Kilkenny Observer 8th July 2022 by Kilkenny Observer

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Basketball bonanza They’re off! Exhibition match bounces Trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon into Thomastown hosts open yard event  Page 4

 Page 10

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

Bannow & Rathangan Agricultural Show:A fun day out for all the family! The Bannow and Rathangan Show Committee, and a considerable army of volunteers all involved in the show are delighted to announce that the Bannow and Rathangan Agricultural Show takes place in Killag, Duncormick, Co. Wexford on 14th July . A day out not to be missed, a fun day out for all the family is guaranteed. The committee leave no stone unturned in their efforts to bring you a day out to remember. They are continually working to promote and develop the show. The success of the show is testament to the huge volunteer work force who give up their time so freely to work on the day. Our aim is to make this year’s show bigger and more enjoyable than ever before as we showcase all that should be celebrated in our community. The usual show classes for horses, cattle, sheep and goats will take place, with competitions to suit young and old. There is a high standard of competition in these classes. The final of the Three-Year-Old All Ireland Championship takes place

with horses qualifying from shows around the country. Show jumping starts at 10.00am and continues all day. We have a Dog Show and Sheep Dog Trials also. Entries for the Dog Show are

taken on the day. There will be a vintage display with fine cars and tractors to view. Dressage classes start at 9am and Carriage Driving starts at 4.30pm. The Semi Final of the All-

Ireland Home Cook Championship takes place in this marquee during the day, with contestants competing in the Junior and Adult competitions. Chef Adrian will oversee these competi-

tions and he also will give some demonstrations of his culinary expertise. The children are well catered for with free activities on the field at different times during the day. At 11.15am and 12.30pm, Joe Daly, The Magician (RTE Jnr.) will entertain the children. At 2.00pm, Liam Sharky and John O Reilly will entertain the children with musical games. In the Courtyard, Craft Central, from New Ross will be doing craft activities for the children. This is sponsored by the show committee. Spaces will be limited here so the early bird catches the worm. Musical entertainment will be provided in the courtyard at 11.45am by Danescastle Music Group and at 1.15pm by Tony Jeffers. Talks will take place in the courtyard during the day with Declan Gilmore speaking on nutrition at 11.00am, the benefits of exercise at 1.00pm and the benefits of sleep at 3.00pm. Jane Carroll, Acupuncturist and Herbalist will talk about women’s health after the Fashion Show. The Fashion

Show takes place in the Courtyard at 3pm with fashions by Wallace’s of Wellingtonbridge. They have a great variety of fashions and cater for many age groups. There will be over 300 Trade Stands on site with something to suit everyone. Agricultural stands, business stands, retail, and food outlets. The Bannow and Rathangan Show Society are indebted to all our exhibitors, our sponsors, and our volunteers, all who contribute to the success of the show. It has a fine tradition and is now firmly embedded in the calendar of the Southeast on the 2nd Thursday in July each year. Long may this tradition continue. Every effort is made to make this a wonderful day out for all the family. Join us in Killag on July 14th. It’s a day for your diary. Tell your friends, we have a lot of catching up to do. It’s where memories are made. Website www.bannowrathanganshow.com or check us out on Facebook. Admission tickets for sale on line.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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Future retirees face housing poverty MANY future retirees in Kilkenny are likely to be financially exposed when they stop working as they will have to pay rent, according to a new report. Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) found that home ownership rates among young working adults in Kilkenny and the rest of Ire-

land have collapsed in the face of rising house prices. The share of 25-34 year olds who own their own home more than halved between 2004 and 2019, falling from 60% to just 27%. Lower home ownership rates would mean a higher proportion of households in the rental sector and, “the continuation of rental pay-

ments into retirement,” the report states. Reductions in home ownership of this magnitude would also raise the proportion of people aged 65-plus living in income poverty, from 14% at present to as high as 31%. The research, funded by the Pensions Council, used data from the ESRI’s Sur-

vey on Income and Living Conditions and the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing to simulate future rates of home ownership and the potential impact on income poverty rates in retirement. It estimated that 65% of those currently aged 35-44 are likely to become homeowners by retirement given current trends, compared to

90% of those currently aged over 65 and 80% for those currently aged 55-64 and 45-54. “Without intervention, this will lead to significantly higher rates of income poverty in retirement,” said the report’s lead author Rachel Slaymaker, referring to those currently aged 45 and under.

Pick up a Picker Pals anti-litter pack

AN Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick, will host a National Commemoration Day Regional Ceremony on Sunday, at 11a.m. in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle to honour all those Irishmen and Irishwomen who died in past wars, or on service with the United Nations. This is one of a number of ceremonies taking place around the Country.

Dairy tips for Asian buyers

Spaces are limited, so early sign-up is encouraged at www. pickerpalsworld.org.

Pharmacies prescribe safe space for domestic abuse victims

EVERY FRIDAY

THE Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), release official 221 new vehicle registration figures for June, which shows sales in electrical vehicle are up by 97% while overall new car sales dip by 22%. Despite pent-up demand following two years of interrupted business, new car sales continue to drag due to supply constraints.

A day to remember our fallen heroes

TEACHERS and principals in Kilkenny – sign up for a free place on the popular litterpicking programme for the 2022/2023 school year. Launched in 2019, the Picker Pals programme is now in 33% of the schools in Ireland. That’s 30,000 children making the world a better place and having fun doing it. Already this year, children across Ireland have removed litter equivalent to the weight of a blue whale!

KILKENNY pharmacies will soon provide a safe space to help victims of domestic violence. Safe Pharmacy, a new initiative being launched by the Irish Pharmacy Union, will see almost 900 pharmacies in Kilkenny and across the country offer a private and safe space for anyone experiencing domestic

Electric Vehicle sales surge

abuse or coercive control. Those who require a safe space can attend a pharmacy with a purple ‘Safe Pharmacy’ sign outside, where they will get access to a private consultation room. They will then be put in contact with specialist domestic violence services, as well as Gardaí. The new initiative is being

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

led by the Irish Pharmacy Union alongside An Garda Síochána, the HSE, and Safe Ireland. Safe Ireland CEO Mary McDermott said, “Pharmacies are trusted locations and Safe Pharmacy is an exemplar of the type of skilled community response necessary to facilitate pathways from violence for women

and children. “Priming competent personnel in local pharmacies to partner with specialist trained services in the locality, will contribute to the emergence and growth of safer communities into the future. “This initiative provides a mechanism for a standardised, quality-assured,

safety access-point offering across the entire country and Safe Ireland commends the IPU for its leadership role in responding to the ongoing surge of violence against women.” Call your local Safe Ireland helpline: 1850 424244 operated by Amber Kilkenny Women’s Refuge.

TWENTY-TWO dairy buyers from Asia visited Kilkenny this week to learn more about Ireland’s grass fed farming methods. The buyers from Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand are visiting Ireland as part of a €3.2 million promotion campaign cofunded by Bord Bia and the EU. They visited Glanbia in Kilkenny to see Irish dairy production first-hand.

Urgent debate that’s a matter of life and death ETHICALLY we should have the right to control our own body and the State should not create laws that prevent those who wish to choose when and how they die from doing so. Paul Hopkins, Page 8

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

News ONE of Ireland’s biggest ever outdoor basketball exhibition games hits the court in Thomastown tomorrow night (Saturday). The town’s newly developed outdoor recreational amenity will play host to the newly formed Berkeley Boys Basketball teams and will showcase the skills of top Irish international, national league and professional players. Located in the centre of the town, this Town and Village Renewal development has recently been nominated for a National Pride of Place award. Russ Ryan, Berkeley Wolves coach and former National League Basketball player described the evening as a “bonanza of basketball”, which will feature some of Ireland’s top talents, along with legends of the game from years gone by. Russ said that the interest and feedback for the exhibition game has been fantastic. “We now have between 12 to 14 Irish internationals now taking part with the help of Puff Summers, the Kilkennybased pro basketballer and former Davidson Division 1 US college player who is now assistant coach to the Men’s Senior Basketball team. Having initially shown Puff the new courts in Thomastown and discussed the possibility of having a big exhibition game, Russ said the ex-pro was immediately on board. “He just looked at me and said, with a smile on

Basketball bonanza bounces in to Thomastown In action: Kilkenny-based Puff Summers – Pro Basketballer, former Davidson Division 1 US College Player and now assistant coach to the Irish Men’s Senior Basketball team.

his face, ‘’This is one of the coolest outdoor basketball courts I have ever seen in Ireland.’’’ Russ explained that

thanks to Puff Summer’s enthusiasm for the event, they now have some of the biggest names in Irish Basketball

taking part. Some of the participating star players include: Sean Flood (Irish Senior Men’s In-

ternational); James Gormley (Irish Senior Men’s International); Conor O Sullivan (Irish Senior Men’s Inter-

national); Darragh O Sullivan (Florida Tech University USA/Irish International); Puff Summers (Davidson University USA); Jay Kavanagh (Irish International); Jack Kehoe(Irish International); Mateo Plaza (Irish International); Lynn Tunnah (Irish Senior Women’s International); Osi Oshiogwemoh (Irish International); Lucy Coogan (Irish International); Hilary Netsiyanwa’s (DBS Eanna/ Zimbabwe International) and Tom O Sullivan (former Irish International and one of top Irish players of all time). And with support from Kilkenny Recreational Sports Partnership, the newly branded SETU (South East Technical University), Kilkenny County Council, Basketball Ireland, the Thomastown Community Centre, the Thomastown Community Network and a number of local community volunteers, all of whom have been very supportive the game has been scheduled for 7pm tomorrow night (Saturday) at the Thomastown Outdoor Recreational Amenity. Russ said that the exhibition game will be a festival like family event with DJ, spot prizes and a monster Dunking Competition, where we will get to see some of Ireland’s best dunkers put on a show for all to enjoy. The main Exhibition game kicks off at 7pm, it is advised to get there earlier. For more details you can check out the Berkeley Wolves Facebook Page.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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Amber welcomes new domestic abuse strategy “ZERO Tolerance”, the third national strategy to tackle domestic, sexual and gender based violence (DSGBV) was launched last week by Minister Helen McEntee TD. Containing 144 wideranging actions, the strategy, for the first time, outlines a whole-of-government response to violence against women. Measures to tackle heavily gendered forms of violence will be led by

a new statutory agency and implemented across Government departments including Justice, Education & Higher Education, Health, Housing, Transport, Defence & Culture. Commenting on the launch of the new national strategy and the publishing of its own Annual Report 2021, Lisa Morris, Manager, Amber Women’s Refuge, Kilkenny said, “Given the year-on-year

Housing provision guidelines issued for Kilkenny THE Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning, Peter Burke TD, has issued new national guidelines for the preparation of local authority Development Plans in Kilkenny and throughout the country. The revised guidelines aim to ensure Development Plans take into account the forecasted amount of housing in an area and that sufficient new homes can be built in key areas of housing demand in Kilkenny. Development Plans outline where housing, infrastructure and services should be located over a six-year period. ‘Development Plans – Guidelines for Planning Authorities’ is intended as the ‘go-to’ reference manual for all those who may be involved in the often complex process of producing a development plan for Kilkenny. While principally aimed at local authority planners and councillors, they will also assist residents and those involved in the development sector. Welcoming the new guidelines, Minister Burke said, “These revised planning guidelines will help planners, local elected representatives, the public and the development sector to develop the best possible plan for Kilkenny. It will also help ensure adequate provision is made for housing, particularly in areas of high demand in Kilkenny. This is crucial at a time of such acute need. The Minister added, “Planning and the development plan in Kilkenny can be

made much more effective if the process is understood by the public, through open communication that is accessible to the maximum number of people. To this end, my Department has included many infographics as well as relevant case studies of good practices from around the country.” The guidelines, revised for the first time since 2007, include a clear approach to ensuring that every development plan includes a sustainable long-term housing strategy, consistent with national housing targets and policies. Also included is a a clear method for identifying and zoning lands for new housing, and prioritising lands that can most quickly and appropriately provide new homes. Longerterm development areas and strategic development sites that need more infrastructure work can also be facilitated for development in the future. The guidelines add confirmation that lands that are serviced and available for new housing construction should be retained as such, rather than be de-zoned a shift towards targeting housing output and delivery. Also that facilitation of development activity in cities, towns and urban areas that creates compact and integrated communities, aides brownfield regeneration, activates greenfield land-banks for housing and supports placemaking and the growth of sustainable communities be made.

increases in demand for our services – both at the refuge and in the local community – the new measures outlined in “Zero Tolerance”, the third national strategy to tackle DSGBV are welcome and timely. “The strategy envisions a society which does not accept domestic, sexual and gender-based violence or the attitudes, which underpin it. It recognises both the

top-down and bottom-up reform required, which we in Amber have always believed is essential to stamp out the scourge of domestic violence and abuse in our country. “It recognises that while both men and women can be victims/survivors, women and girls are affected disproportionately.” The strategy launched amid the publishing of Amber’s Annual Report 2021, which

reported an 83% increase in demand for its Outreach and Court Support & Accompaniment services across Co. Kilkenny. 769 women requested support in 2021 – the highest number of contacts Amber Women’s Refuge has ever received for these community-based services. Other highlights from Amber’s Annual Report: 395 women called Amber’s

24/7 Helpline in 2021, a 46% increase on 2020; 36 women received refuge in 2021, a 9% increase on 2020; *58 children received refuge, a 161% increase on 2020; 111 women who sought refuge in 2021 could not be accommodated because the refuge was full; 213 counselling sessions were delivered to 43 women in 2021. Amber Women’s Refuge: 0818 42 42 44 / www. amberwomensrefuge.ie

Pushing Kilkenny to the ‘fore’ in the Middle East

Siobhan O’Sullivan, Mount Juliet (centre), welcomes golf tour operators and journalists from the UAE to Mount Juliet; also pictured are Matt Lynch, Tourism Ireland (sixth right) and Jenny O’Reilly, Fáilte Ireland (right

A GROUP of golf tour operators and journalists from the UAE visited Kilkenny for the 2022 Horizon Irish Open at Mount Juliet as guests of Tourism Ireland and Fáilte Ireland. The aim of the factfinding visit was to highlight the fact that Ireland offers some of the very best golf in the world, with something

for everyone, from beginner to pro, as well as spectacular scenery and fantastic experiences. Their action-packed itinerary included Kilkenny City and County – including attendance at the final day of the Horizon Irish Open, as well as a round of golf at Mount Juliet. They also enjoyed a walk along the Medieval Mile in

Kilkenny City, lunch in Kytelers Inn, a visit to Kilkenny Castle and the Kilkenny Design Centre, as well as Malzards pub in Stoneyford, where they learned all about hurling. They stayed in Hotel Kilkenny and Mount Juliet. Aisling McDermott, Tourism Ireland’s Manager Asia and Middle East, said, “Tourism

Ireland was delighted to invite leading golf tour operators and journalists from the UAE to come and experience our worldclass golf, spectacular scenery and wonderful visitor attractions. Our aim is to remind them that Ireland offers some of the very best golf in the world and has something for everyone, from beginner to pro.”

Books amnesty saves our overdue blushes THIS summer, Kilkenny County Council Library Service is calling on everyone to declutter your homes and return any old library books you find! You can bring your old library books back to the desk or to the book bins in any of our libraries or talk to them if you have lost books, and they will get

your card reactivated! A book amnesty benefits everyone – the library gets books back, which means it doesn’t need to order new items to replace lost ones and other people can then enjoy the returned books. It also allows everyone to get their membership back on track, and get a new library

card if you need one! “We know most people are embarrassed to come back to visit us if they have lost books, or have very overdue books at home, but we would be thrilled to have our old members back in,” says County Librarian, Josephine Coyne. “We have a new library system in place

now, so this gives us and our borrowers the opportunity to start fresh!” Libraries are no longer just places to borrow books or study – they are also creative and engaging community centres where people can gather, make friends, relax, join a workshop and enjoy socialis-

ing with their local community. The local public library has also become a key technology hub in the community as people use the free internet and wifi service, and access a range of services online such as training courses, language courses, eBooks and eMagazines. Libraries also run bookclubs,

knitting groups, card making, and many other workshops and classes throughout the year. To join for free, just call into your local library, bring photo ID and proof of address. To find out more, visit your nearest branch, or see: www.kilkennylibrary.ie

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News Opinion

The Fact Of OfThe Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Urgent debate that’s a matter of life and death When my Father died, my Mother knew there was no going back. She missed him so, and decided she didn’t want to go on. She was in stage four of an incurable cancer. Being of sound mind, she told the doctor she didn’t want to take any more medicine. “Keep it for the young people,” she told him. “I’ve had a good life,” she quietly told me. So, one blue-skied day in September of the Millennium year, with my siblings and I by her side, she slipped into a coma, the loving hospice nurse cradling my Mother’s shrunken head in her lap. A few days later, my Mother died, peacefully and relatively pain free. More than that though, at 82 years, with an incurable disease, she choose her own time of going, along with that last vestige of human kind, her

dignity. The subject of assisted dying is once more back before the Oireachtas. Euthanasia, assisted-dying, is illegal in Ireland. However, under Irish law, adults have the right to refuse medical treatment, even if such is required to save their life, as long as they have ‘sufficient capacity’, that is the ability to use and understand information to make such a decision. Was my Mother’s going a form of assisted dying, in all but name? According to right-to-die campaigner Tom Curran, at least 10 Irish people travel abroad every year to avail of assisted suicide. Tom Curran cared for his partner Marie Fleming full-time for more than 15 years before she died from multiple sclerosis in December 2013. Before her passing the couple fought a lengthy

court battle as they challenged the ban on assisted dying. “There are a lot more now than we are aware of. There are people going there all the time,” he says. “Dignitas, in Switzerland, release their figures but they’re just one clinic.” Marie Fleming was not alone in her battle for the right to die: she joins a select, but growing, few with terminal illness who have taken their cases to court, but all failing to being allowed the right to die at their time of choosing. Professor Des O’Neill, of the School of Medicine at Trinity College, would concur with court rulings to date. He believes that, if euthanasia were legalised, people might opt for assisted suicide out of fear of what would happen in their future, if alone and decrepit. Prof. O’Neill compares as-

sisted suicide to wanting an infected tooth removed and says that, instead in seeking such a final solution, we should ensure that there are adequate supports for vulnerable people. “Death is always challenging, there is grief and loss but most of the evidence is that the majority of people want to die with dignity, and the right to control their own body. The State should not create laws that prevent those who wish to choose when and how they die from doing so.” For people who choose to journey to Switzerland or Holland, it isn’t just a matter of deciding they want to die and getting on with it. Each has had to meet the criteria for euthanasia which includes being able to give full consideration to what they are planning to do, and that their suffering is “permanent and

intolerable”. In the 30 odd years since renowned GP Paddy Leahy first broached the subject, there has been no substantial public debate on the

at least 10 Irish people travel abroad every year to avail of assisted suicide

matter here. There needs to be. It’s a human rights issue. We are living longer, and often with resultant and debilitating illness. Ethically, we should have the right to control our own body and the State should not create laws that prevent those who wish to choose when and how they die from doing so. As with my dear Mother, is not euthanasia, passive euthanasia, practised already in our wonderfully caring hospices? My late father-in-law lived with Alzheimer’s disease the latter years of his relatively young life. He was gone from us long before he gave up the ghost. There were times when I visited him in hospital alone, those times I wanted to place a pillow over the face of this man, now unknowing, catatonic. And let him slip away. Quietly, and with his dignity just about in tact.

