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PRAGUE, the beautiful capital of the Czech Republic, known as the City Of A ousand Spires, welcomes more than eight million visitors who ock to one of Europe’s most marvelous architectural gems every year, writes ABRIEL KIRELLOS. anks to its Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles, Prague was classi ed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if people spend an entire month in the city, they will not witness all of its magical, rich cultural attractions.

Prague is home to the largest castle complex globally and one of Europe’s oldest bridges, Charles Bridge, built during the late 1300s. Moreover, the famous astronomical clock located in the city’s old town square and installed since 1410 is still functioning up to this day. Prague is a yearround destination with much happening in this vibrant city during all seasons

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While Prague hosts magni cent year-round festivals, such as summer music festivals, oating beer gardens, food festivals, and the autumn wine festival, nothing beats the majesty and uniqueness of its Christmas Markets with the one held in the city’s Old Town Square being considered among the biggest festivals in Europe. Gladly, Prague’s Christmas markets will be going ahead in 2021 after the covid-19 pandemic subsided and high vaccination rates lowered the cases and deaths in the Czech Republic. e Christmas Festivals have been going on for 20 years and welcome more than 600,000 tourists yearly between the end of November and the rst week of January. e main markets are held in Prague at the Old Town Square and the renowned Wenceslas Square. Apart from the Christmas festival’s magical vibes, visiting Prague during the winter season allows one to enjoy the city’s attractions with fewer crowds than in peak seasons.

Moreover, people will enjoy the beautiful snowy weather covering the town in a picturesque white scene never witnessed before. However, visitors must remember that temperatures can fall below 0 degrees Celsius in January in Prague. ey are encouraged to wear thermal layers, a windproof winter coat, comfortable boots, warm socks, a scarf, gloves, and a wool hat.

With plenty of traditional Czech food and drink to savor and an unprecedented vibe of joy and festive, Prague holds every year a dozen of magical Christmas Markets and festivals around the city, with the largest one happening in the Old Town Square. is market hosts the city’s main Christmas tree and a nativity scene in front of the Astronomical Clock around the Jan Hus memorial. e tree lighting is a must-see and happens on the festival’s rst day, accompanied by lively music from 16:30 to 21:30. e market also features a stage that hosts carols singing, concerts, live shows, and dance performances related to the event’s theme. People can also enjoy yummy food and drink when celebrating Christmas at Old Town Square. Another attractive Christmas Market in Prague is the one that takes place at Wenceslas Square and is just a walk away from Old Town Square. e Christmas tree of this market also lights with lovely music from 17:00 to 21:00 every night. People can enjoy eating delicious food at the decorated stands and buy beautiful souvenirs and gifts. e Havel’s Market at Christmas features a yearround shopping center built in the 1200s between Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. Other worth visiting fascinating Christmas Markets in Prague include the ones in Prague Castle, Kampa Island, and Námestí Republiky.

While the unique Christmas Markets that Prague hosts every year are one of the city’s most attractive and unique features, there’s much more to Prague being a magical destination during winter. e town turns into an ice skating eld during the coldest season of the year, and lovers of the sport can practice their hobby on skating rinks around Prague.

It’s a good idea to practice ice skating free at Victory Square’s rink or under the Žižkov Television Tower. Other ice skating locations include the Letna Plan near the football stadium of Sparta Prague. Moreover, the best time to take photos of iconic landmarks in Prague is during the winter season, when there are no crowds, and the white snow covers the picturesque city. It would be wise to take an early morning walk around the town to take shots of the famous Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, e Old Town Hall, and Letná Park.

Prague the best Christmas present you could have

Portugal’s Porto has an excellent food scene

WE don’t know why the food scene in Porto is so excellent. Maybe it’s because Porto’s climate is colder and rainier than many Portuguese cities. Maybe it’s related to the city’s central role in the port wine industry. Maybe the people in Porto just enjoy eating well. e crazy thing is that Porto doesn’t just excel with one type of food. Porto’s food scene has many great options ranging from snack food to ne dining. On the top end, two restaurants in its metro region, Casa de Chá da Boa Nova and e Yeatman, have earned two Michelin stars.

