.10c, to which Fr. Eamon replies, ‘because at €6.10c, if you buy three, you can feed a child for a year! Easy to tell he used to be a salesman.

The books will be handed out after Mass.

PARISH NEWS 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.

URLINGFORD EMERALDS GAA CLUB Split the pot: Every Sunday night at 8pm. Get your envelopes in local shops for your chance to share half the pot. This week Caroline Broderick shars the pot with the club. Well done Caroline!

Mega Bingo: Returns this Sunday at 6pm at Urlingford GAA pitch. Gates open at 5pm. Single books and 1 sheet €10; Double books and 2 sheets €15. Extra jackpot sheet €3 or two for €5.

Equipment Recycling: Accepting secondhand boots, hurls and helmets (both hurling and camogie).

Please place in a black sack for drop off collection point in clubgrounds tomorrow, (Thursday) from 5.30 to 7.30pm.

EMERALDS CAMOGIE CLUB Fundraiser in aid of St Anne’s / Emeralds Intermediate Camogie Club.

13 Hour Spinathon starting June 5 at 8am and finishing at 9pm.

Girls will be spinninig in Johnstown and Urlingford.

Sponsorship cards available from all players. Please support.

MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Two House Vacancies at St Kieran’s Homes for the Elderly, Urlingford: The homes were built with donations from the three parishes, Galmoy, Johnstown & Urlingford and a Kilkenny County Council housing grant.

They comprise of 9 houses in total (6 single and 3 double) and are available for parishioners of the three parishes. Rent is paid by a Kilkenny County Council subsidy and nominal rent from residents.

The homes were built to house the elderly people in a safe and secure setting.

Please contact Sue in the Mill Family Resource Centre on 056 8838466 for an application form.

The Mill Allotments: The allotments and garden are now open to the public from 9am to 6pm Mon to Fri each week.

Courses: Health Care Level 5: We are recruiting for new learners for the Health Care Level 5 course commencing in September 2021.

Pathway to Employment Course, Level 4: We are also recruiting for the Pathway to Employment Level 4 course which will be commencing in September 2021.

Please contact Sue or Kevin in the Mill Family Resource Centre for more information on these courses and application forms on 056 8838466.

Community Bank Savings: Savings has now re-commenced at the centre. Please contact the centre for more information, if required.

Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine on 056 8838466.

Counselling Services: Teens from age 12 upwards, adult and family low cost counselling services are available at the Mill Family Resource Centre, please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment on 056 8838466.

Knitting/Crochet Class: Our weekly

knitting & crochet class will resume at the Mill Resource Centre from today (Wednesday), from 2pm-4.30pm.

New members are welcome.

URLINGFORD LIBRARY Is now open on a Book and Browse system. All you need to do is ring 056 7794182 and book a 30 minute slot on any of the days the library is open.

Tuesday 10am-7.30pm; Thursday 10am-4.30pm; Friday 10am-1pm; Saturday 10am-1pm.

Bring your library card and face mask.

LOCAL LINK BUS SERVICE The Local Link Bus Service Urlingford area - Urlingford & Galmoy to Kilkenny services continue to operate at 50% capacity every Tuesday.

To book for either of these services please call 1890 424141 or 056 7715912 Monday to Friday 9am to 4.30pm.

URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396.

URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail. com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address.

GOWRAN GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT A presentation was made to our special club member Lar Gibbons to acknowledge his dedication and outstanding contribution to our club for more than 50 years. Lar has given a lifetime of commitment to the club and it was fitting he was awarded lifetime Honorary membership as a small acknowledgment for all he has done for the club over the years.

Thanks for everything Lar. MOLLY’S TEA ROOM Molly’s Tea Room is open again every Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm. This will be for take away only in preparation for when restrictions are eased again.

GOWRAN PARISH Mass is being streamed every morning, Monday to Friday at 9.30am and Sunday mass at 11.30am on Gowran Parish Facebook page.

GOWRAN PRESCHOOL The Preschool will open back up for afterschool this coming September.

The hours of operation will be 2pm to 5.30pm - places will be limited and must be booked in advance.

Afterschool will be provided as per Gowran National School Calendar and will be operating the NCS Childcare scheme. Please contact Deirdre/Mags on 056 7733667 or email gowranpreschool@gmail.com to discuss further.

GOWRAN HOUSE Gowran House is open to the public at weekends from 2pm till 6pm New items have been added, and the 3 keystones from the Alms will be on display. Masks are required unless exempt, social distancing can be always maintained.

100k FOR MAY Local 17-year-old, Brogan McAviney is aiming to swim 100K Open Water throughout the month of May. He is doing this to raise funds and awareness for mental health and suicide prevention all over Ireland through Pieta House. If you’d like to support this great cause you can do so at GoFundMe. YOUNG IRELANDS GAA Golf classic takes place on Friday, 9th and Saturday, 10th July. Teams of four cost €200 including meal.

Jackpot is now worth €6,300, buy in local shops or buy online.

Congratulations to Steffi Fitzgerald playing for Kilkenny Camogie team who had a great win over Offaly at the weekend and got a point from play which will see them progress to the knockout stages of the league.

CARRICKSHOCK Carrickshock Camogie wishes to extend a big welcome back to all our players and families, Hugginstown is a hive of activity an Wednesday evenings with girls from u6 to adult learning their camogie skills. Matches for all age groups will begin from mid June, but remain subject to covid 19 public health guidelines.

Membership remains open and all are welcome club details are available on www.foireann.ie

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

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Golf

Golf NOTES

Results of Men’s Singles Stableford 29th & 30th May Sponsored by Mulhall Brothers Bespoke Kitchens 1st Martin Ring 42pts (21) 2nd Bobby Todd 40pts (28) 3rd Michael Coogan 39 pts (12).

Best Gross Jason Brennan 34 pts (3) Class 1 (handicap (1-10) Karel O’ Donnell (3) 37pts.

Class 2 (11-18) Ciaran O Neill (12) 38 pts b9.

Class 3 (19-28) Liam Mooney (26) 38 pts b9 Results of Men’s Singles Stableford 26th & 37th May 1st Declan Dooley 39pts (6) 2nd Brendan Dooley) (9) 35pts Results of Ladies’ Singles Stableford 29th & 30th May Sponsored by Ned Kelly Motors 1st Mary Brophy 38pts (27) 2nd Joan Brennan 36pts (16) 3rd Nuala Mahon35 pts (19).

Seniors Golf Results (Wed 26th May) 1st Christy Comerford (14), Gerry O Neill (29), Eamon McEvoy (29), Mick McGrath (37) 83 pts.

2nd Johnny Brennan (13), Tom Mooney (17), Seamus Brennan (25) 76pts.

3rd Ml. Doheny (19), Marty Connolly (24), Pat Kelly (35) 73 pts.

Ladies Captain (Patrica Brennan) and Men’s Captain (John Lacey)

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

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Advertorial

Waterford Greenway Just a 45 minute drive from Kilkenny City, plan a great day out this summer taking in the sights on a leisurely cycle along Ireland’s longest greenway

T

here was once a railway line connecting almost every city and town in Ireland. While most are no longer in use, some areas have really made the best use of the old railway structures. The Waterford-Dungarvan railway is one which has been converted into a truly stunning cycle and walking route now known as the Waterford Greenway. The 46km long route follows the coastline with some inland sections and offers breathtaking views as it follows old railway lines from the pretty harbour town of Dungarvan, through the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains and onto the lively Waterford City. Open since 2017, it is the longest greenway in the country and features 11 bridges, 3 viaducts and a tunnel.

Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours & Bike Hire offers premium bike hires, breakdown assistance, and a Greenway shuttle bus service covering the full Waterford Greenway. They have two key bike pick up locations in Kilmacthomas and Dungarvan and all shops have direct Greenway access. You will not encounter any traffic which is very important with families for safety and peace of mind.

They have a wide range of bikes for hire which means that you can pick the perfect bicycle for you, your friends, or your family.

Available are mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids, electric bikes, kids’ bikes, and trailers for young children. Treat yourself to Kalkhoff Electric Bikes which are among Europe’s most recognised and trusted electric bicycle brands.

These bikes come fitted with an

award-winning Impulse system, which provides more acceleration and more consistent assistance than other e-bike power systems.

With a battery capacity to make 150-kilometre rides possible, you don’t need to worry about power on your cycle along the Waterford Greenway.