Healthy habits to keep up after Covid ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

For every negative, there’s a positive. Most of us hated lockdown and living restricted lives for long periods wasn’t something we welcomed. It was necessary, of course, but painful too. However, we also started doing things which benefitted our health as part of a normal routine. Things that can keep us well even in these freer times. Keeping our hands clean is an obvious one. We naturally build up a collection of germs on our hands whilst putting them to use. We then use those same hands to eat, transferring those same germs to our mouths in the process. Of course, remembering to wash them before eating helps avoid illness. However, even when we aren’t taking in food, the number of times we touch our faces is quite startling. Experts reckon we do this on average 23 times an hour. That’s why frequently cleaning our hands is crucial for good

health even when we aren’t having a snack or meal. Curiously, it is recommended that we stop using gloves when using things like shopping trolleys. Covering our hands leads to a false sense of security, proven by people who wear gloves thinking their hands are naturally clean as a result. This isn’t true. Washing our hands is far more effective at preventing transmission of illnesses. Getting vaccinated is another habit we should keep up. Health experts recommend we don’t just stay updated when it comes to covid jabs, though. Equally beneficial is the flu jab. Influenza still kills people and vaccinating against it is sound practice. Ensuring good ventilation of enclosed spaces keeps us well. Air inside our homes becomes stale if we don’t open windows occasionally. This leads to a build up of germs which we then breathe in. Even during winter months, leaving a window ajar

for a little while allows fresh air to circulate in turn helping to keep us healthier. Staying at home when we are ill is good advice. Unfortunately, we are all going to get sick at some point. Probably a few times a year if we’re being realistic. Obviously, most of these illnesses are short term and no major issue. Things like colds, the vomiting bug and stomach upsets can all usually be cured by rest and a little patience. If symptoms are extreme, definitely contact your GP or, if necessary, go to A&E. However, for the most part, staying under the duvet for a couple of days will be all it takes. There is one key addition to that last point, though. Stay at home if you’re ill if at all possible. If everyone does that, the spread of illnesses will be much reduced. If you do have to go out, it might be wise to dig out those trusty old masks to prevent passing your bug onto other people.

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Cut back-to-school costs now SINN Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny Kathleen Funchion has said that the government must back the party’s plans to ease the burden of back-to-school costs, when the proposals are debated in the Dáil this week. Sinn Féin has set out a package of measures to ensure families get a muchneeded break from the cost

of living crisis by extending Back to School Allowance to middle incomes families and increasing the allowance for those already receiving it, as well as cutting spiralling back-to-school costs such as the price of voluntary contributions, school books, uniforms and transport. Speaking earlier this week,

Teachta Funchion said, “We know families here in Kilkenny find back-toschool costs a huge burden every year, but even more so this year, with a cost-ofliving crisis that is getting worse and worse. "The book lists, the uniform lists and the letters for voluntary contributions are already coming through the

door now. This is not an issue that can wait until the Budget in October, these bills are hitting people in the here and now. Sinn Féin brought forward a motion in the Dáil calling on the Government to act now. “Sinn Féin’s plan to cut back-to-school costs sets out how this crucial support

Farmers should resist lower beef price quotes IFA National Livestock Committee Chair Brendan Golden said tight supplies of suitable cattle and strengthening UK beef prices is underpinning the trade. He said despite attempts by factories to offer lower quotes, strong resistance from farmers is returning paid prices of up to 15c/kg above quotes. “Factories are paying €5.00 to €5.15/kg base price for steers and €5.05 to €5.20/kg for heifers with higher prices for larger and specialist lots. R and U grade young bulls are making €5.00 to €5.30/kg. Cow prices are firm ranging from €4.60kg to €5.00/kg,” Brendan said. The IFA National Livestock Committee Chair said Bord Bia has again revised their slaughter figures for the year to be in the region of 100,000 increase from last year. This will very

much depend on decisions farmers take in feeding over the coming weeks and months for cattle supplies in the back end and early 2023. “It is critical beef prices remain strong and reflect the realities of production costs on farms if normal supply patterns are to be maintained. Beef farmers will not and cannot be expected to take on the risks associated with finishing cattle for the winter without firm commitments on strong beef prices,” he added. “Farmers should reject the lower quoted prices offered by factories. The supply demand situation for beef in the UK and EU is very much in our favour as South American beef continues to be directed to the Chinese market, creating real opportunity for Irish beef in the key EU market,” Brendan concluded.

needed break. "This cannot wait, families are suffering here and now, and families will have already taken the hit and suffered hardship by the time the Budget comes.I am urging the government to end the dithering and delayfamilies in Kilkenny need help with back-to-school costs now.”

Trainer John ‘Shark’ Hanlon opens yard to public

Open morning at the training yard of Dot Love in 2019

RACEHORSE trainer, John ‘Shark’ Hanlon, is inviting the public to visit his Bagnelstown yard on Saturday, July 16. He has teamed up with Horse Racing Ireland Ownership and other trainers around the country to offer racing fans and those interested in racehorse ownership, a unique opportunity to get behind the scenes and experience a working training yard. ‘Shark’ tasted his first Grade 1 success when his charge Skyace claimed the Grade 1 Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Championship

can be delivered for families hit by the cost of living crisis. “Our package would make a big difference to families’ finances in Kilkenny by putting money back in their pockets to help with backto-school costs. Sinn Féin’s motion will demand that the government take action and implement our policies to give families this much-

Final at the 2021 Fairyhouse Easter Festival. John ‘Shark’ Hanlon sourced Skyace at the sales for £600 for the Birdinthehand Syndicate. The Kilkenny-born trainer also had another special day to remember when Hedwick won the bet365 Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Sandown this April. The trainer open morning will include a tour of John’s yard and its facilities, watching the racehorses on the gallop, meeting the team that look after the horses and a Q&A with John himself. Along with Shark, John

O'Donoghue, Kildare, Tom Gibney, Meath and Noel Kelly, Co. Derry have dates confirmed. Gordon Elliott, Jessica Harrington, Eric McNamara, Gavin Cromwell, Ross O’Sullivan, Edward O’Grady and Sarah Dawson are among the other trainers taking part with more to be added in the coming weeks. Amber O’Grady, HRI Ownership commented, "Open mornings are a fantastic opportunity for people to get behind the scenes of racing. There aren’t many sports that allow you into the dressing room and onto the training

pitch with the team. Open mornings do just that giving a fascinating insight into how these athletes are trained and looked after. With 20 trainers signed up so far spanning from Derry to Waterford there is bound to be a trainer not too far from you. It is free to attend but pre-registration is essential." The trainer open mornings will run nationwide from July to October and are free to attend. Those who wish to attend are asked to register their interest in advance, on www. racehorseownership.ie/ openmorning

Pilgrimage Sunday at Freshford FÉILE Lachtain 2022 continues this weekend when Pilgrimage Sunday takes place at Freshford on July 10. There will be a sponsored walk to Clashacrow Church and, after returning to the village, walkers will complete the pilgrimage by walking to Ballylarkin

Church. Entry is by donation and all are welcome. The walk begins from the tent on the Green at 1pm. Féile Lachtain 2022 commemorates the death in 622 A.D. of Freshford’s patron saint. It also celebrates more than 1,400 years of worship on the site of St. Lachtain’s

Church of Ireland. Future events include: lecture on the excavations at the church by Cóilín Ó Drisceoil on August 15; lecgture by Griffin Murray of UCC on the shrine of St. Lachtain’s Arm on September 9; concert by the Rafter Family, incorporating vio-

linist Patrick Rafter’s homecoming concert, on October 8 in St. Lachtain’s R.C. Church while the choir of St. Canice’s Cathedral will perform a concert on October 15 at St. Lachtain’s Church of Ireland. The festival ends in November.

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Twilight Community

‘Communities are stronger together’ The curtain came down on the Twilight Community Group’s Month of festivals for 2022. Each year to date the local Charity has held the Polska Eire Festival and this year was no exception. Now in its seventh year the local communities where delight to see it return after the postponements over the past 2 years due to the Covid 19 pandemic. This year saw the return of the Integration through sport and the Family festival day. Over

the past number of years, the integration through numbers bingo has been a success as has the Polish Film nights with English subtitles courtesy of Billy Byrnes john street. The group promote solidarity across all the communities of Kilkenny and this was very evident at Sunday’s final event where all the communities came together to hold an international community display of culture, song, cuisine and dance. The colour on the day was strong and vibrant as representatives from Poland, Ireland, Ukraine, Roma-

nia, India and the African communities put together a fantastic afternoon of entertainment. A large crowd were delighted by the wonderful singers from Ukraine and their youth groups dance and song routines. The crowd witnessed two young Indian boys perform 2 fantastic dance routines as did the African community with the help of a number of the spectators joining in the fun. Inside the MacDonagh Junction Unit we saw displays of food, culture and arts displays. The younger members were

given opportunities to show the painting skills as Art classes were held on the hour every hour from 12 noon till 4 pm The Twilight Community Group is a fully inclusive organisation where all men, women, boys and girls are welcome in all their diversity. Twilight promote inclusion and integration. They offer all their course free of charge as

the work with all the Irish and new communities. Courses include IT, Video and Podcast classes and have fully qualified Life coaches on site for all participants to avail off all year round. On July 15th, Twelve of the Twilight Youth Inclusion Group (TYI) head to Margny les Compiegne for 8 days and from the 23rd to the 30th Twelve Polish and French

students return to Ireland for to tour the City and County. If you are interested in Joining Twilight or signing up for our next trip. Send us a small letter, telling us about yourself and what you feel you can bring to the Twilight Community Group, International Cultural House , 15A Hebron Business Park , Kilkenny, R95DD29 or info@ twilight.ie

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

Opinion

As I See It Marianne Heron

Try a bit of Eastern promise IF you are worried at the prospect of chaos at airports and fearful of scorching European temperatures maybe holidaying in Ireland seems a safer bet. If so which way do you head – East or West? You must admit that the marketing brand Wild Atlantic Way has a certain adventurous ring to it or alternatively there is the more subtle appeal of the Ancient East. The Wild West has a fullfrontal appeal, you could hardly find anything more dramatic than theC of Moher or the Burren’s lunar landscape. I must admit, though, that I am drawn by the seductive charm of the East, where the secrets of the landscape remain concealed by a bend in a languorous river or the folds of rounded hills. The Ancient East is a handy marketing moniker but where actually is it? It takes in more than half the island – 17 coun-

ties, stretching the definition of East a bit but the area comprises a three-in-one concept with the Celtic Coast, the Historic Heartland, stretching from Carlow to Tipperary with Kilkenny at its centre and the Land of 5000 Dawns (Cavan, Longford, Louth, Meath and Monaghan.) The eastern counties have a particularly rich legacy from the past where the bones of history show through in ring forts, castles, abbeys, cottages and towers waiting to be discovered. Visit these dwellings from the past and you open the door to social history, stretching back 5,000 years. There are traces of Celts in the Bronze and Iron ages, the monastic settlements that make Ireland the island of saints and scholars. You can still see the walled towns built by the Normans after they arrived 1169 in places like Fethard and Kilmallock or the legacy of

plantation which began when the Tudors feared that the French might use Ireland as a backdoor for invasion. Researching books on houses around Ireland brought me on the roads less travelled and gave me a treasure trove of varied memories especially in the East. At the Dwyer McAllister Cottage in the Glen of Imaal, I was steeped in the blood and betrayal of Dwyer, one of the leaders of 1798 Rebellion and his men. (Dwyer’s escape would make an amazing film.) At Ormond Castle, Carrick on Suir, I tried to picture its owner Thomas, Butler Earl of Ormond, who Elizabeth I called ‘my Black husband’ in all his Tudor finery and to imagine his role as a mediator between English and Irish Interests. There could hardly be a more dramatic outlook than the one at Dromana, Cappoquin – a

Collagen what’s it all about? CLAIR WHITTY

Collagen is essential for healthy, youthful, and glowing skin. It provides firmness and structure and helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity. As well as skin it’s found in hair, bones, joint cartilage, and tendons. But once we hit our thirties, we start to lose collagen by 1.5% every year. Our skin can become dehydrated and thinner and signs of ageing begin to appear. It affects the bones — reduced collagen levels can cause bones to become more fragile and breakable. Wear and tear on the joint cartilage can result in joint discomfort with many people reporting pains in their knees, elbows, or shoulder joints. Women in the perimenopause can experience stiffness and pain which can be associated with a deficiency of collagen. That’s not good news at all is it. It can also cause problems in the gut. Collagen is needed to maintain and heal the gut, improving symp-

toms of leaky gut and IBS, and is especially beneficial for anyone who suffers with gut disease like Crohn’s disease or colitis. The amino acids in collagen build the tissue that lines the colon, which helps heal damaged cell walls and soothes the gut lining. It can be a good idea to take a collagen supplement. For example, Irish brand Healthreach Collagen Pure. It’s a customer favourite. It’s derived from a 100% natural source and contains the highest quality hydrolysed collagen. This is a form of collagen that has been broken down into small peptide particles making it easier to absorb. You can choose lemon or unflavoured. Take 5g, one

scoop, per day mixed with water or juice. It also contains vitamin C which is one of the building blocks of collagen. For optimal results continue taking for at least 3 months. Studies using only 5g of collagen per day showed a reduction in wrinkles of 10% around the eyes and 13% around the mouth. Fantastic! Sugar, smoking, and high amounts of sun exposure are not good for healthy collagen levels. Foods that contain vitamin C and antioxidants will support collagen production. This can include all types of berries especially goji and blueberries, and brightly coloured fruit and vegetables. Protein is important too - eggs, poultry, and fish. Look after your insides so you look and feel fantastic with Irish brand HealthReach Collagen. Shop online at www.naturalhealthstore.ie where you’ll be able to take a look at these brands. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@naturalhealthstore.ie

15th century Fitzgerald stronghold – than the view from its sheer clifftop setting over one of the most beguiling stretches of the Blackwater River with

beautiful riverside forest walks. The joy of the East is that places are within easy distance for day trips or short breaks. A birthday treat to visit a bluebell wood recently ended up as a memorable trip taking in Altamont near Tullow with it’s magical old-world gardens, a walk through the bluebell wood in the ice age glen beside the river Slaney. We stayed nearby in Huntingdon Castle, Clonegal, dating back to 1625, with a legacy of several ghosts. None of them materialised and after a fabulous dinner in the Sha-Roe restaurant in the village, we strolled up the Castle drive back to sleep in our four-poster bed unhaunted. The East offers endless variety, like the legend of Lough Derravaragh where the children of Lir swam as swans for 300 years or scandalous tales like the one surrounding Belvedere near Mullingar, built

for Robert Rochfort in 1740. The estate features the Jealous Wall, a sham ruin designed to conceal views of his brother Arthur’s home, who had an affair with Robert’s young wife Mary who he locked up in nearby Gaulstown for most of her life. You can find history dramatically combined with new technology in the hauntological sound trail “The Ancestors” at Kilruddery, County Wicklow in which images appear using 3D technology. With sonic spectres from the estate’s 400-year history creating a sound trail around the grounds. When it comes to who goes where, there’s a lemming-like rush for the Atlantic coast. In 2019, the Wild Atlantic Way drew 3.4m overseas tourists and 5m domestic tourists. While the East had 2.4m overseas visitors and 4m local tourists. So in the East you get more of the place to yourself.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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News THE popular Tiny Techs Summer Camp returns to Kilkenny this year following a brief hiatus due to Covid-19. Local man, Tim Slight set up the Tiny Techs Sumer Camp to try and help bridge the skills gap he witnessed in our young people as they entred the modern job market place. Modern jobs require modern skills and computational thinking and coding are two of them. Tim noticed an absence of STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Maths) lessons and feared that Kilkenny children were missing out, “I have been teaching for almost 20 years and came over to Ireland from England in 2014,” said Tim. “My own computing learning started decades back so I was stunned that it still isn’t on every school curriculum. It might be hugely nostalgic, but when I look back to my own childhood in the 80s, we were either playing ATARI or programming Commodore 64 or BBC Micros. It was new, niche and massively exciting. Imagine being able to instruct a computer to do something? The possibilities seemed endless.” The media caught on and pushed this new technology. “TV shows like Tommorow’s World predicted our tech future and new magazines such as Commodore User appeared in shops with pages of code to supporting our new ‘hobby’.” But Tim’s hobby grew into a love and in the 90’s he went to University to read Computer Science. Having spent time in professional positions he felt drawn to teaching. “I was working at Pfizer and really wanted to give children the opportunities I had experienced.” He places huge importance on the skills it develops. “Computational Thinking and coding allows us to problem solve,” he said. “Our lives are full of structure; algorithms are needed to solve ‘problems’. As Steve Jobs once said ‘programming a computer teaches you to think’.” It can