Most Porto joints smother the meaty, cheesy sandwich with a special tomato beef gravy and serve it with fried potatoes. But the francesinha isn’t the only sandwich worth eating in Porto.

It’s a true sandwich city where you can eat a pernil com queijo or bifana sandwich any time of the day or night unless you’d rather eat a cachorrinho, Porto’s take on the hot dog. It’s also a city that embraces traditional Portuguese food as well as modern culinary trends like brunch and vegetarian food.

But in reality, most food travelers journey to Porto to drink port wine at the source.

While wine enthusiasts can drink port wine anywhere in the world, most dream of sipping the exclusive forti ed elixir at port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Just a short walk or drive from Porto over the Dom Luis I Bridge, Porto’s port lodges receive barrels of the wine from nearby Douro Valley before storing and aging the port in massive wooden barrels.

Home is where we’re very house proud

IRELAND is a nation of house-proud enthusiasts, with one in four revealing that messy and untidy house guests make their blood boil. e latest research commissioned by Allianz Insurance highlights that the nation takes pride of place in its homes – whether homeowners or living with parents, Irish adults love nothing more than relaxing and unwinding in their homes. e national survey of 1,000 Irish adults, conducted by Coyne Research in September 2021, found that Baby Boomers (98%) and Generation X (97%) have the most satisfaction when it comes to their homes. ose who own a home are most likely to get satisfaction out of a neat and tidy living area and having the freedom to decorate it to their own taste and desires.

According to Allianz’s research, home is truly where the heart is for the majority of the Irish public. Over half (56%) of all respondents revealed that their favourite aspect of being at home is spending time with family.

For one-third of the nation, they enjoy escaping into their favourite hobby from the comfort of their home, while over a quarter of those polled highlighted that their home is lled with nostalgia and sentimental memories where they cherish spending the most of their free time.

For just over half (52%) of the nation, the living room is deemed as the favourite room in the home, revealing that it is where Irish people spend most of their downtime. e relaxation of the bedroom appeals to a fth of the nation, followed by the kitchen (16%) and garden (9%) respectively. However, Gen Zs treasure nothing more than escaping to their bedrooms, with a whopping 67% rating it as their favourite space at home. Similarly, for those living with their parents, over half (56%) enjoy retreating to their bedroom for some peace and quiet.

USA at €169, Europe €35.99, as Aer Lingus takes off ...

AER Lingus has unveiled an ambitious schedule for Summer 2022 which includes 16* transatlantic routes as the airline seeks to reconnect Ireland to the world. Aer Lingus will operate 71 routes and 62 destinations, in Summer 2022.

The airline already has a strong Christmas schedule on sale and will incrementally build capacity in the lead up to Summer 2022. . This strong schedule reflects the airline’s ambition to build to pre-pandemic levels of flying over time and anticipates continued momentum in customer demand.

Aer Lingus’ most recent consumer survey conducted in September showed that almost two in three (65%) adults in Ireland are planning to travel internationally in 2022, whether that’s to reconnect with family and friends, to have that important business meeting inperson, or to simply enjoy a relaxing and refreshing break abroad.

Due to popular demand, Aer Lingus has extended its market-leading ‘Book with Confidence’ policy which allows all customers travelling with the airline to change their travel dates free of charge*, and as many times as they wish, up to seven days before they travel. The flexible booking policy is available on all bookings up until September 30, 2022.

Anticipating strong customer demand for travel to / from North America, following 18 months of travel restrictions, direct flights are available to favourite destinations such as New York, Chicago, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Toronto, Washington, Seattle and Philadelphia from as little as €169 each way including taxes and charges. Aer Lingus will re-introduce flying from Shannon in March to JFK and Boston with 14 flights per week to the USA.

Aer Lingus is also delighted to support the return of US College Football to the Aviva Stadium in August 2022, welcoming the teams and supporters of the Northwestern Wildcats and the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Aer Lingus College Football Classic. e airline will ramp up short-haul capacity between now and Summer 2022, ying at least 50 short-haul routes next summer, 41 routes will y from Dublin – with more to be added in the coming weeks, and a further 6 from Cork. Aer Lingus will operate to Heathrow from Shannon and Belfast, and to Gatwick from Knock. e schedule will include favourite destinations for Irish holidaymakers seeking summer sun next year in Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Canaries and the Med, as well as lots of city break destinations to choose from throughout Europe, with ights starting at €35.99 each way including taxes and charges.

