Kilkenny Observer 4th March 2022 by Kilkenny Observer

EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer FREE EDITION

Friday 04 March 2022

Ukraine Invasion The national and local reaction to war horror  See page 3

Tel: 056 777 1463 E: sales@kilkennyobserver.ie W: kilkennyobserver.ie

Murder Trial Opens Local pensioner’s death: man pleads not guilty  See page 6

Wednesday 16th March Abbeyfolk 8pm

Thursday 17th March

Cleere’s listing Wed 16th March

The BonnyMen 8.30pm €15

Friday 18th March Seo Linn 8.30pm €15

Sunday 20th March Inni-k 8.00pm €15

All tickets @cleeres.com

THE KILFORD ARMS HOTEL JOHN STREET, KILKENNY T: 056-7761018 F: 056-7761128 E: INFO@KILFORDARMS.IE

Trad Sessions with Anthony Mc Auley & Friends 6pm The Raglan Rogues 8pm Thomas Jackman 9pm Roisin Dubh 10pm

Friday 18th March

Trad Sessions with Anthony McAuley & Friends 6pm The Raglan Rogues 8pm Accousticats 10pm

Saturday 19th March

Trad Sessions with Anthony Mc Auley & Friends 6pm The Raglan Rogues & Guests 8pm Roisin Dubh 10pm

Sunday 20th March

Trad Sessions with Anthony McAuley & Friends 6pm Generation 5 6.30pm Thomas Jackman 10pm

Ryan’s Bar 3 Friary St, Kilkenny

Beer Garden Now Open 056 776 2281

St Patrick’s Festival Gig Guide

The Kilford Arms Hotel, City Centre NO.1 for Food, Drink, Accommodation & Entertainment in Kilkenny

• Thursday 17th March - Michael Walsh The Kilford has got it all and • Saturday 19th March - Michael Kavanagh then some more ‘Enjoy’ • Sunday 20th March - John Travers

WED 16TH MARCH TRAD/FOLK Oisin Mac Cinnéide & Friends 6pm -8pm BLUES/ COUNTRY Back Door Blues 10pm

FRI 18TH MARCH TRAD/FOLK Whiskers of Lichen 6pm -8pm ROCK N ROLL Groove Republic 10pm

THU 17TH MARCH TRAD/FOLK Whiskers of Lichen 4pm - 6pm ROCK N ROLL Banjaxed 10pm

SAT 19TH TRAD/FOLK Whiskers of Lichen 6pm-8pm BLUES/COUNTRY/SOUL The Ben Reel Band 10pm

SUN 20TH ROCK N ROLL Oracle Villa From 8pm

The Home of Great Music

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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EVERY FRIDAY

The Kilkenny

Observer A world first for our Karen Weekes A Kilkenny born college lecturer has become first Irish woman to row solo across the Atlantic. Dr Karen Weekes entered the water in Gran Canaria on December 6 last and 80 days later before arrived in Barbados on Thursday, February 24. Full story, Page 6

€1.135m. benefit for local towns The county council has welcomed funding of €1,135,785 for projects identified under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021. Gowran, Kilmanagh, Urlingford, Graiguenamanagh and Piltown will benefit from this funding.

A Farewell To Arms Ukrainian military in Mariupol being waved off to war. The photo, taken by Ukranian photographer Dmytro Muravsky, was posted on his Facebook page by volunteer Dmytro Chichera who said: “This is a photo that will go down in history.”

We rally to aid war shattered Ukraine MORE than a week into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kilkenny people across the county are showing their support for the people of the Ukraine through donating food and other goods at various drop off points in the city and county. Volunteer with Chernobyl Children International Jim Kavanagh is spearheading a collection in Kilkenny City and the response has been great. Mr Kavanagh is hoping to drive to the Ukranian border with the donations. Mary Pierce, of Kilkenny Helping the Homeless, posted a picture on social media of the response so far, and told the media: “First 24 hours of collections for Ukraine being delivered to Jim Kavanagh. What a massive response from the people of Kilkenny. Van is full to the back door,” she said. EVERY FRIDAY

Meanwhile, an Irish medical student in Ukraine has said her hopes of being reunited with her family back home are helping her to remain positive “in an extremely scary situation”. Racheal Diyaolu (19), from Co Carlow, has been sheltering in Sumy, a northeastern city around 50km from the Russian border. The area has been hit by heavy shelling in recent nights and she revealed how she has had to flee to the bunker of the hostel she is staying in. Ms Diyaolu was due to fly home to Ireland on March 13 but her flight was cancelled within hours of Russia launching its attack on Ukraine. “I’m trying not to think about all the danger I’m in,” she told the Irish Independent and RTE radio. I’ve

The Kilkenny

Observer UNIT 7, FRIARY STREET, KILKENNY, R95 VHY7

Polina (10) dead: a victim of war

This is Polina (10), a schoolgirl, who has been shot dead in Kyiv — bringing the number of children killed in Russia’s invasion to at least 16, according to Ukraine’s President. Polina was in her final year of primary school. She and her parents are said to have died when Russian saboteurs opened fire on their car. Her sister, who was last heard of fighting for her life in intensive care, and injured brother were taken to separate hospitals.

heard gunshots and loud bangs and bomb explosions and the first time in the bunker was the scariest as we’d never experienced that before. The longest we’ve been in there at any one time is four hours. “It is quite quiet today. I think that has to do with the peace talks that went on yesterday. We’re like sitting ducks as at any moment something can happen.” Ms Diyaolu travelled to Ukraine last November to start studying to become a doctor at the State University in Sumy. Elsewhere, speaking from the safety of Krakow, having crossed the border from Ukraine with his wife Anastasiia, Wexford narive Bradley Stafford still sounds tired. Just a week ago, he was in the city of Rivne, in western

Ukraine, having left Kyiv with his wife to stay with her mother. But as Russian forces advanced across the border into Ukraine and air-raid sirens rang out, it became clear that nowhere was safe. “This whole thing is like not being able to wake up from a nightmare,” the Wexford man said, recalling the events of recent days, from taking cover in make-shift bomb shelters to queuing for hours to cross the border and flee his adopted home. In the early hours of last Thursday, Bradley and Anastasiia were lying in bed watching Netflix when the world suddenly changed.

Full story, Page 6

Covid-19: latest Scientists are calling for more research into ‘universal coronavirus vaccines’ that would work not only against Covid but against the many other potential coronaviruses. Meanwhile, are now working on combining those with the annual flu vaccine. Covid Update, Page 24 St Luke’s, Page 15

INSIDE Paul Hopkins............... P8 Marianne Heron.......P12 John Ellis ...................P16 Health & Science......P18 Travel & Leisure.......P19 Gerry Cody .......22, 28-29 Picture Special .... P36-37 Food & Drink ............P38

COMMENT ON UKRAINE: Paul Hopkins, Page 8 John Ellis, Page 16

TV & Streaming .......P39 Sport ...................... P50-55

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GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE TEAM

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News

Why Kilkenny cats need your helping hand THE Kilkenny Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has launched their Adapt a Barn Cat programme which aims to pair cats with the farming and equine community across the county. The programme has the dual purpose of providing homes for semi-wild cats that have been neutered, and in need of a home, while also providing a natural rodent control. This new initiative is based on similar successful programmes in the US and is aimed at farmers and horse owners whose premises may naturally attract rodents. Potential new owners will need to show they can provide a safe and permanent home for the cats, provide veterinary care if needed and be in a position to feed the cats. Noel O’Donoghue, Animal Welfare Officer at the charity, said: “Adopting a cat can be a mutually beneficial relationship as you will be saving the life of a healthy cat, while they will be a useful resource in cutting down on rodent problems in a safe and natural way. “All of the cats that are up for adoption will be humanely caught before being taken to a vet for examination, neutering and a full

vaccination, he told The Kilkenny Observer. “It is worth noting that cats become tamer after neutering but some cats who end up in our care are unsuitable for a domestic environment. They may be born and raised in the wild or are undersocialised and not used to human contact, hence the reason for the Barn Cat Programme,” he said “We still believe these cats deserve a happy life and that they can be placed with families who value them as much as we do,” he said. In order to avail of the scheme people will need to register their interest with Kilkenny SPCA by calling 056 7771635 or emailing animalwelfare@kilkennyspca. ie. SPCA only ask the cats are given a safe and welcoming home and a donation to the charity. As a charity, Kilkenny SPCA relies on donations to help fund their important work of animal welfare in the county and are always appreciative of what people can give. There are in excess of 200,000 feral cats across Ireland by some estimates. For more information: Noel O’Donoghue Animal Welfare Officer 086 817 2167

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

News

Kilkenny man: ‘I killed five’ A MAN accused of murdering a 71-year-old woman in her home told a detective that he had committed “five other murders”, was working for the Kinahan cartel and got €5,500 “for doing a murder”, his trial has heard. When gardaí called to the defendant’s home, the 29-yearold fell to his knees, cried

uncontrollably and said: “I killed a woman. I murdered a woman. I slit her throat and stuck a knife in her head.” Trevor Rowe (29), of Abbey Street, Kilkenny, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Ann Butler at her home at Maudlin Street, Kilkenny, on March 20, 2020. Giving evidence yesterday,

Couple tell of Carey’s loan scam

A COUPLE who handed over €10,000 to the Kilkenny businesswoman and camogie play Catriona Carey have claimed she assured them last week they would get contracts for a new mortgage once she received a further €20,000. But the pair said they were “sick to their stomach” when they saw the front page of their local newspaper. They fear they have fallen victim to alleged fraud. “I never buy the newspaper unless one of the lads is after playing a match and I hadn’t seen the report on RTÉ. I was on night duty and I don’t know how I got through it after what I read. I felt sick,” the woman told the Irish Independent. “My husband rang her last week (about the news reports) and she said, ‘It’s

another lady that’s involved. It’s nothing to do with me. Your house is safe and once that other €20,000 is given I will give you your contracts’.” Ms Carey phoned the husband on February 23 and spoke to him for more than three minutes. She also spoke to him on February 18, 21 and last Friday, February 25, assuring them that everything was in order. The couple, who wish to remain anonymous, met Ms Carey two years ago after falling on hard times. During the recession, they got into financial difficulty after the man lost his business. family home. Ms Carey is being investigated for alleged fraud offences amoutning to some €200,000. The investigation is ongoing.

Detective Garda Martin Power of Kilkenny garda station told John O’Kelly SC, prosecuting, that he was on duty at 6.40pm on March 25 when he went to assist his colleagues on Cathedral Street, who were investigating the source of several anonymous phone calls made to the 999. The detective said he was

aware the caller had indicated that he had murdered a woman, that her body was at the rear of Langtons Hotel and if this was not taken seriously, the caller said, then he would commit another murder. When Detective Power called to the accused’s house, he said, the door

was ajar and he could hear an incoherent voice, which he believed was Mr Rowe’s, coming from upstairs in the property. The detective walked upstairs into an open-plan living room and met Mr Rowe, who was standing in front of the couch and appeared to be rummaging with both

hands behind his back. Det Gda Power said the accused recognised him. “I asked him what he was doing with his hands and he pulled out two screwdrivers, one in each hand. I asked him to leave the screwdrivers down and he complied with my request.” The trial continues.

Epic journey sees Karen create a splash with a world record!

KILKENNY born Karen Weekes has becomes first Irish woman to row solo across Atlantic. College lecturer Ms Weekes entered the water in Gran Canaria on December 6 last and 80 days later arrived in Barbados on Thursday, February 24. Dr Weekes (pictured) rowed an aamazing 3,000 miles in Millie, named after her mother. A large crowd gathered at the pier in Bridgetown in Barbados to congratulate her, including 30 of her family and friends

who flew over for the occasion. Dr Weekes told the gathered well-wishers: “This is just incredible, and it was an amazing crossing. “It was much longer than we thought. I thought it would be maybe 70 days, I actually thought personally it would take me 64, but the trade winds didn’t come in so I had an awful lot of battling of waves all the time. “It was a long haul and I have slept for an hour and a half over the last three days , and it has just been

rowing non-stop ever since.” Sports psychologist Weekes is only the 20th woman globally to have rowed an ocean on her own. But her latest achievement is one of a long line of endurance feats, including cycling solo across Canada, and circumnavigating Ireland by Kayak. Before setting on the mammoth challenge, she had said: “I’ve done a lot of endurance journeys before this, so this [was] really the next logical step

for me - a feat of endurance to try and push myself mentally and physically further.” Now living in Kinvara, Galway, Karen Weekes had her trials along the way, with heavy storms and a broken rudder just some of the obstacles. Her main source of energy was dry food made using desalinated water on board. Dr Weekes said she wanted to use her achievement to inspire other women to try endurance sports.

€1,135,785 fund for local town projects THE County Council has welcomed funding in the sum of €1,135,785 for Kilkenny Projects identified under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021. The town of Gowran, Kilmanagh, Urlingford, Graiguenamanagh and Piltown will benefit from this funding.

Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty, said: “This is wonderful and exciting news for the communities of these five towns. This funding is about helping our towns and villages become more attractive places to live, work and do business. “The staff in the council’s community department work

closely with communities in submitting these applications for funding and it is hugely rewarding for everyone when applications are successful resulting in local people and communities playing an integral part in how their local area develops into the future.” This €1.1 million Town and

Village Renewal funding now brings a total of almost €4.6 million investment in Kilkenny towns and villages over the past 5 years. This has also been made possible by the annual budgetary provision of matched funding by the council approved by the elected members.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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News Opinion

The Fact Of The Matter PAUL HOPKINS

Under the stairs is no longer my safe haven When I was but a boy my brother and I would often hide under the stairs in our modest terraced house, setting up a make-shift camp and pretending we were Robinson Crusoe and his Man Friday stowed away on some far-flung island. Much to the alarm of my mother for our bolthole housed the gas meter – into which daily my mother fed endless coins – and she feared we would be rendered unconscious by inhaling any escaping fumes. My hideaway island often had a faint whiff of gas but it was not unpleasant, serving only as a reminder of our annual holidays with my mother’s sister in Liverpool, where she lived in a small council house by the gas yard wall. That childhood retreat, though, was to take on a more sinister role. For, as the Sixties rolled out, the leaders of the two most powerful nations, America’s John F Kennedy

and the Soviet Union’s Nikita Khrushchev, found themselves at loggerheads at a specific and scary point in history. In 1959, a leftwing revolution in Cuba had ended with a government under Fidel Castro. The regime quickly severed formerly strong ties with the US by expropriating US economic assets and developing close links with the Soviet Union. Given Cuba’s geographical proximity to the US, in March 1960 President Dwight D. Eisenhower directed the CIA to plan for the invasion of Cuba and overthrow the Castro regime. Following his election in November 1960, President Kennedy learned of the plan, concluded that Castro was a Soviet client posing a threat to Latin America and, after consultations with his advisors, gave his consent for the clandestine invasion to proceed. After two days, US special forces were defeated by the

Cubans at the Bay of Pigs. Embarrassed, Kennedy decided to have another shot. US intelligence reports, however, indicated there were expanded arms shipments from the Soviet Union to Cuba. For some months there was growing concern the weapons included ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads. While the world held its breath, a leaflet from the Department of Defence was popped into every Irish letterbox, informing us what to do in the event of a nuclear war. Crude drawings depicted what such a terrifying event could do to the human body: there were some tablets we must take, iodine I recall; we were to never go outside, ever, and we had to find a safe room in the house and wait until the authorities gave the all-clear. My father, in his wisdom, decided that under the stairs would be the safest place should

the nuclear button be pushed. I just wondered how the heck two grown-ups and three children would fit in there, not to mention our beloved family dog Mutt. In the end, Kennedy pulled us back from the brink by abandoning his planned second invasion. Now, a lifetime on, our old assumptions are rattled again by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. In addressing the West, he has warned that exceptional action by NATO allies would result in dire action by him. His hand ever steady on the nuclear trigger, the Russian leader has warned the rest of the world that any attempt to interfere with his action will lead to “consequences they have never seen”. Here’s the facts: Russia has the world’s largest arsenal of nuclear weapons with a 6,257-strong fleet which include 527 intercontinental ballistic missiles

(ICBMs), submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and strategic bombers. ICBMs can get up to a top speed of four miles a second in about 10 minutes after launch, meaning the weapons could potentially reach the rest of us mere mortals in almost no time.

Consent for the clandestine invasion to proceed...

”

The sudden mania for speaking of nuclear warfare, among men with unrestricted power, is the closest – North Korea aside – humankind has come to the kind of scenario that had that leaflet popping into the home of my boyhood. The view of some is that the West has squandered the glad confident morning of its victory back in 1989-91, what with NATO’S continuous encroachment. At time of writing, Ukraine seems a foregone conclusion, sadly. Will Putin stop there or advance further? Will sanctions work? And then there is the oligarchy’s cyber warfare, if the nukes do not finish us off in the meantime. Alas, I’m no longer holding my breath. I’m too darn old for that. And, besides, I know enough now to know that hiding under the stairs would no longer provide a safe bolthole. For any of us, if Putin loses his grip...

Government must do more to tackle hospital waiting lists BY: DEPUTY KATHLEEN FUNCHION SINN FEIN TD FOR KILKENNY CARLOW SINN Féin TD for Carlow Kilkenny Kathleen Funchion has criticised the Minister for Health’s Waiting List Action Plan as a wish list of repackaged measures that will not address the fundamental problems that are causing long hospital waiting lists, which is particularly affecting many in Carlow and Kilkenny. She said that every Minister for Health has promised to cut wait times, but have never brought forward the fundamental reforms needed to make these targets realistic, deliverable, and permanent. Teachta Funchion said that while all additional funding and measures to tackle waiting lists and cut

wait times are welcome, we need a step change in investment and workforce planning to meet the capacity needs of the public health service. She called on the Government to back up the waiting list plan with a proactive, joined up workforce development strategy to train, recruit, and retain more doctors, nurses, and allied health and social care professionals. The Sinn Féin spokesperson for Children was particularly critical of the Government’s record on the outrageous wait lists for children. Teachta Funchion said: “The Minister for Health’s Waiting List Action Plan will not fix our broken health service. It does not address the fundamental problems which are causing hospital waiting lists for people across Carlow and Kilkenny. “I am particularly concerned that not enough

emphasis is placed on children’s health care, we have all seen children in extreme pain expected to wait interminable periods of time for life changing surgery. “We have had promises before from every Minister for Health to cut wait times, but the Government have never brought forward the fundamental reforms to make these targets realistic and deliverable. “The Action Plan is a wish list of repackaged measures. Permanently cutting wait times need a serious workforce plan to train, recruit, and retain more doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. “There is no new funding, particularly capital funding, to increase capacity in the public system – not terms of more beds and expanding wards, additional theatres, diagnostic equipment, or eHealth and ICT modernisation. “There is no workforce plan. We cannot recruit

and retain the staff we need – we need to train more healthcare professionals and there needs to be a joined up plan across Government, training bodies, and universities to meet health service staffing need. “The Department of Health and the HSE are working in a silo, and there is not a joined up approach across Government to train and attract the necessary workers to safely and properly staff the Health Service. “And there has been slow progress of Regional Health Areas, which should be the drivers of reform and accountable for cutting wait times and delivering major projects. “Without a step change in investment, reform, and workforce planning, the fundamentals for cutting wait times are not there. “This Government does not have the appetite or vision to fix our broken health service.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

Cheltenham Preview

Hot on the heels of our record-breaking success at Red Mills Day, we’re gearing up for the most anticipated National Hunt Racing Festival of the year.

Paul Hennessy’s Cheltenham winner Heaven Help Us

Paul Hennessey

Cheltenham Preview W

Jane Mulligan at the Best Dressed Style Event at the Red Mills Race Day at Gowran Park

e hope you can join us for our upcoming Cheltenham Preview, on March 10th from 4-6pm! Everyone is welcome to this free of charge event taking place at our Cillín Hill Store, and no need to book a ticket – simply turn up and enjoy. When it comes to a Cheltenham Preview, we’re old hands at making sure we have a diverse offering of expert advice from the best in the business, as well as plenty of tips and tricks in the style stakes. With Cheltenham taking place from March 15th – 18th, we’re just in time to get you prepared for the big event. There’s a total of 28 races set to take place over the four days, and we’re hoping to get the inside track from the people in the know! We’re delighted to be playing host to an excellent panel, primed and ready to share their advice and tips for the days ahead. Jane

Mangan, RTE and Racing TV pundit will be joining us to share her wisdom, along with Goresbridge native Paul Hennessy, fresh from his win as a Cheltenham Festival winning trainer in 2021 when the Richie Condonridden Heaven Help Us won the Coral Cup Handicap

Hurdle by all of nine lengths. Former grade 1 winning jockey David Mullins will also be joining our panel of experts on the day. Feel free to take notes and come armed with your questions – we’re looking forward to sharing our knowledge on the day. Our

panel of experts will also be joined by the team from KCLR, with Matt O’Keefe and Sue Nunn joining us in store and coming to you live over the airwaves to share a little bit of the in-store magic. Our friendly team will be on hand to welcome

you to our Red Mills Store, located in Cillín Hill, with a fresh look on display and some seriously essential pieces fit for your racing wardrobe. We’ve got a wide range of race day favourites, including Fairfax and Favor, Welligogs, Schoeffel, Dubarry, and much more besides, as well as products to suit your equine and pet needs all available in store for a little retail therapy on the evening. Our recently revamped café will be open to serve you a variety of food and drinks to keep you sustained throughout. Our café expansion means more space to sit and unwind, and we’re proud to present a brand-new menu featuring delicious offerings from La Rivista Market. Find delicious sandwiches, salads, wraps, and much more with flavours to suit everyone’s tastes. We’re so looking forward to seeing you on the night.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

Opinion

Why women don’t want to be the same as men AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON

With International Women’s Day coming up on Tuesday, March 8 it seems a good time to ask what do women want? Generally we — that is men and women — want the same things. It might be more appropriate to ask what women don’t want. They don’t want the things that are unfair or that put them in danger. It’s not fair for instance that women – and men too — should have to pay the equivalent of a hefty mortgage repayment each month for childcare. We are in the Top 10 of Europe’s richest countries where two thirds of married women work. And yet there are no tax credits for working parents, no Government subsidies for childcare as there are in other countries. If parents can find care that is, what with high insurance costs and low wages are pushing creches and minders out of business. Unless grandparents are willing to step into the breach (and a fifth of over 70s spend over 40 hours a week looking after the little darlings) parents are likely to be snookered with typical costs of around €900 a month for an infant and €800

for after-school care. That’s €1,700 a month, a big factor together with high rents that push home ownership out of reach. Women don’t want to suffer the epidemic gender- based violence either within their homes by partners or by attackers outside. These will be among the issues raised at a rally organised on Saturday

outside the Dail at noon by the National Women’s Council with the theme ‘No Woman Left Behind’. Research shows that around 15% of women and 6% of men in Ireland have experienced severe domestic violence from a partner and that most women who were intentionally killed in Ireland were killed by a current or former intimate

partner. The rate of abuse rose sharply during the pandemic, highlighting the inadequacy of refuges for victims where nine out of 26 counties have no refuge. Personally, I am not sure that refuges are always the answer, rather than have the abused partner and children flee maybe there should be sin

bins for the perpetrators with obligatory counselling. That and classes in school which promote respect between the sexes. The way that women shoulder the burden of caring can be unfair too. Studies show that women still shoulder as much as 80% of work within the home, dubbed the final frontier of feminism.

Perhaps that one needs teasing out a bit: do women collude a bit here, taking on things they have learned from mothers? Is there a frontier of masculism too when it comes to looking after cars and DIY? Maybe the situation will be resolved with helpful domestic robots but who is going to fix them when they go wrong? Pay in caring work – childcare and elder care – is female dominated with low pay. It needs to be valued more. Looking back 52 years to the six demands set out in ‘Chains Or Change’ by fledgling women’s lib. that time seems like the Dark Ages. Their aims were equal rights in law, equal pay and the removal of the marriage bar, justice for widows, single mothers and deserted wives, equal education, contraceptive rights and one family, one house. That was then and, with the glaring exception of the last demand — given the current housing crisis — much has been achieved. But much still needs to be done. Would this happen more quickly if we had more women in the Dail and in Government? Probably. Just 36 out of 160 TDs are women are there are four only in Cabinet. Women don’t want to be the same as men, they want things to be fair. After all, we are the Fair Sex.