Could your child be Ireland’s next techpreneur? also support other transferable skills. “You learn how to work as a team, use some maths, be creative, be reflective and have fun!” The Tiny Techs Summer Camp provides children with many fun opportunities to solve problems and design and build solutions as it looks at a number of relevant, topical activities, such as: building classic video games, building a number of phone applications and designing

and building structures in Minecraft (such as fish tanks, Pyramids, Houses, Rainbows etc). “I could go into any Kilkenny playground and ask for and be given the names of many hurlers, which is great. But, could any child name Walter O’Brien, a local boy that made it big and successful in the world of Tech? If it happened to him, why not others? Learning should be diverse and full of opportu-

nities to find our passions – whether that be languages, sport, history, maths or technology.” He believes his vision and message is on the rise in education. “I teach Transition Year Coding and Leaving Certificate Computer Science and this year I was delighted to have a finalist in the national Computational thinking challenge and a female winner in the national coding challenge. That’s brilliant

for both the pupils and the school.” Tim feels very positive of this change in thinking and educational landscape. “I look back to the 80’s and even 90’s and the world is unrecognisable now. From streaming services, mobile phones, gaming, shopping everything seems ‘easier’, maybe quicker. But I wonder how will my children communicate, learn, interact? How can the boundaries be pushed further? Why be just

a passive consumer? Why not be an innovator? It isn’t a niche anymore. It’s not a fad, it is here to stay.” Tiny Techs Summer Camp in on @ The Model School Castlecomer Road, running from August 8 – 12. Price: €100 – 10% discount on additional bookings. To book or for more information email: tinytechs.ire@ gmail.com Follow on www. tinytechs.net or FaceBook @ tinytechs.ire

Extra posts for Kilkenny area child protection services FOLLOWING the publication of an HIQA inspection report for Child Protection and Welfare Services in the Carlow/ Kilkenny/South Tipperary service area, Tusla has welcomed findings that it “provides good quality service” but accepts it has “further work to do.” A number of additional posts have been approved for the service area, including two additional social care worker posts, a quality assurance post and a clinical psychology post. These roles will further support the work of the existing staff teams in the area. The focus of the HIQA inspection was on children

listed on the Child Protection Notification System (CPNS) who were subject to a child protection safety plan, and the aligned governance arrangements in place to ensure effective and timely service delivery to these children. Of six standards assessed, five were found to be compliant or substantially compliant, while a further standard was found to be moderately non-compliant. The inspection found that the Carlow/Kilkenny/ South Tipperary service had effective leadership, governance and management arrangements in place, which ensured that children

identified as at ongoing risk of significant harm received a consistent, good quality service. Further to this, inspectors noted there was an open, transparent culture within the service where learning was valued, and that the service placed a strong emphasis on the monitoring and auditing of the service it provided to children and families. Children who spoke with inspectors gave positive accounts of their experience of the child protection service, and the majority of children felt that their lives had improved because of the social workers’ involvement with their family. Robust

child protection safety plans with clear actions were put in place to keep children safe, and multidisciplinary involvement and cooperation was promoted and supported. The CPNS records the names of children who are identified as being at ongoing risk of significant harm and for whom there is an ongoing child protection concern. The children listed on the CPNS have Child Protection Plans agreed at a Child Protection Conference. This HIQA inspection found that these Child Protection Conferences were comprehensively facilitated, and that the level of participation of families and

other key professionals was strong. Improvements needed The report also noted areas where improvements were required, in particular inspectors noted that suitable residential placements could not be sourced for two children who required them. While this situation was not satisfactory, supports were being provided to these children to keep them safe at the time of the inspection. Tusla has recently published its Residential Care Strategic Plan, in which the Agency identifies the actions required over the next three years to increase the number of Tusla Residen-

tial Care Placements. Anne Marie Stafford, Area Manager for Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary, Tusla said, “This inspection report points to many examples of the good work done by Tusla staff in Carlow/Kilkenny/ South Tipperary area, day to day. We are pleased that the area was found by inspectors to have good levels of compliance, however we are aware that we have further work to do. “Tusla has agreed a number of actions with HIQA to further improve the service and to build upon the foundation of good work that is carried out by our staff.”

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Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny

Kilkenny County Council launched an initiative last week, the establishment of an annual community environmental action day for the next three years empowering communities to Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny. The

action days will see community groups, schools, residents’ associations, business interest groups and sporting organisations all coming out together to litter pick their local areas on a specific day. It is envisaged that these days will not just to be con-

sidered clean up days, but days which will provide opportunities for neighbours to become friends and for groups like sporting teams and business groups to give back to the community and to show that they are invested locally by taking time out

to support their neighbourhoods. Kilkenny County Council hopes that Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny action days will create a long lasting legacy in neighbourhoods across the county. Over the three

years, different programmes and activities will be developed to compliment the core objective of the “Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny” which is to uphold Kilkenny’s reputation of being litter free and to empower local communities to take action locally and keep their neighbourhoods litter free. Chairman of Kilkenny County Council, Cathaoirleach Pat Fitzpatrick was delighted to be at the launch, which was also attended by the corporate stakeholders. “I must compliment the management of Kilkenny County Council for progressing this initiative, I believe, the planning stage was stalled with the onset of Covid but I think Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny has enormous potential to galvanise the power of communities throughout the county. I would also like to thank the corporate sponsors who have come on board with this initiative and who share the Council’s vision of empowering local communities for the betterment of the environment. Environmental actions no matter how small can provide enormous benefits locally and the Let’s Team Up to Clean Up, Together for Kilkenny initiative has my full support”. Mayor of Kilkenny City, Cllr David Fitzgerald commented “Kilkenny City has a reputation of being litter free and it is important that we do not become complacent. The

City’s Tidy Town Group, Keep Kilkenny Beautiful does wonderful work and this initiative attracts even more resident associations to come on board. Providing all the registered groups with the litter picking resources and providing disposal options for the litter collected are exactly the types of supports which are needed to get everyone out to litter pick. I commend the Council and the corporate stakeholders in coming together to launch this initiative. It has wonderful potential, and I hope prominent community leaders put their shoulder to the wheel to encourage groups to register and participate in the upcoming events”. The first action day will be a pilot event, in Kilkenny City on the 9th of October, this will pave the way for a larger, county wide event planned to coincide with St Brigid’s Day, the new public holiday which will occur on the first weekend in February next year. Registration for both events can be completed via https://cleanup.kilkenny.ie/. This initiative would not be possible without the support of the corporate sponsors PRL, Dawn Meats, John O Shea Trust and Glanbia PLC/ Glanbia Co-op together with the waste management sponsor Panda.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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Opinion

Your Money & You John Ellis

Remote control – the future of working? Would you like to work, or continue to work, remotely? If so you are not alone as according to a recent Taxback. com survey more than 6 in 10 workers “love the idea” of remote working hubs and would be willing to use one of the Government’s new Connected Hubs facilities, if there was one in their area. This survey is on foot of an announcement earlier this year by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD of a new partnership between the national Connected Hubs network and the global peer-to-peer and online collaboration platform Zoom. During her speech she outlined the launch of connectedhubs.ie mobile app in conjunction with Zoom, a company that is synonymous with innovation and remote working. The Minister announced an addi-

tional €5m of funding to add remote work capacity across the country. It is part of the original DigiWest network that was the genesis of the national Connected Hubs platform which has since grown into the Connected Hubs network with more than 200 nationwide, and another 200 to come. Harry Moseley of Zoom commented, “Connected Hubs is an outstanding global example of how we can drive positive revolution for our rural regions. It’s incredibly refreshing to see the Irish Government lead from the forefront and embrace this new era of flexible working, encompassed by the National Remote Working Strategy. We recognise Connected Hubs as a key driver in bringing the ambitions and objectives of that strategy to life. As the initiative works towards onboarding 400 hubs nation-

wide, we want to ensure that hub users have full access to the ever-evolving technology innovations Zoom are bringing on stream.” Connectedhubs.ie through partnership with Zoom will equip remote workers to enable better collaboration and innovation and will, the hope is, become a permanent feature in the Irish workplace. Remote working hubs aim to support remote workers across the country by providing desk space in a range of repurposed buildings such as former convents, bank buildings, garda stations, and other unused buildings. To date, the State has invested more than €100m in the venture. If the survey is anything to go by, the demand for these facilities could do well to drive an even greater supply – be it from Government or private bodies – as of the taxpayers who are familiar with

the concept of remote work hubs, 63% said they “love the idea”, while just over a fifth (21%) would rather work from home. The remainder (16%) preferred to work from the office even though 55% of those surveyed consider working in the office to be more expensive than working from home. Barry Cahill, Director of Taxback.com said, “Working in the office is more costly than working from home. This stands to reason, as the expenses incurred going into the office every day can stack up pretty quickly – the cost of commuting is the obvious one, and probably the most significant, for most people, but there are also the costs of lunches, coffees, even work clothes adding to the bill.“ While far fewer people – 14% – felt that working from home was more financially demanding, there are no doubt still expenses incurred

with a home office. For example, utility bills will be higher, particularly in the winter when the heating is on more. Work hubs could really come into their own in the wake of the pandemic as organisations in certain indus-

‘Working in the office is more costly than working from home

tries have come to the realisation that staff don’t always have to be on-site. There is a benefit for regional development and should deliver for local economies, perhaps even addressing the current rising property prices. For example, someone once based in Dublin can now work from a hub in the West of Ireland, then this could open prospects for them in terms of home ownership. But a quarter of respondents said that they didn’t know what these hubs are and are not aware of the facility in their own areas, which isn’t altogether surprising, but perhaps in 12 – 24 months they will become much more mainstream. Kilkenny has two such hubs in the city and quick online search will get you all the details. john@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

Feature

SEVEN GIANTS Shem Downey: FinestWanderer

Ballyragget, Conahy, Knocktopher, Lisdowney, Tullaroan: With no ‘parish rule’ in operation,Shem Downey (like many others) played for a plethora of teams throughout the county. He jokes about having more clubs than Arnold Palmer. He is proud of the fact that it took the legendary Lory Meagher to entice him to Tullaroan. Yet it would be wrong to think of Shem as a journeyman hurler. The fact that he was a fast, fearless, athletic and skilful player made him much sought after by clubs eager for success. He showed his versatility when called from the Kilkenny Junior side to the Seniors to play in the All-Ireland Final of 1946 in direct opposition to Christy Ring. Although Shem Downey had never previously played centreback, he was undaunted by the onerous task. He held Ring fairly well until just before halftime, when the Cork star managed to escape, soloing towards the Kilkenny goal. Shem is still irate that none of the full-back line came to meet Ring since this decision opened a clear avenue to goal. At the end of his run Ring batted to the net. Shem is adamant on this score’s nature: “It wasn’t the classic goal that Ring often described.” For the second half, the selectors moved Dan Kennedy to centre back. Shem Downey went to midfield. He laughs as he recalls what transpired: “Ring got a few scores off Dan and that kept me on the team for another year.” Shem claims his main role was that of “a mullocker” whose job was getting the ball to Jim Langton. Contemporary records disprove this disparaging self-assessment. Shem’s outstanding performance in the 1950 National League Final (Home) against Tipperary is said to be one of the greatest individual displays of skill ever witnessed in Croke Park. Also consider the 2-1 he notched to finish leading scorer in 1948’s Leinster Final and you have a very different picture altogether. Indeed Billy O’Sullivan, that veteran of man Kilkenny dressing rooms, insists on his assessment: “Shem Downey was one of the finest hurlers that ever played for the county.”.

Joe Hennessy: The Life of Hurling Joe Hennessy played hurling the same way he lives his life: with verve and enthusiasm. He epitomizes all that is great about our noble game: honest endeavour, the commitment to fight for victory, the grace when required to accept defeat. Under the guidance of his late father Paddy he learned the skills of

the game. He perfected these attributes on the playing fields of The Waterbarracks and the Fair Green and in solo sessions within the confines of The Butts handball alley. The lessons learned at this time were of vital importance to his development as a hurler. When Joe joined the James Stephens club, he came under the influence of Bill Cody and Georgie Leahy. Enthusing about their contribution to TheVillage and Kilkenny, he declares: “They loved and lived for hurling.” He also credits these two men with ensuring

that his boyhood dreams turned into sporting reality. Joe had a glittering career, one embellished with three Celtic Crosses and five All-Star awards. Yet his two Club All-Ireland titles hold a special place in his heart. He rattles off the related statistics with relish: “We were the first Leinster team to win the title — indeed the first team outside Munster. We beat a brilliant Blackrock team in 1976 and a great Mount Sion team in 1981. We had two outstanding captains, Fan Larkin and Jimmy O’Brien. We had a fantastic team and we’re all still friends. That’s important.” In reflective mood, Joe admits that sometimes in the lonely hours of the night he lets his mind wander back through the years until he is standing again on the Waterbarracks pitch. Through the mists of time comes that well remembered voice urging: “On your left, Joe, lift and strike, lift and strike.” The voice has been with him all his life. It’s that of his beloved father, Paddy.

Tommy Murphy: A League of His Own Having played in four AllIreland finals — 1963, 1964, 1966 and 1969 — Tommy Murphy has the unique record of never playing a league game for Kilkenny. His absence from league hurling was all down to the regulations governing seminarians and clergy in force at that time. Essentially, this context meant that Tommy could only represent the county during his holidays from St Kieran’s College. Although, when the rule impinged on a prospective championship appearance, he circumvented it by not reporting back until after he had played in the 1964 All-Ireland Final… He laughs as he recalls that nobody seemed to notice his absence. “It must have been a clerical error,” he says drily. Tommy is remarkably philosophical when reflecting on this period. “I never thought too much about it really,” he muses. “That’s the way things were and I just accepted it.” O tempora, O mores. The young Tommy Murphy regularly travelled, as he puts it, “down the road to Ross” to see the Wexford team of the 1950s. “A mighty team and mighty men,” he recalls. He continues: “One of the only Kilkenny hurlers we ever saw was Ollie Walsh. He was driving a milk lorry at that time and when he came to the village we’d gather around and watch him hurl milk churns all over the place.” In 1963, after impressing in an Intermediate match against Kildare, he received the call to join the Senior panel (also getting the nod after that game was Tom Walsh of Thomastown). Tommy makes clear that going to train with the Seniors was a nervous time for him: “I was the first man from my end of the parish, The Rower, to make the team and I was in awe of all these stars. But I decided to do my best and see where that got me.” His best must have been sufficient, for later in the year he played a vital role when he scored 2-1 in Kilkenny’s All-Ireland victory over Waterford. It was indicative of his innate ability that Tommy Murphy, despite the restrictions placed on him, continued to thrive locally and nationally. While extremely modest about his achievements, he is recognized by his contemporaries as one of the foremost scoring forwards of that era.

Liam ‘Chunky’O’Brien: The Natural Liam ‘Chunky’O’Brien holds a special place in the heart of all Gaels. He played the game with extraordinary freedom of expression. His flamboyant and inspiring performances often enriched and enlivened a Sunday afternoon.

Thankfully for Kilkenny, many of these performances took place on September Sundays in Croke Park. Chunky (surely a misnomer) loved the big stage. His performances in All-Ireland finals state the one truth. The mesmerising solo runs with the sliotar balanced precariously on the bás of his hurl, as he dodged his way through despairing opponents, is one of the 1970s’ enduring sporting memories. If Chunky gave the impression of being as vulnerable as a street urchin, underneath that façade was a teak tough athlete. He was deceptively resilient, could take harsh punishment, could come smiling through. This trait would be of invaluable service after his retirement when he had to fight another battle against a far more dangerous opponent. Showing the courage of old, this battle too was won. And even though the hard knocks did not cease, he still has come smiling through. Maith an fear, Liam.

Noel Skehan: Bás of the Moss For almost a quarter of a century, Noel Skehan has stood alone at the top of the AllIreland Senior table with nine Celtic Crosses to his name. From 1963, when he came on to the Kilkenny Senior panel, until his retirement in 1985 he displayed a single minded determination that would take him to the zenith of his chosen sporting career. During the nine years he spent as substitute to the legendary Ollie Walsh he remained focused on his aims. He watched the master at work, made the cameo appearances when required, and learned the trade. Now, as Noel reflects on those days, he says: “It was no hardship to sit on the bench because I knew I was a sub to the best goalkeeper in Ireland.” Having served a long apprenticeship, his patience was rewarded when the call came in 1972 to replace Ollie, his friend and mentor. It turned out, after all the waiting, to be a defining year in his career since he captained his county to All-Ireland success. Noel is modest about the achievement: “I only got the job because all the good hurlers in the club had already done it, and sure really all it meant was going up for the toss.” On a more serious note, he does admit that he was always aware of the great honour bestowed: “Today, as I think about the great men who captained Kilkenny to an All-Ireland, I feel privileged and fortunate to be a part of that elite band.” Reflecting on an honour-laden career, Noel is reluctant to single out any team-mate. He holds to a simple opinion: “To be chosen to represent Kilkenny meant you had to be a good hurler.” That said, he does reserve special praise for Pat Henderson. Noel believes Henderson as coach/manager never got enough credit for dragging “a desperately poor team” from the depths of Division 1B to achieve the so-called ‘double double’ in 1982-83. Following retirement as a player, Noel successfully managed the Leinster interprovincial side as well as the Kilkenny Juniors and Intermediates. He also had a productive tenure alongside Brian Cody as selector with the Senior panel. Even now, he is not content to sit on the sidelines and ruminate about ‘the good old days’. Instead, in his role as coach to the Development Squad, you will find him in St Kieran’s College or in some of the club grounds around the county, passing on his experience to the young stars of the future. Noel Skehan

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is still driven by idealism and a youthful exuberancefor the game of hurling.