Along the Waterford Greenway, there are some stunning sights: - The world-famous Mount Congreve Gardens (directly accessible from the Greenway) - The Durrow 7-arch Viaduct - The Kilmacthomas 8-arch stone viaduct - The Ballyvoyle brick-lined tunnel - The lovely town of Dungarvan, with its stunning views across Dungarvan Bay You can walk part of the way, cycle in both directions or cycle one way and get the bus back to Dungarvan or Kilmacthomas from Waterford with plenty of pit-stops and trailside attractions along the way. Exploring the 46km route really is a perfect short break. The Waterford Greenway is divided in 6 sections, each of which comes with its own set of sightseeing spots. As it is mostly flat, even if you are not an experienced cyclist, this is truly a great way to see the sights with no worries about rough terrain or busy roads. Cycling the Waterford Greenway is a terrific day out for all the family.

Don’t forget to contact Waterford Greenway Cycle Tours and Bike Hire on 085 7858932 to make a booking and redeem your discount voucher attached below. www.waterfordgreenway.com

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

Community Group

Romanian Sport and Athletes:

and Irina Spîrlea, and the second Romanian woman to win a Grand Slam singles title after Ruzici. She is also the first Romanian woman to be ranked No. 1 and the first Romanian player to win a Wimbledon singles title. Halep is regarded as one of the best returners on the WTA Tour, while also building her game around being aggressive and being able to hit winners from defensive positions.

Did you know that we have our own Romanian football star in Kilkenny?

KFFL fans would probably recognize the name Fanica Focsa.

Born in Vaslui, Romania, in March 1963, he was always an active child. He started playing football form a young age and won several competitions in Romania. When he came to Ireland, he started working at JM Steel.LTD, but he never forgot Gheorghe his true love Gică Hagi for football.

He started playing in 2014 I r i s h a n d football 2015, in 2004 as well at Outas the sider W T A United Fan Fawhere vorite he was Singles promoted Player of the from the 3rd Year for three league to the 1st consecutive years league. Among his in 2017, 2018, and successes, he won the 2019. She is the third Romanian Kilkenny Floodlit League Playto be in the top 10 of the WTA er of the year award 2013/2014 rankings after Virginia Ruzici and the Kilkenny Floodlit

Promoting EU Citizenship through Sport

Simona Halep

BY ALEXANDRA LAZA

SPORT is a social and economic phenomenon in continuous development. Sport promotes the active contribution of EU citizens to society and its specific character often leads to social and cultural integration by removing barriers.

Romania has its own glory regarding the world wild sport past 50 years. In 2004, he was arena. There were several athnamed by Pelé as one of the 125 letes that emerged from RoGreatest Living Footballers at a manian society and brought FIFA Awards CeremonyIn 1999, many medals and fame to Rohe was ranked at number 25 in manians.

World Soccer Magazine’s list of Football (locally known as the 100 greatest players of the soccer), or “fotbal” in Roma20th century. nian one of the most popular Following his retirement in sports in the world produced 2001, Hagi coached the RomaGheorghe “Gică” Hagi ; born 5 nian national team, as well as February 1965) is a Romanian clubs in both Romania and Turfootball manager and former key, namely Bursaspor, Galaprofessional player, who played tasaray, Politehnica Timișoara, as an attacking midfielder. He is FCSB, and Viitorul Constanța. currently the owner of RomaIn 2009, he founded Romanian nian club Viitorul Constanța. club Viitorul Constanța, which During the 1980s and ‘90s, Hagi he has coached between 2014 was considered one of the best and 2020. Hagi also established players in the world and is rethe Gheorghe Hagi Football garded by many as the greatest Academy, one of the largest Romanian footballer of all time. football academies in SouthFans of Turkish club Galatasaeastern Europe. ray, with whom Hagi ended his But Romania excelled at career, called him “Comandanmany sports and one of them te” (“The Commander”), while would be gymnastics. he was known as “Regele” Who does not know Nadia (“The King”) to Romanian supComaneci? porters. Nicknamed “The Maradona of the Carpathians”, he was a creative advanced playmaker renowned for his dribbling, technique, vision, passing and shooting.

He was named Romanian Footballer of the Year a record seven times and is regarded as one of the best football players of his generation. Hagi was nominated six times for the Ballon d’Or, his best performance being a 4th place in 1994. In November 2003, to celebrate UEFA’s Jubilee, Hagi was selected as the Golden Player of Romania by the Romanian Football Federation as their most Nadia Comaneci outstanding player of the

Fanica Focsa

In 1976 at the age of 14, Nadia Comăneci was the first gymnast to be awarded a perfect score of 10.0 at the Olympic Games. At the same Games (1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal), she received six more perfect 10s for events en route to winning three gold medals. At the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Nadia won two more gold medals and attained two more perfect 10s. During her career, Nadia won nine Olympic medals and four World Artistic Gymnastics Championship medals.

In 2000, she was named as one of the Athletes of the 20th Century by the Laureus World Sports Academy.

Of course, we can’t forget the star of our days, the tennis woman Simona Halep.

Born 27 September 1991) is a Romanian professional tennis player. She has been ranked world No. 1 in singles twice between 2017 and 2019. In total, she has been No. 1 for 64 weeks, which ranks tenth in the history of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. Halep was the year-end No. 1 in 2017 and 2018. She has finished each year ranked no lower than No. 4 since 2014 and has the longest active streak of being ranked in the top 10. She has won 22 WTA singles titles and has finished runner-up 17 times. Halep has won two Grand Slam singles titles: the 2018 French Open and the 2019 Wimbledon Championships.

Halep was the WTA Most Popular Player of the Year for two consecutive years

League Division 2 R-UP.Back in 2013, when at the age of 50 years old, he played in the same team with his son and 2 generations of the same family playing in the same game for the same team is not something you would see every day.

He celebrated his 50th birthday by scoring a last-minute goal.

He played 6 seasons for OS. In 2017 he resigned from OS and created his own football team JM Sell that was sponsored by his own employer JM Steel Ltd. He was a brilliant couch and player, bringing his team form the 3rd league to the 1st league.

In 2019, at age of 56 he retired from his manager position but played another year for OS United and he made his official retirement as a player in 2020.

He still likes to play football occasionally and he also loves to dance. The activity keeps him” green,” as we Romanians like to say.

This article is supported by the Romanian Twighlight Community Group Contact: kclw.ro@twighlight.ie

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Travel

Philadelphia, Here I Come ...

Historic landmarks and cultural creativity form a rich tapestry of art, music, food and night life in the City of Brotherly Love.

Paul Hopkins recalls the city, now National Heritage site, he will return to when the corridor reopens for the fully vacinated I ARRIVE in the City of Brotherly Love on foot of good news.

Philadelphia has not long since been honoured as the first city in North America to be declared a World Heritage Site.

It’s well-deserved, I am to learn in my sojourn in the Pennsylvanian city — not, as I erroneously thought, the state capital as Pennsylvania bizarrely has no capital city — and not surprising as this city of 1.5 million souls is steeped in the history of America’s forefathers.

Less than two hours by Greyhound bus from New York, Philly is a city of charming neighbourhoods and myriad world-class museums. There has been a slew of openings in the last decade of chic boutiques, great watering holes, and an ever-expanding realm of restaurants and stylish hotels.

I decamp at The Sonesta Hotel, downtown in the heart of the city, just eight miles from the airport and half a mile from the local Amtrak station. Sonesta proves a welcoming and stylish, yet functional, respite, offering 439 newly redesigned rooms and 23 suites.

On Market Street, it is a straight run down to City Hall — in which a tiny elevator will take you to the top with wonderful views of the city — and straight on again to Independence Square and the historic quarters.

The Sonesta is an ideal place from which to explore this very THE Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has proposed a “one night, one dollar” promotion, which would see the Thai Government subsidise the cost of a guests first night, for all hotel stays up to around $100, give or take.

A decision on the bold new campaign is expected this month, to help stimulate forward bookings.

Thailand has proved increasingly popular with the Irish in recent years, its people renowned for their hospitality and friendliness.

TAT estimates this would bring 70,000 rooms a night into the equation, with up to a million room bookings made via the promotion in July, where tourism reopens to this fully vaccinated.

It’s expected that if the plan garners support and becomes reality, a similar playbook could be opened for Chiang Mai, Krabi and other areas which will see quarantine free travel return in October.

Thailand doesn’t want tourism back, it needs it.

Many Thai islands, known for their fabled beauty and natural wonder, are now sad reminders of a world largely without travel. Boarded up restaurants, graffiti and peo-

City of Brotherly Love: Philadelphia is compact city easy to navigate

walkable (and compact) city on foot, though local transport is good, frequent and cheap.

The hotel’s Art Bar hosts (obviously) an art gallery, but then the whole city is like one large gallery of art and cultural artifacts. The Barnes Foundation brings together one of the world’s great collections of works by Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani among others.

There’s also the Rodin Museum and the African American Museum and on the streets you can discover some of the 3,500 murals scattered around

the ‘mural capital of the world’.

Walk or take the two-hour bus tour of graffiti at its most inspiring.