What’s new for menopause? CLAIR WHITTY

THERE are lots of supplements to help the journey from perimenopause to menopause and beyond. We have had a couple of new ones in and I mentioned I would tell you about them. This week it’s NORVIA® Menopause and it is proudly produced in Ireland. NORVIA® Menopause is a proteinrich, plant-based, powdered nutritional formula designed to support active women who are experiencing hormonal imbalance and uncomfortable menopause symptoms. It is so easy to take, vanilla flavoured and tastes delicious. In a shaker simply add one sachet to 100 ml of water, shake well, drink, and you are ready to go. It’s perfect for those who cannot or do not like to take capsules or tablets. New research by NORVIA® Nutrition shows that 40% of women living in Ireland in perimenopause and menopause are exercising less due to fatigue from lack of sleep. I think a lot of you will relate to tiredness from lack of sleep. It’s a vicious circle, you can be too tired

to exercise, but exercise may help you feel better and perhaps help you get a good night’s sleep. With this in mind, NORVIA® are encouraging you to stretch, exercise and move more because they know that even gentle forms of exercise can improve some of your symptoms. Other factors noted as reasons for not exercising include; weight gain and bloating (19%), changes in mood and feelings of anxiety (10%) as well as aches, pains and stiffness in their joints (9%). I think we can relate to these too. They are just some of the 40+ common symptoms of perimenopause and

menopause. NORVIA® Menopause was formulated by Dr Lars Høie MD PhD, Dr Philos and contains unique soybean properties including soy isoflavones plus B Vitamins, Vitamin D3, Vitamin K, Magnesium and Calcium. NORVIA® Menopause contains Vitamin B6 which contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity and psychological function, vitamin B12 and magnesium which contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and calcium which contributes to normal muscle function and the maintenance of normal bones. It’s dairy-free, yeastfree, gluten-free, crueltyfree, non-GMO, contains no artificial colours or preservatives, no MSG and is suitable for Vegan and Vegetarians. Each pack contains 28 one-a-day sachets. Call in for more advice and information about this interesting new supplement, made in Ireland. Natural Health Store, Market Cross Shopping Centre Phone: 056 7764538 Email: info@ naturalhealthstore.ie Shop online at www. naturalhealthstore.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

Covid Update

MORE than 50 years on, the son and namesake of Robert F. Kennedy, the New York senator, attorney general and Democratic presidential candidate assassinated on June 5, 1968, has become an unimaginably polarising figure in this tight-knit political family. Once a top environmental lawyer who led the charge to clean up the Hudson River in New York, the third eldest child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy has emerged as a leading voice in the campaign to discredit coronavirus vaccines and other measures being advanced by the Biden White House to battle a pandemic that was, near the end of February, killing close to 1,900 people a day. “The minute they hand you that vaccine passport, every right that you have is transformed into a privilege contingent upon your obedience to arbitrary government dictates,” he told a cheering crowd at a rally against vaccine mandates in Washington last month. “It will make you a slave.” Kennedy’s rise as the face of the vaccine resistance movement has tested as never before the solidarity of a family that has for decades remained resolute in the face of tragedy and scandal. It has rattled the Hollywood and entertainment circles that he inhabits, while showing how the vaccine debate is upending traditional political alliances. And it has left the Kennedys and his friends anguished and mystified about the dramatic turn in the often troubled life of a man who was a pallbearer at his father’s funeral when he was 14. And who emerged from drug addiction to become one of the leading environmentalists in the country and who is regarded as among the most politically THE new Omicron subvariant can reinfect people who’ve previously had omicron, although it doesn’t appear to be all that common, according to Danish scientists. They also agree that it’s more contagious than the original version of Omicron, BA.1, which is still widely circulating around the world. But it’s surprisingly not driving a second wave of infections. Globally, Covid cases have plunged 21% over the past week. It’s now the top variant in at least 18 countries and rapidly spreading, representing 35% of all new cases that have been genetically sequenced worldwide, up from 10 countries and 21% of cases the week before, according to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The scientists have confirmed

Centre for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota. “He is among the most dangerous because of the credibility of

who he is and what his family name has brought to this issue.” Blake Fleetwood, a writer who calls Kennedy “an inspiration” and has been a friend and skiing companion since 1971, said he could not understand why Kennedy was “risking his whole life” of activism by “taking on this crusade.” “Why is he blowing his whole life’s work?” he asked. Kennedy, 68, began inveighing against vaccines well before the arrival of the coronavirus, contending that they cause autism — a notion that has been soundly rejected by medical experts. But the tenor of his attacks intensified with the arrival of Covid vaccinations and brought new scrutiny not only to Kennedy’s positions on vaccines, but to other unorthodox causes he has gravitated to over the years. Kennedy now says Sirhan Sirhan did not kill Kennedy’s father and has urged California parole commissioners to free him. He has repeated a popular conspiracy theory that 5G high speed transmission towers are being installed across the nation “to harvest our data and control our behaviour.” In a best-selling new book, he claimed that Dr. Anthony Fauci, who is President Joe Biden’s top medical adviser for the coronavirus pandemic, and Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, were in cahoots with the pharmaceutical industry to profiteer off dangerous vaccines. He has amassed a significant following on social media, where he circulates what is often false information on the coronavirus and vaccines. Last year he was barred from Instagram, where he had 800,000 followers, for pushing misinformation on the vaccine. His Facebook page, with more than 300,000 followers, remains online, as does his Twitter account, with over 405,000 followers. Kennedy declined a request for an interview, saying he was busy in a trial about vaccine damages in Jackson, Tennessee.

closely monitoring countries that have detected BA.2, but so far the subvariant hasn’t caused a fresh surge in cases. “As we’re seeing that decline in cases in countries, we’re not seeing an increase again with

BA.2,” Van Kerkhove said during a question-and-answer session streamed on the WHO’s social media platforms. The WHO’s Covid variant advisory group looked at South African and Japanese studies, among others, before determining BA.2 should remain classified as omicron rather than designating it a separate variant of concern. This suggests the WHO doesn’t currently view BA.2 as a greater threat to global health than omicron in general. The original omicron BA.1 strain demonstrated a substantial ability to escape antibodies induced by the vaccines, leading to many breakthrough infections during the recent surge. Danish scientists found that BA.2 is better at evading vaccine protections than BA.1, according to an earlier study.

‘The vaccines will make you a slave..

A Kennedy’s crusade against vaccines leaves family hurt gifted Kennedys of his generation. Kennedy has effectively used his talent and one of the most prominent names

in American political history as a platform for fuelling resistance to vaccines that could save countless lives. His conduct “undercuts 50

years of public health vaccine practice, and he’s done it in a way I’ve never see anyone else do it,” said Michael T. Osterholm, director of the

What we know now about the new variant that the new subvariant can reinfect people who’ve previously had Omicron, although it doesn’t appear to be all that common. They also agree that it’s more contagious than the original version of omicron,

BA.1, which is still widely circulating around the world. But it’s surprisingly not driving a second wave of omicron infections. Globally, Covid cases have plunged 21% over the past week — subsiding in every re-

gion except the Western Pacific — while deaths have fallen 8% over the past week, according to data from the WHO. Maria Van Kerkhove, the WHO’s Covid-19 technical lead, said the global health agency is

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News

St Luke’s ‘back to bad old days’ NURSES’ representatives have hit out at rising hospital overcrowding, including St Luke’s, as “back to the bad old days” after Covid. The latest figures show there were 9,689 people left waiting on trolleys in hospitals during February. The count from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) is the highest since 2019, before the pandemic hit, when there were

8,500 waiting on trolleys in February 2019. The worsening situation was sharply criticised by the General Secretary of the INMO, Phil Ní Sheaghdha. And Sinn Féin spokesperson on Health David Cullinane called for the Minister for Health to ensure that the Emergency Department Taskforce was reconvened. He said insufficient funding from the Govern-

ment was fuelling the crisis. Ms Ní Sheaghdha said: “It has been an incredibly difficult month in Irish hospitals with consistent overcrowding in all parts of the country. “Our nurses and our midwives are under severe pressure, as they are dealing with huge numbers of Covid and also with non-Covid patients presenting at emergency departments coupled

with inadequate staffing levels. “We are once again back in the bad old days of hospital overcrowding, with numbers of patients on trolleys now exceeding pre-pandemic levels,” she said. “The INMO has been sounding the alarm on this situation for too long. “Our members are sick of apologising for the state of our health service to pa-

tients who have been waiting an unacceptable amount of time to be treated. “This isn’t an issue that is confined to one part of the country, aside from the top five overcrowded hospitals, we have seen significant overcrowding in St. Vincent’s University Hospital (585 patients) St Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny (519 patients), Tipperary University Hospital (216 patients) Mid-

lands Regional Mullingar (266 patients). “The Saolta Hospital Group alone makes up for 30% of overcrowding in February. “Plans to tackle overcrowding in each individual hospital are now badly needed. “We know that if a patient is on a trolley for more than five hours it can have a significant knock-on impact on their health and indeed their mortality.

Communities take pride of place at local awards night KILKENNY County Council’s Annual Community Awards Night was held in the Parade Tower in Kilkenny Castle recently where Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty hosted an awards ceremony to recognise and acknowledge the contribution of local communities for their endless dedication to projects and to their towns and villages. The Cathaoirleach said: “Community organisations play a key role in driving the overall prosperity and wellbeing in every city and town in every county across the country. Kilkenny has a strong tradition of community co-operation and collaboration. It is important to recognise and reward those communities who come together to work with the Local Authority and state agencies to contribute to this prosperity. “It has been a very difficult two years for all but despite this it is great to see communities continue to do great work in Kilkenny. The Community Awards event gives us the opportunity to pay tribute to you — groups and individuals — who make a real difference and a valu-

able contribution, who go the extra mile and provide example and inspiration to others. We congratulate you, along with all other community groups within the county,” he said. The very popular Kilkenny County Council Grants Booklet was also launched on the night by the Cathaoirleach. This is the council’s fifth edition of the booklet, which is available to view online where you can access grant details on mobile phone, home computer and other remote devices. This year’s booklet once again summarises the key elements of the county council’s grants with relevant contacts and the types of works eligible for funding. Kilkenny County Council’s Chief Executive Colette Byrne also made a presentation on the night giving an overview of projects that were completed and underway throughout the county. Ms Byrne also congratulated all the groups for all the great work in their local communities and for those who also assisted on the ground in helping the most vulnerable during the pandemic.

Pharmacy plan is turned down Plans for a new pharmacy in Kilkenny city have been rejected by the local authority. Lou Investments Healthcare Kilkenny Ltd had applied for the planning permission for a change of use for a ground floor unit

at the Newpark Primary Care Centre. It sought for a change of use from a ‘general medical practice’ which was previously granted planned permission to be replaced by a new pharmacy retail unit. The council declined.

County council looking to invest in your star-up tech ideas ... THE inaugural ‘Ideas Kilkenny’ competition will open for entries from Monday, March 8, during this year’s Local Enterprise Week. The competition is open to people in Kilkenny with a tech-related business idea or in the early stages of trading (less than 18 months). If you have an original and innovative idea within the technology sector (eg. agri-tech, AI, e-commerce, fintech, gaming, healthcare, ICT, IOT, robotics, etc.) and intend setting up a business in Kilkenny ,or already in the early stages

of development, check out this competition. The initiative will involve a series of business workshops and one-to-one mentoring culminating in a finale comprising of an investor ready pitch for an investment fund worth €10,000 (€6,000 in the Startup Category and €4,000 in the Ideas Category) . At the launch of the competition, Cathaoirleach Fidelis Doherty said: “The Local Enterprise Office is the first stop for any entrepreneur who is looking to start or grow their business. This competition aims to

encourage and support people starting out on their entrepreneurial journey.” Also speaking at the launch, John Duggan, Founder and Director of Kilkenny based Fintech company Loanitt, now the largest financial intermediary in Ireland and which started its journey with the council’s Local Enterprise office just three years ago, said: “We learnt a lot through Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Competition in terms of refining the business proposition and developing an investor ready pitch which helped to

prepare for future funding applications. “ I would encourage anyone with a tech related business idea or start-up to get involved,” said Mr Duggan. Apllicants can submit their entries via an online application form on www. localenterprise.ie/kilkenny. Closing date for entries is Wednesday, March 23. Participants will then be supported to refine and finalise their business proposal and the winners will be announced at the end of May 2022 following a competitive pitch process.

Our 281 among latest WIT graduates MORE than 2,500 graduates of 2021 will be conferred with academic awards up to doctorate level over three days of online ceremonies. Graduates of 2021 possess all the capabilities to become the next generation leaders in their chosen profession, the President of Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) said as the first of more than 20 conferring ceremonies begins. The conferring of academic awards ceremonies for the WIT’s classes took place on

l,ine in the first week of this month. The ceremonies are livestreamed at www.wit.ie/ conferring. Of the 2,534 graduates of 2021 being conferred this week 785 are from Waterford City and County (31%). However, WIT graduates hail from all over Ireland with 335 from Wexford (13%), 281 from Kilkenny (11%), 259 from Tipperary (10%), 72 from Carlow (3%), 194 from Cork (8%). In total, 68% of the class of 2021

were from the south east counties of Kilkenny, Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, and Tipperary. Proffesor Willie Donnelly, President of WIT in his conferring address highlighted the impact of smart technology on career paths. “The emergence of the digital society mainly driven by the internet and smart technologies is transforming all aspects of our life to the benefit of society as a whole. No matter what your primary

degree and chosen profession it is clear that technology is having a profound impact on your profession. The rate of change in technologies and the emergence of new and exciting career opportunities opens a world of endless career opportunities and job satisfaction,” he said. “I am confident that you will embrace these opportunities and that you possess all the capabilities to become the next generation leaders in your chosen profession.”