Speaking about the new Summer 2022 schedule, Reid Moody, Chief Strategy and Planning O cer, said:“ is is an ambitious schedule for Summer 2022 and an important step for the airline, and the country, as we reconnect Ireland to the world.

“We know from our customer research that Irish people are very keen to get back ying, and we certainly are looking forward to welcoming them on board again.”

To book a Summer 2022 break and for more information, please visit aerlingus. com.

It’s our fav No.1 castle... so there!

KILKENNY Castle narrowly missed out on the top spot for favourite castles in Ireland.

A survey carried out by Lottoland, ahead of Halloween, found that 17% of respondents thought Bunratty Castle was the best in the country, followed by Kilkenny at 15%.

e local castle came in ahead of some notable buildings like Blarney, Slane, and Cahir.

Graham Ross of Lottoland

loween, found that 17% of e local castle came in says Kilkenny was close to says Kilkenny was close to getting the top spot ” Kilkenny Castle was certainly most popular among 15 to 34 year olds and also those over 55.

Lights, camera, action for film fest Answers blowin’ in the wind with

THE 66th annual Cork Film Festival runs until November 21 in Cork City and county, with in-cinema screenings happening from the 5th to 12th. e programme is action-packed with 80 features and an extensive shorts programme. Just a few items to choose from”

Set! Follow the highly-competitive annual table-setting contest held each year in Orange County US. Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili transplanting century-old trees from across the Georgian coastline to his own private garden.

Guilty Pleasures Sometimes we all just need to have fun. Sit back and watch Clueless, Big, Star Crash, Sleepaway Camp and more. View the full programme at https://cork lmfest.org/

e Eyes of Tammy Faye: An intimate look at the extraordinary rise, fall and redemption of controversial televangelists Tammy Faye Bakker. Starring Jessica Chastain in a career-de ning performance and her husband Jim Bakker, played by Andrew Gar eld.

Lyra: e Irish premiere of this compelling documentary about the life and work of Lyra McKee screens on November 7.

Holy Island: e IFI World Premiere of this Irish feature drama is a visual feast for the senses.

Ali & Ava: Outstanding lm from one of the UK’s nest directors, Clio Barnard. Starring Adeel Akhtar and Claire Rushbrook who form a close bond through their deep love of music.

a new strategy

MINISTER Peter Burke, Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Local Govt and Heritage has written to Kilkenny County Council giving notice of his intention to issue a direction in relation to aspects of the council’s wind energy strategy.

The draft direction comes on foot of a recommendation made to the Minister by the Office of the Planning Regulator (OPR), and the council as required, have published the draft notice and are now seeking submissions from the public before November 12.

Yulefest - Christmas in Kilkenny is back!

YULEFEST is back for Christmas 2021! Celebrate Christmas in Kilkenny with a wide range of events from live music to markets, movies and more. Working alongside our partners providing festive fun, activity and entertainment to locals and visitors alike, there is something for everyone in Kilkenny this Christmas season. e Elves are busy working away on a full programme of events, which will be announced over the next few weeks. Expect festive fun and cheer from mid-November till early January. Yulefest will begin with the most important event of all – Santa’s arrival and the turning on of the Christmas Tree lights. On November 27th you can join Santa as he takes the scenic route to the city by boat and by bike. Line the banks of the river Nore to see our environmentally conscious Santa and his elves arrive at the Canal Square at 2.30pm. ‘Bling your bike’ and join Santa for the second part of his journey and take part in Santa’s City Cycle. Finally Santa, his elves and everyone else will land on the beautifully lit Parade; here there will be live music, street performers and lots more as we turn on the Christmas Tree lights and launch Yulefest 2021 with Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny county Council Cllr Fidelis Doherty and Mayor Andrew McGuinness. Put on your Christmas jumpers and Santa hats, decorate your bike and come join Santa on his journey. Festivities on the Parade will continue into the evening and all the way up until Christmas. Brought to you by Kilkenny County Council, keep an eye on @YulefestKilkenny for more programme announcements, start dreaming up ideas to decorate your bike, and don’t forget to sign your Christmas tree up for the Christmas Tree Festival at St. Canice’s Cathedral. en invite friends and family and enjoy Christmas right here in Kilkenny.