Jim Treacy: Artful Defender All tenacity and intelligence, Jim Treacy turned the much maligned role of defending into an art form. He set and maintained consistently high standards throughout his illustrious career. He was a fearless competitor, brave in the tackle and assured on the ball. With the minimum of fuss Jim dominated opponents and demolished many an inflated ego in the process. The complete team player, he often sacrificed his own instincts for the greater glory of the county unit. Not renowned as the fastest of players, his reading of the game allowed him time and space to affect clearances. He adhered to the Fr Maher mantra of defending: ‘Get it out of the danger area.’ You rarely saw Jim Treacy send raking clearances. Usually it was the deft flick or the short puck to a well placed team-mate. Jim firmly believes that hurling is a game of inches: those between the two ears. Although he played in an era when the physical demands of defending were immense, this redoubtable Bennettsbridge man never flinched. In the fiercest of battles Jim Treacy was unflappable, always hurling with assurance and composure. There is no doubt that his performances for the Kilkenny bear favourable comparison with players from any era. Indeed, after consultations inside and outside the county, there is enough anecdotal evidence to suggest that Jim Treacy is the best left full-back that ever played the game.

MartinWhite: Shining On It says a lot for Martin White’s credentials as a hurler that he shone brightly during the 1930s, the decade that many commentators consider to be the most competitive in hurling. He added further lustre to his impressive CV by being a consistent scorer at the highest level of the game. As well as these distinctions, Martin’s accumulation of three All-Ireland medals further underlines his outstanding achievements during a glittering career. He was a fast, skilful, stylish player, one who used these attributes to torment some of the most formidable defenders in the game. Martin, during an era when defending was euphemistically referred to as ‘no nonsense’, proved himself a fearless competitor, a hurler whose ability to find space in the most congested of areas allowed him to be the fulcrum of the Kilkenny attack. Also, his remarkable hand-eye coordination enabled him to score countless goals with his well developed overhead stroke. To round off his talents, Martin had a mighty puck on a ball, with the leftsided drop shot the favourite one in his repertoire. “The drop shot generated immense power and was almost impossible to stop,” he explains. However, things were not always easy during this time. Martin’s work commitments saw him domiciled in Waterford and so getting to training in Kilkenny was occasionally an adventure. Indeed, prior to the 1933 Final, he remembers being collected by car in Waterford and going over to Mooncoin to collect Eddie Doyle. He laughs as he recalls that, when they eventually got to Nowlan Park, Paddy Larkin and Podge Byrne had finished and were already gone home. He still has a great interest in the game and is ‘au fait’ with all the current players and with the minutiae of all GAA affairs. Of the great players he saw, he is adamant that his clubmate Lory Meagher was the greatest of them all. Martin remarked: “Without labouring the point, all I’ll say is that Lory was a genius.” In an era bedecked with stars MartinWhite shone brightly. He was widely recognized as one of the game’s most skilful exponents in one of the game’s most skilful eras. ( Taken from The Stripy Men by Joe Cody 2008)

Reflections on Hurling Following the All-Ireland Semi-final win over Clare, The Kilkenny hurlers will meet Limerick in the All Ireland Final. An apt time to remember the words of journalist Con Houlihan and his thoughts on Kilkenny hurling

Con Houlihan The history of hurling is not free from irony: for generations the ancient game was patronised by the landlords. They kept teams of hurlers just as their counterparts in England kept teams of cricketers. These men were not professionals: they were drawn from the legion of farm workers who were then needed to cultivate the vast estates. The Act of Union did great damage to hurling. Dublin was no longer the capital city. Many of the landlords went to England. The ancient game declined. This tendency was not entirely true: there were some few who remained behind but the Famine further weakened the game. There were two kinds of hurling. One was called ‘mountain hurling’; the other was called ‘lowland hurling’. The former was played by men in the ‘idol times’, meaning between the end of October and the end of February. In those months there was not much work done on the land. This kind of hurling was very like hockey: there was little or no lifting. Most of the time the ball was on the ground. It is easy to understand why: men needed their hands for working with the spade and the shovel and the scythe and the flail. Lowland hurling was significantly different. Mountain hurling was played with a kind of stick you would see in hockey now; lowland hurling was played with a broadbladed camán. This factor naturally made lifting a major part of the game. When Michael Cusack sat down to formulate the rules for the new game, he deliberated for a very long time. When at last he made his choice, he came out in favour of the lowland game. It was clear that he himself favoured mountain hurling on account of his background in Clare. But he knew that lowland hurling would prove far more popular. And so, sometime in the late 1880s, he wrote down the rules that gave us the game that we have today. Mountain hurling did not disappear completely: some counties, even though the new form was taking over, still preferred to keep an element of ground hurling in their game. Almost inevitably, this form of hurling became less and less popular. Cork were the last county to employ the old game. Indeed there was a time in the 1930s when only one player in the Cork team was allowed to pick up the ball. That was Seán Óg Murphy. We see occasional flashes of ground hurling from Offaly today. But the ball in the hand is favoured almost everywhere now. The reason is simple. Ball in hand, you have several choices: you can run with it; you can pass it; you can strike it. The choices are many. If you drew a map of hurling in relation to the counties, you would see that it corresponded with a map showing the good land. Thus you will see that hurling dominates the eastern half of Cork while gaelic football dominates the western half. The same is true of Limerick and of almost every county. I will say a last few words about mountain hurling. When Cusack used to play with his students in the Phoenix Park, his favourite advice was: ‘Tarraing é.’ When he set out from Kingsbridge on that fateful morning in 1884, he had two ambitions: he hoped to re-organize athletics and to revive hurling. Athletics was then in chaos; things have not improved much in the meantime. Hurling

hardly existed at all. Did he succeed in reviving it? He did but only to a certain extent. We are back to our old friend irony. When Cusack took what he deemed the better elements of soccer and rugby, unknowingly he frustrated his plan to revive hurling. He called the new game ‘Gaelic football’. It could not be called an ancient game because it could not be played until the invention of the pneumatic bladder. The new game proliferated and sprang up in every nook and cranny of the country. It was not too difficult to play and it was a far safer game than hurling. And it militated against the revival of hurling. It almost wiped out mountain hurling and it also weakened the other form. Incidentally, it almost wiped out cricket, a game then played in a great many parts of the country. It was logical that hurling would become a great part of Kilkenny’s culture. It is a county where Nature has been bountiful. Almost all its land is fertile. The game never really died out there, having been so well fostered by the landlords. The early All Irelands were really inter-club championships. Kilkenny were prominent then but they became even more so when the competition was based on counties. They had a great run in the early century, winning the All-Ireland seven times between 1904 and 1913. It is not true every boy in Kilkenny is born with a little camán in one hand and a sliotar in the other. But they grow up with a knowledge that they are in a great tradition. Success breeds success. The young lads never lack for role models. Noel Skehan succeeded Ollie Walsh; Henry Shefflin succeeded DJ Carey. I first saw Kilkenny play in the All-Ireland Final of 1937. To be honest I did not see them play. It was a very sad day for the Black & Amber. Tipperary overwhelmed them but at least I could say that I saw the immortal Lory Meagher. He was brought on late in the game when he could do little to salvage something. I last saw Kilkenny play in the All-Ireland Final of 2008. On that day, under Brian Cody, they gave a display as near to perfection as is possible in human endeavour. Flow on, lovely river.

Con Houlihan was an Irish sportswriter. Despite only progressing to national journalism at the age of 46, he became “the greatest and the best-loved Irish sports journalist of all”. He died on August 4 2012. (This article was penned by Con for the publication “The Stripy men, and is reproduced here by kind permission of the publishers) .

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

Feature

John Cullen, Lord of the Lough, time in the army and his court martial This week Cois Céim, in association with The Saturday walkers group explain the term ‘kishing’ that was very much part of the Kilkenny vocabulary in the 1700’s. The last ‘kishing’ was done in Kilkenny in 1780. Kishing was ordered for a jury when it failed to reach a verdict. The jury was taken in horse drawn carts to the outskirts of the city and toppled out onto the road. And left to make their own way home. jury were unable to agree. The judge remanded them three times to reconsider the evidence. They still persisted in their disagreement. This so irritated the Judge, he ordered the jurors to be “kished “ The ceremony was then performed, two potato carts furnished with high kishes were taken from the market place to the Thosel. Six of the jurors were placed in each kish. PARADED THROUGH THE TOWN The judge taking his place in his carriage, attended by a military escort. The jurors were paraded through the town, then driven to the stream at the gate of Sir Charles Cuffes on the Dublin road. Here the procession halted and the Judge addressing the jurors in the most insulting language, accusing them of incapacity to discharge their duties. He next ordered the owners of the carts to discharge their loads outside of the City liberty. The farmers loosened the braces of their carts and tumbled the jurors into the dust of the road. The Judge returning in great pomp to the City. This was the last jury that was ‘kished’ in Kilkenny, a custom that ceased in the 1820’s.

John Cullen was one of the characters who lived in the Walkin Street area, and was said to have been fairly well educated. His parents were of a comfortable position in life. In a drunken fit he enlisted in the local regiment of the Army, and some years later, whilst stationed in Cork, was convicted before a court martial of singing treasonable songs, which encouraged a French invasion of Ireland. Cullen was sentenced to receive 300 lashes at the triangle, which so lacerated his back he lost his reason. After 12 months in hospital he was discharged as an incurable maniac. On his return to Kilkenny he found every relative of his had died, and so came to depend on the goodwill of his neighbours. THE LORD OF THE LOUGH He was a regular attendant at the bonfires, wakes, cockfights, and all such gatherings. He

came to be recognised as a master of ceremonies and called himself the Lord of the Lough. Cullen was arrested and charged with encouraging people at a wake to sing a disloyal ballad named God Damn George King. The Lord of the Lough took his place in the dock. The court clerk read the charge and asked him how he pleaded,” Not Guilty “came the reply, and drawing himself to an erect position in the dock, addressed the Judge. “My Lord, the constitution of this realm guarantees to an accused man, he be tried by his peers. Now you are a Lord and I am another. High as your titles are, mine are as high.” Who are you, asked the Judge, what are your titles? To which Jack responded “I am the Lord of the Lough, Earl of the Lighthouse, and Commander in chief of all the women of the Lake”. The Judge in amazement enquired from the clerk what was the meaning of all this.

The prisoner, the clerk stated, is the common town fool and this great crowd have gathered to enjoy the amusement he would create. Who sent this creature for trial? Enquired the Judge? “I did”, said the Mayor. “He cursed the King, and worse than that he half killed my head bailiff.”, continued the mayor. Turning to the gaol governor, he ordered the release of Cullen, stating “it makes little difference to the King whether he curses or blesses him. I cannot permit this court of Justice to be turned into a burlesque”. CARRIED IN TRIUMPH The Lord of the Lough was liberated and carried in triumph on the shoulders of the boys of the town. Two more were arraigned for trial on the same charge and before the same Judge later that year. The two prisoners were tried together. After an investigation and elaborate charge from the Judge, the

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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Feature

Remembering those from Kilkenny who died at the Somme The Kilkenny Observer would like to thank Mary Anne Maher for the photos. On Sunday July 3, members and supporters of The Kilkenny Great memorial committee gathered at Kilkenny’s Peace Park. The annual commemoration of The Battle of the Somme, also known as the Somme Offensive, has become a special day in the city. The battle was fought during the First World War from 1 July to 18 November 1916. Gathering at the Great War memorial, at The Peace Park, a special commemoration took place to remember those from Kilkenny who died at the Somme. The short ceremony focussed in particular on the one hundred and twenty six Kilkenny people who lost their lives during the Somme battle. The remembrance consisted of poetry, prayer, music and wreath laying. Representing Kilkenny Council were Pat Fitzpatrick, Cathaoirleach, and David Fitzgerald Mayor.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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Feature

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

Feature

Cromwell in Kilkenny

As the invaders prepared to lay siege to Kilkenny, Walter Butler was building up the garrison’s defences. He deployed correspondingly greater numbers of fighters to a part of the wall at which he figured Cromwell would be likely to attempt a breach. Behind the wall that stood between the invaders and occupation of the city, the garrison erected fences of stakes and ramparts (Flat-topped defensive mounds) to fortify their positions. Defending musketeers and swordsmen lay in wait for an attack that might come at any time. While the attention of both sides was chiefly focused on the section of wall overlooked by St. Patrick’s Church, Cromwell’s troops attempted to gain entry into Kilkenny at its perceived weakest point: Irishtown. But the defenders here repulsed the attack. Cromwell repeated his call to Walter Butler to surrender, and was again rebuffed by a defiant city governor. The following day, Sunday, passed without incident as 17th century armies refrained from waging war on the Lord’s Day. But tension was high, and a palpable fear gripped the city’s population as the countdown to Armageddon began. Zero Hour The morning of Monday March 25th was dark, cold, and clammy. Inside the City Wall, a grim silence prevailed as weary troops and terrified civilians waited for the inevitable onslaught. Anxious whispers, heart-felt prayers, and the sound of birdsong accompanied the first faint rays of sunlight that struggled to break through a veil of thick black cloud. The silence was shattered at 5.30 a.m. Cannons roared. Artillery fire rained down from the tower of St. Patrick’s

Church on the stables that lay near the Castle gate. Ball after ball crashed against the City wall. The firing seemed to go on forever. It continued nonstop until noon on Tuesday, when a breach had appeared in a section of the wall. Eyeing this gaping hole in the defensive barrier, Cromwell ordered his men to storm the breach and enter the city. Lt. Colonel Daniel Axtel led the attack, which came under fierce cannon and musketfire from defenders who had moved quickly to fill the breach with fences of razorsharp stakes and mounds of earth. A second storming party under Colonel Hewson was also beaten back. Wounded and dying men lay heaped on both sides of the breach in the wall. Body parts were scattered everywhere. Decapitated corpses, arms, legs, and torsos seemed to quiver and move…taking on a new life of their own amidst the gurgling streams of hot blood that washed over them. The ear-splitting cries of injured men unnerved both attackers and defenders. Cromwell lost a total of 70 troops, two colonels, and a number of lower ranking officers in the two attacks. The garrison lost 30 men. When a furious Cromwell ordered a third attack on this heavily defended breach; his troops refused to obey.

Such disloyalty to the Lord Protector from his men was rare enough, and an indication that his initial confidence in a quick victory had been dented by the garrison’s fight-ing spirit. He then decided on a diversionary tactic. Giving the impression that his forces were preparing for a third storming of the breach, he dispatched a large force to Dean’s Gate at Irishtown, which, it’s important to remember, was totally separate from the Hightown or Englishtown. Unfortunately for Kilkenny, it was also less adequately defended. Apart from being the weakest point in the city’s defences, Irishtown had immense strategic value to the invaders because it encompassed St Canice’s Cathedral. This rose to a considerable height and thus offered a panoramic view of Englishtown. Col. Ewers led one thousand Cromwellian troops to attack Irishtown and seize the cathedral. The attackers approached Dean’s Gate by a route that took them down by New Street, Flood Street and Blackmill Street. They rapidly overcame the poorly armed, plague-ridden and badly undernourished defenders. Within a matter of hours, they had completely occupied Irishtown. Rampaging troops smashed their way into the cathedral. Having subdued Irishtown,

Cromwell re-directed his ef efforts to capturing Hightown, with its formidable defences. He attempted to break through a section of the city wall that ran alongside the River Bregagh at St. Francis Abbey. On Wednesday, March 27th, his troops managed to create a breach in the wall where it adjoined the Abbey. For a while, this breakthrough seemed to herald imminent disaster for the garrison. But the city governor was alerted and the defenders quickly counter-attacked. The Cromwellians at this location were cut down by Irish and Royalist horsemen. Thirty or more skeletons were unearthed at the spot in the late 20th century. Despite this morale boost for the garrison, the city governor realised that his forces would soon be completely outflanked and overwhelmed by sheer weight of numbers. Letters had passed back and forth between the opposing sides since the invaders had arrived at the city gates. Defiant at first, Butler now began to soften his position. Lord Castlehaven had specified to him days earlier that if

the city were not relieved by 7 p.m. on March 27th, he should surrender on the best terms possible if the alternative was an all-out massacre of the population. He organised a parley to explore the possibility of an honourable surrender to Cromwell. The group he appointed to meet the enemy beyond the south wall of the city comprised prominent citizens and pillars of the Kilkenny establishment: Captain David Turnball, Edward Rothe, the well known merchant, James Cowley, Recorder of Kilkenny, and Major John Comerford. Later that evening, even as surrender was being negotiated, eight companies of foot soldiers under Colonel Gifford crossed the Nore and set about storming St. John’s Gate at the corner of Maudlin Street. But these troops met with a hail of gunfire and fierce resistance from defending swordsmen when they tried to cross John’s Bridge to enter the City by this point. Around fifty Cromwellians died in the skirmish. Though the besiegers had

been put under severe pressure, both sides knew that capitulation was only a matter of time. The bloodletting soon stopped as terms of surrender were agreed upon and signed. Next morning, March 28th, Cromwell’s forces took control of Kilkenny and its proud castle. The garrison was allowed to leave the city, but fines totalling £2,000 were imposed on the civic population of Kilkenny in the weeks that followed, an amount equivalent to about ninety million Euro in today’s monetary terms. These fines were to reimburse Cromwell for the cost of his bloody siege. The triumphant leader appointed Lt. Colonel Axtel as Governor of Kilkenny. He had shown true heroism in the course of the siege. This impressed Cromwell, who also favoured Axtel because he had been the officer in charge of the guard at the execution of King Charles I following the Crown’s defeat in the English Civil War. -John Fitzgerald Continued next week