Whether you join the Rocky fans imitating Sylvester Stallone by running up the 72 steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art or, like me, climb at a more leisurely pace, you too can be rewarded with a great view of the city. Punching the air and shouting “Adrian” is entirely optional!

My most memorable museum visit was to the American Museum of Jewish History —

the only one in the US — featuring more than 1,000 artifacts, films and interactive technology. My three hours there are not enough to explore this fascinating museum, but I do get to tinkle the ivories of Irving Berlin’s piano, on which he composed so many memorable songs.

A stroll through Independence National Historical Park is a must to get a sense of the history and politics of America.

After all, it was in this very area that America’s first administration was planned and dwelt before the White House became

home to their presidents. And here, too, is the original Liberty Bell, that iconic symbol of American independence, and the home of Thomas Jefferson, principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

Philadelphia is a foodie’s fantasy come to fruition. For breakfast and lunch I sample the specialty foods and fresh farm produce at the historic (and always bustling) Reading Terminal Market, with its strong Dutch overtones, and where more than 100 merchants sell their goods.

My first evening takes me for dinner to Opa on Sansom Street for a mouth-watering experience of Greek fare — all for under $25.

El Vez on 13th Street has me salivating with what must be the best guacamole (laced with goat’s cheese) north of the Mexican border. And margaritas to die for.

My final night has me fine dining at Russet in the city’s Rittenhouse Square, an intimate restaurant offering a French and Italian inspired menu that changes regularly and with the seasons. I have eaten in some of the finest places on four continents, but this brick townhouse is way up there.

Nearby I visit Vesper, which looks like an upmarket Irish bar but is, in fact, a modern twist on a speakeasy. The entrance is through a large fake book case and you need a secret word, which changes nightly, to gain access to a very special experience, in this terrific throwback to those days of Prohibition.

Philadelphia and its people move at a more leisurely pace than their frenetic neighbours in New York, but that is such a blessing when exploring a city where historic landmarks and cultural creativity come together to make for a vibrant tapestry of art, history, nightlife, food and music.

My three days is simply not enough to take it all in. I shall return.

Thailand considers hotel first night for $1!

Beautiful Thailand: first night stay for practically nothing

ple clinging on without work are a sad reality.

To counter the sentiment, Thailand recently confirmed its aggressive plan to al-

low quarantine free travel to Phuket from July 1 for all vaccinated travellers, but, after many delays, and still many questions as to “how”,

the bookings haven’t stacked up.

Now, in an increased effort to drum up interest to this remote Southeast Asian won-

der, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is exploring a “one night, one dollar” campaign to lure visitors back in.

The Thai tourism authori-

ties are desperate to get people booking Phuket for its July 1 reopening date, and history would say good deals are a great place to start.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

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TV & Streaming

5

Women apart: Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd) and June Osborne (Elisabeth Moss)

to watch on Netflix 1. THE PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER

Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, and Ezra Miller star in this adaptation of writer and director Stephen Chbosky’s frequently challenged novel. Perks distills teen angst, trauma, and the slings and arrows of unrequited love into a story that celebrates misfits when they struggle to celebrate themselves. It also gets points for a very poignant use of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’.

2. ABOUT TIME

The Handmaid’s Tale in the time of coronavirus WATCHING The Handmaid’s Tale it’s hard not to recall how quickly communities can come together, or disintegrate. The gift of The Handmaid’s Tale (RTE2 and Player) is prescience, that is the fact of knowing something in advance. From Margaret Atwood’s 1985 book being a harbinger of the conservative politics of the Reagan era, to the show’s eerie echoes of Donald Trump’s presidency, every incarnation speaks to the generation that receives it.

Season 4 of The Handmaid’s Tale functions quite the same. The totalitarian theocracy of Gilead still looks like an America where the country’s puritanical politics have run amok. Its antihero protagonist June

(Elisabeth Moss) still serves as a stand-in for any woman who has seen her autonomy stripped away, and an avatar for the anger they feel when it is.

All of the parallels that existed in seasons past between Handmaids and modern women seeking selfdetermination are still there.

Yet, in the show’s fourth season, it is the nuances— the subtle grief, the lost moments—that hit the hardest.

The reason for this is simple: The finale of the series’ previous season aired in August 2019, roughly four months before Covid-19 emerged, nearly seven months before the first lockdown, and what feels like a lifetime before the moment we’re in now.

The last season existed in a world before quarantine, before social distancing, before a pandemic turned face masks into something to be fought over. Put bluntly, it happened before our current crisis. The Handmaid’s Tale has always felt relevant because it takes systemic issues like reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights and gives them faces, narratives — and villains to be overthrown. Like someone looked at patriarchy and said “computer, enhance.” But as this current season rolls out, its grit lies in the way people cope.

To be clear, nothing about living with a pandemic is like living in a totalitarian society. Not really. The women of Gilead confront torture and

indignities far removed from day-to-day life in lockdown.

Yet, one of the underlying themes of the show has always been how grief and trauma change people, push them to do things they wouldn’t normally do.

Existing under constant threat — whether it’s from the government or a formerly unknown virus — produces anxieties and levels of dread that must be endured, survived. In Covid-19 times, those realities have manifested in everything from fights over getting vaccinated to facing the huge disparities in which groups are being hardest hit by the virus. The world’s social contracts were never ideal to begin with, but they’ve been massively disrupted in the last year.

Three for the kids on Disney + 1. WRECK-IT RALPH Wreck-It Ralph is the definition of fun. In this animated comedy, the dejected video game villain of Fix-It Felix Jr. attempts to win a medal in the popular racing game Sugar Rush in hopes of gaining respect from his peers back home.

This means most of the story takes place inside a candycoloured arcade world loaded

with kooky characters and creative locations. Thanks to the film’s major feels and retro gaming nostalgia, the narrative has a wide appeal.

2. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

An enchanted French castle, a clever young maiden, and a spell in need of breaking?

Beauty and the Beast is a classic for a reason. With witty songs

and wistful hand-drawn animations, and heart-grabbing emotional depth, it hits all the right notes. What’s not to love about a sweeping romance that’s just as entertaining as it is memorable?

3. THE INCREDIBLES

This caters to a large audience.

For the kids, there’s superhero action and relatable family dynamics. For the adults, there’s

Mr Incredible struggling through his mundane job and Mrs Incredible questioning whether there’s been infidelity in her marriage. These heavier subjects will go over the heads of young viewers fascinated by the zippy save-the-city adventure, but more mature audience members will be pleasantly surprised by the film’s emotional weight.

Romance meets science fiction in About Time, a film about a young man who discovers the men in his family have the power to travel backwards in time at will. Tim, the protagonist, uses his power to find love and success but learns the hard way that not everything can be fixed with his power. About Time is a sweet kind of sad, with an ending that produces tears and a new appreciation for life.

3. BEHIND HER EYES

Talk about this 2021 psychological thriller series is probably all over your Twitter timeline already, so why not take this weekend to find out why? The series is about a young woman who finds herself in a bizarre and dangerous love triangle when she falls for her boss and befriends his wife. And it’s full of twists and turns, none of which you’ll see coming. It stars Bono’s Daughter, Eve Hewson.

4. THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY

If you like your comic book heroes a little stranger than the Marvel variety, try this adaptation. With two seasons in the books so far, The Umbrella Academy follows a group of adopted siblings with extraordinary abilities who were raised together as superheroes as they reunite as adults to prevent the end of the world.

5. ALTERED CARBON

A whodunnit with a sci-fi twist, Altered Carbon takes place in a reality where consciousness can be removed from one body and transferred into another. The action begins when a wealthy man gives a former soldier a new body and then asks him to solve his own murder. Joel Kinnamen leads the first season, while Anthony Mackie takes over for the second as the same character.

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IN KILKENNY

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

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Style

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IN KILKENNY

Made in Kilkenny

Get to know two amazing makers from a multidisciplinary collective producing bespoke craft here in Co. Kilkenny.

O

FTEN described as the epicentre of Irish craft and design, Kilkenny has become a Mecca for artists, designers and makers. Inspired by beautiful spaces, a friendly atmosphere and a vibrant arts scene, many creatives have wisely chosen to make Kilkenny city and county home. We are lucky to have such an abundance of unique design and crafts available to us here in Kilkenny.

An organisation which really champions Kilkenny as a hub of creative design and craftsmanship is MADE in Kilkenny, a bespoke craft collective. The collective is a multidisciplinary group run by members on a voluntary basis. The mission is to

promote Kilkenny County as the premier destination in Ireland for exceptional quality and authentic Irish crafts. The group strives to support the considerable wealth of creative craft talent in Kilkenny, along with promoting the economy and tourism.

MADE in Kilkenny was formed after some makers from the county completed a year long evening marketing course run by the County Enterprise Board (now LEO) in conjunction with CCOI (now DCCOI) in 2007.