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Your Money

The Ukraine crisis and your investments BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

I’M sure every financial advisors email has been flooded with the views of the various institutions on the Ukrainian crisis. And, as people scramble to make sense of the upheaval, much current guidance will become nearly immediately outdated being replaced by new advice as the saga unfolds. Areas of concern included inflation; before, the hope was that as Covid related supply chain issued normalised inflation would reduce. But, now, with the spike in energy costs, even though we don’t import gas from Russia, there will be a significant hit on top of already raised prices. The price of oil was more than $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014 but as it seems the Russian energy industry — the second largest producer of oil and gas globally, providing 40% of Europe’s gas supply — is unlikely to be sanctioned the price has come back down. There has been an immediate impact on financial markets, with risk assets being sold off and a move

toward government bond markets. European equity markets at time of writing were down close to -5% and US equity market down about -2%. But US equity markets rallied aggressively in late US trading after President Biden announced less severe sanctions than were anticipated. This trend will continue with

increased volatility for the foreseeable future. Government bonds are in favour again especially inflation-linked bonds. One insurance company confirmed de-risking their portfolios and taking on larger position in bonds. According to some commentators Central Banks will

be unable to materially raise interest rates to combat inflation for fear of causing significant harm to economies and to jobs. Gold pushed past €1,700 an ounce but is back at €1,670 and will eventually find a new trading range. It is likely to put initial public offerings (IPO) and

large merger and acquisitions already struggling against market turmoil on the back burner. While on the other end of the risk scale Bitcoin plunged to as low as $34,778, the lowest level since 24 January. Kevin Quinn, Chief Investment Strategist with New Ireland, said: “The escalation of the crisis in Ukraine into conflict will hamper markets in the near term and we are experiencing its effect across the asset classes. However, once it is contained and doesn’t result in Western military engagement its market impact should prove short lived. It may add to the inflationary pressures that the ECB is facing as energy prices could be impacted for longer than had been hoped.” In the light of this what should we do with our current investments.? Many people find financial decisions and financial planning quite tricky at the best of times but in a crisis situation it can be worse and often are put off or “flee to cash”. Although there is likely to be a cost, a conversation with a financial adviser would give you good ideas about where to start. The first thing to do is remember that staying invested in a diversified, goals-aligned portfolio has paid off through

countless crises, wars, pandemics, and recessions, and will likely continue to do so. This is not the first time Russia has been the cause of market upheaval. Going back to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, six instances of Russian aggression can be identified and in all, but the 2008 invasion of Georgia, occurring during the fthen inancial crisis, stock markets showed strong gains over six and 12 months later. In a previous column wIadvised you have a formal, written investment policy or allocation guideline for your entire portfolio. We advised at outset commit to a disciplined investment plan. We advised establishing objectives (for example: retirement planning, education, a holiday) and your time frame. Finally establish your willingness to take risk, sometimes called ‘risk attitude’ or ‘risk preference’, your financial ability to take risk, or ‘risk capacity’ and your need to take risk. By having this policy in place your decisions are less likely to be swayed by emotion and will cut down on impulsive decisions especially during stressful times. So, stick to it! John@ellisfinancial.ie 086 8362633

Coping with grief ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST

THE SADNESS of a loved one’s passing is an unwelcome visitor for all of us at one time or another. The cycle of life dictates that those we cherish will eventually leave us, or us them. Just as there are countless ways this can happen, there is a myriad of ways of coping and moving forward, no matter how difficult that may be. Of great importance is the recognition that everyone grieves in their own way. Equally fundamental is understanding that no expression or manner of grief, as long as it remains respectful, is wrong. For some, tears come immediately, others find solace in remaining stoic. Whilst many people find comfort in staying with the body, for others this can be so overwhelming it threatens the wiping of happy memories. Although it can be difficult, try to understand that

just because somebody might act very differently to you, this doesn’t mean their pain is any greater or lesser, it’s just different. Particularly if you were extremely close to the recently deceased, you may find relatives and friends are reluctant to leave you alone. Even these acts of kindness can feel like too much because you need moments of solitude to process your thoughts and emotions. Don’t be afraid of saying that you need some space to be by yourself. Throughout our lives we are told to use our heads over our hearts. To be rational, not impulsive. Calm, rather than emotional. Grief is a time when the opposite is true. Emotions are high and raw. Burying thoughts and feelings risks intensifying them only for them to explode later. Don’t be afraid to express how you feel and use opportunities to talk to others who can help you. There is an old saying “what soap is for the body, tears are for the soul”. If you feel like crying, do so. It is not a sign of weakness. It is a

normal human reaction to sadness. Revisit memories at your own pace. For some, burying themselves immediately in thoughts of the past contributes enormously to their coping with and recovery from grief. For others, remembering happy times can only intensify the pain. The same is true when sharing stories with others. Trust what feels right for you. Be prepared that grief has a habit of returning at different times, sometimes unexpectedly. This doesn’t mean that you should live the rest of your life looking over your shoulder. Simply put, it signifies that you may feel you have dealt with your mourning only for something to send you back to square one. This too is perfectly normal and not something to feel afraid of. In fact, it can be a great reminder of how much love you shared with the person you miss. Grieving is a long, hard journey. At times, it will seem endless. However, you can and will rediscover purpose in life.

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Science & Wellbeing ONE of the top three emerging technologies in aiding conservation and helping protect species around the world is Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is a school of thought, from sci-fi films to the views of the lateStephen Hawking, that suggests AI could spell doom for humans. But conservationists are increasingly turning to AI as an innovative solution to tackle the biodiversity crisis and battle climate change. A recent report by Wildlabs. net found that AI was one of the top three emerging technologies in conservation. From camera trap and satellite images to audio recordings, the report said: “AI can learn how to identify which photos out of thousands contain rare species; or pinpoint an animal call out of hours of field recordings – hugely reducing the manual labour required to collect vital conservation data.” AI is helping to protect species as diverse as humpback whales, koalas and snow leopards, supporting the work of scientists, researchers and rangers in vital tasks, from antipoaching patrols to monitoring species. With machine learning (ML) computer systems that use algorithms and models to learn, understand and adapt, AI is often able to do the job of hundreds of people, getting faster, cheaper and more effective results. Five AI projects contributing to our understanding of biodiversity and species are: 1. Stopping poachers Zambia’s Kafue national park is home to more than 6,600 African savanna elephants and covers 22,400 sq km, so stopping poaching is a big challenge. Illegal fishing in Lake Itezhi-Tezhi on the park’s border is also a problem, and poachers masquerade as fishers to enter and exit the park undetected, often under the cover of darkness. Automated alerts mean that just a handful of rangers are needed to provide around-theclock surveillance. THE quality of sperm quality can be after by air pollution, according to research into samples of 30,000 men in China. The research, published in the journal JAMA Networks, also suggests that the smaller the size of the polluting particles in the air, the greater the link with poor semen quality. “Our findings suggest that smaller particulate matter size fractions may be more potent than larger fractions in inducing poor sperm motility,” wrote the authors of the paper. The researchers believe that these findings highlight yet another reason for the need to reduce exposure to air pollution among men in their reproductive age. Researchers have long been trying to establish whether there’s a link between air pollution and sperm quality, but it’s been unclear whether the former has adverse health effects on male fertility because the results from studies are often inconsistent among

How AI is helping protect the wild ones The Connected Conservation Initiative, from Game Rangers International (GRI), Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife and other partners, is using AI to enhance conventional anti-poaching efforts, creating a 19km-long virtual fence across Lake ItezhiTezhi. Forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermal cameras record every boat crossing in and out of the park, day and night. Installed in 2019, the cameras were monitored manually by rangers, who could then respond to signs of illegal activity. FLIR AI has now been trained to automatically detect boats entering the park, increasing effectiveness and reducing the need for constant manual surveillance. Waves and flying birds can also trigger alerts, so the AI is being taught to eliminate these false readings. 2. Tracking water loss Brazil has lost more than 15% of its surface water in the past 30 years, a crisis that has only come to light with the help of

AI. The country’s rivers, lakes and wetlands have been facing increasing pressure from a growing population, economic development, deforestation, and the worsening effects of the climate crisis. But no one knew the scale of the problem until last August, when, using ML, the MapBiomas water project released its results after processing more than 150,000 images generated by Nasa’s Landsat 5, 7 and 8 satellites from 1985 to 2020 across the 8.5m sq km of Brazilian territory. Without AI, researchers could not have analysed water changes across the country at the scale and level of detail needed. AI can also distinguish between natural and human-created water bodies. 3. Finding whales Knowing where whales are is the first step in putting measures such as marine protected areas in place to protect them. Locating humpbacks visually across vast oceans is difficult, but their distinctive singing

can travel hundreds of miles underwater. At National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) fisheries in the Pacific islands, acoustic recorders are used to monitor marine mammal populations at remote and hard-to-access islands, says Ann Allen, a research oceanographer. “In 14 years, we’ve accumulated around 190,000 hours of acoustic recordings. It would take an exorbitant amount of time for an individual to manually identify whale vocalisations.” In 2018, NOAA partnered with Google AI for Social Good’s bioacoustics team to create an ML model that could recognise humpback whale song. 4. Protecting koalas Australia’s koala populations are in serious decline due to habitat destruction, domestic dog attacks, road accidents and bushfires. Without knowledge of their numbers and whereabouts, saving them is challenging. Grant Hamilton,

Air pollution may weaken our sperm, says study

themselves and complicated to put into perspective. There does appear to be reason to believe that pollution may negatively affect fertility in general for the whole of the

population, as suggested in this international literature review published in December 2021. Researchers at the School of Medicine of Tongji University in Shanghai

looked at data records from a total of 33,876 men from 340 Chinese cities, aged 34 on average, with a varied degree of exposure to air pollution among them, and whose wives

‘To tackle the biodiversity crisis and battle climate change..

signature is a koala or another animal. Hamilton used the system after Australia’s devastating bushfires in 2019 and 2020 to identify surviving koala populations, particularly on Kangaroo Island.

associate professor of ecology at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), has created a conservation AI hub with federal and Landcare Australia funding to count koalas and other endangered animals. Using drones and infrared imaging, an AI algorithm rapidly analyses infrared footage and determines whether a heat

5. Counting species Saving species on the brink of extinction in the Congo basin, the world’s second-largest rainforest, is a huge task. In 2020, data science company Appsilon teamed up with the University of Stirling in Scotland and Gabon’s national parks agency (ANPN) to develop the Mbaza AI image classification algorithm for large-scale biodiversity monitoring in Gabon’s Lopé and Waka national parks. Conservationists had been using automated cameras to capture species, including African forest elephants, gorillas, chimpanzees and pangolins, which then had to be manually identified. Millions of pictures could take months or years to classify, and in a country that is losing 150 elephants a month to poachers, time matters.

got pregnant through assisted reproduction technology with their sperm between January 2013 and December 2019. They then looked for patterns between semen quality in relation to whether the participants had been exposed to amounts of particulate matter smaller in diameter than 2.5 micrometres, between 2.5 and 10 micrometres, and 10 micrometres, in various key moments of the 90 days before their visit to the hospital for semen ejaculation. Although the researchers couldn’t find a significant link between air pollution and sperm quality in terms of sperm count or concentration — they did find that the more a participant was exposed to smaller particulate matter, the lower both the progressive and the total sperm motility was. Progressive sperm motility is the sperm’s ability to swim forward, while total sperm motility simply refers to the sperm’s ability to swim in general. Specifically, when exposed

to particulate matter smaller in diameter than 2.5 micrometres. there was an estimated decrease in sperm motility of 3.6%, while when exposed to particulate matter of 10 micrometres in diameter, there was 2.44% less sperm motility. Meaning that it’s possible that different size fractions of particulate matter might have differing effects on semen quality, maybe because the smaller the particulate matter, the more likely it is to travel deeper into the human lungs. The data indicates that the effects of pollution are more prominent when exposure takes place during the initial part of the 90 days of sperm creation — the one called spermatogenesis — rather than the other two phases. This, in turn, may mean that particulate matter affects sperm on a genetic level, according to the researchers, but these are just speculations, and there’s more research to be done in this area.

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Travel & Leisure 1. GREEN ELEPHANT HOSTEL & SPA: MAASTRICHT, THE NETHERLANDS THE tiny islands that make up the Florida Keys are a popular destination for couples, families and adventure travelers, and it’s easy to see why. Often referred to as America’s Caribbean, the Keys boast crystal clear waters, endless opportunities for water sports fun and some of the dreamiest oceanfront resorts in the entire U.S. 1. BUNGALOWS KEY LARGO: KEY LARGO Bungalows Key Largo is one of the few all-inclusive beach resorts in the United States, which means the nightly rate includes your meals, drinks and entertainment. The resort is also adults-only, so it is geared toward friend groups and couples seeking romance. Standout travelerfavorite features include the resort’s Key Largo Spa, which offers massages and other treatments in its outdoor cabanas, as well as included activities like yoga and water sports. Guests can also dine and enjoy top-shelf spirits in five different bars and restaurants within the allinclusive plan. 2. CHEECA LODGE & SPA: ISLAMORADA Cheeca Lodge & Spa is one of the best beach resorts in the Florida Keys, according to visitors, due to its waterfront location,

ZADAR is a quirky seaside city on Croatia’s Dalmatian coast, with a fascinating historic centre, enviable restaurant scene and sprawling national parks within easy each. Here are nine reasons to add it to your 2022 travel wish list. 1. HISTORY AND HERITAGE The 3,000-year-old city is like a living museum of the Europe of millennia ago. The Old Town is where many of its most arresting landmarks can be found. From the ruins of the Roman Forum, conceived by the first Emperor Augustus, to the striking dome of the 9th century Church of St Donatus, you can soak up centuries in seconds just by strolling around. Marvel at the monuments — including the Cathedral of St Anastasia, with its Venetian- era bell tower — while enjoying an ice cream from a street- side cafe. 2. SEA VIEWS AND SUNSET STROLLS Zadar’s seafront has been an inspiration for filmmakers, and it’s not hard to see why. As boats drop anchor around sunset, a promenade stroll feels like being let into a wonderful secret, especially when discovering Croatian