Something for everyone at e Haven Hotel

THE Haven Hotel is a genuinely unique, family-owned venue set in stunning surroundings in the heart of the beautiful shing village of Dunmore East, County Waterford.

Following a re in 2015, the hotel was extensively renovated and refurbished, but the original features, quirkiness and charm remain. e Kelly family and their team o er a very warm welcome and ensure you feel at home. e team at e Haven pride themselves on their food and celebrate Irish produce specialising in their world-famous Roast Rib of Prime Irish Beef and locally caught seafood. e Haven hosts regular live music events on the patio, in the bar, or their stunning glass marquee when restrictions allow. Check their Facebook page or website for details. e Haven is an award-winning wedding venue and is the perfect setting to celebrate with your family and friends. For photographs and more details, go to www.thehavenhotel. com/events. e hotel started life as a private home, so all the 18 bedrooms are di erent sizes, and several have stunning sea views. e Bridal Room comes complete with a four-poster bed, and one of the bedrooms on the ground oor is wheelchair accessible.

Perfect for a spot of Christmas shopping, the Christmas Craft Market will feature 15 stalls from local crafters, artists and designers. e Market will be held in the glass marquee every Sunday from noon - 5 pm and runs from 28th November until 19th December inclusive. e Haven Hotel is the perfect base for any break in the South East. In Dunmore East, the beaches and coastal walks are stunning. e Adventure Centre at the harbour has a host of both land and sea activities.

Waterford is only a 10-minute drive away with everything from the Viking Triangle to the Waterford Greenway and, of course, Winterval!. ere really is something for everyone at e Haven Hotel!

For more information and to keep up-to-date with news of the latest live music, events, and special o ers, call 051 383 150 or visit www.thehavenhotel.com

Christmas is coming to a neighbourhood near you!

CHRISTMAS has di erent meanings and memories for us all. For some it’s a very happy time and for others it can be a time of sadness and silent re ection as we remember our loved ones who are no longer with us, or those who just can’t make it home. Christmas begins earlier every year these days with the adverts of glossy shiny toys and games of all sorts and sizes for every boy and girl in the audience.

Now, in the days of yore our Christmas kicked o when we got the holidays from school. e putting up of the decorations and the tree meant the big day was getting nearer. e tree with its beautiful coloured lights went in the corner of the hall, on display to one and all who called or looked through the window, for these few days would be minus the net curtains that were all the fashion of the time. Unlike today the number of sockets were limited, and none in the halls of our homes. So how did we light the tree? Easy, we just changed the lead so we could plug into the ceiling light socket. Hit the hall light switch! hey presto! and the re ection of the shining lights was there to be seen in the eyes of the youngest child of each house.

A few days before the big day, unlike today, a real Turkey would be collected or delivered to the house. e big bird was plucked and hung by its legs on the back door to let blood ow to its head. Eventually to have its head and claws chopped o by the sharpest tool in the house ready for the big day.

It was now time to do the shopping for the presents we were going to leave

Under the tree for the family Christmas morning. You were wrapped up tight. Scarf, anorak, or in later years the Du e coat, and the hat and gloves your mother had spent evenings by the re knitting not just for you but all the children of the household. e last few years we have heard of people heading to foreign lands, with New York be one of the favourite destinations, but our Macy’s, the largest store in Kilkenny, was Woolworths. e home of everything you could need for the family. With the presents now in hand, it was o home again. e streets were alive with the atmosphere of Christmas. e High street bright with lights. Stopping o at the singing crib in the centuries old Black Abbey. Taking a stalk of straw for the wallet and purse to ensure good nancial fortune for the year to come.

Arriving back in the estate the rst sight you saw was the bright lights shining through the hall windows. In the door, presents gone up stairs to be wrapped. If too young to do the wrapping, or unable, into the re to warm the freezing little hands and get a hot drink into your cold body that was now starting to tremble with anticipation as the big night draws nearer. Will the big man bring you what you asked for?