After completing the course, they felt there was a need for a more structured craft group.

With the support of the County Enterprise Board a plan was put in place. Full time professional makers in the county were approached and MADE in Kilkenny was formed. Now many years on, the members of MADE in Kilkenny include a diverse collection of makers resulting in a collective with a solid identity and a strong brand name which represents the best in craft and design in Kilkenny.

Doireann O’Riordan of Elsi Jewellery in Colliers Lane is a

member of Made in Kilkenny and truly passionate about creative and extraordinary design. She studied applied art, jewellery and goldsmithing in the UK, Finland and Ireland and is a graduate of the renowned Design and Craft Council of Ireland’s Jewellery and Goldsmithing Skills and Design Course. Doireann loves living and working in Kilkenny among an inspiring and supportive community of like-minded craftspeople.

Thoughtful design creates eye-catching jewellery as she draws on enriching experiences from the world around her for inspiration. “I combine that inspiration with other seemingly unrelated thoughts, ideas, techniques and experiences and transform them into something different, something new.”

She has turned her unfettered imagination into a reality and developed her own personal

design aesthetic of constructed forms and clean lines, creating handfabricated jewellery with a striking visual impact.

“I love to work with silver and 18ct gold, and am currently exploring ways of combining traditional goldsmithing skills with new technology such as CAD and 3D modelling.”

Doireann combines traditional quality craftsmanship with innovative modern techniques

and design.

Also a member of MADE in Kilkenny is Gwen Walsh of Breathnach Designs. Although originally from Cork, Gwen really finds Kilkenny to be the capital of design, craftsmanship and a hub for creativity. She is a trained artist, but since falling in love with millinery she now runs her own full time millinery business based at her studio ‘Kells Mill Craft Centre’ in the picturesque village of Kells.

Gwen says that Breathnach Designs is ever evolving while maintaining a feminine vintage style. “I get inspiration from the environment around me

like Kings River in Kells but I also look back to the classic fashion of the 50s and 60s.” As business increased, Breathnach Designs moved to the present location out of necessity but that brought with it the opportunity to provide Millinery classes which sound like great fun and assist numerous arts students and the public alike in training in the initial stages of the Millinery craft. Booking is essential.

Sabina Higgins is known to be a fan and wore one of Gwen’s beautiful pink creations when meeting the King and Queen of the Netherlands with her husband, president Michael D. When asked what are the plans for the future Gwen says she is thrilled to be creating headpieces for the new boutique Catwalk Kilkenny, located at 10 Rose Inn Street. The pieces are all hand sewn using the highest quality materials. Gwen works with all millinery materials but she especially loves to source vintage fabrics and upcycles them to new vintage style hats again maintaining the history and tradition of the craft but keeping it relevant for the future.

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IN KILKENNY

Threads of Green

good quality repair and prolong the life of your shoes for years.

Threads of Green Fabrics Store is located on the outskirts of Kilkenny City, in Purcellsinch Business Park, Old Dublin Road, just behind VHI.

A sustainably stylish summer

W

W

E offer a worldwide fabric mail order service.

Everybody who visits us has a story and it is our pleasure to contribute a little to the thread of that story everyday: lace for a beautiful bride, net for a little girl’s tutu, a patch for a schoolboy’s trousers, warm tweed for a skirt for Gran, cottons for Baby’s quilt, trims for a young upcycler (who will be a famous designer someday!) and so it goes, and this is what we love….

Whether you visit us in store, talk to us on the phone

or contact us online, you will be looked after by either Norma or Miriam. With many (many!) years of experience in bridal and dance costume design and manufacture behind us, we are here to give friendly assistance and guidance to you in all your fabric and haberdashery choices. Established in 1985, Threads of Green Dancewear Ltd was a premier supplier of Irish dance costumes and dance fabrics worldwide, for twenty years, until August 2005. In 2005, our fabric range was extended from dance fabrics only to include dress and craft fabrics, drawn

from collections all over the world.

We have 1,000’s of fabric in stock at any one time. Some of them turn over very rapidly and never make it to our website. If you have a fabric need that is not answered by our ranges online please contact us at sales@ threadsofgreen.ie and we will do our best to meet your requirements. We also supply an extensive range of patterns and haberdashery. Check our website for regular special offers and discounts available or visit us in store. www.threadsofgreenfabrics. com

E are all becoming more aware of the environmental impact and human cost of the clothes we wear. More time spent at home also encouraged mass clear outs of unused and unwanted items to make more space for living. This really confronted many of us with the reality of how much stuff we have accumulated over the years. It is definitely time to prioritise sustainability over fast fashion – but is it possible to do that without sacrificing style?

Here are some easy tips to help.

Buy Better Quality It is always tempting to go for the cheapest option but this can prove to be false economy.

Because clothes are now so cheap they often become disposable – purchased for one wear and then left in the bottom of the wardrobe or

discarded completely. A little more money invested in a garment usually means you will have it for years to come saving precious euros in the long run. Luckily Kilkenny is full of independent and unique boutiques with quality, style and value available. Look out for sales where you can grab a high end bargain you will have for years to come.

Think Before You Throw If a piece of clothing has a small rip, hole or a missing button it can be easily fixed with a needle and thread. Look online for inspiration and tutorials to teach you how to alter, repair, upcycle or repurpose your clothes. Your local alternations shop and many dry cleaners take on those jobs which require professional skills. If the heels on your favourite boots are worn down, a cobbler can easily repair them. Invest in a

You DO have something to wear We all know that feeling, gawking into a wardrobe exploding with garments yet nothing to wear. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of creative imagination to try out new combinations and suddenly you have a completely new outfit. Pick out a favourite look from a magazine or your Instagram feed and see if you can recreate that look using what’s in your wardrobe.

Fill your online feed with influencers who champion creative and sustainable style rather than fast fashion brands. Instead of splashing out on a whole new outfit, try purchasing just one new piece such as a statement piece of jewellery to refresh a look you already own.

Buy Vintage Buying vintage, upcycled or pre-loved pieces is a sustainable option but it also allows you an effortless individual style that you cannot find by buying the latest trends from the regular high street stores. A sunny Saturday afternoon, rambling through Kilkenny City and browsing the many charity shops and pre-loved boutiques is most enjoyable. For those who don’t have time to trawl the charity shops, there are plenty of online retailers selling pre-loved clothes, discounted highend, vintage and more.

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Machado

Men’s grooming Sustainable, Environmentally Friendly Men’s Grooming Products

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ACHADO Men’s Grooming Founder Síle Headen was raised on the Laois/Kilkenny border in a rural Family run Pub in Spink. Síle has strong Kilkenny roots with her mother Julia born in Gathabawn. Inspired by the countryside around her, Síle studied Natural Science combined with Business Development and began researching Natural Ingredients focusing on Men’s Cosmetic Products. Machado began just under 3 years ago and has had a successful & fruitful journey since despite the Covid-19 pandemic. The product line consists of Beard oil, Beard Balm, Shaving Oil, Rescue Balm, and accessories such as beard combs and shaving brushes. An

excellent skin moisturiser which assists to prevent dry skin conditions and helps to control under beard acne as the oils are formulated with Myrtle Essential Oil which has anti-bacterial and healing properties. The products leave both your Skin & Beard with a healthy radiant glow.

Machado Men’s Grooming focuses on using high quality simple sustainable ingredients in their male grooming range.

Síle’s scientific background ensures all products meet the highest standards. They are formulated and manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) at each stage of production ensuring a quality product.

All the ingredients are sourced from ethical sources.

Machado work closely with Farmers in

Uganda to provide Organic Shea butter for the balms. The oils are carefully selected and formulated to give the best possible 100% natural product.

Síle is passionate about botany and in particular the Irish Bog Myrtle plant. Bog Myrtle Essential Oil is undoubtedly one of the most relaxing yet uplifting scents from the heartlands of Ireland.

The boglands in Ireland are covered in Bog Myrtle and that’s where the creative product inspiration arose for the brand. Although Síle currently use Greek and Scottish Myrtle, she is currently trialling sustainably harvesting an Irish Organic Bog Myrtle Oil to use in the products as it is a high quality native Irish Oil from the Wild peatlands of Ireland. A natural range of oils and balms to invigorate your morning routine with a clean fresh scent.

To celebrate Father’s Day, Machado Men’s Grooming have an exclusive offer for readers of The Kilkenny Observer with 10% off Gift Sets at www.machado.ie using the code: KK10, Valid until 01/07/2021.

Style

What’s Trending?

Men’s Summer Fashion 2021 Flower Power Florals in summer – hardly groundbreaking, but a return to the 1970s has been one of the overarching trends of the last five years and it manifests itself as floral prints this summer.