Five top Florida Keys resorts Stunning beaches, relaxing spas, fine dining and more yet other features make it a must for your next trip. For example, the property offers casually elegant rooms and suites with ocean or golf course views, some with kitchenettes and sleeping space for up to six. The resort also boasts three highly rated restaurants, two open-air tiki bars, tennis courts and ample opportunities for sportfishing and water sports activities

like scuba diving, snorkeling and windsurfing. 3. LITTLE PALM ISLAND RESORT & SPA: LITTLE TORCH KEY Little Palm Island Resort & Spa gives guests the private island experience with no passport required. This 4.5acre adults-only enclave is only accessible by boat or seaplane, and it limits

its guest count to 60 at any given time – a policy recent visitors said led to an overall peacefulness throughout the property. Resort amenities at Little Palm Island Resort & Spa include a crystal clear lagoon pool, a pristine white sand beach and a marina for those who love yachting or sailing. You can book luxury bungalows with outdoor soaking tubs, beachfront

access and private fire pits, and there are no in-room telephones or televisions to spoil the mood. 4. OCEAN KEY RESORT & SPA: KEY WEST If you’re seeking a luxury stay in bustling Key West, travelers say Ocean Key Resort & Spa should be on your list. This property is considered to be one of the

show that mimics twinkling starlight. 3. A RICH TAPESTRY OF CULTURE With so many nooks to discover, Zadar knows how to impress even a well-travelled crowd. The renaissance-era Land Gate, one of the Old Town’s

many triumphal archways, is part of the city’s old defence system and a Unesco World Heritage Site. People’s Square is another showstopper that tells the story of Zadar in marble and stone. There are other highlights aplenty, including the unmissable Museum of

5. ISLA BELLA BEACH RESORT & SPA: MARATHON If you’re comparing Florida Keys beachfront resorts, the Isla Bella Beach Resort & Spa should be a hotel you consider. This luxury resort sits on 24 oceanfront acres with white sand and unbelievable water views in every direction. There are five different pools to choose from (including one giant pool sprawling across 4,500 square feet), and three distinct restaurants serve everything from fresh seafood to burgers on the beach. Suites with up to two bedrooms are available and many room options have oceanfront terraces or beachfront walkout access, which guests appreciate. A 4,000-square-foot spa, a well-equipped fitness center and a marina with water sports offerings like fishing charters and snorkeling trips are also located on the resort grounds.

To come to Croatia and not explore one of its many hundred islands would be serious folly. Throughout the year, yachts and boat taxis cruise in and out of Zadar, tempting visitors with an array of day-trip options. One particular castaway destination is the limestone cliffs of Telašćica Nature Park, ideal for beachcombing and spotting marine life. If this doesn’t appeal, you could spend an entire trip sailing the neon-blue waters from sun-baked islands Silba and Premuda, to nextbig-thing Dugi Otok.

Why you should go visit Zadar, Croatia

architect Nikola Baši ’s two multi-sensory art installations. Both are embedded into the harbourfront; the Sea Organ giving a voice to the lolling waves below the seafront’s cascading steps, and the disco dancefloorlike Sun Salutation producing a dreamy night

best Florida Keys waterfront resorts due to its stunning ocean views and world famous sunset pier. Rooms and suites offer captivating water views and perks like whirlpool tubs and large outdoor terraces, plus the on-site spa helps guests relax with Balinese spa treatments and Thai body rituals. The best part? You’re just steps from the sights, sounds and debauchery of Old Town Key West and Duval Street.

Ancient Glass, where artisans deliver glass sculpture workshops inside a former 19th- century palace, and the Benedictine Convent of Saint Mary, which hides a remarkable gold and silver exhibition. 4. ISLANDHOPPING AND BEACH EXPLORING

5. THE ROCK STAR NATIONAL PARK Half an hour north of Zadar, Paklenica National Park is more than a rock-climber’s Shangri-La. While the limestone corridors and karst cliffs hide around 95 miles of hiking trails and harder scrambles for those with a head for heights, it’s also the realm of some of the deepest, widest canyon lands in Europe. Join a photo safari here for an off-road odyssey from Starigrad to snow-dusted summits and mini Grand Canyon gorges. At midday, as tradition dictates, lunch is served at mountaintop farms in the company of shepherds and their shaggy goats.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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Johnny McGovern

John McGovern – One of Kilkenny’s finest half-backs The death occurred on Thursday February 24th of Johnny McGovern , one of the all-time greats of Kilkenny hurling. He was part of the golden era of Bennettsbridge hurling when they won 11 county senior titles between 1952 and 1971. Johnny played in all 11 victories. He won 2 All Irelands with Kilkenny, in 1957 and 1963 and was one of the finest half backs of that era. He was also a selector with Kilkenny from 1967 to 1978. A spokesperson for Bennetsbridge GAA said that the club was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of their Club Vice President. “Johnny was one of our greatest ever hurlers and 1963 and was one of the finest half backs of that era. According to the spokesperson “Off the field Johnny was a quiet modest gentleman who avoided the limelight. He was a great neighbour, clubman and friend. We offer our deepest sympathies to Johnny’s wife Eileen, son Niall, sisters Peggy and Kathleen, to his grandchildren, daughter in law and extended family. Johnny was one of the greats. May he rest in peace”. As a tribute to the late Johnny McGovern, The Kilkenny Observer is publishing an article of the 1957 All-Ireland, with thanks to ‘The Stripy Men’ GAA book.

Stripy Men 1957: Out of doldrums, up to stars STRIPY MEN AUTHOR: THE LATE JOE CODY NOW coached by Fr Tommy Maher, Kilkenny began the championship year by drawing with Dublin, 1-11 to 2-8, in a game that could have gone either way at the end. Although supporters held no great expectations for the replay, Dublin were beaten by six points, 4-8 to 2-8. A record crowd of 52, 272 went to Croke Park for the Leinster Final. They saw the outsiders, playing superb hurling, bring off a stunning victory over Wexford, defending All-Ireland Champions, by 6-9 to 1-5. All-Ireland Final opponents would be near neighbours Waterford, who had a 1-11 to 1-6 victory over Cork in the Munster Final. This young Waterford team, playing a fluent brand of hurling, utilizing both wings for sweeping attacks, were said to have the style of Kilkenny and the determination of Munster sides. 1957 All-Ireland SHC Final Dublin: Croke Park September 1, 1957 3.15pm (60m) Kilkenny 4-10, Waterford 3-12 This final exploded into life right at the start when Waterford attacked from the throw in. Thirty seconds gone, John Kiely put them ahead with a point. A minute later, Philly Grimes, with a free, doubled their lead. Kilkenny’s riposte was swift. They had the next five scores. The sequence began when centreforward Mick Kenny pointed a free. The same player slammed home a great goal in the seventh minute from 30 yards out on the left wing. White and Blue’s defence was under severe pressure. Even at this early stage, they had to thank Austin Flynn and Tom Cunningham for keeping them in the contest when, respectively, they saved efforts from Paddy Buggy and John Sutton. This relief was only temporary. When Mick Kenny released Denis Heaslip, the Knocktopher man extended the lead with another point. During this period, Mick Brophy and John Sutton were dominating midfield. When the latter released Kenny, another white flag was raised. Less than two minutes later,

1957 CHAMPIONS Back: Syd Bluett (Trainer), Jim ‘The Link’ Walsh, Dick Rockett, John Sutton, Mick Brophy, Sean Clohosey, Mick Kenny, Ollie Walsh, Bob Aylward (County Board Chairman) Front: Johnny McGovern, Billy O’Dwyer, Paddy Buggy, Denis Heaslip, Mickey Kelly (captain), Mick ‘Browly’ Walsh, Tom Walsh, John Maher

Kenny slotted a free. So the crowd saw, 15 minutes elapsed, Kilkenny rampant and five points ahead, 1-4 to 0-2. Yet the youthful Déise men began to find their feet and to play some lovely hurling. They attacked relentlessly and were only denied major scores by the brilliance of Ollie Walsh, who made two point blank saves in a couple of minutes. One save, while on his knees, brought the supporters to their feet in a mighty ovation. Walsh’s second save finished over the endline and Philly Grimes gave hope when he pointed the 70. Although Waterford were now ascendant, a lineball taken by Paddy Buggy, which appeared to be going wide, was blocked back by Billy O’Dwyer. Sean Clohosey added the finishing touch for a nicely worked point. Still Suirside attacked. But another great save by OllieWalsh meant scant reward for their efforts. Eventually the gap was narrowed, when concerted efforts resulted in a Kiely point. A minute later, Grimes succeeded with another free. Five minutes later,Mick Kenny blasted for goal from a 21 yard free. His attempt was blocked and cleared upfield. The ball was moved quickly and wound up, after a tussle around the Kilkenny square, in the net. Unfortunately for Waterford,

the goal was disallowed since the referee had blown for a free in. Déise despondency soon turned to elation when Grimes hammered the free under the crossbar and into the net. Level. Not for long. It got even better for Suirside when Dónal ‘Duck’ Whelan, on half time, pointed for an interval lead of 1-6 to 1-5. John Keane, the Waterford coach, took advantage of the break to make strategic positional changes. These switches saw Séamus Power move to centrefield to partner Philly Grimes, with Johnny O’Connor now at left halfback and Mickey O’Connor now at right half-back. On resumption, the switches had immediate effect. An attack originating in midfield ended up with Dónal Whelan in possession. He gratefully accepted the chance to score a morale boosting goal. A minute later, the sweetstriking Philly Grimes struck over a centrefield free. The Munster Champions now had a five-point lead at 2-7 to 1-5. It was now Kilkenny’s turn to dig deep. Their chance was not long in arriving and they took full advantage. A 70 from John Sutton appeared to be sailing wide but a spectacular effort by Dick Rockett returned the ball to a well positioned Billy O’Dwyer, who outwitted the defence and scored

a much needed goal. Shortly afterwards, when Mickey Kelly fell to the ground, he managed, to cut over the ball while still on his knees. This superb score really raised Noreside morale. It must also have galvanized Waterford. At any rate, they once more took control. On 48 minutes, Whelan broke through the defence and placed a beautiful shot out of Ollie Walsh’s reach. His second goal of the afternoon put his side four points ahead. Then, from the puckout, the ball was worked to Frankie Walsh. His point pushed the Suirsiders five in front. A successful Mick Kenny free was smartly answered by two similar scores within two minutes by Whelan and Tom Cheasty, keeping up momentum. At this stage John Sutton had to retire with an injury. He was replaced by the veteran Bill Walsh. Kilkenny were in a bind. However, this substitution gave Fr Tommy Maher the chance to make a positional change, in which Seán Clohosey switched with Mickey Kelly. This realignment on the left wing saw an upturn in Black and Amber fortunes and a determined bid to wrest back the game began. The fightback commenced when Johnny McGovern broke up an attack and sent a relieving clearance into the heart of the opposition backline. It was

fielded by Clohosey, who swiftly passed to O’Dwyer. The bustling full-forward grabbed the sliotar and lashed home a goal that left only three points between the sides. Waterford were not about to yield. The deadly accurate Grimes quickly established a four-point lead with another free. The contest, when Kenny and Grimes swapped pointed frees, entered its last ten minutes with Noresiders fearing the worst. They had no idea what was to come. This compelling final, played with pace and skill by two evenly matched sides, was about to explode into a glorious finale. The denouement started from the last line of the Kilkenny defence when imposing custodian Ollie Walsh saved, danced off his line and raced out with the ball. The flamboyant Ollie launched a mighty puck into the Waterford rearguard. The clearance found Mickey Kelly, who slipped a clever pass to Mick Kenny. The Callan native, in a twinkling, crashed to the net. Croke Park rocked with excitement as both teams gave their all in the tussle for ultimate glory. The last chapter of a remarkable story was about to unfold in favour of the Black and Amber. Four minutes left, the Noresiders attacked. The wily Kelly slipped a ball to Clohosey. The renowned stylist from Tullaroan coolly shot an equalizing point. Both sets of supporters were frantic. To captain Mickey Kelly fell the decisive blow. To rapturous approval, Kelly won the title when he struck the winning point from 45 yards. Kilkenny, with their traditional charge, had come again in the final moments to snatch AllIreland victory at the death. And so, despite the excellence of John Barron, Tom Cheasty, sharpshooter Philly Grimes, Larry Guinan, John Kiely, Martin Óg Morrissey, Frankie Walsh and DónalWhelan, Waterford came up agonisingly short. Kilkenny had heroes all over the park. This victory revolved around the triangle formed by the half-back line (Paddy Buggy, Mick ‘Browly’ Walsh, Johnny McGovern) and the midfield pairing of Mick Brophy and John Sutton. Of the forwards, Billy O’Dwyer, Mickey Kelly and ‘Man of the Match’ Mick Kenny (who scored 2-5) led the way. Yet, truthfully, the hearts of many supporters were captured by ebullient and

