EVERY FRIDAY

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Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 08 October 2021

Covid Update Looking good, says top medic Nolan 

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Fruit ‘n’ Veg How much do we really need?  See page 18

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer

Our take of €165b. plan THE National Development Plan, or Project Ireland 2040, will commit to expenditure on capital projects totalling more than €165 billion. Here is how it will improve the South East. A number of road improvements, as well as the alreadyannounced regeneration of Waterford’s city centre, are

among the projects mentioned. More than €27 million has been given as the cost for the Waterford regeneration, which was approved last March, while a number of road improvement schemes have also been given the green. The N24 between Water-

ford and Limerick, which runs through Carrick-onSuir, Clonmel, Cahir, Tipperary Town, Pallas Green, and several other towns and villages, has long been a source of grief in the areas involved. It was selected for ‘pre-appraisal and early planning’ in 2018, particularly the sections from Waterford to Cahir and

Cahir to Limerick Junction. The N24 improvement is “subject to further approvals” as well as the N25 enhancement of the road between Waterford city and Glenmore in south Kilkenny, and the N11/N25 between Oylegate and Rosslare in Co Wexford. There were also plans in the 2018 blueprint for a

Vicky quits US with ‘bad news’ CERVICAL Check campaigner Vicky Phelan has returned home after receiving some “bad news” in the US following a scan. In a social media message, Mooncoin-born Ms Phelan said that she is no longer eligible for proton beam therapy since her tumours are too extensive. “It’s been a couple of weeks since I posted an update. That’s because since my last update, I have had some bad news,” she said on social media. “Unfortunately, following a PET scan, which my radiation oncologist at Georgetown University Hospital ordered, I have some new tumours. “I have two new tumours in my neck but the worrying one is a new tumour on my bowel. This means that I am no longer eligible for Proton Beam Therapy since my tumours are far too extensive. I have too much disease in my body for them to zap! “And so, the recommendation from the team at Georgetown University Hospital was for me to return home for systemic therapy, ie.palliative chemotherapy. EVERY FRIDAY

“All of this happened over the space of a few days when decisions had to be made very quickly. With a very heavy heart, I made the decision to return home to Ireland. “I returned home earlier this week and am taking the time to reconnect with my kids and to absorb this news before I start down the chemotherapy road,” Ms Phelan said. In ‘good news’ Vicky has said she hopes this new treatment will keep her alive for Christmas. “The bad news is that the treatment I am about to start on is extremely toxic and will take its toll on my body and my mind,” she said. The CervicalCheck campaigner will be taking a social media break over the coming weeks as she begins her new treatment and spends time with her family. “I will only post very sporadically. As always, I would like to thank you all so very much for your support, your kindness, your generosity, your prayers and positive messages which continue to lift me and keep me going,’” the campaigner siad.

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

Thurles Relief Road and a Carlow Southern Relief Road and these are again namechecked in the latest plan. All major roads get goahead in the €165bn programme despite Green opposition. However, Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has secured a higher spend on public transport versus roads.

Little girl secrets...

Helena and Charlotte in Broderie Anglaise Special Occassion dresses in white ivory with scalloped edge, sleeveless. From childrenswear label Darcybow which is preparing to welcome parents and children to their upcoming ‘Darcy Days showcasing their collection at Butler House on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10 Story, Page 15

It is understood that every road project promised under the last plan four years ago, also made it into the new programme. However, there are fears among some politicians and community leaders that all the ambitious plan will not be fully realised. Special Report, Page 14

Covid: it looks like good news NPHET’s Prof. Philip Nolan said that the population seems to have come close to suppressing Covid-19 and “we’re in a good place” in relation to lifting the remaining restrictions by October 22. Full report, Page 6

Food winners! Seven Kilkenny food producers were named winners in this year’s Blas na hÉireann awards, with the Arán Bakery & Bistro winning gold and silver and best in county awards. Full story, Page 6

Cut child costs Sinn Féin has introduce a Private Member’s Bill calling on the Government to reduce the cost of childcare, provide fair wages and provide a sustainability fund for providers.

INSIDE Paul Hopkins ................P8 Marianne Heron ....... P12 John Ellis .................... P16 Health & Science ...... P18 Travel & Leisure ....... P19 Gerry Cody..P24, 26 & 30 Picture Special .....P38-39 Food & Drink ............. P42 TV & Streaming........ P43 Sport .......................P46-50

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News

Being happy can slow down ageing FEELING happy about life slows down the onset of dementia and cognitive decline among older people; a new 12-year study suggests. The researchers found that the odds of developing cognitive impairment, such as dementia, were lower in those with better psychological well-being who generally felt happier in life. While previous studies have reported the benefits of being positive on mental health, the research only tracked individuals for a short time, which can underestimate the association between psychological wellbeing and cognitive change.

‘Survey carried out over 12 years...

”

Knowing more about cognitive impairment is an important public health issue in an ageing society, says Lydia Li, professor of social work at the University of Michigan and the current study’s coauthor. “The findings have implications for policy and practice regarding supporting older people to preserve cognitive function in older age, given that psychological well-being is modifiable,” she says. In addition, enhancing the psychological well-being of older adults not only improves their quality of life, but may also lessen the burden and cost associated with cognitive decline, Li says. Data came from a subset of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. The sample included nearly 9,500 respondents aged 60 and older without any cognitive impairments in the first year of the 12-year study. The respondents were interviewed five times in the 12-years. About 2,640 respondents had onset of cognitive impairment at one of the follow-up interviews, and the numbers slightly increased over time, from nearly 11% during the first seven years interval to 13.3% in the last five years. To assess psychological well-being, respondents an-

swered questions about their optimism, conscientiousness, loneliness, self-esteem, and other factors. They also dis-

closed what social support they received, such as visits from family and friends, as well as their health status.

Although the research focused entirely on Chinese residents, Li says there’s no reason the findings could

not be applied to other racial, ethnic, or geographic groups. The findings appear in the Journal of Ageing Amd Health.

Are you looking for a natural remedy to help you get a good night’s sleep? CLAIR WHITTY

THERE are many supplements that can help you get to sleep. Other things you can do include: have a good sleep routine, watch your caffeine intake, turn off all electronic devices, stay off social media. Stress and anxiety can keep you awake; consider meditation, relaxation, or mindfulness. Top remedies: Valerian is one of the most popular herbs to aid sleep. It, acts as a sedative on the brain and nervous system. Chamomile is a herb commonly used to aid relaxation and may also help anxiety. Many report that they can get to sleep quickly using Chamomile supplements. It’s a popular bedtime tea. Hops, the same plant used in beer-making, is also used in herbal medicine. It may help restlessness, tension, and anxiety and induce sleepiness. Skullcap contains chemicals thought to induce drowsiness, also used for anxiety and nervous tension. Montmorency cherries are a natural source of

melatonin, a hormone that is found naturally in the body. Melatonin is the hormone that controls the sleep-wake cycle helping to improve sleep and this adjusting of the cycle may help those of you work shifts. Darkness causes the body to produce melatonin, so make sure your room is as dark as you can make it. Lemon balm is one of my favourite herbs. It aids relaxation, and for many eases feelings of anxiety. It’s the ideal herb to aid

sleep by reducing the tension associated with these feelings. Salus Lemon Balm Tea is one of our customers’ favourite teas. L Theanine is an amino acid and is perfect for calming the mind, especially for feelings of overwhelm or panic. It helps slow the mind so that it is not all over the place jumping from topic to topic. This creates a feeling of calm and relaxation. There are many supplements available either on their own or in various combinations. Take a look at NHP Sleep Support. It contains all of these nutrients plus one or two more. If you have tried several of the above on their own why not take a look at this combined supplement. We are getting brilliant feedback from customers who love it. Getting a good night’s sleep is worth its weight in gold! If you’re looking for some tips or advice call in to see us at Market Cross Shopping Centre, we are happy to help. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie Shop online at www. naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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News

Covid: good news at last NPHET’s Prof Philip Nolan said that the population seems to have come close to suppressing Covid-19 and “we’re in a good place” in relation to lifting the remaining restrictions by October 22. The Chair of NPHET’s Epidemiological Modelling Advi-

sory Group said suppressing the virus was down to very high levels of vaccination and the adherence to public health measures. The five-day moving average of cases now stands at 1,143. Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, Prof Nolan said: “We’re

fortunate with our very high level of vaccinations and frankly the very sensible manner in which each and every one of us is taking the precautions, we seem to have come close to suppressing what is a very transmissible virus.” Ireland is living with the af-

termath of what was “a very large wave of infection in the 16-34 age group” from the Delta variant, which occurred during the summer, when the population was partially vaccinated, he said. “We’re living with the aftermath of that force of infection

right now. The cases we’re seeing today are essentially the residual of that.” There are fewer cases in children aged 5-12 and the rates of infection are quite low as a percentage of the entire population, he said. In relation to lifting the re-

Why our local foodies are in seven heaven! KILKENNY food producers raised a glass and a toast after seven were named winners in this year’s Blas na hÉireann awards. The Arán Bakery & Bistro was cheering loudest after winning gold and silver and best in county awards. With the annual pilgrimage to Dingle on hold Bec cause of Covid, this year’s winners tuned in for a second year running from every corner of the country for a virtual celebration of the very best in Irish food. The team at Blas na hÉireann has been working tirelessly since March to ensure that Blas 2021 went ahead, sustaining their commitment to celebrating the very best in Irish food and drink. Chairperson Artie Clifford feels that now, more than ever, it is essential to shine a light and

Sinn Fein motion to call for action on childcare

give that all important boost to the talented producers dotted around the island. “These are the 14th annual Blas na hÉireann awards,” said Mr Clifford “and, despite the very challenging situation, I am delighted to report a record entry level from producers right across the island. “ This large increase in entries has raised the bar across all categories, allowing us to introduce new products and producers to the buyers and press with whom we work, which is really exciting. “Congratulations to all the winners and to every producer who participated. It is always such a rewarding experience to see the wealth of exceptional foods being produced on the island of Ireland, and this has been the best year yet, “ he said.

Tops in health matters... and banana muffins! A NEW study from Health Matters ranks Kilkenny among the most ‘health-conscious’ places in Ireland. The study used combined Google Trends data over a five year period (January 2016 to January 2021) to tabulate where different aspects of health are searched the most across the country. Kilkenny came eight out of

fifty-nine, with Sligo taking the top spot. Top among the search trends were health insurance, Covid-19, health status of certain politicians & celebrities, gut health, cardiovascular health, GAA health questionnaires, Department of Health, mental health, local health centres and healthy banana muffins.”

Gently does it ..

THE magnificent east window of St Canice’s Cathedral is being refitted after painstaking restoration works.The stained glass window had to be removed and taken away for repairs after it was damaged in an explosion at a neighbouring premises in August 2020. The window has been away for the past four months, and Connon Stained Glass has been restoring it

SE hospitality hit in €5.3b. collapse HOTELS and guesthouses across the country have experienced an estimated €5.3 billion collapse in revenues across 2020 and 2021, according to figures from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF). With occupancy figures nationally expected to reach just 32% for the year, compared to 73% for 2019, hoteliers in Kilkenny and Carlow are calling on the Government to retain existing

business and employment supports, saying they are vital for the recovery of the sector and the wider tourism industry. Colm Neville, Chair of the IHF’s South East branch states: “As Ireland’s largest indigenous employer, tourism supported almost 270,000 livelihoods including 6,200 across Carlow and Kilkenny prior to the pandemic. Our industry has been hardest hit by the restrictions, and the

maining restrictions by 22 October, Prof Nolan said “we’re in a good place” and “there’s nothing in the numbers at the moment, that would change the advice that NPHET would have given Government towards the end of August”.

ensuing economic and financial impact of Covid has been devastating. “The Government supports so far have been critical, and a lifeline for many businesses, helping to restore employment and support the viability of businesses until we get back to a more stable footing. However, we need a firm commitment that they will be retained until the impact of the pandemic has

passed. Tourism will recover, but it will take time.” Specifically, hotel and guesthouse owners are seeking the extension of the EWSS employment supports at current levels, to help businesses retain and develop their teams over the coming months along with the extension of the local authority rates waiver until June 2022, when the summer season begins. “A failure to act decisively

now would have major economic implications given the reliance of many parts of the country on tourism for prosperity and employment, including in Carlow and Kilkenny,” says Mr Neville. The IHF is also calling for the 9% tourism VAT rate to be retained until after 2025, to provide certainty and allow Irish tourism to compete internationally.

SINN Fein has introduced a Private Member’s Bill to reduce the cost of childcare, provide fair wages and provide a sustainability fund for providers, according to Kathleen Funchion TD. The motion calls on the Government to commit to delivering a state childcare system in Budget 2022. The Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children told The Kilkenny Observer: “Childcare fees are far too high. Ireland has some of the highest childcare fees in the world. For many families, it amounts to the same costs as an extra mortgage each and every month. “Across the State, families are struggling to pay the costs of these eye watering fees. This has to change. It is clear that there is a cost of living crisis in Ireland and too many families are facing huge bills while the government does nothing to help, “ she said. “My motion also pledges better pay and working conditions for early years and childcare professionals. Those working in the early years sectors are highly qualified and skilled, yet are often paid minimum wage. They deserve fair pay. “The Budget is fast approaching and Sinn Féin are calling on the government to cut childcare costs by delivering a state childcare system in the Budget. Our detailed and fully costed proposals would cut fees by one third within the first year and then by two thirds thereafter. “Cost and access to local childcare remain the greatest challenge for so many families, and I think at this stage it is obvious to everyone, except perhaps the Government that the current system is not working. “Childcare should be affordable and it should be accessible locally. “There can be no more delays. They must act and reduce childcare fees to give families a much-needed break,” she said.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

When we grow up, this is what we could be ... THE future of the workplace will be digital, with the ‘new normal’ in the post-Covid era shaped more definitively by technology than any other consideration. Every aspect of our lives, from wellbeing to work, and all in between, will be massively ‘disrupted’ – that is changed – in the coming years, thanks to technology. Specifically, the way people work and interact with their workplaces and the way companies operate will see big changes. Location-independent jobs have become de-facto in the current pandemic wherein modern tools, technologies and telecoms have provided the ability to work from anywhere. Surveys, here and globally, show that companies expect about 40% of their employees to follow a remoteworking model in the future. Or, more likely, a combination of home, hybrid and the workplace.

A greater number of jobs done remotely will likely see a bigger percentage of the population participate in what was otherwise location restrictive and favoured cities and large towns. Employers will also gain as they will have access to a wider reservoir of talent. Work in the future will become ‘smarter’ as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and human/ machine collaboration will take over repetitive and routine tasks, thereby freeing employees to focus on more meaningful work. Robotics and automation can also play a stellar role in surgery and life-saving technology. Also, in augmenting or replacing we humans in highrisk situations, like the frontline of the current pandemic, and in disaster recovery. For our young people just finished exams and looking to third level courses or perhaps an apprenticeship, it might be worth considering what kind of new jobs this soon-to-be, post-

pandemic world will be offering, given AI, remote working and having to live in a world perhaps populated by intermittent viruses. How about a job as a Work From Home Facilitator? Before now, it’s estimated that less than 5% of companies had remote policies. Now, with the full post-pandemic expectation that remote work remains the norm, companies want to apply lessons learned to further optimise workingfrom-home. Far from being a futuristic job of tomorrow, WFH are being sought now by global tech companies, according to the Wall Street Journal. Or how about a Fitness Commitment Counsellor? We despair at the extra pounds packed on during months of pandemic-induced lockdown. To remedy the situation, preventative approaches like our digital Apple watches and FitBits allow for our own accountability in getting fit again.

But many of us, lacking the will-power or determination, need a minder. Fitness Commitment Counsellors are your new VBF, according to the global Cognisant Jobs of the Future (CJoF) Index. Among the well-heeled and affluent, there is a big demand for Smart Home Design Managers, according to Interiors magazine. A lasting lesson of the pandemic for many is that “everyone’s home is their castle”. The rise of Smart Home Design Managers will boom as the homes of the rich and the top brass are built – or retrofitted – with dedicated home office spaces, replete with routers in the right places, soundproofing, separate voiceoperated entrances, and even Gorilla Glass wall screens. One could make a tidy sum in this profession, as could you in its sister profession — a Workplace Environment Architect, which is kind of self-explanatory.

Or what about becoming a Data Detective, Sherlock? Openings for data scientists remains one of the fastest growing job in the tech-heavy ‘Algorithms, Automation and AI’ family of the CJoF Index since its inception, and has continued to see 42% growth in

‘Access to a wider reservoir of talent..

”

the three quarters of this year. Or how about a HumanMachine Teaming Manager who keeps people and robots in good form as they work in seamless collaborations? Meantime, if my Editor turns down my request for a pay rise, I’m packing it in and am going to take on a job as a Cyber Calamity Forecaster – the title just conjures up such intrigue and malice. Aside from Covid-19, it’s arguable that the other, big catastrophe of the last year was the continued onslaught of both massive cyberattacks like on our own HSE, down to individuals promulgating ransomware exploits. My new job would be to forecast events like these and kick ass, big time. Now, I’m not yet sure of how I would go about this but I am up for learning about being a forecaster of doom and gloom. Hmmm... Not a million miles from being a journalist, I hear you say...

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

News

Data centres may fall victim to winter power shortage THE country’s power system operator has warned that electricity supply will be tight during winter. But Mark Foley, EirGrid CEO, said that “if an emergency is declared”, data centres “will be

a first port of call” to reduce energy consumption. He told an Oireachtas committee that those centres would switch to on-site power generators. “I think they have stepped up

to the plate... and we can call on them this winter,” he told the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Action. EirGrid has had extensive engagement with the sector, Mr Foley said.