Tom Ford and Burberry have been splashing bold florals onto shorts, shirts and tailoring. Add one floral piece to an otherwise muted outfit for a subtle nod to summer’s major trend.

No Short Shorts Shorts appeared to be getting shorter by the year since 2010 but now with nowhere else to go, hems will lower and

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Before you embark on your next shopping trip in Kilkenny, take a look at what styles you should be looking out for to stay on trend this summer

we’ll see the return of longer, wider shorts this summer. A couple of inches above the knee and tailored styles can be dressed up or down and will be in keeping with the more relaxed fits we will see across menswear in general.

Bye Bye Bare Ankles Another trend that has followed us through the decade but are beginning to look a little dated.

It’s official, socks are now in.

There are some really bright and fun styles out there. A pair of bright socks can bring a playful and casual edge to a more serious and plain outfit.

Just maybe don’t pair them with sandels, just yet.

Nautical Vertical Stripes Menswear has long been looking to the seas for inspiration especially for summer.

Fishermen’s beanies, Breton tops and dungarees become common in mainstream 2021 fashion. Instead of going full on horizontal sailor stripes, try a vertical striped tee or shirt.

Vertical stripes look great and have the added benefit of making you look taller and slimmer. Opt for a classic navy and white or try some of the bolder coloured options out there.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

IN KILKENNY

The White Feather ladieswear & holistic shop What was once the Cois Nore charity shop (NOW CLOSED) on Johns Street has been transformed into an oasis of calm, full of pre-loved designer clothes and accessories just waiting to be discovered, along with an impressive range of holistic and natural therapeutic products with locally made candles, soaps, art and crafts

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HE White Feather Ladieswear & Holistic Shop was set up by Margaret Egan in December 2020.

Mags previously had the White Feather Well-Being Centre in Bennettsbridge which unfortunately closed due to Covid-19 in September 2020.

Mags has created a space where people can enjoy a calming shopping experience, while browsing top quality pre-loved designer clothes, shoes and accessories. Although not a charity shop, some proceeds from sales of ladieswear do help to support three local charitable groups; The Kilkenny Homeless Run, Amber Women’s Refuge and Relay for Life Kilkenny. Mags welcomes you to come and browse knowing that a purchase of ladieswear will help those in our community.

“Our aim at the White Feather Ladieswear area is to offer top quality designer labels at affordable prices. We have about 60% brand new stock donated to us as well as pre-loved and vintage wear” The White Feather stocks summer dresses, evening dresses and casual dresses, skirts, jeans, blouses, coats, jackets, handbags, purses and jewellery. Debs

dresses and wedding outfits are also available. There is an extensive selection of shoes from heels to walking shoes and ankle boots. Labels spotted include Karen Millen, Forever 21, Prettylittlething, Guess, Kappa, Kangol, Levi’s, Diesel, Zara, Pierre Cardin, Ralph Lauren, Radley, Regatta, Superdry, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger, Clarks, Kate Appleby, Kurt Geiger and many more. Sizes vary from 6 to 28. It is clear Mags takes great pride in ensuring the standard of clothing supplied to customers is impeccable. “If there is a style or item of clothing you are looking for but cannot get into our shop, please contact us with your size and expectation of the style you are looking for. We would be delighted to send you videos or photos of what we have in stock.”

The holistic section of the shop is a treasure trove of mindfully sourced products. There is a vast array of incense in some beautiful and amazing scents such as White Sage, Basil and Neroli or Egyptian Musk. Sage smudge sticks are also available which can be used to refresh and clear your home from sickness or negative energy. Sage is well known for its purifying properties and is

renowned for its mood boosting and stress reducing effects. “I use sage in the shop every day to enhance the air and make it feel clear and inviting for customers.”

There is also a glittering display of crystals and Mags is always at hand to offer advice on different crystals and the benefits for wellbeing. Pendulums are available in a range of stones including Amethyst, Rainbow Moonstone and Pink Quartz. Chimes, dream catchers, meditation beads, incense holders, oracle cards and oil burners compliment the selection of books available on topics including angels, mindfulness, yoga and Pilates.

The White Feather truly supports local, ethically sourced, sustainable and natural products.

Nore Soaps, are gorgeous natural soaps that are made locally and based on the ethos of recycling products that are used every day, but are usually discarded

afterwards. The “So Hoppy Soap” is made using IPA hops from Carlow Brewing which would other wise be thrown away. This soap is great as a shaving soap, or overall moisturising soap. The Coffee Scrub Soaps are made with coffee grounds from local coffee shops (check the name on the front label). These soaps are excellent for exfoliation as well as being super refreshing and soothing for sensitive skin.

Sinéad from Nore Soaps is always looking for more businesses who would like to contribute their unused hops or coffee grounds that would otherwise go to waste.

Sami from Outdoors Herbalist supplies the range of healthy teas stocked at The White Feather.

As a medical herbalist, master iridologist, nutritionist and raw food coach she provides expert blends that can help with a whole

range of digestive, sleep and weight loss issues. She also offers consultations and aims to guide and heal stressed, tired and burnt out bodies and minds.

Machado supply men’s grooming products with a focus on high quality, simple and sustainable ingredients. With Father’s day just around the corner, why not pick up a Machado beard oil from The White Feather as a unique gift?

There are also soy candles supplied by local candle makers Cleary Candles and beeswax candles from Pat Neary. Wax melts and soy candles from Foxcover and Emily’s Art include delicious scents such as Wood Sage and Sea Salt, Basil and Mandarin and Citrus Spice. You might even pick up an art print or piece of craft from a local artist.

Mags encourages any suppliers

of suitable products to get in touch; “We are always looking for new people to come on board to sell their products in our shop, so long as they are ethically sourced and sustainable.”

There is an exciting future in store for the White Feather with plans for an upstairs therapy room, meditation space and yoga studio. If you have some spare hours in your week and would like to volunteer at The White Feather applications are always welcome. This role would suit someone interested in holistics, fashion and sustainability. Full training will be provided. In terms of pre-loved ladies wear, contributions must be in pristine condition and are accepted by appointment only. No menswear or children’s clothes can be accepted.

You can have a look at the website www.whitefeatherladieswearandholistics.com to see what items are available. There are also monthly competitions for anyone who spends over €10 with some amazing prizes such as weekends away and pampering beauty treatments.

Be sure to keep an eye on Facebook @whitefeatherladieswearandholisticss

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Style

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IN KILKENNY

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Who what wear when?

pring/Summer 2021 Fashion Weeks were a little different this year with working from home style a clear influence for many designer’s motifs. Have a look at the below stand out trends and keep some of these key pieces in mind when browsing the boutiques of Kilkenny.

Wide Leg Trousers Inspired by the pyjamas we all wore for a year? Probably.

Just as comfortable? Definitely.

Oversized trousers may not be as obviously glam as the ultra skinny style of previous years but wide leg trousers are in and we are here for it. Keep the comfort theme going when paired with runners and an over-sized t-shirt or go for a feminine contrast with a fitted bodice and blazer.

The catwalk styles from fashion weeks do not often feel wearable with high fashion outfits that seem suited only to ten foot tall super models who don’t need to contend with Irish weather or real life.

Knits A knitted jumper for summer?

Maybe that is groundbreaking and a trend that us Irish can certainly get behind. Instead of shivering on your staycation in shorts and flip-flops embrace the jumper. Dress for the weather with layers that can come off or on again.

Flare Jeans Yes that’s right, skinny denim is also getting the boot in favour of baggy and flared jeans. If you’re not ready to embraced the full flare, try a “mom” style jean which is

I

n pursuit of higher standards within the industry, Drycleanit has established itself as a true leader in garment care. We have in excess of forty years of senior management in industry.

Our staff have been trained by SATRA, the UK standards body and our quality management process has achieved ISO9001:2015 certification by NSAI.

Your clothes never had it so good Drycleanit is a family run business that was founded in 2003 with the mission of providing customers with high value, exceptional service and convenience for all their garment care needs

Drycleanit From laundry and ironing services for everyday clothing and shirts, to dry cleaning formal and business wear, caring for your garments or helping you to spring clean your home, we are committed to giving you the best after-care possible for your clothes and household fabrics.

We even offer an alterations & repair service to help give your garments and textiles a new lease of life. We also use a relatively new system called wet cleaning. Wet cleaning is one of the newest innovations in garment cleaning. This advantages of using this method are: it is environmentally friendly, prevents shrinking, stretching, or fading, is a great alternative to those who are sensitive to dry cleaning solvents, is chemical-free, makes clothes feel softer and look more vibrant and can extend the life of your garments. The services we provide at Drycleanit are general and specialist drycleaning, wetcleaning, laundry and ironing, duvets and curtains, suedes and leathers and wedding dresses.