It is Christmas Eve. e house now is buzzing with excitement. Underneath the hanging decorations that always, for some unknown reason stretched from the corner of the room to the centre light and then another arc to the far corner. e mothers were busy doing the preparation for the big feast. Some watching the clock timing the cake and pudding in the oven while we were told not to make any sudden noises in case they went “Flat”. Others watching the clock for the lost family member who sent a letter the week before saying, they’d be home for Christmas

Outside the sky was clear and full of stars as some of the kids looked up to see if they could see that magical sledge passing in the sky “come in and close the door, stop letting the heat out, he won’t be here for hours yet. Listen! he is still in the North pole”. Sitting down, looking up at the big PYE valve radio as if it was a 52inch wide screen TV. “HO HO I’ll be heading your way soon boys and girls so remember to go to bed early HO HO HO”. It was now the nerves really set in.

Now we all remember how hard it was to sleep. It usually lasted for just a few hours. en, you woke. Heart ponding. Calling one of your older brothers or sisters. “Has he been here yet?” Looking out the back window to see was there any lights on in the houses around the block. Slowly we would make our way down the steps of the landing. Around the steps at the top. Slowly and nervously going down the stairs one step at a time. Around the nal corner. Christmas Tree lights shining brightly……… e big gasp of air…….. “ Mammy Daddy look what Santa brought me.

Festive season in Deansgrove Steakhouse at Dundrum House Hotel & Golf Resort

THE ethos a Deansgrove Steakhouse is Paddock to Plate – we only use locally sourced beef which is carefully prepared at O’Dwyers in Cashel. e cattle graze in the rich grassland of Tipperary, just outside the town, so every step of the process is carefully controlled so you really are ‘Tasting Tipperary’ is unique characteristic of Deansgrove will carry on with three exciting dining events we have specially prepared for the upcoming holiday season: ursday November 25th – anksgiving at Deansgrove e American tradition and National Holiday will be taking a Deansgrove twist next month. e locally sourced, free range Turkey will be cooked ‘Brined Roast’ style with US style additional menu options added – anyone for Egg Nog?

Christmas Party Nights – every Friday & Saturday night in December

Celebrate Christmas ‘Deansgrove’ style with a locally sourced menu, drinks reception, live music, late bar and a few additional surprises! Discounted accommodation available. Limited spaces, so early booking would be highly recommended ursday January 6th – Nollaig na mBan (Women’s Christmas) is is the day where traditionally women get together to celebrate the festivities whilst the men stay and home and attend to the chores. So, grab the gang as we have a special menu prepared with live music to enjoy and a welcome drink to greet you on arrival. Please do book in advance

Deansgrove Restaurant at Dundrum House Hotel & Golf Resort, Co Tipperary reservations@dundrumhouse.ie Tel. 062 71116 www.deansgrovesteakhouse. com

The Abbey Quarter is a fantastic concept with amazing potential for the future of the city of Kilkenny

For approximately the past 1,200 years, Halloween has been defined, in part, by the Christian festival celebrated annually on November 1st known as All Saints’ Day. The essence of this Christian festival is to remember and honour the dead.

As The Kilkenny Observer entered Smithwick’s Brewery early on Thursday morning for a briefing regarding the New Abbey Quarter, our minds wandered back, recalling this great institution and its integral place in the life of Kilkenny. The familiar names of family, neighbours, heroes and friends, cascaded through our minds. Those living and dead.

Mick Cantwell, Pat Shortis, Joe Harding, Ben Corcoran, Paddy Cummins, Ron Girdham, Tom Dullard, Tom Halpin, Mick Kavanagh, Mick Wall, Noel Skehan, Paddy Moran, Chunky O’ Brien, Jim Treacy. The names tumbled on and on, bringing rich and delightful memories.

The importance of the Abbey

Joseph O Carroll’s seminal work ‘Historic Kilkenny’, informs us that the Abbey was founded by Earl Marshall in 1234. A provincial Chapter of the order was held there in 1267.

A special feature of the church was the high altar, made from Kilkenny marble, renowned as one of the largest and most beautiful in Ireland.

Friar John Glynn from the community, writing about the terrible flood in 1338 tells that “of the entire Abbey naught save the high altar and altar steps were left untouched and uncovered by water”.