effervescent goalkeeper Ollie Walsh. Before the match, the movie star John Gregson, who was making a film in Ireland later released as Rooney (1958), had paraded with the Kilkenny team. As both sets of supporters left Croke Park, it was more local stars that filled their imagination. Kilkenny: 1 Ollie Walsh (Thomastown) 2 Tom Walsh (Dunnamaggin) 3 Jim ‘The Link’ Walsh (Dunnamaggin) 4 John Maher (Crokes: Dublin) 5 Paddy Buggy (Slieverue) 6 Mick ‘Browly’ Walsh (Slieverue) 7 Johnny McGovern (Bennettsbridge) 8 Mick Brophy (Danesfort) 9 John Sutton (Mullinavat) 10 Denis Heaslip (Knocktopher) 0-1 11 Mick Kenny (John Lockes) 2-5 (0-4f) 12Mickey Kelly (Bennettsbridge) captain 0-2 13 Dick Rockett (Slieverue) 14 Billy O’Dwyer (Foulkstown) 2-0 15 Sean Clohosey (Young Ireland Dublin) 0-2. Subs: 16 Ned Fenlon (St Vincent’s) 17 Jimmy Murphy (Carrickshock) 18 PJ Garvan (Dicksboro) 19 Bill Walsh (Young Ireland: Dublin) for John Sutton [inj] (48m) 20 Liam Cleere (Bennettsbridge). Extra-programme: 21 Jim Hogan (Móindearg: Dublin). Waterford: 1 Dickie Roche (Mount Sion) 2 Tom Cunningham (Dungarvan) 3 Austin Flynn (Abbeyside) 4 John Barron (De La Salle) 5 Mickey O’Connor (Cappaquin) 6 Martin Óg Morrissey (Mount Sion) 7 Séamus Power (Mount Sion) 8 Johnny O’Connor (Abbeyside) 9 Philly Grimes (Mount Sion) captain 1-6 (1-5f, 1 70) 10 Mick Flannelly (Mount Sion) 11 Tom Cheasty (Ballyduff Lower) 0-1 12 Larry Guinan (Mount Sion) 13 Frankie Walsh (Mount Sion) 0-1 14 John Kiely (Dungarvan) 0-2 15 Dónal ‘Duck’ Whelan (Abbeyside) 2-2. Subs: 16 Mick Lacey (Cappaquin) 17 Billy Dunphy (Dunhill) 18 Dom Enright (Abbeyside) 19 Joe Harney (Ballydurn) 20 Ned Power (Dungarvan). Extra-programme: 21 Liam Doocey (Cappaquin) Unavailable: Batty Foley (Ballydurn) [ill]. Referee: Stephen Gleeson (Limerick). Roll of honour: Cork (19), Tipperary (16), Kilkenny (14), Dublin (6), Limerick (6), Wexford (3), Clare (1), Galway (1), Kerry (1), Laois (1), London (1), Waterford (1).

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Feature The cast of ‘The Kings of The Kilburn High Road’ . From Left: Michael Hayes, Eoghan Fingleton Declan Taylor, Alan Grant, Derek Dooley. The show is being presented by Lake Productions. Photo: Ken McGuire

Return journey As Lake Productions prepare for their run of Jimmy Murphy’s play, The King’s of the Kilburn High Rd, Kilkenny man Pat Griffin kindly agreed to pen a short story to highlight the plight of the Irish emigrant. He bought his ticket and walked to the platform at Paddington Station. There was still some time. He sat on a seat near the newspaper kiosk. From here he would see the train when it approached. Just now he watched the seething mass of humanity which rushed hither and thither. At this hour of the evening that was to be expected. The working day had ended for most people. Passing him by, he saw the highly polished shoes worn by those who sported sharply creased suits. Soft skinned hands with perfectly groomed fingernails picked up the latest copies of the Financial Times from the stand at the newspaper kiosk, while other hands held briefcases of expensive leather. He recognised those he referred to as that office type, all with soft jobs. What would they know about hard work, he wondered. He stared at his hands, chafed and calloused, skin torn and fingernails chipped and broken, purple bruised from fresh encounters with cement blocks and rough sawn planks of wood. There’s lots of stories in those hands, he thought, as he tucked them into the pockets of his overcoat to protect them from the biting wind which whistled and whined along the railway tracks, whipping up the pages

of the newspapers in the kiosk beside him, tossing empty discarded coffee cartons and sandwich wrappers along the ground, keeping pace with the scurry of countless feet which tramped, plodded, hurried and scurried to another night in their lives. He sat there on the bench alone. I never knew I could feel so alone in a city of this size, he thought He looked at the large overhead clock. It ticked away the minutes and displayed the expected arrival time of the next train which would bring him on a journey through countless miles until finally he would arrive home. Paddington, Swansea, Carmarthen, Fishguard, Rosslare. Like a mantra, the names of all the stops along the way ran through his head. Paddington, Swansea, Carmarthen, Fishguard, Rosslare. His hands, still sheltering in his overcoat pockets, were warm now. In one pocket he fingered his train ticket. I’d better not lose it, he thought, it cost me enough. He considered the money he had brought with him. It had been hard enough to get the few pounds together at such short notice; even harder to get some clothes which would make him seem reasonably respectable. He was lucky he had a few friends who had helped him out. At least I’ll look decent when I arrive home, he thought.

Home. What a strange word. He looked at the crowds on the platform still rushing left to right. They all have homes to go to, he thought. Then he remembered the reason he was here. In his other pocket his hand grasped a letter. He did not need to read it again. He knew its contents by heart. Dad is fading fast. A few more days at the most. Get home quickly. * He heard the train approaching. He picked up his rucksack and moved with the rest of the crowd to the carriages. Within seconds most of the seats were full. Farther down the length of the train he noticed that there was one empty carriage. The prospect of having to fill in the hours chatting to strangers until he finally stopped at Fishguard, filled him with a dread that knotted his stomach. He entered the carriage and stuffed his rucksack under the seat. He was glad that he was travelling by night. It would be easier to merge into the shadows. Through the window he saw that the platform was now almost empty as the train slowly started its journey into the night. The outside darkness was punctuated by the lights in the windows of houses which flanked the railway line. I look like death warmed up, he thought, as he saw his reflection in the window. For the next few hours he could rest and again the

names of the stations and stops through which he’d have to pass ran through his head like the verse of an old nursery rhyme. Paddington, Swansea, Carmarthen, Fishguard, Rosslare. * He remembered the last time he had taken this journey. Was it three or four years ago? He tried to work it out by recalling the jobs he had worked on since then. He remembered the countless foundations he had helped to lay, the tons of cement blocks he had handed to bricklayers, the rubble he had cleared, the walls he had painted and the houses he had helped to finish, the sort of houses he knew he never could afford. On that last visit home the crossing from Fishguard had been rough. He was sick the whole way until he docked. Not the sort of sickness that he had all too often these days. That’s my own fault, he thought. Too many late nights drinking. That was the mind-numbing, stomachchurning sickness that kept him out of work for too many days. He had already had his warnings. “There’s plenty more who could fill your spot in the morning. Plenty more. Another sick day off this job and you’re gone, mate.” He had to be careful. It would be easy to lose a job, lose his small income and lose his flat. Even with its ever present smell of bleach to hide the even more pungent

smells of blocked drains and greasy meals which drifted upwards through every crevice and crack in the building, even with the mould which created a changing and growing pattern on his walls, he still couldn’t afford to lose it. And where would he be then? He had seen enough of his friends fall into that trap, hard times, shattered dreams, fading hope, ending up in shelters, sleeping rough. That wasn’t for him. It wasn’t too late. He could get his act together, make a fresh start. Already he felt better when he considered how he looked. With the help of his friends he had managed to put together an assortment of clothes which almost matched. He would get by for this trip. He looked somewhat presentable, a bit haggard looking, but still presentable. On his last visit home things had been different. Work was more plentiful; his wallet a little more full; his father’s stinging tongue sharper than ever. “So, the big man has returned again, has he?” his father had said. “Not afraid to dirty your hands now, are you? Maybe you’re home to help build Ireland for us, now that you’ve learned how to do it across the water. Or would that be beneath you? Maybe you wouldn’t like anyone to see how you’ve turned out. My God, what a mess you’ve made of yourself. My son. What a failure. Big man

indeed. Just look at yourself. Full of fancy notions.” * The train was now arriving at Swansea. “Change trains for Carmarthen”, the soulless voice announced over the loudspeaker system. He left the carriage and made his way towards the train on the other platform. This time he was not so lucky. He could not find an empty carriage, but he tried to look invisible as he tucked himself into a carriage with only one other occupant. At least at this hour who wants to talk, he thought. He folded himself onto the seat and once more settled into a fitful sleep. “Change trains for Fishguard. Connecting train due at 5.40 am” the voice boomed again. The station clock showed 1.40 am. Four bloody hours to wait, he thought. The train emptied itself of most of its occupants who carried an assortment of suitcases, satchels and haversacks into the allnight cafe. He looked at the passengers who had travelled this distance with him, yet, he thought, they do not even know I exist. Voices spoke excitedly of ‘going home for a few days’, ‘looking forward to seeing the family’. ‘Wait until you see Grandad’, one voice spoke to a child who was struggling to stay awake. When the announcement came that the train for Fishguard was entering the station, the platform became alive again as the travellers gathered up their belongings and looked for the nearest carriage. He watched them, saw their excitement as they prepared themselves for the last leg of the train journey before they met the ferry. The carriages filled up quickly. He stood with his rucksack. He felt for the ticket in his pocket. He thought of the trip back home. Home. He thought of how he looked in the borrowed suit that didn’t quite fit; the shoes which were scuffed and scratched; the overcoat with the patched elbows and frayed cuffs. He considered how he would explain his life across the water. The lies he would have to tell. The same lies he told himself. That things were really not so bad. That life was improving. That tomorrow and tomorrow and all the following tomorrows would be better than today. He stood on the platform and listened to the hydraulic hiss as the carriage doors folded to a close. He saw his reflection, like the flickering images in an old silent movie, flashing in the windows of the train as it quickly moved along the tracks until a few moments later it faded out of sight. He took the letter from his pocket, tore it into little pieces and, with the ticket, dropped them onto the tracks. The Kings of The Kilburn High Road runs at Thomastown Community Centre from March 17. Booking on eventbrite

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

News

Part-time workers have their job rights too IFAC, Ireland’s farming, food and agribusiness specialist professional services firm is urging Kilkenny business owners managing parttime workers to understand all their rights and entitlements under employment law. Mary McDonagh, Head of HR and Payroll with ifac, told The Kilkenny Observer: “Many business-

es rely on part-time workers who can help to reduce the workload of other employees and/or increase business capacity but it’s very important to understand all their rights and entitlements. Employment law specifies that part-time employees cannot be treated less favourably than comparable full-time workers, so it’s really important to

calculate their benefits correctly.” A part-time employee is defined as someone who works fewer hours than a comparable full-time employee carrying out the same type of work in the same business. There are no minimum hours which someone must work to be considered full or part-time. Depending on the number

of hours worked, a part-time employee’s annual leave entitlement is one of the following: • Four working weeks in a leave year in which the employee works at least 1,365 hours (unless it is a leave year in which they change employment) • 1/3 of a working week per calendar month provided the employee

worked at least 117 hours • 8% of the hours worked in a leave year (subject to a maximum of 4 working weeks). If A part-time employee has worked at least 40 hours in the five weeks before a public holiday they are entitled to a day’s pay provided the public holiday falls on a day they normally work. If they do not usually work

Kilkenny is shortlisted for prestigious Aontas award THE ‘Working Together, Although We Are Apart’ project, based in Kilkenny and Carlow, has been shortlisted for an Aontas Star Award in the European Social Fund category. The Star Awards (Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition) are an awards initiative organised by the national adult learning organisation, Aontas, to recognise and celebrate the work undertaken by adult learning initiatives throughout Ireland. The project, run by Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board’s Adult Learning Service, created a Covid-19 memories booklet with their learners. It resulted in tutors and staff working together to come up with an innovative and creative way to keep learners engaged and supported during lockdown in March 2020. Close to 50 learners were involved and a number of tutors also submitted pieces for the booklet. Stories were shared, experiences were teased out, and it was a process and a journey, not just a final piece of work, a very positive journey for all involved. Dr Niamh O’Reilly, CEO of Aontas, said: “The Star Awards are an excellent opportunity to celebrate the positive contribution that adult learning initiatives make to individual adult learners, local communities, and the Irish public. The focus this year is on the wider benefits of learning for development of a collective sense of belonging, equality, wellbeing, and growth.” Commenting on the project, Nicola Finnegan, ESF Managing Authority. said: “This project highlights what can be achieved when we work together. This project engaged all learners across the Adult Learning Service ensuring 100% retention within the

service during the initial lockdown. The support given by the staff and the commitment shown by learners is evident in this project.” Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board’s Adult Learning Service is cofunded by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the European Social Fund. The Star Award winners will be announced during the week of the Aontas Adult Learners’ Festival, March 7 to 11, and a celebratory event will also take place to acknowledge the incredible achievements of all of the groups involved. The Star Awards form a key part of the annual Aontas Adult Learners’ Festival. In the past 16 years, the festival has become a firm fixture in the Irish adult learning calendar, showcasing the range of learning opportunities available across the country and encouraging adults to try something new. This year’s festival will feature a programme of events that will include a mix of online and face-to-face events across the country. A key focus of this year’s Festival is highlighting the variety of learning options available to prospective learners and sharing the message that you can #LearnYourWay in your local community. The Star Awards is proudly sponsored by the Open University in Ireland and the Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI), the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI), Concern Worldwide, Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI), the European Social Fund (ESF) and Mental Health Ireland. Sponsors will be offering special prizes to all of this year’s winners.

on the day in question, they are entitled to one-fifth of their weekly pay. A parttime worker who is required to work on a public holiday is entitled to an additional day’s pay. Unless they work less than 20% of the normal hours part-time workers are entitled to the same pension benefits as their full-time peers.