Bridal Gown Cleaning We are Ireland’s leading bridal gown cleaning and preservation specialist. Our experienced, highly trained textile cleaners specialise in cleaning the most delicate of fabrics. We provide professional wedding dress cleaning & preservation along with a nationwide collection & delivery service. With us, caring for your wedding dress is completely hassle free.

Brides who consider wedding gown preservation either want to keep their dress as an heirloom to be passed down to future generations, or they want to resell it. Some want it as a keepsake for themselves or will eventually make it into Christening Gown or baby bedding for their children, which is becoming increasingly popular. The process involves a number of steps, including inspection, hand pre spotting, cleaning, post-cleaning treatment, hand pressing, final inspection and preservation boxing. The cleaning process often begins with the hem because it is usually the most soiled. Most professionals scrub the hem by hand and spot treat any stains.

The biggest culprits are grass, dirt, perspiration, tan, make-up, and sugar (from wedding cake or wine). After the dress is cleaned and either steamed or pressed, the cleaners properly fold it and place it in an acid-free archival preservation box.

Sometimes, accessories,

baggier than your ultra skinny but still has the tapered ankle.

Combined with a fitted t-shirt and leather jacker and you have a stylish weekend outfit.

Bralettes and Corsets Bralettes, corsets and bodice style tops have an effortlessly romantic look that is ideal for summer. These ultra feminine pieces are an ideal contrast with on trend wide leg trousers or flared jeans. Pair with a flowing skirt for an alternative to the summer sun dress.

Textures, Sheer and Mesh Material Even if you want to dress head to toe in one colour this summer, add some interesting textures and contrasting materials. Try a mesh material over a brightly coloured polo neck or a sheer blouse over a crop top.

Sequins and Sparkles Usually reserved for the festive season, sparkles emerged in abundance on the Spring/ Summer 2021 catwalks. Don’t say no to sequins for a summer wedding, which can look spectacular in bright sunshine.

Trench Coats and Blazers The Spring/Summer shows have finally given us a practical solution to the unpredictable outdoor summer ahead.

Dramatic pointed shoulder pads, cutout silhouettes and bold patterns graced the catwalks, but you can keep it classic with a fitted blazer or camel trench while enjoying some outdoor dining. such as veils, garters, gloves can be placed in the preservation along with the gown. Then, the package is returned to the customer.

Customer Lyndsey Grogan said, “Amazing service from start to finish. Wasn’t sure if they would be able to get all the marks out of my dress as I left it a few months before I got it cleaned. But it turned out amazing and the presentation box it comes in is lovely. Would highly recommend to anyone.”

James Burke agreed, “Friendly staff and the quality of service is second to none.”

We are so proud of what we do in Drycleanit & Bridal Gown Cleaning and it’s great to get recognised for it. Along the way we have received recognition and awards including from WeddingsOnline in the Dress Cleaning & Alterations Supplier of the year category for 2020 & 2021 as well as Kilkenny Chamber Business Awards, Crest Retail Awards, FBD Insurance Retail Awards and County Carlow Enterprise Board. www.drycleanit.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

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Community Group

Polska Eire 2021 ‘The Craic will be Dobry’ THE Date and times are now set, and it is official. The 2021 Kilkenny Polska Eire Festival will take place online (details to follow) July 2nd to 4th.

As a virtual festival this year opens many doors for cooperation. While we celebrate our integration festival in the marble city for the 7th time, we will this year tie in our programming with the Polska Eire festival in Dublin and for the first time even a unique link up Ruda Śląska’s Polsak Eire festival in Poland.

Ruda Śląska [ˈruda ˈɕlɔs̃ ka] (German Ruda in Oberschlesien) is a city in Silesia in southern Poland, near Katowice. It is a district in the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Union, a metropolis with a population of 2 million. It is located in the Silesian Highlands, on the Kłodnica river (tributary of the Oder). It has been part of the Silesian Voivodeship since its

formation in 1999. Previously, it was in Katowice Voivodeship, and before then, part of the Autonomous Silesian Voivodeship.

Ruda Śląska is one of the cities in

HE Emer O Connel, Murty Brennan, Ania Adamowska Mayor of Malbork, Marek Charzewski

the Katowice urban area (population 2.7 million) and within the greater Silesian metropolitan area (population 5,294,000).

The population of the city is 143,583.

Through out Ireland we have many vibrant Polish communities. Each community has been invited to submit videos and Podcasts of event to the Kilkenny Polska Eire Committee, Twilight Community Group, International Cultural House, 15A Hebron Business Park for to be shown on the ‘New’ Twilight European Network (TEN / 10) that is to be launched prior to the festival kick off.

Both the Polish Ambassador to Ireland HE Ms. Anna Sochańska and her equivalent in Poland Irish Ambassador HE Ms. Emer O’Connell. As Kilkenny is twinned with the medieval city of Malbork Poland Mayor Marek Charzewski and The new Mayor of Kilkenny, who will be in place for the festival taking over from Mr John Coonan who has been working tirelessly as Mayor during the pandemic.

This year’s programming will include programmes on Arts & Culture, History of both Nations, Music, A professional chef preparing a traditional Polish dish and of course the preparation of the world renowned ‘Full Irish B re akfast’ by one of our local HE Ms. Anna chefs in Sochańska Kilkenny.

A contribution from Kilkenny’s fantastic Polska Szkoła im. św.

Jana Pawła II w Kilkenny with past and present students as part of their contributions. Interviews with local business leaders who have interests in Poland & Ireland and one or two celebrities might just pop into the Studio 10 Hebron Business park.

2018 launch Polska eire

Have you an idea for a Podcast / Documentary? why not contact the Twilight Community group.

We want to hear from you, both

Irish and Polish as this is a Integration and collaboration of both communities and remember ‘The Craic will be Dobry’

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Kilkenny & District League

Sport

BY JIM CASHIN SPORTS REPORTER

IN line with the easing of restrictions, we are just a few days away from the return of junior football in the Kilkenny & District League and the much anticipated restart is headlined by a massive game in the Maher Shield quarter final on Wednesday night, 9th June.

Thomastown A v Evergreen A is a mouth watering tie a very difficult game to predict.

Gary Mahers’ Evergreen have a largely experienced squad full of players who have ‘been there and done that’. In contrast, Thomastown A under Davy Doyle are a very young up and coming squad and play with great exuberance.

Maybe the city side’s greater experience may get them over the line on this occasion, but this Thomastown side will be challenging for all local honours over the next few seasons and this will be a high quality encounter. There are two more Maher Shield quarter finals being played on the same night. Freebooters A host Bridge Utd A in another all Premier Division tie. This is a very talented Booters squad who should have too much for a hard working Goresbridge side. First Division sides Newpark A and Fort Rangers meet at The Fen in a repeat of the 2019 McCalmont Cup semi final. The Danesfort lads won

Q&A

with Gary Maher Position: Manager

Favourite Local Player (excluding your own club past 10 years): Andy Kavanagh (Thomastown) Favourite Premiership Team: Liverpool Favourite Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker Favourite Striker: Robert Lewandowski Favourite World Player: Messi Favourite World Manager: Klopp Favourite Other Sport: Hurling

Evergreen McCalmont Cup winners 2019

Cup matches ready for kick off on that occasion, but Newpark had the upper hand in the two league games played between the two prior to lockdown, earning 4 out of 6 points. Home advantage may be enough to tip the scales in favour of John ‘ Budgie’ Poyntzs’ city team.

The final quarter final takes place on Thursday night, June 10th. It pits Premier Division Freebooters B at home to First Division Ormondevilla on the Fair Green. Villa have some good young players, but Booters B are a good side who should prevail in this tie. The Shield semi finals are expected to be played on Wednesday night, June 16th.

The McCalmont Cup draw has also been made, with 15 games down for decision to decide who joins Highview Athletic A(who received the only bye) in the Last 16. Holders, Evergreen A(2019 winners, there was no competition played in 2020 due to Covid) have a very winnable home game against Highview Athletic B. 2019 runners up, Fort Rangers have a tough tie away to local rivals East End. Among the more interesting ties in the first round are the only all Premier Division tie between Bridge Utd A and Deen Celtic A and the ultimate local derby between Freebooters C and Freebooters B. Of the other ties in the round, Freebooters A, Thomastown A, Newpark A, Callan Utd A and Evergreen B will all be favourites to reach the Last 16 from games against lower league opposition. All 15 First Round games are expected to be played on Sunday 13th June, with the last 16 hopefully going ahead on Sunday 20th.

The draws for the first round of the four Divisional cups have also been made.

In the Premier Division , they play for the Moc Lawlor Cup.