During the reign of Elizabeth 1, the Abbey was turned to secular use. Afterwards, the building fell into decay but was later repaired allowing Catholic worship to recommence

until the coming of Cromwell.

The monks had been brewing ale since the 14th century, and a commercial brewery, Smithwick’s, was established to brew Irish red ale in 1710. During the expansion of Smithwick’s Brewery in 1854, the nave and chancel of the abbey were discovered within the grounds and the sacristy was restored as an oratory.

Excitement for this wonderful initiative

Reluctantly dismissing the reverie, The Kilkenny Observer ventured onwards to view plans for this exciting local initiative that will include office space, residential, retail, and a creative section.

Excitingly, also included are plans for a Third Level institution.

Work on The Brewhouse is well underway and is expected to be completed by December 2021 with the expectation that it will be fully occupied by March/ April 2022.

It is anticipated that Public Realm’s work on Horsebarrack Lane and The Brewhouse Square will come to fruition in 2022.

An urban street and a public park will be central to phase two.

The Kilkenny Observer applauds the detailed minutiae of the proposal and extensive planning it entailed. The successful implementation of this endeavour will enrich our medieval city.

A vibrant new urban quarter

According to the local Kilkenny County Council website, “The vision for the Abbey Quarter is to create a vibrant new urban quarter in the heart of the medieval city. The new quarter will provide an exceptional business location for companies seeking outstanding global connectivity and the capacity to attract high calibre talent.

The vision encompassed in the plans launched must be lauded and credit given to those whose diligent work is bringing the dream to fruition.

Colette Byrne, CEO of Kilkenny County Council stated that the work at the Abbey Quarter will be massive for Kilkenny, bringing an added vibrancy to the city centre. “This is going to have a huge impact for the commercial and artistic sectors of our community” she said. “Included at the Quarter will be open spaces where events will take place, which is good news for Kilkenny festivals and visiting groups,” continued Colette.

New outdoor performance space to be welcomed

Funding has been approved from The Arts Council to develop an outdoor performance space, adjoining the Watergate, which will seat 250 people.

Planning is also underway to link a boardwalk at Green’s Bridge with The Linear Park to the Riverside Park. These works will commence in 2022 with construction beginning the following year.

The Abbey Quarter is a major project and it is expected to take ten years to complete.

Anyone who has ever taken one of the weekly tours with The Kilkenny Walkers group will be aware of the tea houses that existed in the city many years ago. Part of a €25million investment is to reinvigorate this area on the banks of Nore, which will see the development of tea houses .

There is planning for a temporary car park for a 7 year period comprising of 120 car parking spaces and eight coaching spaces which can only be used by occupants of the Abbey Quarter.

After the seven year period there are hopes that this area may be developed as a campus.

There will be seating throughout which will be made of stone.

Two new bridges

It is also planned to build two more pedestrian bridges across the river and rebuilding the bridge that was washed away in the great flood of 1947.

The complex will be embellished when the former iconic dancehall The Mayfair ballroom will become Kilkenny’s new library headquarters. The Abbey Quarter Partnership is developing the remainder of the site with support from the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund and is creating a mix of developments costing in the region of €80 to €100 million.

Exciting times.

“The work at the Abbey Quarter will be massive for Kilkenny, bringing an added vibrancy to the city centre.

This is going to have a huge impact for the commercial and artistic sectors of our community”

Colette Byrne, CEO of Kilkenny County Council “The Abbey Quarter is one of the most important and exciting projects we will have in the lifetime of this Council. We have already seen the hugely positive opening of our Skate Park and Riverside Gardens that have greatly enhanced our outdoor amenities. We will now see through the completion of the rest of the project, creating a vibrant space in the City Centre with new commercial activity, employment opportunities and new offerings for locals and visitors alike.

Andrew McGuinness Mayor of Kilkenny November 2021 “The Abbey Quarter is a fantastic concept with amazing potential for the future of the city of Kilkenny.

Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce has been a long time advocate for this project and it is very encouraging and exciting to see the new Brew House coming into use very shortly. The Abbey Quarter ticks so many boxes as the natural extension of the city centre and doing so in a sustainable way that supports the concept of a living city. It is becoming a place for all Kilkenny citizens to utilise and enjoy for working and for living. It is an enhancement of our city for now and well into the future.”