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

Review

Three Miles of Road A wonderful work of storytelling and social history with treasured memories Ireland of the 1960’s was seen as a vibrant time. It was a time when worldwide, what was accepted as being ‘the norm’ was being challenged. Ireland also benefited from the economic boom and developing economy as policies of protectionism were abandoned and the country was opened up to international trade and industry. RTÉ television began on the last day of 1961. The 1960s also saw the end of censorship in Ireland, and the provision of free post-primary education. The Civil Rights movement began in the North of Ireland, and the start of the ‘troubles’, which continued to the end of the century. However, if you are looking for events closer to home, you would do well to read Tom Byrnes book ‘Three miles of road-tales of a country life in the sixties’. BOOK IS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD CARLOW-BORN author Tom Byrne’s first book Three miles of road – tales of country life in the sixties’ was officially launched by Anna May McHugh (MD, National Ploughing Association) and RTÉ author and producer John MacKenna at the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow on Thursday 23 June. Speaking at the launch, RTÉ author and producer John MacKenna had this to say. “The book is a wonderful work of storytelling and of social history. I remember the first night Tom came to a writing workshop in the library, saying he had no idea why he was there but now we all know he had stories to tell and what stories! Life, death, laughter, sadness. Stories of love and loss and, most importantly, stories of the ordinary people and ordinary lives - each one as important as another. Kavanagh spoke in ‘Inniskeen Road July Evening’ of being ‘king of banks and stones and a mile of road’. Tom went two miles better in his beautifully titled book. The group that Tom was part of in the library were a wonderful, honest and open group and this book is proof that storytelling is in Tom’s blood. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt and important book and one he should rightly

be proud of. It weighs 530 grammes. That much gold costs €30,000. This book is worth a lot more.” A STRONG AFFINITY WITH RURAL IRELAND Speaking with The Kilkenny Observer, Tom shared his thoughts. “Throughout my life I’ve felt a strong affinity with rural Ireland and the farming community and in my writing I’ve tried to capture the general decency of the people as well as their quirks, good humour and failings. As with life in Ireland in general, rural Carlow has changed so much over the decades, so I also wanted to reflect on those changes and put them on the record for future generations.” Tom lives in Co Carlow with his wife Kathleen and their family and runs the award-winning BurnsideEurocyl company with his brother Anthony and other family members. The book focuses on Tom’s memories of growing up in rural Carlow and its mix of fascinating memories and colourful characters, both locals and visitors. A SIGHT FOR SORE EYES MC on the night John Nolan regaled the attendance with various stories such as the story of a local man who was drawing the blind pension,

but when the darts tournament came up at the local pub at Christmas he couldn’t resist taking part when he saw the prizes on offer. In the end he came second and bagged a fine ham per. According to the author, his memories and stories cross all topics. “There were tears and laughter, religion and sex, joy and strife, friendship and rivalry, mischief and mayhem, music and drama, life and death and the fear of the Telegram Woman. Sadly, the tragic story of the pregnant girl, stories with a parade of whose baby was taken from colourful characters such as her by the nuns, is rendered By the Wheely Mick, Black even more poignant by last Sally, The Hootle Doran and year’s controversial “Mother The Russia Man, descripand Baby Homes Report.” tions of the strange ritual of Three miles of road is an “blowing” and a game called entertaining collection of meggars, and the dramatic

impact of the assassination of President Kennedy. But above all, Three miles of road – tales of country life in the sixties is Tom Byrne’s invaluable contribution to our understanding of Ireland’s recent past.

TREASURED MEMORIES Speaking at the book launch, managing director of the National Ploughing Championship , Anna May McHugh made the following observation. “This book by Tom Byrne will bring treasured memories to many families and create conversation and laughter throughout Co Carlow and beyond. Readers will appreciate the work, research and time Tom has given to this great publication. Even when we have all passed away his work will be a history for upcoming generations” The book is dedicated to Tom’s parents and is highly recommended as a book that you can dip in and out of with each visit to the book promising to be a pleasurable one. The publication is available in bookshops in Carlow and Kilkenny.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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News

Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny reopens this July with exciting additions to the immersive experience

FRIDAY, 1 JULY 2022: Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is delighted to announce the re-opening of its doors to visitors this July. The experience will officially re-open on Friday, 15 July 2022, with exciting new spaces and enhancements throughout. Speaking about the reopening, Catherine Toolan, Managing Director, Brand Homes Diageo Ireland said; “We are absolutely delighted to be re-opening the doors of Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny, and look forward to welcoming visitors from Kilkenny, as well as those visiting the city. We are immensely proud of our association and longstanding relationship that we have enjoyed with Kilkenny, and we are excited to continue our role in the city’s tourism offering, and in celebrating Smithwick’s brewing heritage.” The unique Smithwick’s Experience explores over 300 years of history with brewing excellence, providing visitors with an immersive, multi-sensory experience celebrating Smithwick’s, Ireland’s most popular ale. As well as offering firsthand experience of the brewing process, tour guides take visitors on a storytelling

journey, introducing guests to memorable characters along the way. There are also new investments and innovations added to the experience as part of the reopening. Toolan continued; “On arrival, visitors will see the striking new mural that represents the vibrant culture and rich history of

Kilkenny. As you step inside, visitors can now experience our new Smithwick’s Flavour Room. The Smithwick’s Flavour Room is a sensory experience that immerses the visitor in the raw ingredients of Smithwick’s Red Ale and how they combine to bring life to the beer. Later this summer, we will unveil our new outdoor

space, which will expand the experience, allow for more capacity and offer visitors the chance to enjoy a cool beer in an outdoor setting.” Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick was quoted today, saying; “We are delighted to see the reopening of the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny. This attraction will add

another unique element to the tourism offering in Kilkenny City along Ireland’s Medieval Mile. It is essential to have stand out attractions to entice the domestic and international visitor and the Smithwick’s Experience achieves this. Smithwick’s is a brand with huge heritage in Kilkenny City and it is fantastic to see its

continuing legacy. With the development of the former Smithwick Brewery Site at the Abbey Quarter nearby this renewed experience will be a wonderful addition to this area of Kilkenny.” Also speaking today at the re-opening of the Smithwick’s Experience, Sarah Fitzpatrick from Failte Ireland said; “The reopening of the Smithwick’s experience is positive news for tourism in Kilkenny, as having a wide range of experiences and attractions on offer encourages visitors to come and explore the area. Smithwick’s has been a part of Kilkenny’s history and heritage for over 300 years, and this experience will draw international and domestic visitors to Kilkenny and the wider Ireland’s Ancient East region, supporting economic benefit for the local community and increasing dwell time in the region.” Tickets to the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny will be available to purchase soon on https://www. smithwicksexperience. com/. Tickets cost €18 and include the tour and a complimentary pint. Group rates are also available on request. For more information, please email info@smithwicksexperience. com

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Community & GAA Notes

MINORS MOTOR ON Clara minors were back in action on Monday night of last week in Danesfort after the exam enforced five week break. Although they had trained diligently during that time and played three challenge games, they still showed signs of a little rustiness for this one. They were short a few of the panel owing to holidays but Danesfort were well up for this one too, and kept the Clara boys honest right to the end. Danesfort had their two county men back for this game. Both Anthony Ireland-Wall and Éanna Ó Casaide showed glimpses of why they were Kilkenny minors this year, with a goal apiece, but overall Clara could be happy with how they dealt with them. Two points each by Rory Glynn and Sean Carrigan shortly before half time helped Clara to a 1-11 to 1-6 lead. Harry Boyle had scored a superb goal while Eoin Corr had added two superbly struck points. When Ireland-Wall sauntered through a sleeping Clara defence right from the throw in to shoot a goal, the lead was back to 2 points. But Clara didn’t panic, and reeled off the next six points to regain control. John Bergin scored two in a row during this period, while Sean Carrigan, Ned Langton, Rory Glynn and Eoin Corr all found the mark. However after Ireland-Wall and Harry Boyle (from a sublime effort) had exchanged points, Danesfort struck for a goal and a point to leave just four points in it with 12 minutes left to play. Three Rory Glynn converted frees in a row calmed the nerves. Luke Lawlor, who put in another big shift here, had been fouled for two of these. Danesfort chipped away with three more points to reduce the deficit to four again, but it was left to Rory Glynn from another free, and Sean Carrigan to close out the scoring. Apart from those already mentioned Clara had good performances from goalkeeper Cian Kelly. Philip Carrigan, Ben Crow and James Cody were ever alert. Ben Murphy, Zach Lawlor and Alex Firbank (despite picking up an injury) were very solid while Hugh Kelly got through an amount of hard graft at midfield. A workmanlike victory and hopefully some cobwebs cleared for the next game at home to Erin’s Own of Castlecomer. Team - Cian Kelly, Philip Carrigan, Ben Crow, James Cody. Alex Firbank, Zach Lawlor, Ben Murphy. Hugh Kelly, Rory Glynn 0-10, 0-8f John Bergin 0-2, Ned Langton 0-1, Luke Lawlor. Harry Boyle 1-3, Sean Carrigan 0-4, Eoin Corr 0-3.Subs Orí Phelan, Tom Boyle, Tom Murphy. U15s LOSE The Clara U15s made the long journey to Mooncoin on Wednesday last and came away empty handed as the hosts prevailed 4-14 to 2-13. Nevertheless this was a fine performance by the Clara lads who were short a number of their top players. The final margin flattered Mooncoin somewhat. Team - Orí Phelan, Lucas Healy, James Cody, Daniel Murphy. Conor Galvin, Philip Carrigan, Tom Murphy. Hugh Kelly, Padraig Meany. Sean Byrne, Luke Lawlor, Eoin Corr Dara Kenny, John Bergin, Tom Boyle. COUNTY Well done to Conor Phelan of Clara who was a selector on the Kilkenny senior hurling team that qualified for the All Ireland final on Saturday in Croke Park. The Cats had a very convincing victory over Clare. 2-26 to 0-20 was how it finished. Kilkenny now face the might of Limerick in the final. Well done also to Mary O Connell who hurled for Kilkenny senior camogie team as they drew with Galway in Athenry. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of tonight’s club lotto (June 28th). Numbers Drawn were 21, 22, 26, 28 Bonus 27. Next Week’s Jackpot will be €10,000 (July 5th). Play again at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Mick Delaney c/o Padraig Leydon. 2. Lorraine Scanlon c/o Esther Maher 3. Geraldine Casey c/o Sean Casey. 4. Vicky Trehy c/o J J Cullen . 5. Dolores Walsh c/o Esther Maher. 6. Cha c/o Damien O’Connell. 7. Martin Dowling c/o Peter Dowling . 8. Ben Leydon c/o Online . 9. Eimear Skehan c/o Online . 10. Mick Johnson c/o online Thank you for your continued Support ALL-IRELAND Congratulations to all Gaels involved in Kilkenny Hurling in getting to the All-Ireland Hurling Final. In particular our players, Paddy Deegan, Huw Lawlor, Mikey Butler and Conor Heary. It’s a massive achievement. IMPORTANT ALL-IRELAND TICKET INFORMATION Please note Fully Paid Up Members Only can apply for All-Ireland tickets by adding their name to a list posted in the bar. No names will be taken by phone or text. The bar will be open Sunday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday each week from 8pm. SUPPORT OUR PLAYERS Get your colour out for the Kilkenny Hurlers and show your support. Let’s bring some major All-Ireland excitement to St. John’s Parish. Support all our players and follow club games. Club fixtures are posted on kilkennygaa.ie and on O’Loughlin Gaels social media each week RACE NIGHT The O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Family Race Night returns to Kilkenny Dog Track on August 19th. Tickets are being distributed to team players this week and we ask all for your support. All proceeds will help us achieve our development goals, new lights, astro turf, dressing rooms and wall ball for our young players to enjoy. Please support GOLF CLASSIC The annual O’Loughlin Gaels Golf Classic takes place this year on Thursday 18th (from around 12 noon onwards) and Friday 19th August (the full day) 2022 in the superb Kilkenny Golf Club.A team of 3 playing our usual Scramble format costs €150, includes a meal afterwards and around 10 excellent prizes to be won. It’s always a

great couple of days with prizegiving at around 10pm in the golf club. Any new members/parents of juvenile boys and girls, are most welcome. Tee-times are filling up fast so contact Michael 0872554300, Benny 0872671882 or Paul 0868191872 to book your time. Tee-box sponsorship is also available from €75/€100. EMERALDS GAA CLUB Mega Bingo: Every Sunday, 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. Please support. Junior C’s: Well done to our Junior C’s who won the Iverk Produce Junior C Hurling League Final against Piltown on Sunday. Result: Emeralds 4-18; Piltown 0-12. Buy a Brick Fundraiser: Was launched last Friday night in Emeralds GAA Club. The Club are aiming to get 100 members to sign up to support this development. A fantastic start was made at the launch with the first 20 signed up. We were very fortunate to receive the maximum Sports Capital Grant of €150k. We now need to raise the other €50k ourselves to complete the much needed astro turf and juvenile pitches. We are asking all members to support the future of the club by signing up for the fundraiser.Direct debit form and SPR1 form which allows the club to claim tax relief on donations will be available in the field every evening from Monday. If anyone needs any additional information, feel free to contact the Club. EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO June 27th prize fund was: €8,500. Jackpot: €6,500. Numbers drawn: 1, 5, 11, 16, bonus no 28. No winner and two match 3 winners: Richard Neary, Kathleen McNeill. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Noel Tierney, Danny Ryan, Norma Bergin, Canice Sweeney, B. Ahern. Promoters prize: R. Hayes. Next draw takes place on Monday, July 4 in the Clubrooms. Results next week. MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Family Fun Day: July 10th in the Centre 1.30pm-4.30pm in support of our Counselling Services. Admission €5 per family. Bingo at 2.30pm with spot prizes and Raffle at 4pm on the day, 1st Prize 43” Smart TV, with many more prizes. Lines €2 and are available in the Centre and in local businesses. LTI Pathway to Employment course QQI Level 4: LTI is recruiting for the new programme in the Centre. If anyone is interested in completing this full-time course, please contact us for an expression of interest form. More details can be found on our website www. millfrcurlingford.com BTEI Healthcare Course QQI Level 5 September 2022: We are currently taking names for the Healthcare QQI Level 5 programme starting September 2022. Please contact us if you are interested in completing this course. Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine. Counselling Services: Our low cost Counselling Services, includes One-to-One, Family & Teens, aged 12 plus. General Counselling: Bereavement, Stress, Anxiety and Depression.Other Counselling Services available: Drug, Substance and Gambling Addictions. Please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment. Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of our counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre, please call before dropping off. Contact number for the Centre 056 8838466. URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT This week’s winner of Split the Pot was Sabrina Beehan who won €353. Congrats Sabrina! Tickets €2 on sale in participating businesses in town with proceeds this week going to Urlingford Irish Dancing Club. Be in it to win it!! 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

Michael and Kathleen Burke Ballylarkin Freshford with their four granddaughters Mia,Faye, Charlotte Queally and Bri Moriarty all winners at the Cairde Damhsa competitions at Ashbourne recently have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address. WEDDING BELLS The marriage took place recently at St.Lachtains Church Freshford between Michael Farrell eldest son of James and Anne Farrell Kilkenny Street Freshford and Suzanne Maher youngest daughter of Johan and Ann Meagher Poulbawn, Freshford. The ceremony was performed by Monsignor Kennedy PP Freshford. The bride was given in marriage by her father and was attended by her sister Marie as Maid of Honour and bridesmaids were Niamh Maher and Deirdre Phelan. The best man was Stephen Farrell brother of the groom and groomsmen were Fionn Lawlor and Ronan Kavanagh. The offertory gifts were presented by the mother of the bride and groom Ann Meagher and Anne Farrell and music in church was by Alice Come ford. The reception was held in Ballykealy House Carlow. The groom is a teacher in Kilkenny Vocational school and an ardent member of Freshford Town Soccer club and St.Lachtains GAA panel since his schoolboy days. The Bride works in Banking 365 and is also a keen footballer. The couple are wished the very best in their newly married life together. DANCING CHAMPIONS Congratulations to four young girls who were winners in the CAIRDE Damhsa IDTA Championships held in Ashbourne Co.Meath recently. The three sisters Mia ,Faye and Charlotte Queally and their cousin Bri Moriarty won their various competitions. Mia was winner of the U10 section, Faye and Bri won U11s and Charlotte won U12. The girls are members of the Rince Catriona school of dancing in Urlingford and are granddaughters of Michael and Kathleen Burke, the proud grandparents. DAYCARE TRIP Freshford Daycare centre are organising a day trip to Glendalough County Wicklow on Wednesday 13th July with bus leaving the GAA grounds Freshford at 8.30am and returning at 9.30pm. The cost is €45 and names and deposit of €20 should be given to any of the following: Ann Burke 086 2030224, Marie O.Connor 086 2547439 or Paddy Butler 087 6367667 FEILE LACHTAIN 2022 Féile Lachtain continues this weekend when Pilgrimage Sunday takes place at Freshford on July 10th in aid of Ionad Lachtain Heritage Centre. There will be a sponsored walk to Clashacrow Church and, after returning to the village, walkers will complete the pilgrimage by walking to Ballylarkin Church. Entry is by donation and all are welcome. The walk begins from the tent on the Green