Newpark AFC won Ken & Michael Byrne Division 2 Cup 2019 2019

KCLR McCalmont cup Thomastown united B v Freshford Town Brookville v Evergreen 46 Callan united v Castlewarren Celtic Freebooters C v Freebooters B Newpark A v Deen Celtic B St Johns v Tullaroan Bridge united v Deen Celtic A Spa united B v Thomastown united A East End united v Fort Rangers Evergreen A v Highview Athletic B Evergreen C v Freebooters A Spa united A v Clover united Ormondevilla v New Park B Stoneyford united v St Canices Evergreen B v River Rangers Highview Athletic A: Bye Moc Lawlor Premier Division Cup Evergreen A v Freebooters A Freebooters B v Thomastown United A Highview Athletic A v Deen Celtic A Bye, Clover United Billy Leahy Division 1 Cup Ormondevilla v Evergreen C New Park A v Fort Rangers Callan united v Stoneyford united Bye: Evergreen B

Picture Bridge Utd Billy Leahy Division 1 Cup Champions 2019

The standout tie in this draw is undoubtedly the big city derby between Evergreen A and Freebooters A. In the First Division Billy Leahy Cup, the standout tie is the Newpark A v Fort Rangers rematch of the 2019 McCalmont Cup semi final and this year’s Maher Shield quarter final.

In the Ken and Michael Byrne Division Two Cup, the standout tie is probably Thomastown B at home to Freebooters C while in the Division Three Jim Maher

Cup, the City derby between St Canices and St John’s catches the eye.

No dates are set yet for the Divisional Cups. These will be easier to fit into the schedule when the first two rounds of the McCalmont Cup have been completed.

Credit to the committee of the K&DL for giving all these Cup competitions the go ahead to be played. We have had over six months of inactivity so roll on Wednesday night, June 9th!!!

Ken & Michael Byrne Division 2 Cup Thomastown United B v Freebooters C Spa united A v Bridge United B Freshford Town v Highview Athletic B Castlewarren Celtic v River Rangers Jim Maher Division 3 Cup Preliminary round: East End united B v Tullaroan Round 1 East End B or Tullaroan v Evergreen 46 New Park B v Brookville St Canices v St Johns Spa united B v Deen Celtic B

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Camogie news

Sport Limerick await in quarterfinal battle

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

THE sun was shining on St Brendan’s Park in Birr last Saturday, when referee John McDonagh blew the final whistle on a victory that secured top spot in Group 3 of the Littlewoods Division One Camogie league.

Following on from a less than impressive 5-point win over the Dubs, Brian Dowling’s charges certainly blew off the cobwebs in this, only their second game since claiming All-Ireland glory last December.

By the time Offaly registered their first score of the game in the eleventh minute, Kilkenny had a goal and four points on the board.

Clara’s Mary O’Connell made a blistering start to the game, hitting three unanswered points from play, and finished with a personal tally of 0-6.

Dead-ball specialist Denise Gaule slotted over her first score of the day before the green flag was raised.

Full-forward Miriam Walsh reacted quickly when an attempted point dropped short, managing to flick the sliotar away from the Offaly keeper before rifling it to the net from close range.

Offaly did settle a little and showed some fighting spirit, but a further 4 points from Windgap’s Gaule left Kilkenny 1-9 to 0-4 ahead at the interval.

Kilkenny warm down after the game

Denise Gaule, Kilkenny scores her side’s fourth goal

Cats Sitting Pretty

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

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Camogie news

Aoife Prendergast of Kilkenny and Offaly’s Michaela Morhan

Grace Walsh, Tullaroan, Kilkenny and Roisin Egan of Offaly

Denise Gaule with Lorraine Keena after the game

Davina Tobin of Kilkenny and Offaly’s Emma Mulrooney

Any hopes of the Faithful County closing the gap, where quickly dispelled when following a tremendous passage of play and clever work between scorers-in-chief Gaule & O’Connell, saw a clinical pass from Tullaroan’s Grace Walsh dispatched to the net

by Corner forward Aoife Doyle.

Midway through the second half, St Martin’s Katie Nolan had the green flag raised for a third time before top scorer Denise Gaule rounded off this impressive display with goal number four, taking her total for the day to 1-8. Job done. Top spot secured.

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Corner forward Aoife Doyle hits the back of the net

A view of the final score

Giving Kilkenny Gaels the best Christmas present in the shape of a 14th O’Duffy Cup was a great boost to Camogie in the county. Following this success, some seven players have gone, some retired, others have stepped away from the panel, having given much to the cause over the years.

Manager Dowling will be hoping his current crop of players can step up as the Nore-siders seek their first league title since 2018. The win over Offaly was encouraging, the bench had a positive impact as the game went on with four subs all scoring.

Only one of the starting six forwards failed to raise a flag.

Limerick await in the quarter-final tomorrow.

This will be a sterner test of the camogs’ early season progress, and with the Championship due to begin on league completion, maintaining momentum will be key. The Treaty County only managed to notch 0-7 against Galway last week - Pat Ryan will be hoping his side can provide a higher scoring return if they are to compete with our girls. The defence will once again be well marshalled by Emeralds’ Davina Tobin who excelled in Birr. Tullaroan’s Grace Walsh will supply much needed dynamism around the pitch, while 2020 Player of the Year Denise Gaule will hope to continue her scoring streak. Should the good weather continue, the timing and quality of introductions from the bench could have a significant bearing on the outcome as players continue to build towards championship fitness and peak form.

VERDICT: Dowling to deliver Treaty victory

Fingers will also be crossed for the Intermediate ladies as they take on Meath in the Division Two quarter-final tomorrow. John Scott will be hoping his team build on the recent victory over Laois and secure a semi-final berth. Here’s hoping it is a ‘super Saturday’ for the Black & Amber!!

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Kilkenny v Wexford roundup

Sport

The rain clouds finally cleared and the sun beat down on UPMC Nowlan Park last Sunday when the Cats met the Model county after a few uncertain weeks caused by Covid chaos

At the match

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 4 June 2021

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News Kilkenny v Wexford roundup

MATCH REPORT BY MATEO HERNANDEZ-POWER

KILKENNy versus Wexford, Brian Cody versus Davy Fitzgerald, TJ Reid versus Lee Chin. All these battles have been hotly contested in the last five years since Davy Fitzgerald took over the Wexford managerial role. Brian Cody had come off second best in this rivalry, before last Sundays rescheduled Allianz Hurling League 1B Round 3 clash, the Yellowbellies had come out on top in eight of the last 13 encounters in the Walsh Cup, League and Championship. Challenge matches don’t exist between these two sides and fans expected no different last Sunday afternoon in UPMC Nowlan Park. With 11 mins gone Kilkenny were 1-5 to 0-5 up, the two teams separated by a well taken goal from Billy Ryan, who was a late replacement for Martin Keoghan. He drilled the sliotar into the bottom right-hand corner of the Wexford net. An animated Davy Fitzgerald and team selector Seoirse Bulfin hopped around on the sideline trying to motivate their team but to no avail as Kilkenny scored six unanswered points in the next 16 minutes.

All Kilkenny players were in brilliant form. The Kilkenny backs drove forward some perfect balls, bypassing Wexford sweeper Liam Óg McGovern, allowing the forwards to isolate the Wexford full back line into one-on-one situations. This 16-minute spell ended with Lee Chin getting Wexford on the scoreboard again with a well worked point before a scramble at the other end. This saw the ball falling to TJ Reid who was able to strike the ball off the ground and into the net from close range. The goal move started with a beautiful first-time flick by the Ballyhale Shamrocks talisman on the left-hand side of the pitch, bringing the score to 2-11 to 0-6. Lee Chin’s frustration really started to show when he dragged down Tulloroan man Padraig Walsh resulting in a yellow card and an easy free in front of the post for TJ Reid bringing an end to the first half; Kilkenny 2-15 to Wexford 0-07.

Both sides were quick into their respective dressing rooms, Kilkenny for a well deserved break after a satisfying first half while Wexford were looking for answers after a less than satisfactory performance. Brian Cody and his selectors paused for a few minutes outside the dressing room, looking like The Three Wise Men, taking a moment to bask in their first half success. Davy lagged behind his team on the way into the dressing rooms at the old stand, glaring over at his rivals, clearly disappointed with the realisation that this might not be Wexford’s day.

The sun was blazing even brighter by the second half and Wexford came back with a strong burst of energy, clearly stern words had been said. The damage had already been done however and Kilkenny motored on nicely. In the 44th minute Lee Chin was in on goal and struck a bullet of a shot, low towards the left hand corner of the net which prompted a brilliant save by Kilkenny goal keeper Eoin Murphy. TJ Reid scored his first point from play in the 60th minute. This was followed closely with another brilliant score where he dodged several opponents and hopped the sliotar of the ground to get it back into his hand and over the bar. It was clear Wexford were not going to be allowed make much progress and Kilkenny’s confidence only grew. A final score of Kilkenny 2-27 to Wexford 0-23 gave Kilkenny a comfortable 10 point win.