“We are happy with the response we got”, he added. He also forecast that energy demand will increase across the country by at least 28% over this decade. This is driven by economic growth, data

centres, electrification and home heating, he said. The EirGrid CEO added that data centres account for around 30% of total energy demand. Mr Foley said that a figure of 70% which has been

New funding for range of local energy projects THE Government has allocated significant funding through for a range of community and home energy projects across Co. Kilkenny. Recipients of the grants, which are administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), include public sector projects, sports facilities, community buildings and local businesses and homes: Examples of the local grants include: *Proposals by Kilkenny County Council for a lighting upgrade with heating controls at Machinery Yard, Hebron Industrial Estate; *Insulation upgrade to roof and piping and heating controls at Kilkenny County Hall; *Lighting upgrade at Thomastown Scouts Den; *Lighting and refrigeration upgrades at Iverk, Piltown;

*A PV system with heat pump for Kilkenny Tennis Club club house; *Lighting upgrades at Ballyhale Shamrocks GAA and Carrishshock GAA. Announcing the funding, Kilkenny TD John Paul Phelan said: “This important Government investment will deliver energy upgrades to homes and community and commercial buildings across Kilkenny and Carlow. “Recipients will benefit from warmer buildings that are better for their health as well as more efficient buildings that will ensure lower energy bills. “Overall this funding will lead to a reduction in harmful CO2 emissions. As per the Government’s ambitious Climate Action Plan, communities play a central role in achieving our climate action ambitions, ” he said.

Lovely hurling in PJ’s volume FIVE stories from Co Kilkenny have been selected to appear in a fascinating new book on the GAA – written by people at the heart of the association nationwide. ‘Grassroots: Stories From The Heart Of The GAA’, is a treasure trove of GAA memories, tales and incidents spanning over 150 years. “The book generated an incredible response from every county in Ireland, as well as from the Irish abroad,” said author and journalist, PJ Cunningham, who collaborated with Croke Park on the publication. Callan-born Joe Kearney gives a compelling account of why envy is a deadly sin when, as a young boy in national

school, his best friend won a state-of-the-art hurley, much to his chagrin — and later explains how a neighbour helped to redress the balance. Windgap native Dermot O’Brien provides the collection with a captivating tale of how a juvenile football match was turned around in their favour thanks to a wily mentor spotting that there was only one ball available between the two teams. Joan Cleere from Thomastown gives an exclusive view into ‘the life and times of being a wag’ with the successful Kilkenny hurling team of the 1960’s, while Jamesie Murphy’s vignettes on Tullogher will leave readers with broad smiles on their faces.

mentioned in some quarters “has no basis”. He said that older generators with “reliability problems” would continue to be taken offline for essential repairs over the coming months.

Paul Reid takes lead in health fiasco shakeup

Local ladies take home coveted Granard Cup A BIG congratulations to Mary Murphy and Mags Duggan from Kilkenny Golf Club who won the Granard Cup All-Ireland final of the HolmPatrick Cup and Granard Cup, held by the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI). Now in its 90th year, men from nine clubs from around Ireland competed to lift the HolmPatrick Cup and win a trip of a lifetime to StAndrews in Scotland. Also competing on the day were ladies from nine clubs for the Granard Cup and a trip to St Andrew. Both competitions are the longest-running and largest

charity golf tournament in Ireland. Starting in 1932, it is named after Edina Conyngham, Baroness HolmPatrick, who donated the trophy to NCBI at its inauguration. The Baroness was a granddaughter of the Duke of Wellington. The tournament is a wellestablished highlight in the calendar of golf clubs around the country. The All-Ireland final took place in the north Dublin Balbriggan Golf Club, with 18 teams in total taking part. Despite the blustery weather conditions and new golfing rules, J.J Kelly and Fergus Rothwell from Mulranny Golf

Club triumphantly took the HolmPatrick cup for the men, while A BIG congratulations to Mary Murphy and Mags Duggan from Kilkenny Golf Club who won the Granard Cup. Chris White, NCBI CEO ,said: “This is the oldest golf charity tournament in the country with the fitting prize being to play on the oldest golf course in the world in St.Andrews, Scotland. The funds raised today will assist NCBI continue to deliver frontline services to people living with sight loss. Thank you to all who participated this year.”

Teen attack fractures jaw A TEENAGER was taken to hospital by ambulance after he was attacked by a group of men near Kilkenny Castle, not long after another man in his 20s was attacked in a similar incident at the same location.

A local Garda spokesperson confirmed: “A man in his late teens was approached by a group of men, and he received a number of punches to the head. He was taken to hospital by ambulance.”

The victim suffered a fractured jaw in the attack. Gardai are investigating the incident. They have asked that anyone with information about the attack to contact Kilkenny Garda Station on 056 777 5000.

CHANGES will be made to the governance structure of Sláintecare in the wake of recent high-level resignations, as the Government’s commitment to universal healthcare remains “absolute and unwavering”, according to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, Part of this change will see the top civil servant in the Department of Health and Health Service, Executive CEO Paul Reid (pictured below), co-chair the new Sláintecare programme board. The minister also intends to set up a taskforce to tackle waiting lists modelled on the vaccine taskforce “that has worked so well” in the past year. Along with Secretary General of the Department of Health Robert Watt, Mr Donnelly is due to address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health regarding the implementation of the health service reform programme. Sláintecare arose from an all-party consensus to reform the health service, but the recent resignations have led to claims that the requirements to achieve this change are lacking. Laura Magahy, the full-time Executive Director of Sláintecare, and Professor Tom Keane, the Chairperson of the Council, resigned in September. Professor Anthony O’Connor resigned from the Sláintecare Implementation Advisory Council two weeks ago.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

Opinion

Don’t get me to the church on time ... AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

THE sounds of a ceremony in progress drifted over the fuchsia hedge from next door with a woman’s voice addressing the gathering between intervals of music. This humanist celebration to name the neighbours’ one year old daughter took place on a summer day in a Connemara garden. This charming occasion for a gathering of friends and relations is part of a growing trend in non-religious events for weddings, namings and funerals. Before the disruption of the pandemic the Humanist Society of Ireland (HAI) were conducting 3,000 ceremonies a year and according to their administrator, Tilda Taylor, the demand for humanist celebrants is growing as things return to normal.“Some of our celebrants are fully booked already for next year. We are increasing our numbers and have 10 celebrants in training at present and will have another 10 in training next year,” she says. The trend does prompt the question as to why are people

moving away from the institutional churches to mark the major rites of passage in life? Perhaps it may be a sign of the way Irish society is becoming increasingly secular. In the 2016 census 78.3% of the population gave their religion as Catholic compared to 84.2 % in 2011 and with a sizeable drop from the peak in 1961 of 94.9 % of the population, while the 2016 figure for no religion was 9.8%. Maybe for some the turning away has something to do with the many scandals that have emerged about the clergy and religious orders. The biggest demand for humanist ceremonies is for weddings something the HAI’s celebrants have been able to conduct since the introduction of the Civil Registration Act 2012 which allows accepted secular bodies to conduct weddings. Couples may choose to have a secular celebration because it allows them more freedom to choose the style of ceremony they would like to have, says Tilda Taylor. Non-religious celebrations allow couples to have the wedding and the reception in the same place, or in a garden or by the sea if they wish so there is more autonomy in their choice without regulation by the church.

There are no laws about who may conduct other types of ceremonies, like renewal of vows or memorials. Requests for secular funerals are less frequent and are most likely come from people who don’ t belong to an institutional church although the trend is growing. When it comes to funerals there are perhaps two camps, people who talk about how they would like the ceremony to be and those who avoid

the subject altogether. My late husband David belonged to the second group, the one thing he did make clear during his last illness was that he didn’t want a traditional church service. Neither of us belonged to an institutional church, whatever our ideas about faith and to go to a church seemed out of keeping with our views. I had previously attended a humanist funeral at Mount Jerome deconsecrated chapel

for a cousin which seemed a dignified way to mark his rite of passage. I was given the name of a humanist celebrant and it was reassuring to have someone as empathetic as Brian to walk me through the organisation of the ceremony, to smooth the path through unfamiliar territory and arrange the details of the service. Somehow it mattered very much to get the occasion right both for the husband whose

life I was celebrating and for the many people who came to remember him. Close fiends gave wonderful eulogies, a very dear friend and his daughter performed part my husband’s favourite piece of music. The most challenging thing at such a time for the celebrant to strike the right note and Brian did so admirably, sincerely and with dignity. It was a great comfort and it was good to have a choice about the ceremony.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

kilkennyobserver.ie

News A NUMBER of road improvements, as well as the alreadyannounced regeneration of Waterford’s city centre, are among the projects in the southeast mentioned in the National Development Plan. More than €27 million has been given as the cost for the Waterford regeneration, which was approved last March, while a number of road improvement schemes have also been given the green light. The N24 between Waterford and Limerick, which runs through Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Cahir, Tipperary Town, Pallas Green, and several other towns and villages, has long been a source of grief in the areas involved. It was selected for ‘pre-appraisal and early planning’ in 2018, particularly the sections from Waterford to Cahir and Cahir to Limerick Junction. The proposed plan has the N24 improvement as ‘subject to further approvals’ as well as the N25 enhancement of the road between Waterford city and Glenmore in south Kilkenny, and the N11/N25 between Oylegate and Rosslare in Co Wexford. There were also plans in the 2018 blueprint for a Thurles Relief Road and a Carlow Southern Relief Road and these are again namechecked in the latest plan. Projects which were successfully completed in recent years having been part of previous plans, include the completion of the M11 section between Gorey and Enniscorthy, as well as the New Ross Bypass, including the new Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge over the river Barrow. Also mentioned was the Dunmore Wing at University Hospital, and the Waterford Greenway, which was developed between 2014 and 2017 at a cost of €21 million. The long-awaited development of the North Quays in Waterford city was provided for in the 2018 plan, with funding since allocated to allow for strategic development zone designation and the infrastructure needed to proceed with a major business/ leisure/tourism/residential development on the site. However, the plan hit a snag

SPECIAL REPORT

What the NDP means for the South East Project Ireland 2040 will commit to expenditure on capital projects totalling more than €165 b. How Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford will fare in the deal

earlier this year when the council in Waterford lost patience with the private development company involved in the regeneration project, because of contract delays, and it remains long-awaited. A new rail station, seen as part of the overall necessary infrastructure for regeneration, is part of today’s plan, as

are bus corridors in Waterford city, the BusConnects scheme and a “sustainable transport bridge”, which would link the north and south quays. Other projects referred to in today’s plan include a new water supply scheme for Clonmel in south Tipperary, as well as the Trinity Wharf development in Wexford town,

€35b. to spend on how we will travel THE Government said its €35 billion investment in the transport system will transform how the country travels and halve Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Public transport will get €12 billion in funding, with road projects receiving €6 billion and walking and cycling routes receiving €4 billion. While the MetroLink and

DART+ are included in the plan, there are no completion dates, stating that they will be “progressed to construction”. The investment, as part of the Government’s revised National Development Plan (NDP), will see an additional 500,000 walking, cycling and public transport journeys delivered by the end of the decade.

The Government has pledged that the plan will add some 1,000km of new walking and cycling infrastructure in the next four years. The NDP will see BusConnects rolled out in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, while around €350 million will be spent on renewing and expanding rural and regional buses.

which recently received planning permission and is described as “a new sustainable urban quarter” including office space, hotel accommodation, residential and leisure/ cultural development. Meanwhile, the Technological University for the South East (TUSE), which is now due to formally come into

being at the start of 2022, is again referred to by the Government. In 2018, ‘new buildings’ in Carlow and Waterford to facilitate a merger of their institutes of technology, and a ‘site in Wexford’ to facilitate an outreach campus as part of the southeast university, were all promised.

The development plan says that “work is progressing to identify campus development needs” for TUSE, “including an expanded campus footprint in Waterford and a new campus in Wexford”. The Taoiseach said as late as last week that the formation of the TUSE is still on track for January.

Housing a priority for the vunerable THE National Development Plan (NDP) commits to the development of housing and accommodation for a range of vulnerable individuals and families under the Capital Assistance Scheme. This includes the development of age-friendly housing for individuals with a disability and accommodation for homeless households. The NDP says the provision of suitable housing in

the community (in conjunction with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government) will be progressed. It notes that the Disability capital programme includes decongregation from longterm residential care units for people with disabilities and additional communitybased supported housing arising from the Disability Capacity Review.

The Disability Capacity Review was published by the Department of Health in July. According to the Disability Capacity Review, a minimum €350 million additional revenue funding would be required in 2022 in order to meet the lower end estimates. And €500-€800 million in capital spend would be required over the period to 2032.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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News

Time to bin the old smartphone KILKENNY families are being challenged to find and recycle five end-of-life electrical items in a bid to improve our recycling performance after consumption increased dramatically in the last year. The country’s largest e-waste recycling scheme, WEEE Ireland, is urging Kilkenny residents to become e-detectives

for the month of October and follow electrical leads around their homes to identify devices that are beyond repair. EU data shows old smartphones are the most unused and hoarded electrical items lying around Irish homes. The ‘Follow Your Lead’ campaign aims to increase the supply of waste electrical re-

cycling to local authority sites and retailer collection points to meet Ireland’s rising recycling targets. A surge in lockdown spring cleaning saw 938 tonnes of electrical waste collected in Kilkenny by the country’s largest recycling scheme in 2020, despite Covid-19 and travel restrictions.

Some 9.5kg of e-waste was recycled for each person in Co. Kilkenny last year – exceeding the 2019 collection rate of 8.6kg, but falling short of the 2020 national average of 10.9kg a person. To continue this momentum, WEEE Ireland are urging families to utilise the free recycling facilities available in the Dun-

Duncan will show us the green way IRISH environmentalist Duncan Stewart, wellknown as the host of RTÉ’s Eco Eye since 2002, is to offer his expertise and guidance to businesses across Kilkenny. Exclusively available to businesses in the South East, enterprises are invited to attend the free Green for Micro conference on Friday, October 15 at 9.30 am, hosted online via Zoom. To register visit: www.localenterprise.ie/ Kilkenny The Green for Micro conference offers a unique opportunity to learn how to cut harmful emissions and make significant energy and bottom-line savings. It aims to support small businesses in the South East and break down environmental and sustain-

more Recycling & Waste Disposal Centre. Irish homes contain an average of 15 to 20 electrical items which are broken or unused, according to WEEE Ireland. And new EU data indicates that each person is responsible for an average of 5kg of hoarded electrical waste – meaning 15-20kg of old and broken ap-

Eye on eco: Duncan Stewart and Lara Dungan

ability challenges for their business. Keynote speaker Duncan Stewart will share his insights on how vital it is for businesses to address environmental issues within their business and how this will ensure the sustainability of small enterprises into the future. Expert speakers from 3 Counties Energy Agency (3cea) and the Southern Region Waste Management office will share useful tips on how to make simple changes. For example, how to manage waste in your business and how to access funding support for greener practises. The panel of speakers will demonstrate how investing time and resources in green issues will ultimately benefit small businesses.

It’s Darcy days out for all of our little girls ... MADE in Ireland and with the highest quality of materials and craftsmanship, luxury childrenswear label Darcybow is preparing to welcome parents and children to their upcoming ‘Darcy Days Out’ which enable parents to see, feel and choose a stunning outfit for their little one for a special occasion. Designed for alll our little girls aged three to 10 years, these classic dresses and outfits are hand stitched in Ireland and designed to be passed on from generation to generation, with quality and

sustainability in mind. With two striking collections to choose from (see below for details) , Darcybow’s designs range from classic white dresses for communions and flower girl duties, to Victorian style dresses in teals, navy and ruby shades. Darcybow will be showcasing their collection at Butler House, Kilkenny on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10. Designed and conceived by businesswoman Triona Spellman, this luxurious classic collection of children’s dresses, coats and accessories

is inspired by Victorian classic clothes for children with rich colours and durable, comfortable fabrics throughout. Deep blues, teals and ruby reds on capes and dresses will no doubt be showstoppers this autumn at days out, birthday parties and festive gatherings. Oversized bows, statement collars and pops of colour make these pieces designed to last and be passed down from generation to generation. Prices start at €120 for a dress and €160 for a cape, all which are designed exclusively in Ireland.

pliances are waiting to be recycled from most households. “When you add it up, 5kg equates to a kettle, a laptop that won’t power up, a smartphone beyond repair, an unplayable small gaming device and that kitchen blender in the back of the cupboard that hasn’t worked for years,” said WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan.