Well done to the Emeralds Junior C team who won the Iverk Produce Junior C Hurling League Final

at 1.00 pm. Local artists are invited to submit two pieces of art for an exhibition which will be held at Ionad Lachtain during Arts Week in August. Delivery dates are Tuesday and Wednesday August 2nd and 3th. Pieces must be ready to hang. Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 until 4.30. Kevin Buckley’s bust of the late Sr. Patricia is the most recent addition to the museum. Also on display is Kevin’s replica of the Shrine of St. Lachtain’s Arm courtesy of Freshford Community Club and another replica of the shrine created by Pádraig Donnelly. There are gifts for every occasion on sale in the crafts shop. New additions here include souvenir Freshford greeting cards and carrier bags and clocks set in miniature hurleys and sliotars. While these sport the Black and Amber colours, they can be ordered in any county colours. Ned Kennedy’s book “Edmund Fitzpatrick Artist and Illustrator” is on sale at O’ Shea’s Shop and all Kilkenny bookshops. Cost €12. It can be ordered by post from O’Shea’s by adding post and packing. SUMMER CAMP The annual summer camp will take place at the GAA Grounds from 25th to 29th July with organiser JJ Grace and his team of helpers. Bookings are now been taken for the camp which is the oldest camp in the village and has been going for the past number of years very successfully. For more information or for booking please contact JJ on086 8629666 GAA Congratulations to the two local hurlers who were part of the Kilkenny Senior Hurling panel who successfully qualified for the All Ireland hurling final against Limerick when they defeated Clare on Saturday evening last. Darren Brennan was the sub keeper while James Maher was also on the bench. Hard luck to St.Lachtains Junior F hurlers who lost out to neighbours Conahy in the League final at Ballyragget recently after extra time. The local lads went into an early lead but Conahy slowly got into the game. The game was close throughout and went to extra time with the local lads losing out by 3pts. Team: M.Walsh, J.Cantwell, Kennedy, D.Quinn, J.Hickey, M.Nowlan J.Bowden, P Maher, C.Leahy, M.Durnan, C.Power, C.Donnelly, E.Kenny Landers, D.Killeen, C.Hickey, Subs B.Dermody, J.Bergin,J. Doheny, J.Whitty, D.Burke, J.Kennedy, K.Hughes. Well done to the team and management who put in such hard work over the past months, Management David Martin and Eamon Ryan, J.Kavanagh The Minors will take on Rower in Instigoe on this Wednesday evening at 7.30pm while the minors face Ballyhale in Pairc Lachtain on Monday next at .30pm. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the Keoghan family Freshford and Tullaroan on the recent death of Fr. Michael Keoghan Diocese of Hexham Newcastle and formerly of Tullaroan. SPLIT THE POT The weekly lucky winner of split the pot draw last week was Tony Murphy Woodview who won himself €113. The draw takes place each Wednesday, tickets are just €2 and the winner gets half of the takings. Boxes and envelopes can be found in Kavanaghs Bar, Mace, O’Shea’s corner shop, Girls& Guys Hairdressers, Oasis Creche, Freshford Creamery, Freshford Butchers and Prague House. This months proceeds are going to Freshford Community Café. The Committee would ask you to Please support this fund raiser. HOME FROM DOWN UNDER Home from down under Australia at present for a family wedding is Kim Farrell Kilkenny Street and her partner Michael Burke. Community Alert Freshford/Three castles Community Alert group remind you that anyone wishing to join the text alert scheme or have a personal alarm installed should contact any of the above Committee. It is 10 euro per phone number. New members are always very welcome. The group wish to thank everyone who has joined for their continued support. Please contact any of the committee members to discuss, John Bergin 0862592535, Jacinta Power 0877658672, Mick Cormack 0863535293 or Anna Morrissey 0858277965.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Community & GAA Notes

Dunnamaggin GAA Team Senior Hurling League Division 3 Winners

Aghervillar Community Games Team with members from Dunnamaggin GAA Club

PARISH NEWS

Mass is held in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Notices The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer – Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@macra.ie HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 2843 42 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. SAMARITANS - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm ) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie. KILMOGANNY BRIDGE CLUB

Kilmoganny Bridge Club The bridge results for Prizes night on 22/06/2022: 1 Emer Wallace & Gerry FitzGerald: 2 Margaret Duggan and Therese Walsh: 3 Kathleen O’Shea and Mary Lonergan: 4 Helen Lanigan & Philip Brennan Bridge results for 29/6/2022: 1 Catherine Burke and Helen Lanigan.: 2 Emer Wallace and Gerry FitzGerald. Bridge is every Wednesday night at 7.30pm in St. Eoghan’s Centre, Kilmoganny. All welcome. KILMOGANNY FESTIVAL BANK HOLIDAY Kilmoganny Festival Bank Holiday Weekend July 30th & 31st Saturday July 30th: 2pm to 4pm: Afternoon Tea & Caroline Boutique with an exhibition by James Creaney in St Eoghans Centre. 7pm: BBQ in Dunphys Pub Sunday July 31st: 9am to 12noon: Full Irish Breakfast in St Eoghan’s Centre. 3.30pm: Skills Coaching with Adrian Mullen for Children aged 6 -11 years followed at 4.30pm for the Brendan Fennelly Tribute Match. All takes place at the Kilmoganny GAA pitch. 7pm to late in Dunphys Pub: BBQ followed by ‘The Feck’n Match’ Comedy Play and a Balloon Bursting Raffle with the night finishing with music by ‘2 to Groove’. Weekend Ticket - €20.00. Saturday Night Only: €10.00. Sunday Night Only: €15.00 Tickets on Sale in Pete’s or from Alycia 087 6757490 or Lorraine 087 6414147 COMMUNITY GAMES HURLING Well done to the Aghaviller Community games team who won the Leinster semifinal against Bagnelstown 2-15 to 2-0 Thursday evening in Ballyhale. A great display of hurling and team work . Best of luck to them all in the Leinster final. The six lads representing Dunnamaggin are Conor Fitzpatrick , Noah Kowalik , Joshua Carroll, Conor Lynch, Danny Connolly and Tommy Holden. DUNNAMAGGIN GAA Senior Hurling League Title. Well done to the Dunnamaggin Intermediate Hurlers who won the Division 3 Hurling League title after a cracking game against Young Ireland in Ballyhale on Tuesday evening. Dunnamaggin led coming down the home straight but Young Irelands brought the game back to level at full time. Due to late throw in time and an agreement with both management the game went straight to penalties to be decided. Goalie Seaghan O’Neill stepped up to the challenge and although the first two well taken ones got by him the 3rd did not. Michael Cody, ,Kieran Bergin, Eoghan Kearney and Joe Fitzpatrick converted the Dunnamaggin penalties. Young Ireland converted the fourth but when the fifth blasted over the bar the game was Dunnamaggin,s and Seaghan did not have to take one on his opposite number. Well done lads. LOCAL LOTTO

Results: for June 27th Winning Numbers : 1 , 6 , 16. Winner : Edward Moran ( Edward Moran ) Jackpot next week July 4th : €1000. Venue: Dunphy’s Kilmoganny - draw takes place at 9pm - All Welcome. OUTDOOR BARN DANCE Outdoor Barn Dance in Madge’s Garden Dunnamaggin. The rescheduled Barn Dance takes place on Saturday August 6th in Madge’s Garden from 7pm to 10pm so get your dancing shoes and cowboy hats on and come on down to Madge’s Garden for some Line Dancing. Ray Cahill, line dancing maestro will be on hand to put us through our paces, a BBQ will be available and Ray’s will be open to quench the thirst. €5 on the gate - €10 to include a Burger and mineral. To make a weekend of it our monthly market will take place on Sunday August 7th instead of July 31st from 11.30am to 4pm. From 1pm to 3pm Ray will be on hand to give free Children’s Line Dancing Lessons - spot prizes throughout and one especially for best dressed cowboy and cowgirl. Connect with neighbours and friends - BBQ, Real Lemonade from Gwen’s Stall and lots of craft and food stalls. Keep an eye on our facebook page Dunnamaggin Community News or text 087 7565376 to be included in our Whats App group to keep you up to date with what is happening and what we have planned. ROSARY Rosary in Dunnamaggin: The rosary will take place the first Monday of every month during the summer at 8pm at Our Lady’s Grotto Baurscobe, Dunnamaggin. All are welcome. CEMETERY MASS Cemetery Masses: will take place in Kilmoganny on Friday 8th July @ 8.00 pm and Dunnamaggin on Friday 15th July @ 8.00pm GYMKHANA Please save the date for this year’s Dunnamaggin Gymkhana on Sunday the 4th of September in Goodwins Garden, Kells in aid of St Josephs Home and Carlow Kilkenny Homecare Team. DUNNAMAGGIN LADIES FC Our Dunnamaggin u16s braved wind and rain to leave Railyard with a win on June 25th. Dunnamaggin won the coin toss and had the advantage of the wind in the first half which enabled the team to build a lead that was not relinquished. Great skills and determination was shown by both teams in difficult playing conditions. Well done to the u16s team and management. WE ACT@ CULTURE NIGHT We Act is collaborating with Culture night to host a special programme of events aimed at sharing your organisations with the public. Whether you’re in the arts space or you run overseas aid programmes, if you’re a tiny rural youth centre or a large mental health charity in a city, we want you to open your doors and showcase what you do for one evening, on Friday, 23 September 2022. We Act is about breaking down barriers and increasing understanding between the public and the sector. This is an exciting opportunity to connect with current or potential volunteers, supporters, participants or service users and spotlight your work, and the impact you have. It’s also a chance for all of us to be part of a vibrant national event that showcases the best and brightest parts of our culture. To find out more and to get involved, visit: weact.ie/ culture-night DROICHEAD FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Droichead Family Resource Centre Callan are now enrolling for the Moving on Programme commencing inSeptember 2022. Get Driver Theory, Driving Lessons and Test preparation while training in Employment Skills including Safepass, HACCP and First Aid. Training allowance paid subject to DSP entitlements. For more information contact Droichead Family Resource Centre on (056) 7755660. We also have a Fully Funded Part Time Course starting in September 2022 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am-12.30pm. If you are interested in Healthcare and would like a QQI Level 5 Healthcare Support Qualification, contact Back to Education Initiative on (056) 7701020 or email btei@kkadulted.ie for more information. Fáilte Isteach, conversational English classes in Droichead Family Resource Centre every Thursday from 9.30-11.30am & 6.30-8.30pm. For more information contact Carmel on (083) 2098069 or familysupport@droicheadfrc.ie. We are now taking names for Toddlers and Tea our Playgroup for toddlers and their grown ups for September. It is a weekly, 90 minute drop in session at Droichead FRC. We have messy/ sensory play activities every week, free play, time indoors and outside plus a story and songs at the end of every session . Get in touch with Jess to book or for some more info (085) 8564950. Want to know what is happening at Droichead Family Resource Centre? Text “what’s on “to (085) 8564950 or (083) 2098069 to be added to our What’s on at Droichead FRC WhatsApp Group. You can also follow Droichead FRC on Facebook or Instagram or give us a call on (056) 7755660 to keep up to date with all the services, supports and community groups available at Droichead. GOWRAN PARK Tickets are now on sale for Ladies Day on Saturday, July 23rd at www.gowranpark.ie GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT Congratulations to Jack Mc Shane on his win in the Leinster U16 Matchplay final where he defeated his club mate Michael Holland in the final. Well done to both players on their great play. GOWRAN AC The new date for the Awards Night is Friday, August 26th at 8pm at the race course pavilion. The awards night is a fun night, but also recognises the performance of our senior, junior and juvenile athletes of all disciplines. After a very successful Track and Field season for Gowran AC, the club will be taking a summer break from formal training as follows. The u8 - u10 Academy has finish after 3rd July. The u11 and older Wednesday training group finished up 6th July, with the exception of anyone who has qualified for National events. Friday training finished 8th July. Training will resume from Wednesday the 17th August in the

Watershed in preparation for the cross country season. GOWRAN ABBEY NURSING HOME Pink Ambassador’ Jenny has completed Her ‘100K In 30 Days Pink Army Challenge’ - and did a fantastic job promoting breast cancer awareness! Well done to Gowran Abbey ‘Pink Army’ - residents and staff who joined and supported her on the ‘Pink Army Challenge’. CAREY PLAYS PART Carey plays part as Cats have All Ireland to look forward to. Michael Carey played his part as part of a superb Kilkenny performance that qualified them for the All-Ireland Final as they strolled to a 2-26 to 0-20 win against Clare last Saturday. They will now play three-in-arow chasing Limerick in the All-Ireland showdown on Sunday week 17th July. CAMOGIE Meanwhile, Steffi and Tiffany Fitzgerald along with Selector Pat O’Neill were part of the Kilkenny Squad that gained a 2-14 to 1-17 draw with Galway last Saturday following a thrilling contest.That result meant that Galway topped the Group on scoring difference and qualify for a Semi-Final, with Kilkenny as Runners-Up now playing Dublin in an All-Ireland Quarter-Final. Unfortunately, there was disappointment for Ciara O’Keeffe and The Kilkenny Intermediates who exited the Championship following a 3-13 to 0-11 loss to Meath, while Julie Lennon scored 1-1 as Kilkenny U-16s lost 3-14 to 2-6 against Cork in their opening game of the Championship. GAA Dunnamaggin Prevail on penalties An absorbing Senior League Division 3 Final saw Dunnamaggin prevail on penalties following a superb contest in sunny Ballyhale last Tuesday night. The Young Irelands Men made the better start and they led 0-3 to 0-0 after 4 minutes but Dunnamaggin settled and by the 10th minute they were level at 0-3 each.Young Irelands replied with a Ted Drea goal in the 15th minute to go back in front(1-3 to 0-5), but Dunnamaggin dominated for the remainder of the half outscoring their opponents 1-5 to 0-2 to lead 1-10 to 1-5 at the interval. Dunnamaggin continued that dominance into the start of the Second-Half and by the 34th minute, they led 1-14 to 1-6 in a half where there was on average almost a score a minute - Young Irelands outscoring Dunnamaggin 1-14 to 0-12. Young Irelands to their credit fought manfully and a Padraig Naddy goal in the 35th minute began the fightback. 1-14 to 2-6. Dunnamaggin steadied the ship and points from Eoghan Kearney, Peter Kenneally and Substitute JJ Dunphy put them 1-21 to 2-15 ahead by the 52nd minute , but the Gowran Men fought back to salvage a draw and force a penalty shoot-out. Paul Holden stood up to the fired over a magnificent long range equaliser from play as the Teams finished level at 1-22 to 2-19. Eoghan Kearney, Michael Cody & Kieran Bergin scored Dunnamaggin’s first three penalties.Paul Holden, Sean Carey were on target, but Gavin Manning missed his attempt and Dunnamaggin had the advantage.Both Joe Fitzpatrick & Jason Brennan negotiated their penalty attempts, but unfortunately for Sean Kehoe his attempt proved unsuccessful and Dunnamaggin were victorious following a compelling battle. A superb contest and both Teams can look forward with optimism to the start of the League Championships which begin on the August Bank Holiday Weekend. Young Irelands Gowran team - Jason Brennan, Pat Farrell, Michael Walsh, Philip O’Donnell, Seamus Farrell, Paddy Langton, Gavin Manning, Jimmy Lennon, Patrick Brennan(0-1), Sean Farrell(0-2), Geoff Brennan(0-1), Padraig Naddy(1-1), Sean Carey(0-3), Ted Drea(1-1), Paul Holden(0-10 0-7 frees 0-1’65). Sub: Sean Kehoe GOWRAN MINORS MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RECORD Minor Roinn A Hurling League Round 7. Young Irelands Gowran 3-15. Bennettsbridge 2-8 It was their first game on return since the Exam Break, as the Young Irelands Minors led by the Phelan brothers Cian and Ben eased their way to victory against Bennettsbridge in Gowran last Monday night. Cian(0-9) and Ben(1-2) accounted for 1-11 of their sides total as their unbeaten record remained intact, and by half-time they led 2-6 to 0-5 at half-time. The goals came from a long distance free by Bobby Brennan in the 19th minute that went all the way to the net, before Thomas Langton blocked down an attempted clearance from the Bennettsbridge goalkeeper, before slotting the sliothar into an empty net. Bennettsbridge replied with a goal early in the Second-Half to narrow the gap(2-7 to 1-7).Bennettsbridge added a point shortly afterwards to narrow the gap further(2-7 to 1-8), but the Young Irelands lads then started to take the game by the scruff of the neck. They added four unanswered points between the 38th & 44th minute to build up a 6 point advantage(2-11 to 1-8), as Cian Phelan(0-2 0-1 free), Michael Keating and a long range range inspirational effort from the excellent Jim Conlon put them in control. However, Bennettsbridge replied with a goal in the 47th minute to half the deficit (2-11 to 2-8), but Young Irelands didn’t blink as they scored 1-4 without reply for the remainder of the game. The introduction of Kieran Timmins during the Second-Half proved significant as he was superb in helping Young Irelands gain control and supremacy around Midfield, and he was aided greatly by the hard grafting Luke Phelan with Michael Keating highly effective doing a lot of good work as a third midfielder throughout. Also, with the Half-Back Line of Jake Byrne, Bobby Brennan and Jim Conlon excelling, that enabled Young Irelands to dominate for the remainder of the game. That dominance began with a wonder individual solo goal from Ben Phelan in the 50th minute. Ben went off on a run 50 metres from goal and as he continued his run nearer to goal, he found himself at an impossible angle. However, he managed to maintain his composure and balance before unleashing a powerful shot to the net.It was a sensational goal. His brother Cian - who was outstanding throughout from frees & in general play - added a brace of points from play in the 50th & 55th minutes respectively and then pointed a free in the 56th minute, before Ben concluded the scoring with a wonder solo point in the 57th minute