It is likely there could have been elements of shadow boxing at play. Davy was possibly keen to keep any tactics under wraps ahead of a likely meeting between the two sides in the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship semi-final in five weeks time. Wexford looked heavy legged; maybe overtrained. There was a vague air of disinterest which could have been down to exhaustion or possibly the uncertainty caused by Covid that impacted training sessions ahead of the rescheduled match.

There will surely be another chapter between these two sides before this year is out.

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Hurling Matters

Sport TJ hits 1-18 as Wexford are put to the sword

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

WHEN the sun’s out – TJ’s about! The hurling season cranked up a notch last Sunday, when the rearranged round three clash between old rivals Kilkenny and Wexford took place at UPMC Nowlan Park.

The one change to the starting line-up saw Billy Ryan open the scoring after just SEVEN seconds! Once the same player raised the first of two green flags in the sixth minute, the Cats found their groove and continued to dominate proceedings. Ryan would finish his day’s work with a respectable 1-4 in arguably his best performance in the black and amber.

As the half progressed, it appeared to be wave after wave sweeping up the pitch from back to front,

with some clever movement and running creating huge gaps in the Model County’s defence.

With TJ’s game intelligence and roving role in full affect, he spearheaded the very sharp and accurate Noreside attack. When the short whistle sounded, the Ballyhale man had 1-10 to his credit, with plenty of accuracy displayed from frees, constantly coughed up by the Wexford defence.

Kilkenny had racked up an Impressive first half tally of 2-18 to the Slaneysiders 0-10 with the aid of the breeze.

Despite Davy’s men outscoring the home side in the second half, the Cats rarely looked troubled. While TJ stole the headlines, there were also some fine scores by Glenmore’s finest, Alan Murphy.

All in all, a good

Reid reigns supreme as C secure vital w

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Hurling Matters

ats in day at the office for Cody’s charges, in what could have been a rehearsal for a Leinster semi-final later in the summer.

LOOKING FOR LAOIS

Round four of the Allianz Hurling Legue see’s ‘Cheddar’ bring the only other side with a 100% record in Division 1 Group B to UPMC Nowlan Park this Sunday (June 6th, Throw-In 1:45pm). Unfortunately for Laois it is three matches and three defeats that makes up their record.

Brian Cody will not allow his troops to drop their standards as the O’Moore County roll into town. I would expect some changes to be rung, TJ might be given the afternoon off and some other players rotated, as the manager utilises his squad depth and perhaps see the possibility of a little experimentation.

Captain and young

Ballyhale star, Adrian Mullen could benefit from more game time and no doubt his manager would like to see him trouble the scoreboard against the bottom placed side. his fellow club-man Eoin Cody could also see more minutes on Sunday.

Darragh Corcoran played a pivotal role in stifling the Wexford attack last weekend, and will relish the prospect of shutting out the Laois attacking threat.

Glenmore’s Alan Murphy will also be hoping to avoid being rested, having hit three fine scores in the last match at Nowlan Park.

Alan’s fellow Murphy, goalkeeper and clubmate Eoin, fresh from a goal assist against woeful Wexford may have a watching brief as the manager may opt to give St Lachtain’s net minder Darren Brennan some much needed game time.

VERDICT – Cats to cruise to win number 4

>> SHERRY SAYS...........

THERE is no doubt that whatever XV take to the pitch on Sunday, Kilkenny should be confident of posting a sizeable score against a Laois side that appears devoid of ideas, that is missing key players and somewhat unforgivably, seems to be lacking the fitness required to operate at senior inter-county level.

With Covid still making its mark on counties throughout the island, the Cats will be keen to get another victory under their belt without too many side-stories.

Last weeks ‘Davy demolition’ is another marker laid down in Cody’s quest to provide a side capable of mounting a serious challenge to Limerick’s seemingly invincible aura.

All league wins should come with a warning - ‘This is not a Liam McCarthy guarantee’. However, each win builds hope in not only players, but in supporters. The road to Croker is fraught with danger, but it is better to be on that road & believing that the destination is possible. The journey continues.

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Dicksboro Juvenille Camogie

Sport

t u o Ab Out &

WITH

Dannryt Laha

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Dicksboro Juvenille Camogie team in training

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Motoring

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Motoring / Advertorial

The unbeatable SEAT line-up has you covered at Quinn Motors

212 offers with 0% PCP Finance and online discount vouchers up to €2,000 across a range of models CUSTOMERS at Quinn Motors, Kilkenny’s official SEAT dealer since 1987, can avail of online discount vouchers which can be used towards the purchase of their new SEAT vehicle.

Excellent value is available on the purchase of any 212 model including the popular SEAT Arona and SEAT Ateca.

The vouchers allow for a discount of €1,000 on the SEAT Leon, Leon e-HYBRID, Ibiza and Arona. SEAT is offering

customers who wish to purchase the SEAT Ateca, Tarraco or Alhambra a €2,000 discount off the purchase of their new 212 upgrade. Also available to customers is a discounted 3-year service plan for just €9.99 per month.

SEAT has a range of superior SUV’s for customers to choose from including the brand’s largest SUV, the SEAT Tarraco, awarded Irelands best large SUV, the Tarraco is packed with

the latest design features and technology including onlinebased navigation functions and services, voice recognition and the SEAT Connect app.

Customers can also avail of a €2,000 online discount voucher when purchasing a Tarraco 212. The Tarraco is available in SE, Xcellence and FR trims starting at just €38,890 RRP for the Tarraco SE. Earlier this year, SEAT launched the new Leon e-

HYBRID which handles drivers everyday needs in EV-mode, capable of up to 64km on battery power alone, twinned with the reassurance of a potent 150PS 1.4 TSI petrol engine to offer a combined 204PS. The Leon e-HYBRID starts from €35,570 RRP for the Xcellence 5-door hatch and €37,075 RRP for the Xcellence Sportstourer, dropping to €30,570 RRP and €32,075 RRP respectively for private customers who can

benefit from the SEAI grant of €5,000. Those on the hunt for a Leon e-HYBRID can avail of a €1,000 online voucher towards the purchase price.

Danny Lawlor, Quinn Motors Sales Manager said: “I am very pleased with the range of offers across our SEAT 212 models and the value both our repeat business and new customers alike can avail of. It is crucial that we continue to offer great product and value to our cus-

tomers. Visit quinnmotors.ie or call us today for more information and we will do our utmost to match you to the right car for you. Our door is always open and we pride ourselves in looking after our customers right through the process from sales enquiry to car purchase to superior aftersales assistance’’.

Quinn Motors, Clogh Road, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.

Tel: 056 – 4441358. www. quinnmotors.ie

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Motors Classifieds

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

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Classifieds Motors

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 056 7726289 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

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.F

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.F

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.F

The Miracle Prayer

The Miracle Prayer

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. H.J

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. H.J

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

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. K.H

Beloved St. Clare,

by your trust in God’s providence, obtain help for all the poor and needy; by your love for the Infant Jesus, obtain the protection of our families; by your love for Jesus crucified, obtain for us courage in every trial; by your love for Jesus in the Eucharist, obtain our request……….. by your attentiveness to the Holy Spirit, obtain for us the grace of prayer and devotion; by your likeness to Mary our Mother, obtain peace in our hearts our homes and our world.

Amen. A.ON

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News Planning notices

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Michael and Ashley Funchion , are applying for permission for modifications to plans approved under PL REF 20504. The modifications include alterations to the garage and all associated site works at Pollagh , Callan , Co. Kilkenny . The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny during its public opening hours 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 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. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Byrne & McCabe Design Ltd, Architecture and Engineering Services (059 9725684).

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Planning Permission is sought by Margo and Jan Kovar for: The extension of the entrance porch and conversion of the single-storey garage and kitchen into a new two-storey wrap around extension to the side and rear to include a new kitchen, dining room, utility, pantry, and toilet to the ground floor; and at first floor accommodation to include a master bedroom with an ensuite, toilet, bathroom, and additional bedroom. Permission for all associated internal and elevational modifications to the existing dwelling. Permission for all associated site works and landscaping at 7 Cedarwood Park, Kilkenny, R95 ARH7.

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 Authority during the hours of 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00p.m. Monday to Friday (Bank Holidays and Public Holidays excepted) A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the 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.

Signed: Gittens Murray Architects Ltd, 5 William Street, Kilkenny. R95D504 KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I Mark Healy intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build a dry store farm shed and all associated site development works at Barretstown, Knocktopher, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We Ciara Griffin & Tom Hogan intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build a dwelling house, entrance, effluent treatment system and all associated site development works at Gaulstown Lower, Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny.

The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 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.

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