Councillor hits out over lack of water upgrade A KILKENNY councillor has hit out at Irish Water for not including CloghMoneenroe in its upgrade plans. Cllr John Brennan said the local water treatment plant was at capacity and, without an upgrade, any housing project earmarked for the area woould not be able to happen. Bennettsbridge and Ballinabranna were both approved for works y among 21 projects under the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme. However, Cllr Brennan said he received a letter from Irish Water to say it had no future upgrade plans for the plant in Clogh- Moneenroe despite several calls for works to increase capacity for the local area. He told KCLR news he was not prepared to accept it. “I have arranged a meeting with officials of Irish Water and I know Councillor Pat Fitzpatrick is going to join me in that meeting. We’re calling on Irish Water to make the necessary funding available immediately for the upgrade of the treatment plant,” he said. See also Page 22

Carol Knox eliminated KILKENNY participant Carol Knox has been eliminated from Glow Up Ireland. Judges Cathyanne Mac Allister and Emma O’ Byrne decided it was her time to leave after making it through to the top six make-up artists in Ireland. Her Glow Up Ireland journey ended, but she was also grateful to be able to return home to her two children, who she was really starting to miss.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

News Your Money

We need to talk about you dying ... BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

SINCE the outbreak of Covid19, the subject of death has never been so prominent, and we know many who have experienced an unexpected loss. But, despite death being a universal experience, we still find talking about it very difficult. Especially when it comes to our own inevitable demise. Conversations about death might be tough or uncomfortable but getting your plans in place and letting your loved ones know your end-of-life wishes can give you a great deal of reassurance and peace of mind. We all need life insurance that in the event of our death so there is adequate money in place to meet the needs of our remaining family. But there is more to it other than putting a monetary figure on your life and assuming that in the event of your death everything will work out smoothly. Its times like these that financial advisers are instrumental in bringing peace of mind by providing funds to pay off debt, protecting against the loss of

income and paying funeral costs. Levels of cover are shockingly low over all but it is important that the correct life plan is put in place to meet certain needs. Mortgage Protection Plans cover any outstanding mortgage amounts, but have they been set up correctly? Have you checked to see that the plan is reducing in accordance with your decreasing mortgage balance or will there be an amount to be dealt with when you have died? Have you given “an expression of wishes” letter to your employer that in the event of your death the proceeds of your pension and any ancillary life cover goes to the correct person? You have a policy that in the event of your death your spouse will be provided for. But is it set up properly? If a plan is set up on an “own life basis”, on death the money goes to your estate and is distributed according to your will. Perhaps you have no will? Make one! And look at setting up your life plan on a “life of another basis”. Meaning in the event of your death the money goes directly to your spouse, bypassing probate and any unnecessary delays in payment. According to Royal London planning to ensure your family’s financial security might

not be the most romantic gift, but it’s perhaps one of the most loving things you can do, as while everyone finds grief hard, the difficulty in dealing with the aftermath depends a lot on the preparation and discussions that people have had beforehand. Therefore, Royal London have produced an ebook offering support called How to Die Well. It is a comprehensive guide to death, dying and loss, which

aims to help us all become better prepared – emotionally, practically, and financially. The book features a wealth of useful content, including personal essays by leading journalists and authors. Interviews with experts in the field of death and notable figures in wider culture It is broken into four main sections; Before you go, Your funeral, Saying goodbye and Good grief. It includes fact

sheets, activity pages, checklists and further resources By approaching topics such as end-of-life planning, arranging a funeral, saying goodbye to loved ones and coping with grief from a wealth of different perspectives they help to break the silence around death and provide the practical support and information needed to make dying well a fundamental part of living well. According to the CEO of Royal

London they want to help people be better prepared – not only have life cover in place but be prepared emotionally, practically and financially about death. * See www.royallondon.ie/ siteassets/site-docs/aboutus/brand/royal-london_howto-diewell.pdf John@ellisfinancial.ie. 0868362633

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

Science & Wellbeing CLIMATE-CAUSED disruptions to the North Atlantic jet stream are likely to have drastic weather-related consequences for countries on both sides of the Atlantic, research in Greenland indicates. According to Futurity.org new research provides insights into how the position and intensity of the North Atlantic jet stream has changed during the past 1,250 years. The findings suggest that the position of the jet stream could migrate outside of the range of natural variability by as early as the year 2060 under unabated greenhouse gas emissions. Led by Matthew Osman, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Arizona Climate Systems Center, the study appears in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Familiar to air travellers flying between North America and Europe, the North Atlantic jet stream is the ribbon of prevailing westerly winds circling the Arctic. Often called the “polar jet,” these high-altitude winds affect weather and climate across eastern North America and western Europe, accounting for between 10% and 50% of variance in annual precipitation and temperature in both regions. However, little is known about how the jet stream varied during the past, or how it might change in the future. The research team collected glacial ice core samples from nearly 50 sites spanning the Greenland ice sheet to reconstruct changes in windiness across the North Atlantic dating back to the eighth century. The reconstructions suggest that natural variability has thus far masked the effect

Weather outlook is not good news of human-caused warming on mid-latitude atmospheric dynamics across annual and longer timescales. “For most places on Earth, direct climate observations typically do not span more than a few decades,” Osman says. “So, we haven’t had a

great sense of how or why the jet stream changes over longer periods of time. What we do know is that extraordinary variations in the jet stream can have severe societal implications, such as floods and droughts, due to its impacts on weather patterns and so,

in terms of thinking about the future, we can now begin to use the past as a sort of a prologue.” The work reveals that although natural variability has largely controlled the position of the North Atlantic jet stream, continued warm-

ing could cause significant deviations from the norm. In particular, model projections forecast a northward migration of the North Atlantic jet stream under 21st-century warming scenarios. Such migration could render the jet stream significantly different within a matter of decades. Although the polar jet stream blows most swiftly near the typical cruising altitudes of planes, the band of winds actually extends all the way to the ground. While of lesser intensity, Osman explains, near the ground the winds are often referred to as storm tracks. Storm tracks affect weather and climate across Greenland, including the island’s precipitation and temperature changes. By analyzing year-to-year variations in the amount of snowfall archived in Greenland ice cores, as well as the chemical makeup of the water molecules comprising those annual snow layers, the researchers were able to extract centuries-old clues into how the jet stream changed. “These layers tell us about how much precipitation fell in a given year and also about the temperatures that air masses were exposed to,” Osman says. Weather events like this summer’s heat wave in the Pacific Northwest and the floods in Europe are some recent examples of how the jet stream affects weather patterns based on its intensity or location in the short term, Osman says. But, societally, significant changes also occur across longer time scales; reconstructing the jet stream’s past revealed that in some years, it could be far north, only to venture more than 10 degrees

farther south a few years later. “Such variations have huge implications on the types of weather that people might experience at a given place,” Osman says. “For example, when the jet stream is situated farther south, the normally dry Iberian Peninsula tends to experience milder, moister conditions. But, as the jet stream migrates northward, much of that moisture also moves away from Iberia towards already-wet regions of Scandinavia. A poleward-shifted jet stream in the future thus might have similar, but more permanent, consequences.” The team was able to match certain changes in wind speed and geographical shifts to historical weather-related calamities. For example, during a famine that gripped the Iberian Peninsula in 1374, the jet stream was situated unusually far north. Similarly, two famine events in the British Isles and Ireland in 1728 and 1740 coincided with years that winds blew at nearly half their usual intensity, dramatically cooling temperatures and reducing precipitation. The latter of these events, in 1740, is estimated to have cost the lives of nearly half a million people. Osman and his coauthors expect that any future shifts in the North Atlantic jet stream would also have dramatic implications on day-today weather and ecosystems, with trickle-down effects affecting national economies and societies. “Our results serve as a warning: Although pushing the jet stream beyond its natural range would be problematic, its ultimate trajectory is still largely in our control,” he says.

Just how much fruit and veg is good for you? WHILE few people would contest that fruit and vegetables are good for you, there can be some confusion over how many servings of them you’re supposed to eat in a given day. Advice suggests people should eat anywhere from five to nine a day, with international standards similarly converging around five or six, though some go much higher. According to a report in Bigthink.com, a new study that reviewed the health and diets of 100,000 people and combined it with meta-studies of the available data puts the debate over how many servings a day you should get to rest. The researchers followed 66,719 women from the Nurses’ Health Study and 42,016 men from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study to see how their diet affected their long-term health and mortality rates. Over the three decades of follow-ups, a clear, non-lin-

ear relationship developed between how many servings of fruit and vegetables people consumed per day

and their risk of death. That overall risk reached its lowest point at five servings a day—two of fruit and three

of vegetables—with further increases having no additional benefit. What type of vegetable was consumed

mattered as well, with starchy veggies like corn and potatoes having fewer benefits than other types. Fruit juices were also less helpful than just eating the fruit. On the other hand, leafy greens, carrots, citrus fruits, and berries all demonstrated health benefits. The net benefits of this compared to only getting two servings a day (roughly what the typical person is eating) are notable. It averages to about a 13% lower risk of death from all causes, a 12% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease, a 10% lower risk of death from cancer, and a 35% lower risk of death from respiratory disease. To confirm the findings, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 26 other studies involving two million people. The results were similar, with the greatest reduction in mortality occurring at the five-a-day mark, though one study found that

eating 10 servings a day offered some improvement on that. For those who are unsure, a serving of fruit is one medium-sized fruit (like an apple), half a cup of something canned, or a fourth of a cup of something dried. When it comes to vegetables, a cup of leafy greens is a serving, as is half a cup of anything else which is fresh, canned, or frozen. The study is not without issues. The dietary data is self-reported and could be inaccurate. Participants could also choose to eat better as their health declines, reducing the observed benefits. Above all, the study was observational, and causation cannot be proven. Despite these limitations, the study provides a great deal of support for the idea that eating more fruit and veggies is good for you. Now to just settle the problem of getting them into your meals.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Travel & Leisure

Five Spanish cities well worth the visit 1. GRANADA Located in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, Granada is steeped in history, culture, and Moorish architecture. Stroll through the narrow, winding cobbled streets and whitewashed houses dotted with flower pots in Albaicin – the Old Arabic Quarter. Or enjoy authentic flamenco shows in the ‘Gypsy Quarter’ in Sacromonte. The beautiful city is nestled at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, providing plenty of trekking and skiing opportunities. One of the city’s highlights is the Alhambra, home to an ancient royal palace, a citadel, serene gardens and courtyards hailing from the Nasrid dynasty. 2. SEVILLE Considered one of the most

romantic Spanish cities located in southern Spain, Seville boasts endless charm. The capital of the Andalusian region boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, incredible food and wines, stunning Moorish style architecture and pretty urban parks. Seville is a treasure trove to explore. You can saunter through the maze of narrow alleyways in the bohemian El Barrio de Santa Cruz neighbourhood, thereafter discover the stunning tile work on the buildings in Plaza de España. If you are into Game of Thrones, check out The Royal Alcazar of Seville, or what we know as ‘The Kingdom of Dorne’. The city also holds the largest Gothic church, The Cathedral of Seville, and the fourth largest cathedral, La

Giralda, in the world. I highly suggest taking a tour to learn about the history of these magnificent structures. As the birthplace of flamenco shows, you’ll certainly want to pop into one of Seville’s rooftop bars and enjoy a steamy performance with a cocktail in hand. 3. BARCELONA Barcelona, the capital and the largest city of Catalonia, is one of the most beautiful centres in Spain. The city is located directly on the northeastern Mediterranean coast, rich in history and home to the famed football club FC Barcelona It’s the epitome of a beautiful European city, where you’ll find plenty of outdoor markets, shops, museums, churches, and restaurants. While you’re in the city, a must-see is the intricate

architecture of the La Sagrada Familia. Other marvel creations from Antoni Gaudi’s works to see are Park Guell, Casa Mila, and Casa Batllo. While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Gothic Quarter. Take a stroll down Las Ramblas, and sample some delicious street food at the La Boqueria. I suggest taking a bike tour to explore Barcelona’s vibrant neighbourhoods. 4. SAN SEBASTIAN A stunning coastal town on the Bay of Biscay, just 20 km from the Southern French border, San Sebastian boasts pristine beauty all around. Donostia, the city’s Basque name, is famed as a culinary hotspot, with nearly a dozen Michelin star restaurants. It’s also a prominent arts and culture centre. Embark on a

food tasting tour and sample as you stroll through Parte Vieja (Old Town) and marvel at the Basque sculptures dotted throughout. Enjoy sweeping views at Monte Igueldo or hit a hiking trail to Monte Urgull. Take a boat ride to Santa Clara Island, or ride some gnarly waves at Zurriola Beach. Don’t miss taking a stroll on one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe at Concha Bay. 5. PALMA Palma, officially known as Palma de Mallorca, is considered the gem of the Balearic Islands autonomous community. With a mixture of medieval streets, bustling plazas, Baroque churches and gothic cathedrals, there’s something for everyone in this stunning Mallorcan capital.

Palma sits nestled on the edge of the sparkling Mediterranean sea and is best known for its swanky beach resorts, limestone mountains, and Roman and Moorish remains. Take a stroll through the old town and soak up the bohemian vibe in the Santa Catalina neighbourhood. You’ll find Placa Major dotted with curbside cafes and vibey summer scenes in the historical heart of the city. Visit the most prominent landmark, the Catedral-Basílica de Santa María de Mallorca, a 13th-century Gothic landmark that overlooks the Bay of Palma. Embark on a Segway tour (or stroll) through the Old Quarter’s maze of cobblestone lanes. Alternatively, hop on a catamaran cruise tour from Palma to explore the south coast of Mallorca.

Travel to UK just got easier, and cheaper NEW rules introduced to make travel to the UK “easier and cheaper” have come into force. The UK’s traffic light system involving green, amber and red lists has been scrapped, with locations categorised as either on the red list or not. It comes amid reports the number of countries on the red list will be slashed to nine from 54 later in the week, with destinations such as Brazil, Mexico and South Africa expected to be opened up to quarantine-free travel. Fully vaccinated residents – and unvaccinated under 18s – from more than 50 countries and territories can now enter the UK without needing to complete a predeparture lateral flow test, take a day-eight post-arrival PCR

test costing around £65, or self-isolate at home, with just a single day-two post-arrival test needed. Under 11s were already exempt from pre-departure testing. People arriving from a red tier destination will still be required to spend 11 nights at a quarantine hotel costing £2,285 for solo travellers. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We are accelerating towards a future where travel continues to reopen safely and remains open for good, and today’s rule changes are good news for families, businesses and the travel sector. “Our priority remains to protect public health but, with more than eight in 10 people

now fully vaccinated, we are able to take these steps to lower the cost of testing and help the sector to continue in its recovery.”

The easing of the quarantine and testing regulations – announced last month – has been welcomed by the travel sector.

Airlines and tour operators have been hit hard during the coronavirus pandemic, and have accused the Government of being too slow to relax and simplify the rules for international travel. Tim Alderslade, chief executive of Airlines UK, a trade body representing UK carriers, said: “Things are moving in the right direction and the removal of these restrictions will make it easier and cheaper for people to travel. “We’ve seen a good response to the announcement in terms of bookings and, given current trends, we would hope to see more countries come off the red list and further mutual recognition of vaccine status.

“There is still much to do though. This is not job done, and ministers need to keep in mind that we remain an outlier on arrivals testing for vaccinated passengers. “In the short-term the removal of PCR testing by the October half-term week is critical, and we look forward to clarity on the start date for this as soon as possible.” No date has been set for when eligible fully vaccinated travellers arriving in England will be able to use a cheaper lateral flow test rather than a PCR version for the day-two post-arrival test. The Department for Transport said the Government “aims to have it in place for when people return from half-term breaks”.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

News

More of us are now plugging in to electric vehicles ELECTRIC vehicles, plug-in hybrids and hybrids continue to increase their market share in Ireland, according to figures for September. Light Commercials Vehicles (LCV) have seen a decrease of 1,701 registrations compared to September last year’s 2,250 and an increase on 1,336 registrations for the same month in

2019. And Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) seen an increase of 225 registrations in September when compared to 159 in September 2020 and 146 September 2019. With regards ti imports, atotal of 4,952 used cars were imported in September 2021, compared with 9,520 imports in September 2020, and a de-

Bennettsbridge to get major upgrade in its water supply BENNETTSBRIDGE is one of 21 villages and small towns across the country that have been chosen for a major water supply upgrade. The 21 wastewater treatment plants have been selected for upgrade as part of the Small Towns and Villages Growth Programme. The investment in local wastewater infrastructure will provide additional capacity for the development of new homes, while ensuring that wastewater continues to be treated to an appropriate standard. In Kilkenny, a project will amalgamate and consolidate existing wastewater treatment infrastructure in the Bennettsbridge area to cater for the existing development and projected growth. Water Supply capacity, which has also been an issue in the area in previous years will also be upgraded where necessary to augment the works that have been carried out in the past number few of years. The plans will now progress to the next phase of the project. Councillor Patrick O’Neill said: “The programme will see upgrades to wastewater treatment plants to facilitate the growth and development of the village. Water supply capacity upgrade will also be provided

where necessary which is a huge bonus for the area. “This is something I have been raising with Irish Water since my election in 2014 and looking forward to this project progressing to the early stages of design, planning and approval. “In recent years there has been huge pressure on housing in Bennettsbridge and this news todays offers hope towards possible future developments around the Village to cater for the housing needs of the local community.” Irish Water’s Regional Operations Manager Jim Fitzgerald said: “This project will improve treatment capacity in Bennettsbridge and water supply where necessary. This will unlock growth and development in this area by ensuring the treatment infrastructure is in place to meet the needs of the area. “Irish Water put this unique programme in place and allocated funding having identified the need to support growth in smaller towns and villages. The projects were selected following detailed consultation with Local Authorities to identify and prioritise areas for investment. We would also like to thank local councillors across the country of their engagement with us on highlighting the area’s most in need.”

crease on the 10,221 imports in September 2019. Also, 775 new electric vehicles were registered in September compared to 659 in September 2020 (+18%). So far this year 7,827 new electric cars have been registered in comparison to 3,613 on the same period 2020 (+117%). Electric vehicles, plug-in hy-

brids and hybrids continue to increase their market share, with their combined market share now over 31.22%. Diesel now accounts for 33.81%, Petrol 32.32%, Hybrid 16.26%, Electric 7.78% and Plug-in Electric Hybrid 7.18%. Brian Cooke, SIMI Director General, said: “Despite a 22% (4,426 units) decline in total

new car registrations for the month of September, the electric vehicle segment has seen an increase of 18% (775 units) when compared to the same month last year. With an annual growth rate of 117%, the upward trend in electric vehicles is hugely positive, but would not have been achieved without the availabil-

ity of the generous Government incentives. “SIMI is calling on the Government to provide certainty and support for consumers by showing its support for the EV project. Any proposals to increase tax on low emitting cars or to withdraw EV supports would have a detrimental effect reducing carbon emissions.”

Crowning glory: Peter O’Rourke, CEO, Peter Mark and Elaine Austin, CEO, Pieta at the launch of the 2021 Petermarkathon Picure: Dylan Vaughan

Hair-raising drive for Pieta HAIRDRESSING group Peter Mark has launched its annual fundraising initiative the Petermarkathon. The event which takes place in Peter Mark salons, including Kilkenny each year across the October Bank Holiday weekend has been extended this year to mark the 60th anniversary of Peter Mark. This year the team will be raising vital funds for Pieta from Sunday, October 10 until Saturday, October 30 Pieta provides professional one-to-one therapeutic service to people who are in

suicidal distress, those who engage in self-harm, and those bereaved by suicide. Located in 20 locations across Ireland and employing over 200 therapists and support staff, all services are provided free of charge and no referral is needed. Since it opened its doors in 2006, the charity has seen and helped over 60,000 people in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm. All monies raised will go towards supporting the ongoing work of Pieta to provide lifesaving services and help those in distress.