In the cloud: from left, Paul Delahunty, Chief Security Officer, Andrew Tobin, CEO, all-star Kilkenny Hurler and Business Development Manager, Eoin Murphy and Andrew Cushen a Penetration Tester with Carlow private cloud company. Stryve upon winning Best Cyber Security and Compliance Company

Lovely hurling for winning team at Chambers Ireland awards PRIVATE cloud company Stryve has been honoured with an award at the Chambers Ireland In Business Recognition Awards, winning Best Cyber Security and Compliance Company at a recent gala event in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin 4. The annual Chamber Awards, sponsored by Zurich, seek to recognise the outstanding work of its Chamber network around the country. The ceremony was opened by Ian Talbot, CEO of Chambers Ireland and the MC for the afternoon was Vincent Wall,

business journalist and broadcaster. The event was attended by Paul Delahunty, Chief Security Officer at Stryve, a leading security expert, with fellow Tipperary native, Andrew Tobin, CEO, all-star Kilkenny Hurler and Business Development Manager, Eoin Murphy and Andrew Cushen a Penetration Tester from the winning private cloud company. Kilkenny All-star hurler, Eoin Murphy, joined Stryve in 2021. Eoin combines his busy hurling schedule with a career as Business Devel-

opment Manager at Stryve. Speaking about the award, Stryve CEO Andrew Tobin said: “Stryve is delighted to receive this acknowledgement from Chambers Ireland and to be aligned with such a respected international organisation at the fore of business thought leadership across the globe. “This seal of approval from Chambers Ireland has given our team a real boost. The Stryve team are incredible. They work tirelessly to provide hands-on and personal service to our clients. They know they are

valued and are the heart of the organisation but getting external validation for their work has put a pep in everyone’s step!” With more people working from home or hybrid, the change in working patterns has increased the need for greater data security awareness. Stryve has data centres in Ireland, the UK and Poland and is well-positioned to realise its ambition of becoming Europe’s largest private cloud provider. *See www.stryvesecure. com

Tributes paid to the late Paul Smithwick THE Minister for Office of Public Works, Patrick O’Donovan, has paid tribute to Paul Smithwick KM, OBE, of the brewing giant, who died recently. “It is with great sadness that we learned of the death of Paul Smithwick. Paul, ninth generation of the Smithwick brewing family, was a passionate advocate when it came to his native city and county of Kilkenny,” the minister said. “Paul once said that nothing gave him greater plea-

sure than to welcome people from all walks of life to his native city and Kilkenny Castle. He worked tirelessly to advance the good fortune of Kilkenny and played an instrumental role in bringing about the royal visit to the town in 2017. A hereditary Freeman of Kilkenny, Paul was awarded an OBE in 2016 for his services to British-Irish relations. “He was a true friend to Ireland’s heritage and frequently supported events at various

historic properties, particularly at Kilkenny Castle where he attended the 50th anniversary celebrations in 2019 that marked the official handover of the Castle to the OPW. He is fondly remembered there as well as in Farmleigh, where he visited regularly. Paul’s final heritage battle right up to last week saw him join with his friend Lord Iveagh to save the Iveagh Markets,” the minister said. “Paul Smithwick will be missed, a charismatic, courte-

ous and mannerly man with a wonderful ability to connect with people, a great affinity for Irish heritage and a love of music. “As Minister with responsibility for the Office of Public Works, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Paul’s family.” Mayor McGuinness said: “He was a great supporter of all things Kilkenny who kept the betterment of the city to the forefront of all of his business decisions.”

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Feature WEEK FOUR Kilkenny is home to the most famous cats in the world. For over two hundred years, people everywhere have heard of the fierce Kilkenny Cats. They are part of our history; part of our DNA. They reflect Kilkenny in all its glorious past, its developing present and exciting future. In week four, local author Donal Cadogan and illustrator Gemma Aloisi share their unique view of Kilkenny’s history and culture, as seen and told by its magnificent and ever-present Kilkenny Cats. This week we meet Ragu, Ruthie and Wally These are taken from their recent illustrated children’s book We are Kilkenny Cats!

A walled town, Rothe House and Cardinal Rinucinni Wally – A Lazy Cat As Kilkenny grew bigger, it became an important place for merchants and farmers to come to buy and sell their goods. Markets were held at set times during the year, so people would know when to come. People who wanted to sell goods in the town were charged a small fee. But not everyone was happy to pay this and some tried to sneak in. So the people decided to build a large wall around the town. Those coming to market would have to enter through gates where their goods would be checked and they would be charged. The money collected went to build more wall. The wall also protected the people inside from attacks by bandits and small armies that passed by from time to time. I would like to say that my ancestor Wally helped to build the walls, but he didn’t. Instead, he took every opportunity to lie out on the top of the wall whenever there was a fine day, as the sun heated the stones. Sadly, other cats did help in building the wall but not in a nice way. The taxes on the goods sold at the market were on many different things that people wanted; wool, timber, cloth, fish, horses, cattle, in fact anything you could think of. In 1420, the king allowed the people of Kilkenny charge one half penny for every 100 cat skins sold. As a result of this, the cats of Kilkenny can say they had a very definite part in paying for the walls of

Kilkenny. Today, only part of the walls are still standing and I can tell from experience that on a hot day they are as nice to lie on for a rest as in the days of my lazy ancestor Wally. Ruthie – A Merchant’s Cat In 1594, William Shakespeare was beginning to make a name for himself in London for writing plays. In Kilkenny, John Rothe had already made his name as a rich businessman and began to build a new house for himself and his new wife Rose Archer. Rose was also from a wealthy

family in Kilkenny. She came to John with a big dowry and a cat called Ruthie. The Rothes already had a growing family when they started to build and they eventually had 12 children. The big stone house they built still has their name on it. They built large rooms upstairs and had a shop on the ground floor where John displayed the goods he had for sale. Ten years later, as his wealth and family grew, John and Rose decided to build a second house behind the first one. To get to it from the street you went through the

courtyard of the first house. For good measure, they dug a well. By now, Ruthie’s kittens had grown up and had taken over the cat end of the family business. In 1609, the King of England decided that Kilkenny was so important he would make it a city, therefore he issued a charter to make it so. This allowed Kilkenny to have a mayor and aldermen. John was one of the first aldermen and a few years later he was elected mayor. In 1610 their eldest son got married, so they gave him the middle house to live in and he had use of the

family cats. And still the business grew. John and Rose decided to add a third building behind the second one. Here they put the brew house, the kitchens and the servants. Sadly, John died a few years later and Rose followed him. The Rothes lasted in Kilkenny until 1650, when they were exiled from the city. Their cats went with them. Ragù – A Stylish Cat Sometimes the Kilkenny cat family welcomed new members. In 1645 a cat called Ragù joined. She came from Italy.

The English parliament was at war with its king and the Pope wanted the king to win. The Irish lords, who were on the king’s side, met in Kilkenny to build a new army. The pope sent them a cardinal with guns and a large amount of money. He sent a cat called Ragù to protect it all. When Ragù and the cardinal, Rinuccini, arrived in Kilkenny, the people were delighted to see them. Everyone marched out of town to meet them. In the city, large crowds cheered them through the streets. The lords were delighted to see the guns and the money and were almost as glad to see the cardinal. The cats carefully welcomed Ragù. She brought Italian charm and style which was very new to Kilkenny. While the Cardinal was in Kilkenny, he was busy talking with important people and he visited the sights. He liked one big window in the Cathedral so much, he tried to buy it. Meanwhile, the pope’s money and guns helped the Irish win some battles. For a while all was well, but then the cardinal started to disagree with some of the Irish lords. While they wanted to agree a peace with the English, the cardinal did not. So, he banned them from the church. This made him very unpopular. He saw that he was going to lose so he decided to return to sunny Italy. Ragù decided to stay with her many new Kilkenny friends and add a little extra style to the Kilkenny cat family tree.

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News

Renowned musicians to perform in aid of Ukraine emergency appeals A HOST of leading and local musicians, actors, and spoken word artists will descend on Kilkenny next month for April Sounds. The 3-day series of concerts will take place in two of Kilkenny’s most historic and beautiful venues - St. Canice’s Cathedral and the Medieval Mile Museum. Concert goers will enjoy performances from Lisa O’ Neill, Rónán Ó Snodaigh, Louise Mulcahy, actor Stephen Rea, spoken word artist FeliSpeaks and many more from 08th to 10th April with full proceeds from tickets going to the Red Cross Ukraine and UNICEF Ukraine who are running emergency appeals. April Sounds opens on Friday 08th April at St. Canice’s Cathedral with a full

capacity venue and live sets from Lisa O’ Neill, duo Rónán Ó Snodaigh & Myles O’Reilly, Arrivalists and Bríd Lyons. Over the years Lisa O’Neill has quietly built a reputation for herself on the Irish and international scenes and now has a growing following with her unique folk sound, strong song-writing and distinctive voice. Rónán Ó Snodaigh and Myles O’Reilly will showcase their album ‘Tá Go Maith’, it has that inner poise, depth and controlled meditation, as well as soundtracking a gentle spirituality. Former Hedge Schools voice and wordsmith Patrick M Barrett will also take to the stage on the night to showcase work from his new solo project Arrivalists. Kilkenny’s singer-songwriter Bríd Lyons will open the

concert series. Saíocht - A celebration of Ireland’s leading poets and Irish traditional musicians will take place on Saturday, 09th April at St. Canice’s Cathedral at 8pm. Saíocht is hosted by renowned actor Stephen Rea, and features Ireland’s leading poet Gabriel Rosenstock, spoken word artist FeliSpeaks and will include poems by two Kilkenny poets Robert McLoughlin and Emily Murtagh. Joined by acclaimed Irish traditional musicians, Louise & Michelle Mulcahy and Neil Martin. This incredible super-group will explore the fascinating artistic relationship between the Irish literary tradition and Irish traditional music. Caoimhe and Séamus Uí Flatharta’s recent performance of the lament Anach Cuan on the Late Late Show in honor of Aishling Murphy captured the mood of the nation. The siblings hail from the Gaeltacht region of Connemara in County Galway and make their Kilkenny

debut on Sunday, 10th April at the stunning Medieval Mile Museum at 12pm. The talented pair are multi- All Ireland winning performers who keep their language and heritage at the heart of all their musical endeavors. Critically acclaimed songwriter Niamh Regan and local musician Gary O’Neill take to the stage at the Medieval Mile Museum on Sunday at 3pm. A natural storyteller, Regan’s songs are windows into her world and snapshots of the intimacy of everyday life. Gary is a Kilkenny born singersongwriter and producer, whose live performances have been described as ‘Intimate, Honest and Full Of Character’. Celebrating the launch of his new record, Kilkenny based singer-songwriter songwriter, John Hegarty will close April Sounds on Sunday, 10th April with an album launch at 8.30pm. The record titled ‘Twilight’ will be released on Rollercoaster Records label. Tickets go on sale this Friday, 04th March. Tickets and more information available from Rollercoaster Records, Kieran Street, Kilkenny. www. rollercoasterrecordskk. com April Sounds is delivered locally by Kilkenny County Council Arts Office and funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltcht, Sport & Media.

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Feature

Katherine Peacock, Kathleen Meagher, Pat Coonan, Mayor Andrew McGuinness, Mick Dooley, Fr Dan Carroll, Margaret Lanigan, Larry Murphy, Frank Cody

Larry Murphy and Mick Dooley

Working together for the common good As Covid restrictions begin to ease Mayor Andrew McGuinness honoured Katherine Peacock and the Eastern Environs Defibrillator group with Mayoral recognition for their work in providing life saving equipment in Kilkenny city. Presenting the awards Mayor McGuinness noted that the project was a cross community endeavour between Eastern Environs, Katherine Peacock, the Local Authority, Gardai, Army, O’ Loughlin Gaels, St John’s Church, Business Owners and supportive local communities. Concluding, the Mayor declared that “the defibrillator project is a shining example of people working together for the common good, that strengthens bonds and helps to distinguish Kilkenny society”. Accepting the civic honour, O’Loughlin Gaels stalwart Mick Dooley thanked the Mayor and

Katherine Peacock receives her Civic Award from Mayor McGuinness

Mayor Andrew McGuinness presents the Civic Award to Mick Dooley Of the Eastern Environs Defibrillator group

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said it was a privilege to receive the award on behalf of the EE Defib Group and the people of St. John’s parish. He acknowledged the invaluable support of Katherine Peacock whose help and guidance were integral to the success of the project. While praising the commitment of his colleagues he had a special word of thanks for all who supported the initiative financially. He also thanked the interagency emergency support groups Civil Defence, Order of Malta and the Irish Red Cross for their continued involvement. In an impromptu address Katherine Peacock said she was surprised and humbled by the award but that she was honoured to be part of such a wonderful community initiative. Katherine praised those who host the defibrillators: St John’s Church, Freshco Dublin Road, John McGuinness Constituency Office, Orchard House Bar & Restaurant and James Stephens Army Barracks. She highlighted the need for vigilance in the care & maintenance of the defibrillators and emphasised the importance of training. She was delighted to announce that over ninety local people have signed up for the forthcoming interagency ‘Certified Community First Responders’ training course. kilkennycivildefence@gmail.com Concluding the ceremony Mayor McGuinness invited his guests to join him for jovial interactions and light refreshments in the Mayor’s Parlour.