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

Community & GAA Notes similar to Kevin Broderick’s amazing point for Galway in the 2001 All-Ireland Semi-Final. Overall, it was a very impressive performance from the Minors and with room for improvement as evident from their 12 wides in the process. U19 LOSE U-19S Lose to Graigue-Ballycallan .Referee: John Kennedy Meanwhile, an understrength U-19 Team lost out to GraigueBallycallan on Thursday in Gowran. Trailing 2-12 to 0-8, the Gowran lads did all they could to try and retrieve the situation, and by the 41st minute they had scored two goals to narrow the gap. 2-16 to 2-9. However, Graigue-Ballycallan replied and they outscored Young Irelands 1-4 to 0-1 between the 42nd & 50th minutes to build up a commanding lead entering the final 10 minutes. 3-18 to 2-10. Young Irelands battled to the end & they grabbed a consolation goal, before Graigue-Ballycallan ran out comfortable winners 3-22 to 3-10. CONTRASTING FORTUNES There was contrasting fortunes for both U-15 Teams last week. The U-15 A Team lost 1-19 to 0-7 away to Erins Own of Castlecomer, but the Young Irelands U-15 B Team had a huge win as they won 13-9 to 0-2 against St. Martins in Coon. U13S FINISH LEAGUE CAMPAIGN Unfortunately, the U-13s finished their League campaign with disappointment and two further defeats. They were unfortunate to lose out by a point, 1-16 to 3-9 against Ballyhale Shamrocks, before concluding last Friday night with a 4-7 to 0-8 in Paulstown against Barrow Rangers. U 14 GIRLS The Young Irelands U-14 Camogie Team had a resounding win last week winning 6-6 to 0-1 against Ballyhale Shamrocks. YOUNGIRELANDS 2022 GOLF CLASSIC The annual Young Irelands Golf Classic that took place in Gowran Park on 24th and 25th June was a great success and the Results were as follows: 1st Prize Score 97: Jim Walsh/Joe Forristal/ Keelin Walsh/ Beibhinn Walsh 2nd Prize Score 95: Pat Roche/Eamonn Kealy/Gerry Doyle/Eddie Walsh 3rd Prize Score 95: Leo Doherty/Niall Doherty/John O’Hara/Noel Doherty 4th Prize Score 94: Henry Maher/James Hartley/Noel McGrath/ Patrick Maher 5th Prize Score 94: Mick Kirwan/Syl Lester/Syl Lynch/Jim Dowling 6th Prize Score 93: Tim Brennan/Eoin Brennan/Timmy Brennan/ Jimmy Barcoe 7th Prize Score 93: Barry Bolger/Tony Butler/John Butler/Aidan Murphy Longest Drive Men: John Phelan. Longest Drive Ladies: Mary McEvoy. Nearest to the pin (9): Eddie Walsh

Presentation of Cheque by Lady Captain Anne Croke for 4000 euro to Frances Boyle National Play in Pink Organisation. All proceeds go towards Breast Cancer Research. Left to Right: Frances Boyle P.I.P., Committee Kathleen Phelan, Lady President Ann O’Shea, coordinator Mary O’Hanlon, Anna Corr, Anne Croke L.Captain. and Claire Hendriques

CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results June 30th. Nos 22-25-27-30. Jackpot €2750 1st Prize €50 Tommy Hackett c/o T Hackett. 2nd Prize €25 Michelle Hayes c/o online 3rd Prize €25 Mary Larkin c/o Billy Walsh. 4th Prize €25 Patricia Treacy c/o online Hurlers Co Op Ticket Grace and Eve c/o Paddy Grace .Promotors Prize Jim Murphy Next week Draw €2900 SUMMER CAMP 2022 Last calls, for our hugely popular Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club Multi Activity Summer Camp. Week 1 - July 18th - 22nd. Week 2 - August 15th - 19th. Booking System Now Open. FINAL DATE FOR BOOKING 8th July NEW THIS SUMMER Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club are delighted to launch a 3 Day Development Camp. For Ages 12-16’s . 10am to 1pm, 8th, 9th and 10th of August, €45. Organised by Dicksboro Games Promotional Officer Philly Campion. TO BOOK visit https://dicksborogaa.com/products. Queries to cathmcpeters@gmail.com KILKENNY GAA Huge Congratulations to Kilkenny GAA and our Senior Player Cillian Buckley who beat Clare to progress to the All Ireland Final on July 17th in Croke Park. JJ KAVANAGH JHL Hard luck our Senior lads in the JJ Kavanagh JHL who lost out to James Stephens on Friday evening in Palmerstown on a scoreline of 1-10 to 1-11. U19 The first outing for our u19’s saw them have a fantastic win on Thursday evening in John’s Park. Dicksboro 5-20 O’Loughlins 2-14. KILKENNY CAMOGIE The Kilkenny Senior Camogie team drew against Galway in a fantastic match, well done to our girls Aoife, Ciara & Asha. Unfortunately the Intermediates lost out to a very strong Meath team therefore their All Ireland Quest comes to an end. Well done to Jane Cass and Niamh Phelan for their continuous hard work and dedication. Junior Camogie Well done to our Junior Camogie team. Beating Naomh Brid on a a scoreline of 0-21 to 3-4. CLUBHOUSE REOPENED Palmerstown Clubhouse reopen. Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar is reopened Thursday from 8.30pm and every Thursday going forward. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners card table. We are offering a particular welcome to our senior citizens members, it’s been a difficult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat.

first Q / Final saw Michael Cummins and Mick Jnr , this game turned out to be so close with Mick Jnr playing very well, he took the first leg with Michael taking the 2nd leg and the 3rd leg, Mick Jnr as usual dug in and took the 4th leg bringing it down to a last leg decider , Michael got off to a better start than Mick Jnr and it paid off when he got the first shot at a double and he didn’t miss it. The next Q / Final game was between Trevor Vallely and Michael Meaney, 2 of the best players in the league, Michael got the better start throwing superb darts Trevor just about kept with him winning the 3 leg but Michael who is playing brilliant at the moment went on to win the game by 3 legs to 1 . Ritchie O Hanlon and Allen Bennet took part in the next game in the Q / Final, although Ritchie played absolutely brilliant in all the games he played up to here hitting 2 15 darters and checking out a 138 he just seemed to run out of steam, Allen on the other hand played fantastic darts in all the 3 legs never given Ritchie a shot at a double, Allen had a 14 and a 15 leg in the game checking out 86 and 116 , no doubt that Ritchie will take game he played and take out a lot of confidence out of it. On to the last Q / Final and what a game it was, Billy Murphy and Michael ( Sully) O Sullivan, Billy got the first leg Sully got the next one, Sully then next leg but not to be outdone Billy took the 4th leg, down to the last leg, Sully got off to a brilliant start with Billy not far behind him but because Sully hit so many high scores he got the first shot at the double and he was playing so well that he didn’t miss it and went on to win the game by 3 legs to 2 , just as well he didn’t miss as Billy was on 74 a game to watch. Right on to the first S / Final, Michael Cummins and Michael Meaney played a great game with it again going down to the last leg, Michael Meaney won the first leg in 16 darts, Michael Cummins won the 2nd leg and the 3rd leg but Michael Meaney took the next leg to make it 2 legs each, Michael Meaney then had a 15 darter checking out 119 to win the game with Michael Cummins on 130 , another brilliant game. The 2nd Q / Final was between Allen Bennet and Sully, Allen Bennet is playing brilliant darts every night he played and as well as Sully is playing he just couldn’t get near Allen in the game, Sully had one great leg, the 3rd leg he had a great 14 darter checking out 124 but Allen was just to good for him on the night. Down to the Final of The Tuborg Premier League Round 8 . Michael Meaney against Allen Bennet, Michael Meaney probably played the best game of the night, not giving Allen any chances at a double he demolished the board hitting everything he went for, Allen can count himself unlucky to come up against Michael when he is playing so good, Michael had 2 16 dart legs and then he hit a brilliant 14 dart leg to win the Final checking out 84 in 2 darts to secure the win. Michael Meaney is the first player to win it 2 times which is great for the league as 7 different players have won it since the league started. Just a mention to a few of the local players who are playing good darts, Liam Murphy from Main Street Stoneyford played a brilliant game against him Tommy Dalton, Liam had a great 15 darter talking out 112 against Tommy, John Leahy had a 15 darter against Micky O Keeffe in the group stages checking out 117 , Jim Shanahan played another great game against Ritchie O Hanlon hitting a 14 darter taking out 86 , but the last one I am going to mention, I mentioned him earlier is Timber Jimmy, he is excelling at the moment he is playing brilliant darts and if he keeps it up he will be there or there abouts. I will see you all next Friday night in Andy’s Bar Ballyhale for Round 9 of The Tuborg Premier League

Group of Happy Ladies at the presentation of their certificates from the Get into Golf Programme at Callan G.C.Included in the photo are Neill Kilgannon from Golf Ireland, Lady Captain Anne Croke, Lady President Ann O’Shea, and Claire Hendriques coordinator of the programme CALLAN GOLF CLUB Results: Tuesday 28th June Open Ladies 18 Hole 1st Betty McGrath 37pts (22). 2nd Mary O’Hanlon 36pts (34). 3rd Kathleen Phelan 32pts (15) Senior Ladies Thursday 30th 12 Hole 1st Teresa Phelan 27pts. 2nd Ann O’Shea 26pts. 3rd Ann Needham 25pts c/b. 4th Ena Kennedy 25pts Thursday 14th Senior Ladies Outing to Gold Coast if not already registered contact Mary Lanigan Saturday 16th Anne Croke will hold the coveted Lady Captains Prize TUBORG PREMIER LEAGUE Results from Round 8 Another great night of darts in Andy’s Bar Ballyhale last Friday night. Kevin Leahy played Jimmy O Dwyer better known as Timber Jimmy by the locals, in a group game that has everything, Kevin went in and hit a brilliant 12 darter finishing 161 , but Timber Jimmy hit back with a 15 dart leg taking out 130 on the Bull a fantastic finish to make it 1 / 1 , Kevin then took over the game playing great darts to win it 3 / 1. Gez Quiruga playing good darts as well made it out of her group for the first time, she won 1 game and was narrowly beat in the rest of the games to make the last 16 . Another player who is playing great is Paddy Byrne, he came up against Trevor Vallely in his group with everyone expecting a handy game for Trevor, Paddy proved that he a great man for the pressure by talking the first leg in 15 darts playing brilliant taking out a 145 , Trevor then won the next 2 legs but Paddy fought back by winning the 4th leg checking out 86 for a 14 darter to set the final leg, Trevor found his form to go on and win the game not given Paddy a shot at a double, fair play to Paddy who is getting better and better by the week. Another local player is Pat Cullen who is also throwing great darts at the moment, he had a great game against Timber Jimmy which went 3 / 2 to Pat with some great finishes, Pat took out 114

for a 15 darter and also had 2 16 darters, Timber Jimmy had a 16 dart leg and a 18 dart leg, as I said earlier Pat and Timber Jimmy are playing good darts. On to the last 16 games, Michael Cummins and Paddy Byrne played in the first game, Paddy Byrne just couldn’t get going in the game and Michael Cummins went on to win the game by 3 legs to 1 . The 2nd game was between Mick Dwyer Jnr and Jim Shanahan, Jim Shanahan played very good darts against Mick Jnr but couldn’t hit the double and Mick Jnr went on to win the game 3 legs to 1 . Trevor Vallely and Pat Cullen was the next game, Trevor had to much in the tank for Pat and won the game by 3 legs to 0 , Pat just could not get going in the game. The next game was between Michael Meaney and Gez Quiruga, although Gez had her best night in the league since the league started, was up against one of the best players in the Country, Michael won the game by 3 legs to 0 , Gez will take great confidence by the way she played on the night. Ritchie O Hanlon and Mickey O Keeffe played the next game in the last 16 , Ritchie took the first 2 legs but Mickey took the next 2 to take it down to the last leg, and what a leg it was Ritchie was first to the double after hitting high score’s to get him down there while Mickey missed 2 score’s to leave him behind Ritchie and when Ritchie got his chance he took out 58 with 2 darts to win the game. On to the next game which saw Allen Bennet against Tommy Dalton, Allen got a great start by winning the first 2 legs, I thought that Tommy was going to make a comeback when he took the 3rd leg but it proved to much for him as Allen powered away to win the next leg and the game. Mick Kelly and Billy Murphy played the next game, both players are in great form at the moment and it looked like being a great game, Mick won the first game but it was his last game to win as Billy threw brilliant darts to win the game by 3 legs to 1 , Billy hit a 15 darter to win the game by checking out a 136 . The last game of the last 16 was between Sully and Kieran Lennon a repeat of last week’s last 16 , Kieran was looking to reverse the result from last week but Sully wasn’t having any of it, Kieran won the first leg but that’s where ended as Sully took over the game playing fantastic darts and he went on to win the game by 3 legs to 1 . The

Allen Bennet runner up Michael Meaney winner of Round 8 of The Tuborg Premier League

Player’s from around the Country and other Countries Mick Kelly Carlow, Allen Bennet Wexford,Jim Shanahan Laois, Kieran Lennon Waterford, Gez Quiruga Liverpool, Pat Cullen Kilkenny, Robbie Van Giesko Poland, Mick Dwyer Snr Kilkenny, Eric Boczon Poland.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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Gowran Park - Ladies Day

Gowran Park

Ladies Day 2022 It’s BACK!!! After two Covid interrupted years we are delighted to announce our MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre & Lyrath Estate Ladies Day will be returning to Gowran Park on Saturday July 23rd, bigger & better than ever! This year’s guest judge will be Kilkenny native and Fashion Blogger Lorraine Booth who will be assisted by our teams at Gowran Park, Lyrath & MacDonagh Junction to spot that perfect balance of racing style & creative chic. Talking about her excitement ahead of the event Lorraine said “I am thrilled to be invited to join up with everyone from MacDonagh Junction, Lyrath Estate and Gowran Park at Ladies Day on July 23rd. It’s so much fun getting dressed up for a day at the races and with this year’s excellent prize everyone has the best excuse to just go out and enjoy themselves. I am sure the fashion stakes will be high, and I am really looking forward to meeting everyone and watching out for that person who stands out from the crowd” This year’s first prize is Two Nights Bed & Breakfast with dinner on the night of your choosing in the magnificent Lyrath Estate Hotel with a €1000 MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre gift card which can be redeemed in over 30 top brand stores. There will also be five runners up prizes of a €100 MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre gift card & a €100 voucher for the

award-winning Oasis Spa in the Lyrath Estate. Eddie Scally of Gowran Park commented “Our summer Ladies Day event has grown from strength to strength over the past 10 years and this is in no small part down to the wonderful support we get from the teams at MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre and Lyrath Estate Hotel. This year’s top prize of two nights bed and breakfast with dinner on one of the nights at the beautiful Lyrath Estate & a €1000 MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre gift card is just fantastic & after two years of no Ladies Day I just cannot wait to see the buzz around the track on what is our biggest summer meeting of the year”. Donna Byrne of MacDonagh Junction said “We are delighted to come on board as main sponsor for Ladies Day at Gowran Park for the sixth consecutive year. Ladies Day is synonymous with style and fashion so it’s the perfect fit for

the Centre and our 30 top brand retailers. Each year the style stakes reach new heights, and we look forward to seeing the glamourous looks showcased by this year’s entrants.” Debbie Mangan of Lyrath “We are delighted to be a sponsor for Ladies Day at Gowran Park, our local racetrack. Lyrath Estate is synonymous with style and this sponsorship will allow us to further communicate our luxurious brand to not just a local, Kilkenny market but to racegoers and racing fans all over Ireland. We are delighted to partner with Gowran Park once again and have worked with the track on many an occasion. We are looking forward to seeing all the ladies and the style that will be on show and are also looking forward to watching premier racing at this great track.” The MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre & Lyrath Estate Ladies Day will take place in Gowran Park on Saturday July 23rd. Gowran

will be running our usual courtesy buses to the track leaving from the Kilkenny Castle Gates one hour before the 1st race. Early

Bird tickets for this year’s event are available online at www.gowranpark.ie where you can save 33% on ticket prices by purchasing

before Saturday July 23rd. General Admission prices on the day will be €20 – Adult Admission & €15 OAP & Students.

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Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final Croke Park, Dublin Kilkenny 2-26 Clare 0-20

It’s a long, long way from Clare to here. That certainly was the feeling amongst the travelling Banner supporters as they emptied out of Croke Park last Saturday evening. Brian Cody’s Kilkenny team put on a wonderful display of hurling to dismantle the muchtalked about Munster team and secure a place in the July 17th decider and in doing so, a 17th All-Ireland Final for the legendary bainisteoir. They will face-off against the mighty force that is Limerick, but that’s for another day. Make no mistake, this was a timely reminder that the latest version of ‘Cody’s Cats’ is on the right track. The 12-point victory didn’t flatter Kilkenny, in fact they were well worth the winning margin. Yes, Clare hit an astounding amount of wides, 23 in total. It’s hard to fathom any other result in championship hurling when you amass such a stat. From the moment Tipperary whistler Fergal Horgan threw the sliotar in, the Cats took control. indeed, their first scoring opportunity came in the opening seconds when they were awarded the first free of the day. TJ Reid, making a record 72nd championship appearance for his beloved county, and overtaking Henry Shefflin, slotted over what was to be the first of 10 scores for the Ballyhale man. The Banner hit back moments later when midfielder David Fitgerald fired over from distance to level matters. Eire Og’s Shane O’Donnell then showed some god skill before sending over a fine point from out on the right. Little did the Clare faithful know that this would be the last time they would get their noses in front of their more illustrious opponents. Some great pressure applied to the Clare defence by TJ and Adrian Mullen saw the Cats emerge with the ball and punish the opposition when Adrian got his first of the day.