Each Peter Mark salon across Kilkenny has been given the task of coming up with its own individual and unique way to raise money this year, so visitors to their local Peter Mark salon in Kilkenny can expect, sponsored walks, raffles, fancy dress, and many other funfilled events over the course of both weekends! Peter O’Rourke, CEO of Peter Mark, said: “This is the 10th year of the Petermarkathon and over the last decade we are delighted to say that we have raised over €600,000 for Irish charities

across the country. I am so proud of our team who put their heart and soul into this initiative every year and I know it’s a highlight on the Peter Mark calendar.” Elaine Austin, CEO, Pieta said: “We are delighted to be chosen as the Petermarkathon charity partner for 2021 on its special anniversary. This partnership will help to sustain Pieta’s free, lifesaving services and will help those in distress move to a place of hope and light during these most challenging times.”

Babies still need feeding, Covid or not LEADERS of the La Leche League and families are looking forward to connecting with breastfeeding parents in real life, beyond the screen. The league, which has been providing free breastfeeding support since 1966 to families and health professionals, had to move their network to a virtual space during lockdown and is now gently re-emerging to face-to-face support, with many groups currently hosting

in-person, outdoor meet-ups. “Having a baby in lockdown. A memorable blur, a test of resilience, an important reminder that we mother in a community,” said Local a La Leche League member during a Zoom meet-up. In 2020, their volunteer leaders had 69,000 contacts with mothers and parents, supporting them to reach their breastfeeding goals. La Leche League (LLL) also continue to provide

support on many social media platforms. “Breastfeeding support over WhatsApp messages was a comforting, friendly reminder that there were others having similar days,” says Ciara. Breastfeeding has been included in the G20 priorities for health. “A shared effort and responsibility are needed to recover from the impact of Covid-19 pandemic and continue progress with the aim of

improving breastfeeding rates,” according to a joint statement G20 Health Ministers. From the earliest days of the pandemic, La Leche League International has stated a clear message that nursing should not be separated, and that breastfeeding should be supported. This has saved lives. The league’s Covid-19 and breastfeeding online resources, appearing in seventeen languag-

es, were viewed more than four million times. Virtual meetings will continue into the future alongside in-person, community-based meetings, support on social media and by phone. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding can access free and accurate breastfeeding information. * Kilkenny group: 0866627290, www.facebook.com/LaLecheLeagueKilkenny

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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News

Much More Than Words

Welcome. IN WEEK ONE, in our look at the recently published book of poetry and prose by The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and The Recovery College we hear from Olivia O’Leary on the importance of writing in society to-day. We also feature a Q and A with well-known author Roddy Doyle, who contributed to a zoom meeting on one of the Creative writing classes in preparation for this book.

If ever a book deserved the award for ‘The Perfect Title’ surely that accolade must go to a new compilation of poetry Much More Than Words. Indeed its very title describes comprehensively the diversity of the treasures to be discovered within its covers. This volume of carefully crafted poems, interspersed with prose and enhanced with well-chosen

images, is the second collection produced by The Involvement Centre Kilkenny and the first in a joint venture with The Recovery College. The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper is delighted to promote the work of The Involvement Centre and The Recovery College, and so, will publish a selection of their work over the coming months.

‘Much More Than Words’ can be purchased at the following Kilkenny outlets: Bargain Books, The Butterslip Khans Bookshop, James’ Street & The Book Centre, High Street. Price: €10

Introduction

Roddy Doyle, in conversation with Patrick Griffin

Jim Lucy, Professor of Psychiatry in Trinity College, regularly starts a lecture by singing ‘Pure Imagination’ from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. ‘There is no life I know To compare with pure imagination. Living there you’ll be free If you truly wish to be.’ He’s right. That’s where we find ourselves - in our imagination. There is a deep contentment from exploring that imagination, from creating something unique to us, whether it’s composing music, or painting, or writing. Some of the most vivid pieces in this book come from family stories reimagined; from the small griefs of childhood; from intimate moments with the natural world. It’s astonishing how the imagination can turn what seem like workaday memories to gold. This book features poems from the Involvement Centre and the Recovery College Writing Groups in Kilkenny, from the wider community in the area, as well as advice from well-known writers who visited the group, some of whom contributed their poems as well. I was particularly struck by something the writer, Roddy Doyle, says here: ‘Be willing to sit by yourself for long periods of time. Being alone is a challenge but as writers we succeed when we face the challenge’. Sitting alone with your imagination can be scary, particularly if you’ve suffered, as I have, from depression. But the same imagination in which we lodge our darkest thoughts can also show us the path to recovery and to joy. Olivia O’Leary

He is a novelist, short story writer, screenwriter and dramatist. His output includes books for adults and children, plays for stage, TV radio and the cinema screen. Roddy Doyle’s work, filled with humour and pathos, covers the complete range of issues we all face within our homes and families, our neighbourhood and our social lives. His writing touches us all deeply and he has endeared himself to a broad readership. ‘The Kilkenny Involvement Centre’ was indeed fortunate to welcome Roddy to an online Q & A session in which he covered a range of searching questions relating to writing as a craft and his own working methods in particular. His writing, he says, is influenced by his memories of his youth, the people he knew and the familiarity of his neighbourhood. ‘Fall in love with your characters,” he says, “but beware of over familiarity. Leave a little mystery.” The quirks and oddities of people we knew can form the basis for our own stories. But he also incorporates his own feelings into his characters. The neighbourhood of our childhood, with its sights and sounds and smells, can bring depth and colour and truth to the stories we write. Therefore, Roddy reminds us, it is important to dig into the treasure chest of our memories because they can lay a strong foundation for our own writing. For those of us interested in the way that professional writers produce works which grace our bookstores and bookshelves, Roddy outlined his writing day. He follows a disciplined regime of working what he calls ‘office hours’. In other words, he turns up at the desk each day and divides his hours between two or three projects. “Get a ‘quantity’ of words written at first and ignore ‘quality’ at this stage — revision will sort out that later on,” he advises. When asked if he knew at the beginning of writing a new story how it would end, Roddy said that generally the story reveals itself in the process of writing. A comfortable day’s output for Roddy is around three pages. That daily amount of words has produced a vast body of work. Which of his books, plays or films would he like to be most remembered by? He said that if any of his works were to be placed in a Time Capsule for future generations to discover, he would opt for his book ‘The Woman Who Walked Into Doors’ and ‘The Snapper’, which is a novel, a play and a film. His final words of advice to writers: “Be willing to sit by yourself for long periods of time. Being alone is a challenge but as writers we succeed when we face the challenge.”

Explore a world from your home ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

THE PLANNED ending of covid-related restrictions in October will come as a relief to most of us. Nothing is confirmed yet and, as with anything Coronavirus-related, things can change very quickly. Signs are that we are very much on the last lap though. Lifting of restrictions won’t make any difference for some, however. Many living with underlying health conditions are being advised to continue to be careful and this is unlikely to change any time soon. It’s probably going to be even more difficult for them and for the people they live with who will also have to continue to restrict their activities. Watching the rest of us getting back to normal will further remind them of how limited their lives continue to be. Over the last couple of weeks, these articles perhaps carried a tone of negativity about technology. It’s true that we all need to be careful how we

use devices, particularly when they’re connected to the internet. Equally valid is the fact these tools have the ability to enhance our lives or even provide a lifeline in strange times. At the risk of running the wrath of parents, there is at least one very good reason why children, and adults, should be encouraged to enter the world of VR gaming. Particularly people whose outside lives are restricted by covid. For those who don’t know, VR gaming refers to video games played in a virtual-reality environment. Through a VR headset, gamers can open up the world from within their own homes. This offers an escape from daily realities and worries and helps reduce feelings of loneliness. VR can be quite powerful, truly making you feel that you are in a completely different environment. Furthermore, these virtual environments can be social occasions too. Some headsets and games offer players the ability to speak to other gamers in real time which can massively help reduce the isolation which comes from being restricted to the home. There is a massive range of

games too which appeal to all tastes. From fantasy to sports, whatever floats your boat, you’re sure to find something suitable. VR really has the ability to take over your senses. Whereas using platforms such as Zoom, which undoubtedly are great tools in their own right, creates an artificial environment, VR actually seems like it takes you inside the alternative reality. It offers an escapism which looking at a simple computer or laptop screen can’t provide. Don’t take my word for it. There have been reports and investigations into the benefits of VR gaming on wellbeing in a wide variety of journals and magazines from medical genres to more popular categories. Of course, as with any gaming and internet-dependent social environments, parents need to exercise discretion. We also can’t ignore that there is nothing like actually getting outside and meeting people. For those who can’t, however, VR gaming may provide an alternative which increases their sense of feeling good about themselves.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

Feature The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper takes a look at the life of Seamus Pattison. Politician, Trade Unionist, and Freeman of the city. Throughout his life, Seamus Pattison proved always to be a man of integrity and honour, upholding the highest standards in both his personal and public life. Across the political divide Seamus was universally respected and well liked. This is not surprising, since from his early days as a Trade Union organiser, Seamus focused his concerns on the needs of individuals and not on their political affiliations. A courageous advocate for the marginalised, he was truly, a man of the people. Nationally Seamus had a long and distinguished career. First elected to the Dáil at the 1961 general election he held his seat at eleven subsequent general elections until his retirement prior to the 2006 elections.

American President George Bush meets Seamus Pattison

WONDERFUL SERVICE He served as Minister of State at the Department of Social Welfare, as Ceann Comhairle and as leas Ceann Comhairle and he was an MEP for Leinster from 1981 to 1983. Locally Seamus served on Kilkenny Corporation 1964 – 1997 and was Mayor of the city on three occasions, 1967,1976,1992. Simultaneously, Seamus was also elected to Kilkenny County Council serving as Chair on two occasions, 1975, 1980. Although a vociferous protagonist in political life, outside of this arena, Seamus was a quiet, shy, unassuming person with a great sense of humour. STORIES RESULTED IN MERRIMENT From his extensive travels and his many interactions, Seamus gathered a fund of stories with which he would regale friends and family. Delivered with a mischievous grin, these vignettes usually portrayed himself as the innocent countryman caught up in the Machiavellian world of political bureaucracy. These stories, told against himself, resulted in merriment and laughter, much to Seamus’ delight. Throughout his life, Seamus remained humble and selfeffacing. He loved the simple things, a walk around the city, visiting friends, attending hurling matches and impromptu chats. He loved working in his constituency office in Kilkenny, enjoying the intrigues, the frivolities and the camaraderie. His long -time Personal Assistant, and friend, Nuala Culleton, confirms that Seamus was invigorated when he was able to help his constituents. KINDNESS PERMEATED HIS LIFE Kilkenny was fortunate that Seamus Pattison lived in our

An audience with Pope John Paul at the Vatican

Seamus

This week marks the 60th anniversary of the election to Dáil Eireann of Kilkenny man Seamus Pattison

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Feature city and was active in the community. His kind and compassionate personae permeated his life and his work. Today, his many good deeds, often delivered in secret, resonate across the years, as they continue to benefit the families of grateful recipients. Reminiscing, at this remove, it is glaringly obvious that Seamus Pattison loved Kilkenny and thankfully, we are delighted to say, that Kilkenny loved him in return. OVERWHELMED WHEN MADE FREEMAN In 2008 , Séamus Pattison and Kilkenny hurling manager Brian Cody were both awarded the freedom of their home city. The two men were conferred as Freemen of Kilkenny at a specially convened meeting of the city’s borough council. Mayor of Kilkenny Pat Crotty said the honour of freeman is the “greatest tribute” the people can bestow. “I feel overwhelmed, overawed and a little bit over the moon,” said Mr Pattison, who served as a TD without interruption for 46 years having successfully contested 12 general elections. Mr Pattison, who served as Ceann Comhairle to the 28th Dáil and as minister of state for the then department of social welfare (1983 to 1987), was honoured for a lifetime of public service. Accepting the award, Mr Pattison said he felt “a bit inadequate to qualify for such an honour” and that it had been “an honour in itself to serve the people for 46 years”. “In honouring me, you are honouring great people down through the years,” said Mr Pattison who paid tribute to his father James, who had served in the Dáil for 22 years.

THE BEST OF THE OLD LABOUR TRADITION At the time of his death, all political parties were full of praise for Seamus. Labour leader Brendan Howlin said in a statement: “Seamus was a stalwart in the Parliamentary Labour Party that I joined as a young man. “Seamus represented the best of an old Labour tradition. I was proud to have known him and worked with him.” President Michael D Higgins shared his condolences in a statement: “As Father of the House in his final term in Dáil Éireann, he was regularly sought out by new TDs across the political spectrum for counsel because of his sharp political brain, and the wisdom he drew from many years of experience,” President Higgins said. Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin said Mr Pattison was “a gentleman who commanded the respect of all sides of the house. He was fair and impartial and ensured that all TD’s got a fair hearing when he sat in the chair.” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar paid tribute to Mr Pattison, and said in a statement: “Seamus was a wellrespected Ceann Comhairle, and as a Minister, TD and MEP he represented his constituents in Carlow and Kilkenny for nearly five decades with distinction. “ When Seamus retired from politics at the 2007 election he had served in Dáil Éireann for 45 years and 7 months, making him the fifth longest serving TD ever, and the longest-everserving Labour Party TD. He was the longestserving sitting TD from 1995 to 2007, and had the informal title of Father of the Dáil. Seamus Pattison died from Parkinson’s disease at his home in Kilkenny on 4 February 2018, aged 81.

Family photograph on the occasion of Francis Pattison’s ordination to the priesthood in 1958. Left to right: Mrs Ellen Pattison, Francis, Joe, James P Pattison, Seamus, Michael

The Kilkenny Observer wish to thank the following for their assistance with this article: Maria Dunphy, Nuala Culleton, Mike Quinn, The Pattison family, Anthony O’Halloran, co-author of Politics in a changing Ireland-A tribute to Seamus Pattison, and Kilkenny Archives, based at St Kieran’s College.

Labour men united: Leader of the Labour Party Dick Sring with Seamus Pattison on a visit to Kilkenny

Seamus Pattison, T.D and Ceann Comhairle, pictured with General Colin Powell, U.S Secretary of state , March 1999

Israeli statesman Simon Peres, with Seamus Pattison T.D in Jerusalem 2001 Photographed on the occasion of a delegation by The Irish Transport and General Workers Union to the Oireachtas in 1944. Al J P Pattison,TD, Is pictured first on left in the middle row

Ted Kennedy U.S. Senator from Massachusetts with Seamus Pattison TD

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News served with roasted kale onion puree and beef jus. The menu continues to champion local food producers for example the zero-waste Ging Family Farm, home to the famous Ballykeefe Distillery, and located only 15 minutes from Pembroke. The cows are grazed on lush Kilkenny grass and the leftover grains from the distillery. Exclusively available at Stathams, the beef is dry-aged for 28 days until it is tender and full of flavour. Another firm favourite on the Statham’s menu is Riversfield Organic Farm, a familyrun farm in Callan. Riversfield appreciates, cultivate and nurtures the natural environment with a gentler approach

Fall for the new Autumn menu at Statham’s Stathams shortlisted for two awards STATHAMS by Pembroke Kilkenny has launched its Autumn menu which is now available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Statham’s is proud to work with local producers and serve mouth-watering farm-to-fork meals, sweet treats, organic wines, delicious cocktails, and amazing Cloud Picker coffee.

Newly appointed in June, Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Ken Harker, and his team are working with the best seasonal local produce to bringing great food to its diners. Ken Harker, Executive Chef, Stathams by Pembroke Kilkenny, “We look to see what’s in

season and select the freshest and best ingredients available, treating them with respect. We like to mix up the classics, such as the ham hock terrine, with some new and different dishes that you may not have tried before for example the venison Bolognaise croquettes.” The menu features small

plates including one of the chef’s favourite, braised venison ‘Bolognaise’ croquettes with parmesan and truffle mayo. Statham’s big plates deliver hearty autumn comfort food such as braised pig cheeks accompanied by Jerusalem artichokes, apple and black pudding granola or Ging family farm sirloin steak

which in turn are rewarded with great tasting organic certified vegetables. Locally sourced ingredients are regular favourites on Statham’s menu like Kell’s Wholemeal who have been milling stoneground wholemeal for seven generations. Another local supplier appearing on the menu at Stathams is Dizzy Goat Farm who produce a selection of artisan goats milk products from their familyrun farm located in Stonyford. Their range of products including goats cheeses, milk and yoghurt. These are now joined by Scoop Gelato, Kish Fish family-run seafood market and Gubbeen Smokehouse, with more local suppliers coming on board. Shortlisted in the Restaurant of the Year Awards The care and effort going into the food served at Stathams has not gone unrecognised with Ken Harker, Executive Chef and Stathams by Pembroke Kilkenny shortlisted for a Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards, sponsored by Rémy Martin. Stathams are in the running for Best Casual Dining Leinster, whilst Ken Harker is shortlisted for the Best Chef award. The programme recognises the incredible innovation shown by restaurateurs, hoteliers and food producers during the pandemic and will be held on Sunday, November 7th in The Great Room at The Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Feature

Fonts at the door of the church BY FR RICHARD SCRIVEN ST MARY’S CATHEDRAL HOLY Water Fonts at St Mary’s Cathedral Bassett’s Kilkenny City and County (1884) describes the two Holy Water Fonts at the entrance door: “At the main entrance are two mammoth ocean shells, the gift of Naval Surgeon Daniel J Duigan, 1877. They are mounted on blocks of polished white marble and serve admirably the purposes of holy water fonts” (page 41). Margaret Phelan notes that the two ocean shells are now at the entrance to Castlecomer Parish Church. Upon the pedestals are now placed bowls hewn from Kilkenny black marble mounted on shaped and inscribed while marble blocks.