John Hurley Chief Executive Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce

Good to chat

AS THE daylight fades away and darkness of the night lands on our doorsteps earlier each evening it is time now to make sure our neighbourhoods are safe, and our senior’s homes are ready for what may lie ahead. e rst big sign of the winter is here, Halloween. Unfortunately it has gone from Trick or Treat to loud bangers hitting the night airways sending the dogs scampering for cover and a few of the o ending youth collecting a digit or two now scattered on the scene of the crime and then they go scampering to A&E hoping they will still be able to give a thumbs up in the days and years to come. Many of us will remember the houses we grew up in. No central heating, no duvets, the one family room where we all gather to talk, watch a goggle box in the corner, if we were lucky enough to have one, or listen the beautiful sounds of the PYE radio as it plays out the sounds of the stories of the ‘Highways and Byways of Eire’ and the not to be missed late on a Sunday evening the GAA results from around the counties of Ireland. Yes, it told us who won the game played in the south of the county and without Barry Henriques and Community radio our only source of the ‘Up to date scores of the day. We all remember the 20-metre dash up the stairs or down the hall of the ‘Siberian Sprint’ as we darted to bed from the one and only heated room in our dwellings to the bedroom. Now with blankets and coats on top as you tried to get the bed up to a warmth that made it comfortable to doze and eventually fall asleep. Well until the ‘older brother came in to share the bed that sank in the middle and you, the youngest held tightly on to the side fearing that you might be smothered if he fell over on you in the canyon in the middle of those spring set beds. Friday was when that nightmare had a chance of becoming a reality as he fell into bed and fumbled and pulled the covers to his side, the middle. He would be rolling and shifting all night long as he had gone to ‘Billy’s’ for just one to kick start the weekend, but now after 10 more ‘one for the road’ pints actually doesn’t know his arse from his elbow as only god knows where he is going to put his thick head next! Now the clock has gone back the hour, that in a few years’ time it won’t as the EU believe we should have more light in the evening than the morning, but it is now time to be a good neighbour or family member. As those bronzed and auburn leaves fall majestically to the ground, they soon gather and block the drains of our homes. en the rain comes, over owing drainpipes and gutters, ice and suddenly we have a serious and dangerous pathway to a broken hip or worse. e chimneys, that have been unused since the last cold Twilight evenings of March need to be cleaned. Otherwise, we have re hazards. ose re alarm and CO2 detectors needs to have new strong batteries installed. Check to see are the windows and doors tted with good draft excluders and strong solid locks for security. To be honest each of our houses may need di erent approaches. ere is no one ts all list of jobs ‘to do list’. e only common denominator is the visit needs to take place. It is now time for us all to show community spirit. Check in and help those who may need jobs done or those who wish they could do it themselves, but alas illness or father time is saying “no not today take a seat you have done enough” Lets’, get out and about, call to those seniors and neighbours who have as the song says “Built this city on Rock & Roll” or more appropriately “Blood, Sweat & Tears”. Just see if they need a helping hand. And if they do not and everything is winter ready, have a cuppa and a chat, maybe that’s what everyone needs during the wintery days and nights. A chat, a cuppa, a companion because it is always good to talk.

Book launch as Kilkenny people remember those who fought in WWI

ON ursday evening November 11th e Kilkenny Great War Memorial Committee will be holding a short ceremony of remembrance at the memorial in the Peace Park at 7.30 pm. e ceremony will pay respect to the over 800 men and women from Kilkenny who died serving with the Allied Forces in World War One 1914 -1918.

A candle lighting ceremony will be followed by a prayer and poem. A piper’s lament will be played which will be followed with the bugler sounding ‘Last Post’ and ‘Reveille.’ Wreaths will be laid down and before the ceremony closes the National Anthem will be played.

After the ceremony Mr. John Kirwan will launch his new book ‘Kilkenny Voices in the Great War 1914-18.’ is is a lovely publication and a limited edition. It will make a lovely Christmas present for someone interested in the families of Kilkenny County who fought in World War One. is is an outdoor event and Covid virus restrictions will be in place.

Community Group

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