Top Cat TJ fires Kilkenny to final! Photos by INPHO

Brian Cody - back in another final

Butler pockets Kelly in crushing of Clare

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Hurling Eoin Codymatters was back to his menacing best

Richie Reid swept brilliantly at the back

As things settled down, we could see that Mikey Butler had been given the job of shackling Clare’s danger-man, Tony Kelly. The O’Loughlin’s man was like a second-skin on the Ballyea attacker, not giving him any room to breath, let alone thrive in the open spaces of Croke Park. From one of the many Clare wides, Eoin Murphy took the restart which TJ plucked magnificently out of the air, before slipping the ball to the supporting Adrian Mullen who finished superbly to edge his side ahead, with about 7 minutes on the clock. By the eighth minute Brian Lohan’s men had hit 4 wides. Eoin Cody, who had failed to raise a flag in his last couple of outings, then showed great strength to win possession before blazing away from his marker. The Shamrocks sharp-shooter made for the Clare goal from out on the left before unleashing a quality effort from the tightest of angles which ‘Hawk Eye’ confirmed what we all knew – what a point! Some good play by The Village’s Cian Kenny saw him fouled as he emerged from a scramble out on the right sideline. TJ made no mistake. Clare tried to go long from the puck-out, but Huw Lawlor rose majestically to claim the catch above Peter Duggan. The crowd enjoyed that one. TJ then showed his tenacity and defensive ability to turnover Conor Cleary. He then moved the ball to Eoin Cody who got his second of the day. Adrian Mullen then fed the on-running Conor Browne who split the posts

with a fine shot to push the Cats lead to 5 points with just over 12 minutes played, that was the fifth point in a row from the men in black and amber. Clare were struggling. Their attack was misfiring, their defence was struggling to cope with the Cats attacking unit. They badly needed a score and it came from midfielder Fitzgerald who struck over another from distance. From the Kilkenny puck-out, TJ claimed the ball, turned and fired over, a cracking score, his adoring fans chanting ‘TJ, TJ’! The Kilkenny supporters were clearly excited by their sides opening quarter display. Cratloe’s Diarmuid Ryan fired over a couple of nice points, with TJ adding another free after Cian Kenny was caught high. Kenny was getting on lots of loose breaking ball and was again fouled moments later, TJ pointed the free, his 5th score of the day. The Cats led 0-10 to 0-5, Clare had 7 wides, we had played 22 minutes at headquarters. TJ then found club Adrian Mullen underneath the Cusack stand and the No.8 made no mistake. Mullen then combined with Eoin Cody to allow the latter to point. Then following another bad miss from the Banner, Eoin Murphy found Padraig Walsh with the puck-out and the Tullaroan man fired over a point with all the freedom of Croke Park. Conor Browne then found the lively Cian Kenny who capped an industrious first CONTINUED >>>

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Hurling matters

Sport

Mossy Keoghan loves a goal

>>> CONTINUED half with a nice point. TJ then took another excellent catch before slipping Eoin Cody in. Cody was bearing down on the Clare goal and struck a fierce shot which netminder Quilligan somehow managed to bat away. Billy Ryan was quick to the break and slung over the point. The gap was now ten points, 0-15 to 0-5 with half an hour gone. Such was Mikey Butler’s magnificent marking job on Tony Kelly, it took the much talked about Clare star 31 minutes to get on the scoreboard, and that was from the placed ball. Eoin Cody and TJ then managed to turnover Paudie Fitzpatrick; the ball was given to Padraig Walsh who registered his 2nd point of the day. Paddy Deegan then sent a booming pass in the direction of Adrian Mullen. The former captain took a great catch before turning and firing over. Any thought’s Brian Lohan had of a stirring half-time talk to awaken his charges; became a lot more difficult in the 36th minute. At the Canal end, Peter Duggan had a great chance to set up a goal, but chose to take on the shot, and Cats All-Star keeper Eoin Murphy saved. Kilkenny through captain Richie Reid; quickly worked the ball down the other end, and after a little bit of a scramble, Martin Keoghan emerged with the ball and batted his effort towards goal. Again, keeper Quilligan saved the initial effort, but was powerless to prevent Mossy tapping the rebound home. Game, set and match Kilkenny, all before the short whistle sounded. As Fergal Horgan brought the 1st half to an end, the score board in Croker read, Kilkenny 1-17, Clare 0-6. A 14-point lead for the Noresiders. When play resumed, Kilkenny change, had made one with Walter Walsh replacing goal-scorer, Mossy Keoghan. The first two scores after the interval came from a shellshocked Clare, with Diarmuid Ryan and Rory Hayes pointing to try and stem the rising Cats tide. As per the first half, TJ got his side’s first score from the placed ball. Tony Kelly got his second score of the day from a free moments later, but Graigue-Ballycallan’s Billy Ryan shows great pace to get away from his marker and slot between the posts. Tulla’s David McInerney then rifled over a good point, but Brian Lohan’s men still trailed by 12. Any remote chance of a miracle on Jones’s Road was ended in the 42nd minute. A long ball out of defence was caught brilliantly by Walter

Cian Kenny hit 1-2 in a good display

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Hurling matters Walsh, who turned before laying off a nicely weighted hand-pass to Cian Kenny. Kenny steadied himself before striking a hard low shot past the helpless Quilligan. Boom! Kilkenny 2-19, much talked about Clare, 0-10. Eoin Murphy then pulled-off a stunning save to deny Clare a goal. Tony Kelly converted the resulting ‘65. Peter Duggan then pointed from a placed ball, before Walter hit a super point from play underneath the Hogan stand. The banner then hit 3 on the bounce, before the smallest of small revivals was halted when Adrian Mullen took a fine catch before turning and pointing. Clare sub; Mark Rodgers then raised a couple of white flags as some of the Clare crowd found their voices. TJ then rifled over a monster free from deep inside his own half, after the impressive Shane O’Donnell had been blown up for taking an extra 10 steps! Another excellent ball out of the Kilkenny defence from Richie Reid was collected by Cian Kenny who didn’t hesitate in firing over another lovely point. The Cats constant mauling of their opponents continued when TJ & Adrian combined to force Cathal Malone into fouling. TJ punished the offence and added to his healthy tally as Brian Cody’s men led by some 13-points with an hour on the clock. Clare badly needed goals, and probably a few at that. David Fitgerald tried in vain, but Eoin Murphy was in no mood to concede, and again denied the opposition a certain goal. The Noresiders again worked the ball from back to front with the minimum of fuss, and TJ split the The REAL T..... TJ Reid MOTM

posts. Tony Kelly slotted over another free for his sides 19th score of the day. The ever-improving and hugely impressive Huw Lawlor took another great catch before arrowing a pass to TJ who secured possession before turning and firing over the bar, that was his tenth score of the game. Clare did score the final point of the game through Shane O’Donnell, his 4th from play, but it was mere consolation for the much-hyped Banner team as Fergal Horgan brought the demolition to an end. Final score at headquarters, Kilkenny 2-26, Clare 0-20. Kilkenny: Eoin Murphy; Mikey Butler, Huw Lawlor, Tommy Walsh; Michael Carey, Richie Reid, Paddy Deegan; Adrian Mullen (0-05), Conor Browne (0-01); Eoin Cody (0-03), Padraig Walsh (0-02), TJ Reid (0-10, 7fs); Billy Ryan (0-02), Martin Keoghan (1-0), Cian Kenny (1-02). Subs: Walter Walsh (0-1) for Keoghan (half-time), John Donnelly for P Walsh (49), Richie Leahy for Browne (61), Alan Murphy for Ryan (66), Conor Delaney for Carey (72). Clare: Eibhear Quilligan; Rory Hayes (0-1), Conor Cleary, Paul Flanagan; Diarmuid Ryan (0-03), Páudí Fitzpatrick, David McInerney (0-01); David Fitzgerald (0-03), David Reidy; Cathal Malone, Tony Kelly (0-04, 3fs, 65) Shane O’Donnell (0-04); Ian Galvin, Peter Duggan (0-01f ), Ryan Taylor (0-01). Subs: Aron Shanagher for Galvin (26), Mark Rodgers (0-02) for Reidy, Aaron Fitzgerald for Fitpatrick (ht), Shane Meehan for Duggan (49), Shane Golden for Taylor (65) Referee: Fergal Horgan (Tipperary)

>> SHERRY SAYS... Michael, Cusack, Eamon De Valera, Percy French, Partick Hillery, Daniel O’Connell, Charles Stewart-Parnell, Seanie McMahon, Anthony Daly, Jamesie O’Connor and Davy Fitgerald.....Your boys took one hell of a beating in Croker last week! In the build-up to this game, all the talk was about Tony Kelly. Much talk surrounded Kilkenny’s failure in their last 2 All-Ireland semi-finals. Last week we witnessed one of Kilkenny’s best performances in years, certainly since 2015. The hunger, desire, passion, and clinical approach to their game was outstanding. Yes, Clare hit 23 wides, but let’s not take anything away from the Cats masterclass in Croke Park. To highlight their attributes, we scored 1-14 from turnovers. Led by the inspirational TJ Reid and captained brilliantly by his brother Richie, the men in black and amber went for the jugular. All over the pitch, the Noresiders reveled. They won their individual battles and played like a team that had 100% belief in their manager’s plan. The four weeks of hard training, team bonding and analysis of their opponent, fully paid off. Starting with Eoin Murphy who continues to deny attackers goals, the defence anchored by Huw Lawlor at 3 and Captain Richie Reid at 6, they are developing a mean streak. Throw-in Tommy Walsh, Mikey Carey and Paddy Deegan, and you have a great blend of youth and experience. Last but by no means least, Mikey Butler. Jesus, you wouldn’t want him to be marking you! The job Butler did on Tony Kelly, cannot be underestimated. The talented Ballyea man didn’t score from play. Around the middle third, the Village duo of Conor Browne and Cian Kenny, along with the roaming Adrian Mullen put in huge shifts and all got on the scoreboard, with Kenny goaling and Mullen hitting an impressive 0-5. Adrian looks to have finally shaken off the injury that curtailed his hurling journey. Billy Ryan’s pace and endless energy, coupled with Mossy Keoghan’s goal threat are a great foil for Eoin Cody & TJ Reid. Eoin put on his best performance of the season to date against the Banner and hit 0-3. TJ Reid, where do you start? The Shamrocks Ballyhale man rolled back the years to remind everyone T is not just for Tony, it’s for TJ. Ten points doesn’t even begin to tell the story of the legends’ contribution. His catching ability, work rate, tackling and vision are phenomenal. From 1-26, this panel of players are on a mission. One more stop on the way. Another visit to Croker. Limerick awaits. The pressure is on them.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

Camogie

Sport Glen Dimplex All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship, Round 5 Galway 1-17 Kilkenny 2-14 Kenny Park, Athenry

Galway advanced to the semi-final stage of this year’s All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship, by virtue of scoring difference, following an entertaining draw with Kilkenny in Athenry last Saturday. The result means that Brian Dowling’s charges will now need to navigate a quarterfinal against Dublin at FBD Semple Stadium next Saturday (5:30 throw-in). In a game that ebbed and flowed, it looked like Kilkenny had nicked it, but a late score deep into stoppage time from Aine Keane ensured that the Tribeswomen took the direct route to the last four. The visitors started brightly, with Denise Gaule registering her first score of the day on 2 minutes, after the impressive Miriam Walsh was fouled. Aoife Norris then launched a booming puck-out that found the Windgap player in space and Denise made no mistake in splitting the posts. Cathal Murray’s side then almost fashioned a goal chance via Niamh Kilkenny, who was brilliantly hooked by the hard-working Katie Power. The home side then got off the mark in the 6th minute thanks to some nice buildup play, which ended with Ailish O’Reilly pointing. Denise Gaule then slotted over her second placed ball of the day to restore Kilkenny’s 2-point lead after a foul on Katie Nolan, but Galway responded seconds later thanks to a fine point from Rachael Hanniffy, who despite wearing the No.2 jersey was occupying a midfield berth. The stripey women then raised what would be the first of two green flags in the west. St Martin’s Katie Nolan found Miriam Walsh who struck her shot nicely past Sarah Healy in the Galway goal. The westerners hit back minutes with a major of their own. After a little scramble close to the Kilkenny goal, Aoife Norris cleared the ball away, only for the alert Sabina Rabbitte to smash home the loose ball. Clarinbridge’s Carrie Dolan then got her first score of the game from a placed ball to leave the sides level half way through the opening period. The same player registered a point from play shortly after, again after some nice approach play. The all-action Niamh Kilkenny then caught the Kilkenny defence trying to play out from the back and duly punished them by pointing. The hosts were on a roll and just moments later, Dervla Higgins rifled over to push her side’s lead to 3 points. Kilkenny’s decision to try and take short puck-outs due to the strong wind that they were playing into, was inviting pressure onto their defence, who were being pounced on by the Galway attackers. Young Irelands Tiffanie Fitzgerald was then harshly booked by referee Andy Larkin and Dolan converted the resulting free. The Noresiders had now gone 15 minutes without scoring. Siobhan Gardiner then outpaced and outfought Katie Nolan to a loose ball before composing herself to fire over the bar. Then following another scramble in the Kilkenny square, Niamh Hanniffy popped the ball over to increase the Galway lead to 6 points. Brian

Semple Stadium Calling! Draw see’s Kilkenny quarter-final bound to face Dub’s

Denise Gaule about to strike

Photos by INPHO

Aoife Norris clears her lines

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

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Camogie

Miriam Walsh

Tiffanie Fitzgerald

Dowling’s team looked to be in a spot of bother. Michaela Kenneally then ended the scoring drought when she got onto a breaking ball before splitting the posts. That was the first time in some 20 minutes that the umpires at that end were required to raise a flag. Katie Power then played a nice ball to Miriam Walsh who turned away from Niamh Kilkenny before being fouled. Walsh managed to find Julieanne Malone with her pass and the Mullinavat player sent over a fine point. That would be the last action of the half, as Andy Larkin blew for the interval on a score line of Galway 1-9, Kilkenny 1-5. The second period began like the first, with the visitors opening the scoring with a lovely point from Tullaroan’s Miriam Walsh, following a long ball out of defence. Galway then almost hit a second goal only for Piltown’s Aoife Norris to deny Niamh Kilkenny. The home side opened their second half account with a point from the lively Sabina Rabbitte. The free-takers Gaule & Dolan then exchanged points before the third goal of the game arrived. Some good pressure on the Galway defence forced a throw-ball which referee Larkin spotted. Denise Gaule stepped up to take the free as per normal. As she stood over it, she saw Miriam Walsh unmarked on the ‘21. Gaule hit the free short to Walsh, who despite mis-controlling the initial ball, regained her composure to send a fierce shot to the Galway net. The gap was down to the minimum. Game on in Athenry. Aoife Norris then made another fine save from an Aoife Donohue effort to deny the Tribeswomen a second major. Carrie Dolan then fired over another free following a throw-ball to settle the home crowd’s nerves. Michaela Kenneally then found Katie Nolan with a nice pass out on the left sideline, and

somehow Katie managed to rifle over an exceptional point, when the odds seemed against her. Minutes later, an excellent pass out of the Kilkenny defence by Barrow Rangers Miriam Bambrick found Katie Nolan. The St Martin’s sharp shooter took possession of the sliotar before turning and firing over another cracking score to levels things once more. Galway hit back straight from the restart via the menacing Sabina Rabbitte. Denise Gaule, leading from the front as always, then hit two in a row, one from a free, the other a fine score from play. Carrie Dolan then mis-hit her next free, but the alert Rabbitte pounced and popped it over the bar. Gaule then fired over monster free from way out the pitch to edge the stripey women ahead, before Clara’s Mary O’Connell struck over another quality point to push the Kilkenny lead to two points. Siobhan McGrath then scored from the restart, before Aoife Norris, again, prevented a second Galway goal, this time managing to block Niamh Hanniffy’s goal-bound effort. Mullagh’s Aoife Donohue then struck a mighty point to level matters again. The home crowd roared; Kenny Park was rocking. Kilkenny knew a win was needed, and they went for it. Denise Gaule got on the ball and found Miriam Walsh with a nice pass, and the Tullaroan woman somehow managed to strike over a stunning score from an acute angle. Those in black and amber now led by 1. The home side didn’t panic. The game was in stoppage time. Galway secured possession and worked the ball to Aine Keane out on the left. Just like Miriam Walsh moments earlier, the St Thomas’s player managed to fire over from a seemingly impossible angle. Deadlock again. Game over. Galway Progress to the semi-final. For Kilkenny, well we will look to join the westerners by beating Dublin next week. It’s all still to play for.

Steffi Fitzgerald

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Claire Phelan

Our senior camog’s are very much alive & kicking. A hugely entertaining draw in Athenry against old foes Galway, saw us once again lose out on scoring difference, just like the League. There will have been plenty of work done since this game, and Brian Dowling & Co. Will no doubt use the positives from this game to get their charges ready for the trip to Tipp next week, when the Dubs will provide another stern test of the stripey women’s championship credentials. Denise Gaule was once again outstanding. Miriam Walsh is playing some mighty stuff and showed great composure in striking for her two majors. Katie Nolan was involved in a hell of a battle with the Galway defence, and struck a couple of lovely points. The defence will need to tighten up a little, but that will happen. I felt that they came out on the wrong side of a few decisions last week, but you learn with every game. Aoife Norris produced a phenomenal between the posts. The Piltown netminder came to her team’s rescue on several occasions in Kenny Park. She as definitely hanneling her inner oin Murphy ith that per orman e. As the manager said afterwards, Kilkenny love to hurl against Galway and vice versa. There’s rarely a dull encounter when these two meet. Get past the Dub’s and who knows - we may meet the Tribeswomen again. One step at a time.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022

Motors Classifieds

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Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL We, Carrickshock GAA intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed new all-weather synthetic playing pitch with perimeter fencing, netting, walls and flood lighting, proposed two storey extension to existing community hall, proposed demolition of existing wall ball area, proposed walking track with associated flood lighting, proposed new wastewater treatment tank and percolation area, stormwater soakaways, landscaping and all associated site works at Hugginstown, 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. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Maria Meehan and Cathal Billings for permission consequent on the grant of outline planning permission Ref: 21/622 for dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater treatment system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works at Goslingstown, Kells Road, 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.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Eve Brennan, intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed part two storey, part single storey dwelling, detached garage, driveway, wastewater treatment system with percolation area and all associated site works at Castlewarren, 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.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Micheal Moloney wish to apply to the above authority on behalf of Vivienne King and David Jones for full planning permission to construct a combined 2 storey & single storey dwelling, garage, entrance, wastewater system, borehole, soakpits and all other associated site works Cotterellsbooly, Stoneyford, 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.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

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

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

Young Irish Film Makers on the set of WILLIAM READE the National Youth FilmANNIVERSARY school 2019 40 TH

In loving memory of William Reade, 149 Walkin Street, Kilkenny city who died on the 7th July 1982. Your life was one of kindly deeds, A helping hand to those in need, A pleasant smile, a heart of gold, No better man this world could hold. Always remembered by Tom, Eileen and family.

The Miracle Prayer

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

The Miracle Prayer

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 July 2022