The inscription on the base refers to Daniel J Duigan: Margaret Phelan suggests that Dr Daniel Duigan ‘probably came from north Co Kilkenny or Leix where the name is frequently met with’. There is an entry in the Marriage Register of the Cathedral of a marriage between Daniel J Duigan, M.D. R.N., to Margaret Cavanagh on 21st September 1857 by Most Rev Edward Walsh, Bishop of Ossory. This wedding must have taken place in the ‘Old Cathedral’ as the present building was only opened on the 4th of October that year (the second last wedding in the Old Cathedral). Further research discovers that the British Science Museum, Kensington, London, records that Daniel

J Duigan, MD Naval Brigade (1855-1856) was awarded the Italian Gallantry medal for an oriental campaign. Duigan published a paper ‘On the Use of the Moustache and Beard in the Royal Navy’ in The Sanitary Review and Journal of Public Health (1 Jan 1859) giving three reason why navy personnel should ‘on physiological grounds’ grow a beard: the moustache and beard protect a man from ‘the inhalation of dust, from solar blistering, from diseases of the respiratory organs and from malarious influence’! The inscription on the white marble reads: asperges me hyssop et mundabor (sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean (from the Catholic Mass) The hyssop stick is

mentioned in St John’s Gospel; at the crucifixion, they placed a sponge on a hyssop stick when Christ cried aloud: “I am thirsty”. The hyssop was a small bushy plant that can grow out of cracks in walls and was used in the Old Testament by Moses to sprinkle the people with the blood of the animal as a sign of the Old Covenant between God and his people. St John deliberately refers to the hyssop stick at Calvary: the old covenant is now replaced by Jesus, the new covenant between his

Father and the people. Back to the fonts: it would appear that all that remains now are the pedestals.

The carvings on the black and white marble top are significantly different to the shape and cuts of the pedestal.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

Community Community Group

Let’s get winter ready SENIORS are often most vulnerable during winter. The days are cold and short, and it’s harder to get out of the house amid snow, ice and sub-freezing temperatures. That is why it is so important to help seniors prepare their homes for winter — and to help them prepare to thrive during these difficult months. If you have an aging loved one in your life, consider these tips to help get your senior’s home winter ready WINTER PREPARATION TIPS

Use Warmer Bedding Blankets, bedspreads, and comforters that are ideal through summer and fall simply won’t cut it during winter. Replace warm-weather bedding with a down comforter, and place wool blankets near the bed so that a senior can easily reach them when additional layers are necessary. Without proper bedding, a senior may feel the need to get out of bed to find additional blankets or to turn up the heat in the middle of the night. This can increase the chance of

melting snow and ice can easily channel away from the roof. A senior can’t (and shouldn’t) get out the ladder and clear gutters alone, so this is a great way to aid seniors before winter arrives.

falls or other accidents, which should be avoided at all costs. Upgrading to warmer bedding and placing additional layers close by can eliminate the risk of falls. Clear Gutters One of the great threats to a home is a lack of proper drainage. Without proper drainage in winter, ice dams can form on roofs, which can damage shingles and lead to significant leakage. Start by clearing out a senior’s gutters. When you clear gutters, you ensure that

Add Interior Lighting Winter is the darkest time of year. The days are shorter, and the sun is often hidden behind grey clouds. How does this affect a senior? In two ways: 1. The darkness can lead to depression (better known as “seasonal affective disorder”) 2. The darkness can lead to accidents. Adding just a little bit of interior light goes a long way toward eliminating those threats and helping make your senior’s home winter ready. Consider adding extra lamps in rooms that are particularly dark. Install overhead lights on ceiling fans that do not already have them and encourage seniors to open blinds and drapes to let as much light as possible inside during the day.

creosote and make the fireplace safe for use. Part of making sure a senior’s home is winter ready also includes making sure they have working carbon monoxide detectors. If a fireplace fails to burn efficiently, or if the gas source is accidentally left on, the residual carbon monoxide can be harmful and even deadly.

water, blankets, warm clothing like hats, scarves and gloves, Non-perishable food items (that are also easy to open) we hope and ensure that a wintertime power outage will be no problem.

Clean the Chimney If your senior’s home includes a fireplace, schedule a professional chimney cleaning and inspection. Over time, creosote builds up inside a chimney, which creates a serious fire hazard. One professional cleaning should clear up the

Prepare for Emergencies In winter, chances for power outages spike due to icy weather events. Create an emergency kit so that your ageing loved one can easily survive a few hours or even days without electricity if needed. The Twilight Community Group is trying to secure an emergency kit for their senior forum’s and Newpark’s residents association members which will include the following: Flashlights and extra batteries, a weather radio, bottled

Service the Heating System Here’s the big one when it comes to getting a senior’s home winter ready: Make sure a qualified technician inspects the home’s heating system before the coldest months of the year arrive. Without reliable heating, it’s going to be difficult for our seniors to live independently. These are just suggestions and there are many more actions we must take to ensure this winter will be trouble free for our seniors. One other piece of advice to one and all, check in, just for a chat, let’s not wait for a crisis before we call to our most valuable members of our society, our seniors.

Montan mining site in the UNESCO World Heritage List back in July 2018. The decision came as Romania’s government requested “the deferral not the withdrawal of the file” until the lawsuit

the country has with the Canadian mining company Gabriel Resources is settled, the Culture Ministry said. In 1999, the Canadian company won a license to exploit the mining site at Roia Montan. The Romanian state blocked the gold mining project following massive street protests in 2013 and the company took the case at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington. It asked for damages of USD 4.4 billion for the blocking of the mining project. Romania sent the file for the inclusion of Roia Montan in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017. This year, the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) recommended its inclusion on the list. For a site to be included on the World Heritage List, the consent of the state where the site is found is needed. Today the great news came through that the historic site of Roia Montan, a gold mining site dating back to the period of the Roman Empire, was included on UNESCO’s world heritage list. The site was also added to the list of world heritage in danger.

Also, in Cultural news form Home. The restored Wooden Church of Uri Village, in Romania’s Valcea county, was the big winner of the 2021 European Heritage Awards/ Europa Nostra Awards, Europe’s top honor in the field. The small wooden church’s rehabilitation project received a Grand Prix and the Public Choice Award. The four Grand Prix laureates and the Public Choice Award winner, selected from among this year’s 24 winning achievements from 18 European countries, were announced on September 23 during a high-profile ceremony held at the headquarters of the Giorgio Cini Foundation in Venice. The four 2021 Grand Prix winners, chosen by the Board of Europa Nostra on recommendation by an independent jury of experts, are the Wooden Church of Uri Village, Vâlcea County (Romania); FIBRANET – Fibres in Ancient European Textiles (Denmark/Greece); the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (Cyprus); and The Invention of a Guilty Party, Trento (Italy). Each of them will receive EUR 10,000. So, there it is! Some good news stories from Romania O zi buna!

Community Group

Good news stories from home For many people who leave their country they can and may lose contact with the ‘News’ back home IT may just be the local news and stories of the activities of their family, friends and local club in the sporting world. The online newspapers have made it so much easier to stay in contact but some-

times it is nice to get a little reminder of some ‘Good Stories’, news that can make you feel proud of where you grew up and still refer to as ‘Home’ In this week’s Twilight

Community Romanian column, we are going to highlight some good news stories from Home The World Heritage Committee has decided to defer the inclusion of the Roia

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Community Community Group

19 Polish municipalities come together for social housing initiative

THE news broke this week that the Government has supplied a whopping 10% of their social housing target in 2021 according to the Department of Housing. Today’s article may make some of the powers that be, think, take note and hopefully action. Yes, we had Covid 19 and to be honest it is becoming the great excuse for all our problems. Sometimes we need to look to cooperation when we want to develop and improve our standard of living. Remember

our very own Twilight Community Group states, ‘Communities are stronger together’ and our article this week highlights just that. Our story is about the agreement just signed in Poland by our Twinned City of Malbork. On September 28, a notary act of the SIM KZN - Pomerania, was signed in the presence of Deputy Minister Karol Rabenda at the Summer Refectory of the Castle Museum in Malbork. Thus, the partners (19

municipalities from the Pomeranian voivodeship) committed to building apartments under the Social Housing Initiatives program. We are building apartments for people who couldn’t afford apartments until now and for those who can’t get a housing loan. We want these families to finally be able to live and work well. I promise that the Social Residential Initiatives program is just getting started. We want at least two SIM companies to be

Sharing Traveller Pride Stephen Mungovan: Community Development Officer, Twilight Group.

REPRESENTING the Twilight community group, I was delighted to accept an invitation from Micky Flynn to attend the Traveller Pride event at O’ Loughlin Court. The Homework club facilitator and event organiser, Micky, welcomed the guests and gave us a guided tour of the facility and the activities. Along with my colleague Yona Samuel, a member of the South Sudanese community, we were encouraged to mingle and to ask questions.

Soon we were actively participating, but our efforts at throwing Horseshoes, though praised, were desisory compared to the more gifted practitioners. Their hand-eye coordination and accuracy was impressive, Yona was recording the event for the Twilight Intercultural Festival, to be broadcast on our Social Media platforms in the coming months. As we circulated, we began to witness the excitement and enthusiasm of the many children participat-

ing. It was a poignant afternoon for me, as I had worked with the children in the Homework Club during my college placement. Meeting and greeting them once more was an uplifting experience. Mary Bridget Carthy and her ebullient brother ‘Rocky’ were to the forefront, enthusing about the activities provided. They were full of praise for event coordinator Angela Flynn who took time out of her busy schedule to introduce us to some of the

created in every province - announced Deputy Minister Karol Rabenda. I know that it wasn’t easy at first, not everyone was convinced of Social Housing Initiatives. Currently, the communities are reporting themselves to us. The company tied up today is the best proof of this - there are 19 municipalities from Pomeranian voivodeship with us. Everyone has already received the first funds, at PLN 3 million, giving the share capital of SIM KZN - Pomerania of 57 million. There’s a lot to start with - added the acting president of KZN, Mr Arkadiusz Urban. I am very glad that we signed the notarized act together today. Thank you to all the partners for making the headquarters of SIM KZN Pomerania in Malbork! - stressed Malbork’s mayor, Marek Charzewski. - The city of Malbork supports any initiatives leading to new housing. I believe that the joint venture of the founding members will bear the expected fruit and our residents will be given the opportunity to use new apartments for rent. In the first stage in SIM KZN - Pomerania, the construction of more than 800 apartments with an average 50 square meters is planned. The plans for multifamily housing include one, two and three-bedroom apartments. These will be for rent for people senior members of the Travelling community. They recounted tales of former days and their travels around Ireland in the horsedrawn wagons with their families. The stories provided a fascinating insight into a way of life now all but disappeared. The exciting stories of past exploits invariably focused on the travails, the humour and the music of departed family and friends. A sense of yearning for simpler times permeated all the anecdotes. The elders continue to recount the tales to their children and grandchildren, aware that this oral history will keep the traditions and cultural heritage alive and relevant for future generations. One of these ornately decorated wagons was on display, and Yona and I were thrilled to be invited inside. It was a rare privilege. As we took a break for some light refreshments, we were joined by former Irish boxing star and proud Traveller Hannah Carthy. Hannah has won nine Leinster and All Ireland titles and represented Ireland at European and World championships. A Kilkenny Traveller Health Care worker, and an icon within her community, Hannah, spoke of the importance of sport in promoting social inclusion. She insists that Boxing is an example of what can be achieved in society as it involves people from different backgrounds training together and engaging socially. This corroborates the findings of a

who don’t have credit but have rental capacity. These are apartments for middle income families who can’t afford to buy or rent a flat on the commercial market. According to forecasts, when ground fixtures are filed, SIM KZN Pomorze will start the housing investment process in the second half of 2022 What a way forward, adjoining Municipal district coming together for their citizens. But there is a difference, the Mayor is the Leader. He makes the decisions on what is best for the citizens. Recently we posted how the citizens voted on the Municipal districts budget expenditure. Citizens have a say. The Mayors in Europe hold the power not CEOs or members of an executive. He holds his seat for 5-year term. Now In Kilkenny it is also

5-year term. The post is now so diluted that the ruling parties in Kilkenny share the chain office around on a yearly basis. Which is right ? A municipal district ran by the Mayor where citizens have a say in how its finances are shared? Or a Municipal District where the Mayor has no power, and an executive makes the decisions for the councillors to agree and roll-on my turn with the chain. Now the decision has been made to turn our Tholsel, Town Hall, Seat of the Mayor into a tourist attraction, despite all the promises that ‘NO! NO! we know how important the mayor and his offices are to you we will respect our citizens wishes’ .Where will the mayor’s office be now? Or will our mayor be the new ‘Tour guide’ of ‘The Tholsel’ Kilkenny’s 3.5 million Tourist attraction’.

recent survey on an Erasmus+ programme for NGO’s and Youth Workers, which I attended in Bihac, Bosnia. This survey identified sport as a significant pathway to integration for migrants despite speaking different languages. Sport is a great leveller as it allows children to see teammates and allies, not differences. As Yona packed his camera and we prepared to depart, I reflected on how Traveller Pride encapsulates the importance of social engagement in Travellers’ lives. Attending the event and been openly welcomed by everyone reiterated the importance of community engagement in dispelling preconceived ideas and misconceptions. These anomalies were arguably strengthened through the absence of social interaction during Covid-19 restrictions. The spectre of Covid- 19 profoundly impacted all communities and threatened to re-establish an unhelpful them and us mentality. The Twilight Community Group’s commitment to involving all communities is steadfast. We insist that ‘Communities are Stronger Together and we endeavour to create

and promote connections, break down barriers and tackle stigma, locally, nationally and internationally. Traveller Pride this year was themed Stronger Together, a sentiment that all communities and ethnicities should endorse, particularly in light of the isolation experienced throughout the pandemic. As Covid restrictions begin to lift, the Twilight Group is accelerating Our cross-community engagement programmes. Keep an eye on the Observer for all future events. Bidding us farewell Helena Power spoke passionately, “Things are changing; members of the Travelling community are now going to university obtaining degrees and working as Community Activists, Solicitors, Doctors, and more recently a member of the community graduated as a Garda Siochana. We are fortunate to be alive at this time and to be part of the narrative of change.” Twilight wish to thank Kilkenny Travelling Community Movement, Kilkenny Leader Project, Micky and Angela Flynn, Helena Power, Hannah Carthy, and all who made us feel so welcome.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

The Kilkenny Arts Office team

Knitted Together 2 ‘Meet and Greet’ at Kilkenny Farmers Market

t u o Ab Out &

Sally Leadbetter

WITH

Dananryt Lah

THE Kilkenny Arts Office team were out and about on Thursday last, 30th September, for a ‘meet and greet’ at Kilkenny’s Farmers Market. Wrapping up the community art project entitled Knitted Together 2, knitters, crocheters and volunteers were on hand to showcase the finished pieces. Beautifully knitted and crocheted blankets were on display for all to enjoy and learn more about the meaning behind the art project. The aim of the project was to foster community spirit and connection across the county, to mitigate against the effects of social isolation throughout

the pandemic, whilst creating something beautiful to donate to local charities. Over 180 people took part in the Knitted Together 2 project across the summer months and created over 3,500 beautiful, intricate and carefully crafted woollen squares. The 70 completed blankets have been donated to local charity shops and are now available for sale to support Kilkenny’s charitable organisations, following a challenging year of closure. The exquisite handmade blankets are available for purchase from: • The Jack and Jill Foundation,

Friary Street • National Council for the Blind Ireland (NCBI), High Street and Castlecomer • The Samaritans, Kieran Street • Irish Cancer Society, Parliament Street • Enable Ireland, Kieran Street • St. Vincent de Paul (SVP), Butts Green All of the funding will go towards the charities. Kilkenny Arts Office has carefully considered the gift-wrapping of each stunning cosy blanket, presented in a gorgeous ecofriendly bag and includes a colourful postcard inside explaining the meaning behind

the Knitted Together project. As autumn sets in and looking to the gifting season ahead the Arts Office hopes that people will consider these unique, handmade treasures as a present for a loved one or a gorgeous new adornment for their home. Mary Butler, Kilkenny Arts Officer said, “As an enthusiastic charity shop visitor myself, I hope lots of people will take this opportunity to discover the joy of charity shopping and the array of fabulous products they have available. People are in for a treat when they see the amazing blankets available for

purchase, and of course a huge thank you to the individuals who joined us to knit and crochet throughout the summer to help such an array of worthy causes.’’ The Knitted Together 2 project is funded by Creative Ireland as part of its AgeFriendly Initiatives, the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCI) as part of the Government’s ‘Keep Well’ campaign and is supported by Age-Friendly and Healthy Ireland Kilkenny programmes. For more visit www.kilkennyartsoffice. ie

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The Kilkenny Arts Office team

Cathie Connolly with her dog Rosie

Busking in Kieran St

Conor White from Limerick with Shauna O’Brien from Cork

Mary Butler and Deirdre Southey

The Butler family

Geraldine Woodgate, Mary Butler, Deirdre Southey, Sally Leadbitter,Holly Doyle and Bernadette Roberts Mary Butler and Deirdre Southey

Sally Leadbetter and Deirdre Southey.

Stephanie Matthews and Geraldine Woodgate

Online

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Dine Me Food & Drink

Come

Your wine glossary: Part 2

With

Meatball black bean chilli Preparation and cooking time Prep: 10 mins Cook: 30 mins Serves 4

Double the amounts for this one-pot black bean chilli, then freeze the leftovers for busy days. It tastes just as great reheated as it does freshly cooked. Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • 12 beef meatballs • 1 onion, finely sliced • 2 mixed peppers, sliced • ½ large bunch coriander, leaves and stalks chopped • 2 large garlic cloves, crushed • 1 tsp hot smoked paprika • 2 tsp ground cumin • 1 heaped tbsp light brown soft sugar • 2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes • 2 x 400g cans black beans, drained and rinsed cooked rice, to serve

Method

STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large flameproof casserole dish over a medium heat. Fry the meatballs for 5 mins until browned, then transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.

STEP 2 Fry the onion and peppers with a pinch of salt for 7 mins. Add the coriander stalks, garlic, paprika and cumin and fry for 1 min more. Tip in the sugar, tomatoes and beans, and bring to a simmer. Season, return the meatballs to the pan and cook, covered, for 15 mins. To freeze, leave to cool completely and transfer to large freezerproof bags. STEP 3 Serve the chilli with the rice and the coriander leaves scattered over. FREEZING Can be frozen for up to three

months. Defrost and reheat in a pan or the oven until piping hot.

One-pot coconut fish curry Satisfy your comfort food cravings with this cheap and simple creamy pasta dish with chunks of ham and crunchy veg Prep: 5 mins Cook: 25 min Serves: 4 Cook our easy one-pot curry in just half an hour, with only 5 mins prep. It’s ideal for feeding the family quickly, on a budget. Serve with rice and yogurt Ingredients • 1 tbsp sunflower oil , vegetable oil or coconut oil • 1 onion , chopped • 1 large garlic clove , crushed • 1 tsp turmeric • 1 tsp garam masala • 1 tsp chilli flakes • 400ml can coconut milk

• 390g pack fish pie mix • 200g frozen peas • 1 lime , cut into wedges yogurt and rice, to serve Method STEP 1 Heat the oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the onion and a big pinch of salt. Gently fry until the onion is translucent, so around 10 mins, then add the garlic and spices. Stir and cook for another minute, adding a splash of water to prevent them sticking. Tip in the coconut milk and stir well, then simmer for 10 mins. STEP 2 Tip the fish pie mix and the frozen peas into the pan and cook until the peas are bright green and the fish is starting the flake, so around 3 mins. Season and add lime juice to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve with yogurt and rice.

Dosage French term for the small amount of top-up liquid added to Champagne just before bottling, sweetened to desired level. Eiswein German term (Icewine in English). Grapes are left on the vine until they freeze. Temperatures of -7C are required. The water content is removed as ice, and the resulting wine is sweet, concentrated and luscious. En Primeur French term for buying wine as “futures”: paying for wine before it is released onto the market in order to secure wines that are in short supply, or at an advantageous price. Not for the faint-hearted. Extract The substances, mostly derived from grape skins and just under the skinâ€™s surface, that contribute TANNIN, colour, glycerol and flavour to a wine. Some wines can be “over-extracted” meaning too much of these elements have been extracted making the wine inky and bitter. Finish Synonymous with “length”: the amount of time a flavour lingers on the PALATE after the wine is swallowed. More is good. Filtration A processed used to clarify wine. Some claim it can also strip flavour so many producers filter very lightly or not at all. Fining Another clarifying process where some gelatinous agent (for example, whisked egg whites) is added to the barrel and sinks through the wine trapping even minute solids. Flor Protective YEAST that is encouraged to grow on certain maturing wines, particularly Sherry. Stops OXIDISATION and adds flavour. Flying Winemaker Globetrotting winemaker/consultant who has no set winery but operates in many, usually employing the latest technology and practices. Forward Tasting term indicating a young wine that is maturing quickly or is made to be drunk young. Free-run Juice The high quality juice that runs from the FERMENTATION tank without pressing. Hybrid Any vine crossing where one or both “parents” is not from the wine vine, VITIS VINIFERA. Late Harvest Designation appearing on bottles (in French, Vendange Tardive) where grapes were allowed to hang on the vine beyond physiological maturity. This over-ripens grapes, usually producing wines that are high in ALCOHOL and off-dry to sweet. Laying down Describes the long-term storage of wine in the belief that it will improve with age. Not many wines are suitable for laying down. Lees The solids left behind after FERMENTATION is complete: dead YEAST cells and grape matter. White wines matured in contact with the lees (in French, Sur Lie) can develop creamy, nutty flavours. Length See FINISH. Continues next week

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TV & Streaming

We’re made up about this Maid WHILE the Netflix charts have been dominated by Korean thriller series Squid Game for the past few weeks, there’s a brand-new show that is coming up fast on its heels. Maid is the newest limited series from the streaming giant, and it has quickly become the No. 2 show on the site. The series is based on a New York Times best-selling memoir by Stephanie Land, titled Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, And A Mother’s Will To Survive. This adaptation tells the story of Alex, a single mother who tries to make ends meet by working as a housecleaner. The lead role is filled by Margaret Qualley (pictured), who you might recognise for her parts in The Leftovers and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. She is the daughter of actor Andie McDowell who stars in Maid as the main characters mother. “We don’t have anywhere to sleep tonight...I had a home, and then we left it,” Qualley says in the trailer. In the clip, we watch as the character of Alex tries to build a life for herself and her daughter, but it’s not so easy when she’s dealing with an abusive ex-boyfriend (played by Nick Robinson) and a mother struggling with undiagnosed bipolar disorder (portrayed by Qualley’s real-life mother, Andie MacDowell). “When I think about the house I want for my daughter and me, it’s not big and full of stuff,” Alex says. “Our space is a home because we love each other in it.” Along with Qualley, Robinson and MacDowell, Maid features Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls), Tracy Vilar (Partners) and Billy Burke (The Twilight Saga). The series also features executive production from names like John Wells (Shameless) and Tom Ackerley (Promising Young Woman). It’s the best shown since The Queen’s Gambit.

The Baby-Sitters Club is an ideal adaptation of Ann M. Martin’s beloved books in that it updates its protagonists, stories, and focus to speak to modern audiences — who, to be clear, includes everyone — without losing the classic camaraderie, all-ages storytelling, and character specificity that made reading each story so meaningful. Not only are the young adult performers all providing strong character work, but looping in Alicia Silverstone, Marc Evan Jackson, and Mark Feuerstein as the stand-out parents is inspired. Creator Rachel Shukert has crafted a world you never want to leave, and after Season 2 drops on October 11 for a good five hours, you won’t have to — enjoy!

In need of a serial killer show this Halloween? Look no further than Sera Gamble’s diabolically dark thriller You, Season3 of which lands on October 15. An antihero tale with an extra emphasis on the ‘anti’, You follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) through a number of ‘love’ stories that see the one-time bookstore owner fall for a woman, assign her a role he needs filled, and then snap when her actual personhood breaks from his preconceived expectations. Addictive in its pacing and twists.

An under-the-radar gem buoyed by passionate fan support, On My Block wraps its fourth and final season this month. After starting as a coming-of-age comedy about a group of high school teens living in the (fictional) Los Angeles neighbourhood known as Freeridge, Season 4 takes a two-year time jump into the future, after the friends have gone their separate ways. Wouldn’t you know it, but they find a reason to come back together — this time, in response to a once-buried secret threatening to come out.

Squid Game: brutal but compelling THE violence of Squid Game (Netflix), the psychological warfare, the haunting realworld feasibility of something seemingly so outrageous: it pierces you, but then it stays there. It’s the show’s own brutal gameplay with the audience. A metaphorical stabbing. Few series in the age of streaming have ever become word-of-mouth phenomena at

to see on Netflix

the scale and speed with which the South Korean thriller has since its September 17 debut. Especially in this last week, that peculiar title—what the hell could a Squid Game possibly be??!—has been everywhere, spreading its tentacles, so to speak, to news headlines, social media feeds, and group texts, where friends and family debate each episode’s twists

and commiserate over the trauma. Proving both how clever and exquisitely cinematic the series is, but also maybe how desperate people are not to be left out, Squid Game is currently the No. 1 show on Netflix in 90 different countries. The streamer is on record saying it is on track to be its most-watched series ever.

So here we have this interesting dichotomy: Squid Game may be the most upsetting series ever seen, and it also may be the most globally popular series in modern times. The less a person knows about Squid Game, the better for their enjoyment. Or, um, the intensity of their waking nightmares after watching. Enough said....

For sport and for crime fans, the six- part documentary series tells a separate story in each hour-plus episode, all of which meet at the intersection of sports and crime. Featuring interviews with athletes, coaches, and law enforcement officials, Bad Sport investigates each tale with first-hand accounts and a studious eye.

There are a dozen different reasons why now is a good time to revisit nine seasons of one of America’s best sitcoms, and frankly, you don’t need a reason other than you just can. Jerry is always about one curled lip away from breaking the whole time.

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News Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news MOBILE LIBRARY Mobile Library-will visit Clara NS at 9.30am and the Community Hall at 12.15pm on Friday Oct 8th . Membership is free, including online books, magazines and learning courses. CAMOGIE The Clara seniors came out second best in this early Sunday morning clash with 2019 county champions Dicksboro in Clara. Short a number of regulars, Clara didn’t give an inch in the early exchanges and the first quarter ended with just a point apiece on the scoreboard. The Boro couldn’t have been overly happy with their 0-5 to 0-2 halftime lead as they had played with the help of a bitingly cold breeze in the first half. Mary O Connell opened the second half with a pointed free for the hosts but from there to the water break it was fairly even and the Boro led 0-7 to 0-4 with one quarter to go. Mary O Connell began the last quarter with an excellent point from play to give Clara hope but this was as good as it got for the hosts. Asha McHardy responded with a point and shortly afterwards Amy Clifford sent a rasping shot to the top corner of the Clara net. In such a low scoring game this was a massive score and gave the Boro the impetus to push on and win by a slightly flattering 2-10 to 0-8 scoreline. Clara lost nothing in defeat here. They stuck gamely to the task and will be a match for anyone if and when they have everybody available to them. Next up is a journey to Muckalee next week. Team - Lucy Cody, Tamsin English, Laoise Nolan, Katie Ryan. Rebecca Nolan, Aisling Curtis, Claire Nolan. Aisling Nolan, Keara Ryan. Catherine Murphy, Niamh Byrne 0-1, Mary O Connell 0-6, 0-4f. Niamh Ward, Emma Shortall 0-1, Aoife Glynn. Sub used Anna Walpole. LEAGUE FINAL LOSS Clara senior hurlers suffered a disappointing 0-19 to 0-16 loss to Bennettsbridge in the League final in Nowlan Park on Sunday. The first quarter was a lively affair and a good game looked in prospect. Clara led 0-6 to 0-5 at the end of it but had already lost Lester Ryan to a hamstring injury. His replacement Sean O Shea acquitted himself very well but Lester’s leadership was badly missed. The game disintegrated into a drab, stop start affair after the initial promise. Clara ended up shooting more wides than scores and many of these were of an unforgivable nature, under very little pressure. They persisted in playing with a two man full forward line right to the end, even though they were chasing the game with the aid of a strong breeze. At half time the Bridge led 0-10 to 0-9. It was noticeable that 7 of their points had come from frees, while just two of Clara’s had. Three Liam Ryan points in the third quarter kept Clara within a point but Bennettsbridge kicked on in the final quarter to take the title. Both teams will know that much improvement is needed before next weekends quarter finals but both are very capable of that. Best for Clara here were Bill Carrigan, Jack Langton, Sean O Shea, Matt Kenny, Liam Ryan and Chris Bolger early on. See People Sport for full report. Team - Kevin Nolan, Paddy Ryan, Jack Langton 0-1,Bill Carrigan. John Murphy, Lester Ryan, Matt Kenny 0-2, 0-1f. Martin O Connell 0-1, David Langton 0-1. Liam Ryan 0-4, Conor O

Shea 0-3, 0-2f, Paul Cody 0-1. James Nolan, Chris Bolger 0-3, Conor Cody. Subs used Sean O Shea, Jim Kehoe. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of this weeks Club Lotto ( Sept 28th) Numbers Drawn were 3, 18, 19, 28 Bonus 17 Next Weeks Jackpot will be €7,400 (October 5th) Play again at www.oloughlingaels. com/lotto Promotors Draw 1. Murt Concannon c/o Ann Cullen 2. Ciara & Brian c/o Brian Murphy 3. Michael Dreelan 4. Tasha & Robbie c/o Paddy Greene 5. The Sunday Six c/o The Bar 6. Niamh Geoghegan c/o Brian Murphy 7. Noel & Martina c/o Noel Tyrell 8. Lisa Eyre c/o Online 9. Shay Lawlor c/o Online 10. Jean McGrath c/o Online TEAM NEWS Well done to our senior Hurlers who had an excellent start to their championship campaign with a win over The Rower Inistioge at Thomastown last weekend. The lads will now play against Mullinavat in the quarter final decider on Saturday 9th at 4pm in Ballyhale. The following day (Sunday 10th) the Intermediate team will go up against Young Ireland’s in the first round on the championship. Throw in for this one is at 4pm at Canons Kearns Park . On Sunday also the Intermediate girls will play their final round robin game in the intermediate championship also again Mullinavat. The game is scheduled for St. Johnspark throw in at 11am. The girls are going for three from three after wins over St. Claire’s and Ballyhale so far. The U14 girls will play their Roinn A Shield Semi-final against Windgap on Saturday morning (time to be confirmed) Please support all our teams and thanks to our sponsors, Pat Carroll’s, McCarthys Eurospar and MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre THE LOUGHS COFFEE DOCK The Loughs Dock continues to be a great success thanks to our volunteers, sponsors and you for using it. All proceeds generated go directly back to our Juvenile hurling and O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club teams. We thanks our sponsors for helping us make it work. Pat & Cathy O’Grady, O’Grady Baths & Tiles, 4, Ivory Retail Park, Tramore Rd, Co. Waterford, X91 RW35 Tel: 051 591676 AutoCare, Kilkenny www.autocare.ie 056 7800800

A special thanks to David Rousse who provided the coffee machine and training. A huge thanks too to all the Coffee Dock Volunteers : Ruth Comerford, Danielle Quigley , Helen Nelson, Kristina Balsys, Orla Skehan , Joan Galwey, Linda O Leary, Elaine Bennett, Ann Marie Cahill, Annmarie Roche, Eleanor Cleary, Regina Ryan, Niamh Carroll, Mandy Kinchella, Tracey Brannigan, Helen Wall, Regina Ryan, Elaine Murphy, Jacinta O’Sullivan, Marie Molloy, Olivia Collins, Caitriona Loughrey, Leanne Owens, Rhiona Crowley. BE A LOYAL SUPPORTER McCarthy’s Eurospar Ireland are the clubs juvenile sponsors. Part of the deal is we support them in their business and we are asking all members and supporters to please sign up to the stores club loyalty scheme. You don’t need to be a member,just a shopper. Sign up in store , earn your points every time you shop for discounts and deals,every point you earn O’Loughlin Gaels teams also earn for equipment and jerseys for our juvenile teams. The club facilitates boys and girls from the local community and Eurospar Newpark Shopping Center are helping to give back into the locality. Please support, please sign up, and let’s reap the benefits for our youths together. O’Loughlin Gaels GAA wish to thank the McCarthy Family and Eurospar Ireland for their continued support of our club. 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. Split the Pot: Purchase an envelope for €2 for the next two weeks for the Hurling Field Development for your chance to share the pot. EMERALDS URLINGFORD AND GRAINE LOTTO September 27 prize fund was: €4,700. Jackpot: €2,700. Numbers drawn: 1, 4, and 27, bonus no 17.There was no winner but there was three match three winners: Paula Scott, Shane Holohan, Ger Hayde. Promoters prize: H. Roche. Five lucky dips of €20 each: Mia/ Oliver McGahon, Shem Murphy, Paula Scott, Paul & Shane, JCNS Tobin. Next draw takes place on October 4th in the Clubrooms. Results next week. URLINGFORD ON THE MOVE WALKING TRACK Works are commencing shortly for Urlingford on the Move’s

At the sponsor’s launch of O’Loughlin Gaels Coffee Dock L - r: Johnny Holohan (Club Chairman), Alan O’Meara (AutoCare - Sponsors), David Rousse (Sponsor), Helen Nelson, Kristina Balsys, Orla Skehan ( Camogie Juvenile Chairwoman), Cathy O’Grady (O’Grady’s Bath & Tile, Sponsors) and Joan Galwey (Camogie Club Chairwoman)

new Community Walking Track in Emeralds GAA Clubgrounds, Urlingford, Co. Kilkenny. The walkway consists of: Walking surface, lighting, fencing, wheelchair friendly and own access gate. Our vision is to provide a facility in Urlingford where everybody has the opportunity to be welcomed, to participate, to grow and be inspired to continue with a lifelong engagement in our community. Urlingford on the Move have been successful in raising funding from various sources but there is still a shortfall, therefore we need and value your support. You can support this wonderful amenity by donating €20 on their GoFundMe page https://gofund. me/84e0e081 for your chance to win one of three prizes: 1st: €2021; 2nd: €200; 3rd: €50 Donate €50 - three chances to win; donate €100 - seven chances to win a prize. Envelopes have also been distributed to households in the locality, please return these envelopes to the Post Office. Draw takes place on October 10. SPINATHON 2021 Urlingford Town Development are holding their annual Spinathon for Urlingford Christmas Lights on Saturday next, October 16th. Get your sponsorship card from any committee member or support our cyclists by sponsoring them. Help to raise funds to ‘Light up Urlingford’ this Christmas! MILL FAMILY RESOURCE CENTRE Weekly Food Donations: The Centre has food donations on a weekly basis. If you know of any elderly people in the Urlingford and surrounding rural areas that could benefit from this, please make contact with the Centre. Save the Date: Christmas Knitting/ Crochet Fair on December 2nd in the Centre. More details to follow. Courses Beginning Soon: QQI Level 4 LTI, Pathway to Employment course: We are currently enrolling for the QQI Level 4 LTI course which will be commencing in October. This course covers a wide variety of modules and includes Driver Theory and Lessons. Places are limited so don’t miss out, call us today on 056 8838466. Community Bank Savings: Are available at the Centre. Please contact us for more information on opening an account. Senior Alert: If you need to apply for a Personal Alarm, please contact Sue or Josephine on 056 8838466. Counselling Services: Addiction support, adult, teen (aged 12 plus) and family low cost counselling services are available, please contact Sue for more information or to make an appointment on 056 8838466. Appeal for Clothes Donations: Any clothes donations would be appreciated in aid of teen, addiction, and general counselling services. Donations can be left into the Centre. Contact Sue on 056 8838466 Services that the Mill FRC provides to the public are: Family & One to One Support; Drop in IT Support - computers / laptops & mobile phones; Room Rental; Social Welfare, HSE, Tax, Garda & Government forms and advice on completing all forms; internet access, printing & photocopying, typing service, CV and cover letters. URLINGFORD ARMS SPLIT THE POT Draw takes place every Sunday evening in the Urlingford Arms Hotel. Last Sunday’s share of the pot was €540 and was won by Ann Queally, well done Ann!

Next week half the pot goes to Hurling Field Development and the other half could be yours. So don’t miss out, get your envelopes in businesses in town or from any member of the committee. URLINGFORD / GRAINE DEFIBRILLATOR GROUP In case of emergency, call: 085 2726396. URLINGFORD NEWS Anyone wishing to submit news items, club events, announcements etc can do so by emailing urlingfordnotes@gmail.com. If you have any photos you wish to include, please forward them to the email address. FIRST COMMUNION Sixteen children from Second class of last year received their First Holy Communion at St.Lachtains church on Saturday morning last. The boys and girls have been waiting since last May for their big day which was put back due to the Covid Pandemic. With the sun shining for them on the day Monsignor Kennedy performed the ceremony and he paid tribute to the children, their parents and teachers Ms.Furney and Mr. Flood for the manner they were prepared for the sacrament. The following children received their first holy communion: Andrew Dalton, Ethan Brennan, Olly Crosby, Tom Dalton, Bill Looby, Fionn Condon, Lochlann McCarthy, Senan Walsh, Iarla Carroll, twins Bill and Ella McGree, Aoibh Carroll, Katie Ryan, Caoilainn O’Rourke, Devina Butler ,Emma Deacon. NEW STATION MASTER Congratulations to local man Jason Bowden of Woodview Freshford who was recently appointed Station Master for Freshford Fire Services Jason has been a member of the local Fire Service for the past Number of years and is wished all the best in his new role. He replaces Tom McGrath who retired recently. DEATH The death took place last week of Ms.Julia Ryan (nee Mackey) Graigueswood, Freshford and Prague House. Julia who was in her 100th year was a member of a well known and respected family in the area. She was predeceased by her husband Billy. Funeral Mass took place on Friday morning last in Clontubrid Church followed by cremation at Newlands Cross Crematorium. She is mourned by her brother Br.Michael (Castletown) sister Margaret, brother in law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extend. DEFIBRILLATORS Freshford Acorn Club in Freshford recently provided two new defibrillators to benefit the local community. The new defibrillators were funded from a bequest to the Club by the late Gerry O’Reilly. Gerry was a co funder and secretary of the Acorn Club. One of the defibrillators is located at the Freshford Town Soccer Club for its benefit and the benefit of Woodview and the surrounding estates. The second is located at Carrolls Pharmacy in the centre of the village. A training programme was also funded by the Acorn Club to train 12 persons in the use of the defibrillators recently in the Community Hall at Threecastles. The Club already supported Prague house and is actively involved in the funding of projects at St Lachtains

Church and Heritage Centre and St.Lachtains National School. The Club also contributed a sum of €2,000 to Freshford Heritage & development towards the resurfacing of the pathway in the local Millennium Park recently. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to Joseph Dylan and Jade Ryan, Woodview and their family on the death last week of their grandmother Ms.Marie Ryan late of The Green Ballyragget. She was predeceased by her son Colin just a couple of years ago. Burial took place in St. Lachtains Cemetery Freshford. Ionad Lachtain St.Lachtains Church Museum and Arts Centre reopened recently and will be open each Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 to 4.30 on Saturdays and from 12.30 to 4.30pm on Sundays. New displaycabinets have been installed and filled with a host of interesting artefacts and some beautiful craftwork is also on sale. So why not drop in and see for yourself. Tidy Towns Freshford tidy towns committee thank all their loyal volunteers who helped out over the past weeks on Church Street clearing weeds along the pavement on each side . The seat opposite the local butchers was painted in vibrant red. Almost all the street furniture throughout the village have now been painted in their trademark vibrant red since the group returned after the pandemic. If you spot a seat that has not yet been painted please let them know. Soccer News Freshford Town had a couple of teams in action recently when the U5 boys travelled to Thomastown and came out on the wrong side of 3-2 score. Freshford goals came from Cian Donnelly and Michael Bergin The U13 boys took on Freebooters in their first game in a home game losing out on the day. U8s The training sessions for U8s will resume on Saturday next at the Sportsfield at Woodview from 12noon to 1pm with Gary in charge as usual. All boys from 5 to 8 years old are welcome so go along and join up. The Club are at present looking for new members to join their U9, UI10 U13 and U15 teams. Registration can be paid through the Clubforrce app or you can get in touch with the Club for further details. The clubs facebook page has all the details. As well as boys underage The Club are intended to enter girls soccer teams also in U9s and U11s . For U11 – born in 2011/2012 and for U9 those born 2013/20114. Anyone interested should get in touch with the Club on facebook page or freshfodtownfc@gmail.com Going forward the Club hope to have U9, U10, U11, U13, U15 and U17s with registration opening in the coming week or so . So keep and eye out on the Clubs facebook page for updates. Membership Membership is now due for all Juniors and underage players and you can contact any committee member re same. Kilkenny Heritage An exciting new project is underway at St. Lachtains Church Freshford to enhance interpretation facilities upgrade the solar heating system and survey the unique 11th century doorway. The select Vestry of St.Lachtains are delighted to have received funding from the

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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News Community & GAA Notes community Monuments fund and welcomed the team to Freshford. GAA News St.Lachtains Intermediate hurlers face into championship action next weekend when they take on John Locks of Callan in the opening round of the championship. The game will be don Sunday net with 12 noon throw-in. All support will be greatly appreciated and supporters are encouraged to wear the black and amber in support of the local team. On Sunday afternoon last Pairc Lachtain hosted the Senior hurling clash between Dickboro and Lisdowney with a big crowd in attendance which saw the city side coming out winners by the narrowest of margins Heritage and Development Group Freshford Heritage Group are delighted to announce that the path resurfacing in the Millennium Park has now been completed. Hopefully this work will prove to be a more pleasant walking experience for everyone who uses the park. The committee acknowledge the grant received from Kilkenny County Council under the Community Enhancement Programme from the Department of Rural ad Community affairs. Also thanks to the acorn Club for helping to fund the shortfall in funding required. They would appeal to the public to manage any dog fouling in the park, especially on the paths and to use the facilities (scoop, brush & bin) located inside the entrance gate. PARISH NEWS There is an increase in attendance at Masses up to 50per cent of the capacity now since the lifting of further restrictions on 8th September .Mass in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am. wiith Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 8pm. While the obligation to attend Sunday mass is still suspended you are encouraged to return. At this time all safety measures will remain in place which includes wearing of masks, social distancing and hand sanitising and full sanitation of the Church after every celebration. 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. As part of the 1400 year celebrations plans are being put together for a montage of photographs of the Church and Parish’s through the years. If you have any photographs that you think would be appropriate for such a display please call or get in touch with the Parish Office. The plan is to copy the photographs so be assured all original photographs will be returned to its owner. Mass Cards Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ ossory.ie. HELP FOR ALL Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life difficult or

feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342, If you cannot cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. SAMARITAN - Whatever you are going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161 Alone 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. Local Lotto Draw for 27thSeptember 2021 Winning numbers : 13. 26. 36. No Winner. Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30. Anne Hickey ( Anne Hickey ), Pat Flynn (Pauline Flynn), Deirdre O Neill (Edward Moran), Vinny O Keeffe (Malachy Hogan), Jim Dog (Pat Comerford) Jackpot next Week € 2,650 (October 4th) Draw takes place St. Leonard’s Hall, Dunnamaggin every Monday @ 9.00 pm, all welcome. Dunnamaggin Development Group Nominations are now open for our third Community Spirit Award which will be presented this November. To nominate someone for this award please private message our Facebook page Dunnamaggin Community News. Nominate the person and outline why you think they should receive the award. Alternatively write it down and post it in the postboxes that will be in the village in the next week. The next market is a Halloween themed one and will be held on Sunday October 31st in Madge’s Garden. More details to follow. LAURA LYNN FUNDRAISER Laura Lynn Fundraiser Orlaith Byrne from Kilmoganny who attends St. Eoghan’s National School carried out a fund raising event in aid of Laura Lynn. She allowed her hair to grow over a very long period of time until it was as long as Rapunzel’s. She then cut her beautiful hair in aid of Laura Lynn. Orality’s cut hair will be used as a wig. To-date Orlaith has raised over €800 in aid of Laura Lynn. If you wish to donate you can at www.idonate. ie/orlaithbyrne MOBILE LIBRARY Mobile Library-will visit Kilmoganny at 3.30pm and Kells at 4.10pm next on November 3rd. Membership is free, including online books, magazines and learning courses. Enquiries to Library HQ telephone; 056 7794160 Calling all Community and Not for Profit Groups: All groups who have a volunteer focus big or small are invited to nominate their group for our Inaugral Community and Voluntary Awards 2021 to be held in The Ormonde Hotel on 2nd December . These awards will be an opportunity to celebrate the vibrancy and the commitment of our community and voluntary groups across Co Kilkenny and recognise the significant role volunteers play in enhancing the quality of life in their communities. (Particularly in light of the past 18 months) Group Nomination categories include: Arts, Culture & Heritage -Health & Community Wellbeing - Environment and Sustainability - Social Inclusion -Social Enterprise Community -

Carrickshock, Bennettsbridge, Kilmacow,Tullogher, Mullinavat, Blacks and Whites, Carrickshock and Graiguenamanagh. Well done to our own u9s who played great hurling in all their 4 games .Thanks to Nicky O’Shea for presenting the cup to Bennettsbridge who were the worthy winners of the tournament.

Dunnamaggin Minor Sponsorship Alan Buckley (Juv. Chairman) John Shiel Abbey Interiors (sponsor) with Players Ruadhiri Holden and Joe Fitzpatrick.

Covid 19 Group Supports Along with these categories we have one special individual award, Covid 19 Volunteer Hero Award. This award is to celebrate an individual volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution to their community throughout the Covid19 pandemic. The winner of each category will receive a cash prize sponsored by local Kilkenny businesses along with a specially crafted trophy by a celebrated local craftsperson. The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 20th October. See www. volunteerkilkenny.ie for nomination forms and more information. Again thank you all for your continued support and I would encourage all local community groups to nominate themselves as soon as possible and to put as much information they can into the forms. Winners will be selected by an adjudication panel from people outside of Kilkenny . DUNNAMAGGIN GAA The Minor B County Final. The Dunnamaggin Minor Hurlers contested the Roinn B County Final in a bright and breezy Nowlan Park on Saturday afternoon last against neighbours Danesfort. Dunnamaggin went into the game as reigning champions and were hoping to achieve their third Roinn B title in four years. Danesfort were hoping to win their first Roinn B title. It was Danesfort who dominated the early exchanges out scoring Dunnamaggin four points to one, the point coming from Captain Ruadhiri Holden from play. Dunnamaggin settled and two further points from Ruadhiri from the placed ball and points from Cathal Buckley and Noah Gilmore brought the Dunnamaggin lads right back into this game and the side were level at 5 points each at the first water break. Dunnamaggin dominated the second quarter and although Joe Fitzpatrick was carrying an injury into the game from the semifinal himself and Cathal Buckley were causing the Danesfort backs problems. The domination however only added two point to the scoreboard from Ruadhiri one from play and one placed ball as the Dunnamaggin wides were starting to creep up. There was only one point in it at the turn around Dunnamaggin 0:7 Danesfort 0:6. Danesfort made some positional changes at half time and the paid off an immediate return when they scored 3 quick points to put them into a two-point lead. The Dunnamaggin men were not about to lie down. Ruadhiri pointed another free before Dunnamaggin scored the only goal of the game. Aaron Moore gathered a high ball inside his own half and headed route one down the park on a solo run, he managed to draw the Danesfort defenders and deliver in the perfect ball to Cathal Buckley who made no mistake. Dunnamaggin won the resultant puck out and Tom

Lodge converted. Danesfort were applying serious pressure to the Dunnamaggin backs and but for some heroic defending and super goal keeping from Thomas Deegan they could have crossed the whitewash. Danesfort did respond with a free to put the score Dunnamaggin 1:09 Danesfort 0:10 at the water break. If Dunnamaggin had owned the second quarter Danesfort owned the last. They immediately leveled the game with two points but Ruadhiri was accurate from the placed ball to keep his team in front. It was Danesfort however finished the game the strongest and put over five unanswered points as we headed for the final whistle and give them their first Roinn B title. Full time Dunnamaggin 1:10 Danesfort 0:17. A super effort from the Dunnamaggin management and panel to reach their second final in two years and they fought heroically throughout. Panel: - Thomas Deegan, Sean Lawton, Eoin Shiel, Mark Mac Eneaney, Aaron Moore, Joe Fitzpatrick, Killian Tallon, Mikey Thomas, Cathal Walsh, Tom Lodge, Ruadhiri Holden, Ross O’Neill, Cathal Buckley, Craig Drennan, Noah Gilmore, Tim Doherty, Nathan Stanton Treacy, Gavin McMahon, Jamie Tallon, Ciaran Hickey, Pierce Costello, John Hayes, Noah Cahill, David Moore, Sean Rossiter, Liam Davis, Conor Alyward, Sam O’Shea, Jake Butler, Shay Delaney, Conor Lawton. Co Final Sponsorship. A huge thank you to John Shiel of Abbey Interiors who kindly sponsored tops for the Minor Hurling Management and Panel ahead of their County Final. Thomas O’Shea Blitz .Well done and thanks to everyone involved in the Thomas O’Shea Blitz on Saturday morning in Dunnamaggin. It was a great morning for hurling and enjoyed by all the teams involved. Eight teams participated in the blitz, they were Dunnamaggin,

KILKENNY PILOT PROJECT Walking the Talk .The Men Development Network in partnership with Healthy Ireland and Get Ireland Walking are pleased to announce a new pilot programme for men in Kilkenny called Walking the Talk. Walking the Talk is a free programme where participants take part in guided walks during which men can both exercise and explore questions relevant to living more enjoyable, connected lives. The programme commences on Wednesday, November 3rd and takes place each Wednesday morning for 6 weeks. To register, you can sign up on the Men’s Development Network website through the following link: https://mensnetwork.ie/walking/ Alternatively, you can call directly on 083-0125488 to register. Places are filling really quickly. KILKENNY CATWALK TRAIL Launch of Kilkenny Catwalk Trail The Kilkenny Catwalk 2021 is a fantastic outdoor arts trail of twenty one wonderful Kilkenny Cat sculptures which have been decorated by some of our most talented artists, mainly local, for public display in and around Kilkenny City from next Sunday the 10th of October. Pangur Ban from Cartoon Saloon’s ‘The Secret of Kells’ forms the blueprint of these Sit sculptures that will lead you on an artistic trail across Kilkenny City. Just download the app and go! This project is a partnership between Kilkenny Civic Trust and Kilkenny County Council and was created by The Art of Tourism who specialise in the delivery of public art trails. At the conclusion of the project, all artwork will be auctioned to raise funds for the refurbishment of the St Mary’s Almshouse in Kilkenny. THE STORYTELLING SERIES The Storytelling Series - Free Communications Training for Community and Voluntary Groups. The Storytelling Series is an exciting FREE training series which will enable us all to feel confident about communicating our value! Public awareness is vital to maximising the work we do, and this series is all about amplifying our impact. Whether you’re a large charity or a voluntary group with limited time and no budget, this training is open to you! Easy Graphic Design with Canva with Ronny Hermosa (Canva, Fair Trade Connection) | Weds, 13 October, 10.30am - 12noon How to Be a Spokesperson for your Organisation with Eleanor Kelly (UCD Innovation Academy, Open Society Foundations) | Weds, 20 October, 11am – 12.30pm. All workshops are delivered online and are free of charge. Any queries, please email Claire McGowran: claire@wheel.ie.

Bennettsbridge U9’s Thomas O’Shea Blitz winners 2021

Senior Hurling The Senior Hurlers played Lisdowney on Sunday in Freshford and came out one point winners in a tight finish. Our lads dug deep to see out the victory and will now face James Stephens next Sunday in a quarter final in UPMC Nowlan park CONDOLENCES

Everybody at the club extends our deepest sympathy to Denis and all the Dalton family on the death of Billy Dalton. May he R.I.P. Club Bar The Clubhouse Bar re-opened on Friday for the first time since March 2020! The Committee have been busy, the lights are on and the shelves are stacked. We will be launching the Dicksboro Development Draw for 2021 also. Vaccination Certs required and table service will be in place. All are welcome. Minor Hurling A fantastic display of hurling from our A team in the Roinn A final on Saturday saw us win the Honda Centre Roinn A County Final v Tullogher Rosbercon in UPMC Nowlan Park. This match was a classic encounter which was played in great spirt by both teams for 62 minutes. Our lads dug deep and ran out 1 point winners at the end. 2-15 to 0-22 points. This is the third county final win in a row our lads have won. A huge achievement for the club and in particular Harry Shine who played in all three finals. A huge achievement to manager Michael Walsh who has managed the Minor teams in these three years on this success. Captain Cillian Hackett received the cup at the end of the game. This game was nail-biting to the very end with only one point separating the sides. The team had solid performers all through the team. Michael Clarke on goal, corner backs Fionn McGarry and Nathan Pollard, Mick Carroll at full back, half back line of Michael Stynes, Johnny Keane and Tom McPhilips working very hard, Cillian Hackett and Sean Keenan in midfield covering every blade of grass, half forwards Matt Kelleher, Declan O’Farrell and Harry Shine scoring impressive points from different angles of the pitch, Billy Fitzpatrick, Kyle Maher and Conor Kavanagh dangerous in the inside forward line. Impact subs Kevin Moore and Mikey Raggett adding vital scores at vital stages of the game, and Evan and Christy Murphy impacting from the bench too. A huge achievement for all involved. Well done lads. CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results October 2nd. Nos: 19– 26– 8 – 10Jackpot: €4700– not won Draw Prizes – €50: Barbara Piert c/o Stella Doyle €25 each Niall Pollard c/o online €25 each Shauna o Neill c/o online €25 each pat McCauley c/o Paddy Maher €25 each Amjeffce c/o Ann Tynan Promoters prize - Deirdre O’ Reilly Next week’s (October 7th) Jackpot – €4,800 We are encouraging every Dicksboro family to support the Clubs Fundraising efforts by signing up to the Club Lotto. https://dicksborogaa. com/categories/lotto Pitch Side Business Adverts: Should your business want to arrange an advertising hoarding at our Club grounds click here for details: https://www.dicksborogaa.com/ products. Any queries contact any committee member. https://www. dicksborogaa.com/contact (Camogie contact ) Ted Carroll (086) 837 6544)

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

BENNETTSBRIDGE were crowned league champions on Sunday, following a 3-point win over Clara at Nowlan Park. Building upon recent success at both junior and intermediate level, this was the Bridges first senior silverware since 1971 – some 50 years ago. Playing against the wind in the first half, both sides appeared to be sounding each other out, as they traded scores. Neither side able to build any clear momentum or gain dominance in any area of the pitch. It would Clara that opened the scoring with a lovely point from Matthew Kenny. Bennettsbridge responded with a free from the very accurate Nicky Cleere. The bridge nudged in front thanks to a fine point from Liam Blanchfield. Clara then hit two in a row to edge ahead. The joy of going ahead was tempered by a nasty looking hamstring injury to former county star Lester Ryan, which forced him from the action. Clara keeper Kevin Nolan then made a fine save from Liam Blanchfield to prevent a certain goal. Despite playing with the wind, The Waterford influence on the Bennettsbridge team was clear to see as they were playing a short strongrunning game. This resulted in the odd ‘heart-in-mouth’ moment for the Bridge defence as Clara pressed high to try and force the opposition into mistakes near their own goal. At the first water break, Clara led 0-6 to 0-5, the only cloud, the injury to key man Lester Ryan. Nicky Cleere notched his 3rd score of the day before Liam Ryan edged Clara ahead. The sides would draw level on seven occasions during a tense first half but it was the ever-reliable Cleere that would get the final score of the first period to leave Bennettsbridge 0-10 to 0-9 ahead at the short whistle. The second half began with Clara on the attack, going in search of the equalising score. Their first couple of attempts failed to raise a flag, as the game started to spark. It would be that man Nicky Cleere that registered the first score of the second period following yet another indiscretion by the Clara defence. Following Clara’s fourth wide of the half, Bennettsbridge struck again following nice play which

Bridge bag league title with Clara victory An exciting Q/F awaits against holders Ballyhale A watching brief Brian Cody casts his eye over the players on show

Clara on the attack

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Hurling matters

Liam Blanchfield and Bill Carrigan race for possession

finished with Willie Murphy pointing. Proceedings livened up when Bill Carrigan and Liam Blanchfield continued their niggly contest from the first half. The referee consulted with his linesman and this resulted in both players receiving a yellow card. Willie Murphy got his second score of the game shortly after the ‘handbags’, only for Liam Ryan to respond for Clara. No. 19 Willie Murphy then hit his 3rd point of the day following some lovely individual play, to leave the Bridge 0-14 to 0-11 ahead. Again, Clara responded with Liam Ryan hitting his 2nd and 3rd score of the day to leave just one between the sides at the second water break. When play resumed, Liam Blanchfield hit a nice point to put two between the sides again. The gap was back to the minimum following a lovely long-range point from Clara’s Jack Langton. That man Willie Murphy was everywhere, supporting, assisting and scoring

– another cracking point to edge his side further ahead. Clara, playing with the strong wind at their backs were racking up the wides – 14, the same number of points they had managed. Great play from the Blanchfield’s saw the ball reach Willie Murphy who yet again found the target to leave the Bridge leading 0-17 to 0-14. Their ability to be more economical with scoring was very evident, with no wides in the second period. Matthew Kenny reduced the deficit to two, before man of the match Willie Murphy hit another lovely score. The icing on the cake was the Bridge’s final point which came on the back of some lovely hurling and saw Jason Cleere raise the white flag. Following roughly 8 minutes of injury team, the referee blew the final whistle and Bennettsbridge were deservedly crowned St Canices Credit Union League Champions for 2021 on a score line of 0-19 to 0-16.

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Power to the Bridge

IT may have only been the league title, but judging by the demeanor of the Bennettsbridge management team, they really wanted this win. Messer’s Dooley, Shanahan & Maher were animated throughout the contest, and certainly provided an exciting side-show to the hurling action! Let’s start with the beaten finalists Clara. Their wide count was certainly almost greater than their scoring total. This would normally spell defeat, and in Nowlan Park last Sunday it did. Having said that, Clara didn’t appear to despondent at the final whistle. One would imagine that their attentions had already turned to championship action next weekend. Losing the influential Lester Ryan certainly didn’t help their chances against the Bridge, but more worryingly Lester’s expression on the sideline indicated that his season may be over. Turning to Bennettsbridge. A fantastic result for the club. 1971 is a long time ago. A first senior title in 50 years testimony to all the work done over the last decade or so. In Nicky Cleere, they possess one of the most reliable and accurate dead ball specialists in Kilkenny club hurling. Ably supported on the scoring charts by man-of-the-match, Willie Murphy (0-5) and county player Liam Blanchfield (0-4), the Bridge were far more economical with their scores. Don’t forget, there are still 2-3 starting players to come back into their side, that will certainly boost their attacking prowess next weekend. Ballyhale will be aware of the threat, having seen it at close quarters during their league defeat recently. Should the Bridge come up trumps next weekend, I hope the cameras catch Dan Shanahan’s reaction on the sideline!

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

Hurling matters

Sport ROUND-UP

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

It was an intriguing weekend of championship hurling, as the senior club sides took to the stage in a bid to continue their quest to become county champions 2021. Saturday’s games started the goals fest with no fewer than eight green flags raised across the two fixtures. Sunday’s servings went one better and saw nine majors scored as the championship picture begins to take shape.

Ballyhale & Graigue Ballycallan

Defending champions Ballyhale got the better of a spirited Graigue Ballycallan in Callan, running out 3-23 to - 0 winners. Despite hitting 0 wides in the first half, James O’Connor’s charges settled down and claimed a uarter-final berth thanks to goals from Joe Cuddihy and Colin F Fennelly , coupled with some fine points from the Cody’s, Brian and Eoin along with TJ Reid. Despite his two two-goal salvo, captain Colin Fennelly was pipped to the man of the match award by an eye-catching display from Joe Cuddihy. Credit to Graigue Ballycallan who despite defeat, can be pleased with their showing, and now must focus attentions on a relegation semi-final.

O’Loughlin Gaels & Rower-Inistioge

Saturday’s second serving of championship action saw Thomastown host the meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels and Rower-Inistioge. The biggest surprise here was the lining out at full-forward of renowned county defender Paddy Deegan. No surprise that the classy Deegan excelled, and finished the day with a tally of 0-5 to his name. Leading by points at the interval, the city side showed no me mercy to their opponents in the second period, with Deegan on hand to assist in goals for Owen Wall and Conor Kelly as the Gaels powered home on a score line of - 5 to 0- .

Dicksboro & Lisdowney

Sunday’s championship action started with the meeting of last year’s beaten finalists Dicksboro facing-off against senior newcomers Lisdowney at P irc Lachtain. Again, Lisdowney can be reasonably satisfied with their showing. With 0 minutes remaining in the contest, last year’s intermediate champions were some points down, but they never gave up and a string of unanswered points got them to within four of the Boro. Then the drama started, a green flag raised when O’Carroll goaled, left just the minimum between the sides approaching stoppage time. Dicksboro weren’t to be denied and they held on to make the next round on a score line of - to - 5.

Tullaroan & Erin’s Own

The final installment of the weekend’s championship menu pitted Erin’s Own Castlecomer against Tullaroan at Nowlan Park. Despite the Comer men hitting four goals, they the still fell to the Walsh backed side, who had county forward Martin Keoghan to thank for one of their goals as they strode to victory on a score line of to 4-11.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Hurling matters

QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEW Mullinavat v O’Loughlin Gaels

Saturday October 9th - Venue: Pairc na Seamrg (4pm) Following their defeat to James Stephens in the Shield final last weekend, Mullinavat will have it all to do against a heavily fancied Gaels team. They will again look to the scoring threat of John Walsh and Willie O’Dwyer to keep the scoreboard ticking over. It will be interesting to see if coun county defender Paddy Deegan reverts to the full-back line, or if he is deployed at full-forward as he was to great effect last time out against Rower when finishing the day with 0-5. Along with Owen Wall and Conor Kelly, they should possess enough firepower to outgun Mullinavat.

VERDICT – Deegan & Co to march on

Bennettsbridge v Shamrocks

Sunday October 10th Venue: UPMC Nowlan Park (4pm) Well. Well. This could be interesting. Reigning county champions vs reigning league champions. With the league title secure, the Bridge men will know the challenge that lies ahead at Nowlan Park. In securing the league title, they had key performances from Nicky Cleere, Liam Blanchfield and Willie Murphy. While they rested a couple of their normal starting XV, I would expect the management to start with their strongest possible side on Sunday. While the Shamrocks were rattled last time out against Graigue Ballycallan, they will know that they may have to go through the gears a little more here. TJ will tip away at the dead balls, Adrian Mullen, Eoin Cody, Colin Fennelly and last week’s star man Joe Cuddihy will fancy their chances of progressing to the semi-finals.

VERDICT – Shamrocks to show pedigree and advance

James Stephens v Dicksboro

Sunday October 10th - Venue: UPMC Nowlan Park (2:15pm) Having secured the league shield last weekend, the Village will know they have to step it up to get the better of last year’s beaten county finalists. The accuracy from placed balls from Eoin Guilfoyle could be key. Key scorers Andy Parsons, Cian Kenny, Niall Brassil, and Luke Scanlon will have major roles to play if the Kells Road side are to make the final four. Dicksboro were taken right to the wire by Lisdowney last time out and will expect the same kind of challenge from the Village. The Boro will look to Bill Sheehan and Shane Stapleton to trouble the opposition defence along with Martin Gaffney. This could be a tight and tense affair. Extra time anyone?

VERDICT – Boro to edge it

Clara v Tullaroan

Sunday October 10th - Venue: St. John’s Park (12:30pm) Fresh from their league final defeat, Clara will hope to raise more flags than outstretched arms when they take on the sash on Sunday. Lester Ryan would need to channel his inner La Lazarus to be available for this tie. It didn’t look good when he exited the battle in the first half last week. Other pl players will need to step up. Clara will need Liam Ryan, David Langton and Mattthew Kenny to be on top form and take every chance that comes their way. Tullaroan will once again look to the Walsh’s along with classy forward Martin Keoghan to drive them over the line.

VERDICT – Sash for the semi’s

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

Sport

Kilkenny karate club are looking for new members THE Budo Martial Arts Centre, Kilkenny (aka Kilkenny Karate Club) are looking for new members. The club which runs 4 days per week from its base in the Watershed, Kilkenny offers classes for kids aged 6 years and above, teens, adults and even families. Kevin Shortall who is the Chief instructor at the club says ‘students have the freedom to attend any class they like each week. There is a friendly and professional atmosphere in the club with all students and instructors helping each other out. Our aim is to make karate an enjoyable activity for everybody involved while they learn this fabulous martial art.’ Here is a breakdown of the classes on offer at the Budo Martial Arts Centre, Kilkenny: KARATE KIDS CLASSES Their Karate Kids class is a

high-energy, action-packed class for 6–12-year-old boys and girls where they practice karate and self-defence drills. There are also plenty of aerobic activity, strength, and flexibility training. This is an ideal activity for boys and girl of all fitness levels. TEENAGER & ADULT CLASSES Learn traditional Shotokan Karate as it is taught in Japan. Their teenager and adult classes will help you increase your focus and awareness, improve your flexibility, and help you become stronger. FAMILY CLASSES Their family karate classes are ideal for those that want to take part in a healthy activity as a family while improving their overall fitness. The club has a number of families that train together regularly.

LIMITED FREE TRIALS AVAILABLE Looking to try a class? The club have a limited number of free trials available. To book a free trial please call or text 086 3668669 or visit their website to book online – www.budomartialartscentre.com. TIMETABLE Beginner classes run in the Watershed on Mondays 7-8pm, Tuesdays 7-8pm, Thursdays 7-8pm and Saturdays 11am-12pm. All classes are taught by experienced, garda-vetted black-belt instructors. The club is affiliated to the Japan Shotokan Karate Association. They have a very active kids karate program and work with local Schools on a regular basis. They have an almost 50:50 split between males and females training.

New posture tracker and trainer to be launched to help reduce back pain caused by poor lifting technique and desk posture EOIN EVERARD

Dr. Eoin Everard, a regular contributor to this newspaper has recently announced the upcoming release of his new product the BackAware Belt™. This is a new wearable technology that gives you instant feedback on your lifting technique and posture in real time, so you can stop damage before it begins. With the belt it gives biofeedback by gentle vibrating to warn you when you are lifting with poor technique and with their app you get to train your lifting technique by “I came up with the idea after seeing hundreds of patients come to me with back pain that could have been avoided”. Dr. Eoin Everard explains how he began working with a team of engineers over two years ago to help bring this idea to light. “Over 90% of back pain is avoidable. It is caused by the way we move or lift and how we sit. We overload certain areas of the spine, and this can have lifelong consequences. I thought if I could come up with a way

to make people aware of their back position before they lifted or remind them that they are in a poor position then a lot of the problems would be solved”. The technology and development took longer than expected and Eoin explains some of the complications, “It took longer to get it right because the Belt calibrates to the users unique back position and can be used when sitting, standing, or doing any exercise. There is nothing like this available, I have a patent pending, so we essentially had to trial various ideas and go through what seems like hundreds of prototypes, but I am very happy with how it is working now. The BackAware Belt can be used lifting, exercising or even sitting at your desk and will warn you when you have moved too much in your lower back. This allows less pressure on the lower back and thus removes the main source of back pain. To celebrate we are offering readers a chance to win this belt and get four physio sessions included for free. For more details just email everardpilates@gmail.com and say you read this article.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Memoriams/Miracle prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Caroline Farrell am applying for retention permission for existing holiday cottage to continue as a holiday cottage at Warrington, Kilkenny. This is a Protected Structure ref.no (831). The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny during its public opening hours 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Monday to Friday and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Caroline Farrell KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL 1, Jenny Moloney, wish to apply to above authority for permission for the following at No. 4 Fr Hayden Road Kilkenny. (a) Retention of Vehicular Entrance (b) Retention of removal of front boundary wall 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. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 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. Signed: Jenny Moloney KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Ciara Ryan intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for permission to make a car parking space in my front garden at Lyons, Kilkenny City. The builder will need to remove the grass from the patch off the street which is in front of my front wall. He will replace it with concrete to level it. He will then need to knock the wall at the front of the garden so a car can enter the parking space. The builder will then remove the top soil in my garden and replace it with concrete. 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. Signed: Ciara Ryan KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL Significant Further Information I, Linda Delaney intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed new two storey dwelling, proposed vehicular entrance, proposed garage, driveway, borewell, packaged wastewater treatment system with percolation area, stormwater soakaways, landscaping and all associated site works at Conahy, Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny. Ref. No. of the application: 21579. Significant Further Information has been furnished to the Planning Authority in respect of this proposed development, and is available for inspection or purchase at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the Offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours of 9:00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A submission or observation in relation to the further information or revised plans may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of the revised public notices. A submission or observation must be accompanied by the prescribed fee of €20, except in the case of a person or body who has already made a submission or observation and such submission or observation 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 Permission sought to construct a single storey extension to the side of the dwelling at 19 Garden Villas, Nuncio Road, Kilkenny. Applicants: Anne Murtagh and Oliver O’Brien The planning permission may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making the copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, Johns Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00a.m.–1.00p.m. and 2.00p.m.-4.00p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the planning application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within a period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt of the Authority of the planning 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

News Planning notices

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

Motors Classifieds

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

NOW OPEN SATURDAY MORNINGS 9.30am to 12.00pm

CAR WASH – 056 7726289 TYRE BREAKDOWN SERVICE

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Classifieds Motors

Glass & Glazing Services Advertise Window + Door Repairs Units, Hinges, Locks Repaired or Replaced your Legal Mirrors Cut Toughened Glass/Security Glass Notices/Licence All Domestic & Commercial work undertaken Applications with Call Jerry 0894976758 jerharding66@gmail.com us at The Kilkenny Observer. Call: 056 7771463 / 086 2395370 or email: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie for extremely competitive rates.

Call 056 7771463 for all your classified advertisements.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

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. T.S

The Miracle Prayer

Novena to St. Claire

Ask for three favours – 1 Business – 2 Impossible Say nine Hail Marys for nine nights. Pray with a lighted candle. Pray whether you believe or not. Publish on 9th day. Powerful Novena, may the Sacred Heart of Jesus be praised, adored, glorified and loved today and everyday throughout the world forever. Amen A.ON

The Miracle Prayer

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

The Miracle Prayer

(never known to fail). O most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruitful vine, Splendour of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, O Star of the sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to grant my request. (Please state request). There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein you are my Mother. I place this cause in your hands (three times). Thank you for your mercy towards me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for three days and after this the request will be granted. This prayer must be published immediately. P.M

Infant of Prague Novena Prayer

O Jesus, Who has said, “Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened, “through the intercession of Mary, Your Most Holy Mother, I knock, I seek, I ask that my prayer be granted. (Make your request) P.OK

The Miracle Prayer

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

TO PLACE YOUR NOTICE IN THE KILKENNY OBSERVER IN MEMORIAM DEATH NOTICE ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS BIRTHDAY REMEMBRANCES OFFICE AT UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET (Straight across from the Friary Church)

A prayer to the Blessed Virgin

The Miracle Prayer

CALL TO US AT THE OFFICE AT ANY TIME Monday – Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm (We are open during lunchtime) Bring the picture and the verse, we can scan the picture and return it to you while you are at the office. EMAIL TO accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie Email the picture and the verse to us accounts@kilkennyobserver.ie and include your telephone number. We will call you to confirm and you can pay by card over the phone. BY PHONE 056 7771463 You can also place your notice by phone. We can take the verse from you over the phone and the picture can be sent by WhatsApp. PLEASE NOTE All pictures and verses will be held on file for future years

The Miracle Prayer

Deadline 5.00pm on Wednesdays for Friday’s newspaper

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 08 October 2021