Top: Mayor McGuinness, Anne Nolan, Fr Dan Carroll and Frank Cody attending City Hall Above left: Eastern Environs Finance Team Left: Enjoying the awards night at City Hall. Front: Katherine Peacock, Margaret Lanigan,. BACK: Fr. Dan Carroll, Larry Murphy, Frank Cody, Fergal Donoghue, Gerry Brophy Above: Inter-Agency support

Senior living

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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Senior living

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

Senior living

A Home from Home Problems of the aging foot

ROSEDALE Residential Home is located in the upper village of Kilmacow in County Kilkenny, just Kilometres from Waterford City. It is set on 3 acres of gardens within walking distance of all amenities, including Church, Post Office, Sports Grounds, Supermarket, Bar, and Community Centre. Rosedale is a voluntary nonprofit organisation with Board of Management comprising members from local community and was founded in 1986 to provide care for the elderly of the area who could no longer live safely at home. Rosedale Residential Home is registered as a support Home

for Elderly and is regulated by HIQA. The Complex is managed by a competent and professional team of carers providing a high level of personal support and companionship in a family-oriented atmosphere and comprises: 1. Rosedale Home offers assisted living for up to fifteen low dependency residents needing help with the activities of daily living, but still wishing to live as independently as possible. 2. Sheltered Housing facilities comprise of sixteen independent living homes especially designed to

suit the needs of elderly tenants. All homes are semi-detached and single storey, opening onto well-manicured gardens. Rosedale provides a warm, safe and caring environment ensures that each resident. The quality of personal care assures families that they are doing their very best for their elderly parents or relatives. Residents are helped with the activities of daily living. Rosedale certainly delivers on its mission of providing a ‘home from home’ residence for low dependency older persons in a friendly caring and sharing environment.

YOUR feet have carried you everywhere from your first day at school through to this morning’s stroll. Most things about our body changed in that time, so its little wonder that your feet also undergo some alterations. Here are some common foot complaints that often arise with age, and how to deal with them. 1. Pain under feet! When we are younger nature provides us with collagen and elastin cushions on the bottom of our feet which is stuffed with adipose tissue. This decreases through the years, thinning these fatty pads and causing pain as we are essentially walking on bones. A simple solution is to wear cushioned comfortable shoes, reinforced with gel pads or insoles if needed. 2. With age Arthritis may also appear!. Arthritis in the foot commonly strikes the big toe or midfoot joints. Shoe inserts and exercises to increase motion may help this, but always mention any pain to your GP. 3. Our Toes may start to curl up!! And we may get permanent bends in our smaller digits. Corns and Calluses can also crop

up as crooked toes rub against your shoes. To prevent and ease hammer

toes cover corns and callus with padding and trade in tight shoes for wider fitting shoes with wider toe box. Circulation! Diabetes, vein disease and other conditions more common with age can slow the blood to feet. If you have one of these conditions enlist a foot health professional to inspect feet regularly so they can refer on if any issues arise. Tendons…Water content in our tendons tighten, stiffening the cords in your ankles amongst other places. Staying active counteracts these effects! Ligaments on the flip side can stretch out over time leaving your arch aching and your feet flatter. Balance may be affected and prone to ankle sprains. Wearing a brace to keep you stable or strengthening exercises may help. Skin Issues! Diminishing supplies of collagen leaves your feet parched and prone to dryness and cracking. Fight this by staying hydrated and using a good quality foot cream daily.

(Home Visits Available and covered with VHI and Laya healthcare)

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Senior living

Older Peoples Council would like to hear the voice of older people THE Older Peoples council’s role is to be the voice of older people and to represent that voice in its engagement on the Age Friendly Alliance a group of all the agencies statutory and non- statutory that are involved in the design and delivery of services for older people. It has been a very difficult time for people over the last two years with the impact of the Covid Pandemic on all our lives. This is especially true for older people who were so severely impacted by restrictions. The Executive of the Older Peoples Council during this time participated on the Community

Response Forum set up by Kilkenny County Council to ensure that the needs of all people were addressed as best as possible. Now that we are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel we will be reactivating plans that we had in early 2020 to visit a number of locations throughout Kilkenny County to talk with and listen to older people It is important therefore that we hear the voice of all older people throughout the county and to ensure that we are doing that we are holding a number of Age Friendly Community Gatherings where we invite older people to come along and let us

know what they see as the issues that are relevant and important for them. These Community Gatherings will be run over the months May, June, July 2022 at the following locations, Urlingford, Ferrybank, Castlecomer, Mullinavat and Graiguenamanagh. Details of the dates and venues will be advertised closer to the date for each location. The session will commence with registration, tea/coffee at 9.15 am and concluding with lunch at 12.30 p.m. We are inviting older people from each location and the surrounding areas to come along and talk to us.

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

Senior living

Keeping on top of your pensions KEEPING on top of pensions from past employment can feel like a monumental task BY JOHN ELLIS FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Several pension pots, each managed separately through a different employer, trustee, or pension provider, can make it very difficult to arrive

at a single figure of how much you have put aside and its estimated value at retirement. Without these figures it is impossible to know what pension you can expect in retirement. Research shows the average person can have up to ten different jobs over the course of their working lives, so the likelihood is they will have built up several different pen-

sions of varying amounts. If you are to understand your overall financial position is vital to have an overview of these pension. Getting to that place isn’t always straightforward. People move house and forget to tell their pension provider. Former employers go out of business or companies’ merge. Even Pension providers

themselves change hands or transfer blocks of clients to other providers. So, make sure you are getting annual statements for all your pensions and keep them together in a safe place! Many people put them aside with the intention of reviewing them when they have more time, but invariably time passes, and they lose track. For some, it may be suffi-

cient to keep on top of the annual statements by adding up the value of various plans, but others with a more complex history will need to consider organising their pensions by combining older plans together with one Provider. A Financial Broker will source your old pensions and bring them together into a single pot, which can then be used for future savings.

For investors with a combination of personal pensions and defined contribution schemes, consolidation has advantages, including saving money in fees and ensure you get the retirement options you need. Another option is to transfer older pots into your present employer’s pension. Like consolidation, this keeps everything in one place. However, be aware, some employer-based schemes will not accept transfers in. And be very careful as many old personal pension plans, defined benefits schemes and traditional with profit plans can have very valuable guaranteed annuity rates or may have hidden early encashment or transfer fees. Before deciding you need to consider whether the fees or early encashment penalty you will pay to transfer to a new contract are reasonable in comparison to any pension schemes you are proposing to leave. Therefore, all investors should take independent advice from a Financial Broker and whatever you opt to do it is imperative to get a complete picture of retirement finances, realising that decisions based on incomplete information is a high-risk strategy. And the closer you get to retirement, the more important it is to have a clear picture of how much money you will have to work with to provide for the rest of your life.

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Picture special Lily Bernard and Aidan Guilfoyle John Coogan making sure the pitch in Nowlan park is ok

Caoimhe Fulton

Well known journalist Kevin Myers enjoying a day in Kilkenny

The Hynes family

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Picture special

About Out &

WITH

Danny Lahart

Sisters Geraldine and Edel Kearney

Kilkenny hurling fan Jamie Murphy having a chat with Brian Cody after Kilkenny’s game against Laois

A Friary St legend Dino Morrissey

Roseann Walsh and Tony Forristal

The Bolger Family

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Food & Drink

Dine Me Come

With

Roasted cod with zingy beetroot salad Prep: 10 mins Cook: 18 mins Serves: 4

Make the most of the colour and flavour of beetroot with our easy roasted cod served on a beetroot, new potato and carrot salad with a lovely zingy dressing.

The hidden gold of Bordeaux

Ingredients • 200g baby new potatoes, quartered • ½ tbsp olive oil • 4 skinless cod fillets (or any white fish) • thumb-sized piece of ginger, finely sliced • 1 lime, sliced For the beetroot salad • 1 red onion, finely chopped • 4 carrots, peeled and grated • 2 large raw beetroot, peeled and grated • 1 lime, zested and juiced • ½ tbsp honey • ½ small bunch of coriander, leaves picked Method STEP 1 Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put a pan of water on a high heat. When it boils add the potatoes, then turn the heat down and simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender. STEP 2 Meanwhile combine all of the salad ingredients, reserving a little coriander. Season lightly. Once the potatoes are cooked, drain and run under cold water to cool. Drain again and toss through the salad.

STEP 3 Rub the oil over the cod fillets, then put on a non-stick baking tray and lay a few ginger and lime slices on top of each fillet. Put in the oven and cook for 6-9 mins, depending on thickness.

STEP 4 Divide the salad between four plates, then top with the cod and remaining coriander.

Roast chicken thighs, brown with rice and salsa verde Prep: 10 mins Cook: 35 mins Serves: 2 How about a healthy, low-calorie roast chicken dinner? Enjoy this tasty meal with benefits like vitamin C from the salsa verde which helps iron absorbtion. Ingredients • 3 skinless boneless chicken thighs , cut in half • 2 tbsp rapeseed oil • 2 garlic cloves , bashed • ½ small pack coriander • ½ small pack parsley • 1 anchovy fillet • ½ tbsp capers • ½ lemon , zested and juiced • 200g pouch cooked wholegrain rice • 200g baby leaf spinach

Method STEP 1 Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Season the chicken, rub with ½ tbsp oil, then put in a large roasting tin with the garlic and roast for 25-30 mins. STEP 2 Meanwhile, blitz the herbs, anchovy, capers, lemon juice and remaining oil with some seasoning in a food processor until finely chopped. Set aside. STEP 3 Once the chicken is cooked, remove the tin from the oven and squeeze the garlic out of their skins. Tip in the rice and use a wooden spoon to break it up, then add the spinach and lemon zest and toss. Return to the oven for 5 mins. Divide between bowls and dollop on the salsa verde.

THE region skirting France’s southwest coast produces some of the world’s finest and priciest wines – an achievement which has led to the assumption that Bordeaux wines are only worth drinking if they cost top dollar. Bordeaux’s reputation precedes it. One doesn’t have to necessarily be a wine geek to know that. The wine region sprawls from the city of Bordeaux to flank the Gironde estuary, which spills into the Atlantic Ocean while splitting into the Garonne and Dordogne rivers on the opposite end, with vines comprising the landscapes surrounding both waterways. In addition to merlot and cabernet blends, Bordeaux is also known for sweet wines made primarily from sémillon, sauvignon blanc and muscadelle grapes infected with Botrytis cinerea, a fungus known more familiarly as noble rot. A trifecta of morning mist rising from the Garonne, adequate rainfall and warm afternoons fosters just the right amount of humidity for the fungus to flourish.

Noble rot

Instead of damaging the grapes, noble rot dries the fruit, causing the pulp to concentrate. The painstaking harvest process involves hand-picking the grapes over the course of several weeks, which are then pressed into complex golden wines displaying bright, enveloping flavors like citrus, stone fruit, raisins, honey and candied fruit, as well as spices like saffron and toasted nuts in the long-aged versions. A bottle of Sauternes, Bordeaux’s best-known sweet wine appellation, can exceed €500. Consequently, its prestige eclipses the region’s other sweet wines, most notably those from eight nearby appellations situated around 20 miles south of Bordeaux city, along both sides of the Garonne. As members of the Sweet Bordeaux association, 350-plus producers cultivate 1,800 hectares of vines to produce nine million bottles annually, of which 38% are exported. These wines offer comparable quality at markedly more accessible prices, and when it comes to pairing these wines with food, winemakers agree that the sweet wines are not just for dessert. Unsurprisingly, sweet plus sweet can, at times, yield an all- too-cloying coupling. “Traditionally, these wines are associated with being served alongside foie gras (which we’ve done for centuries), dessert and for special holiday meals, but there are other ways to enjoy them,” says Hugues Hardy, who has overseen Château Faugas, his family’s winery, since 2020. “I really believe our sweet white wines are far more complex [than others], and they can even be more complex than a marvellous red.” PART 2 next week

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Advertisement TV & Streaming

The historical drama series everyone is buzzing about

to watch right now on Netflix

Mudbound from 2017 gives you a historical look at class struggle through the lens of a Black veteran and a white veteran who both still have one foot stuck in World War II. Dealing with PTSD and racism in the Mississippi Delta, with a cast that includes Garrett Hedlund and Jason Mitchell, Mudbound’s tempest will rivet you to the spot.

Netflix having debuted its spinoff/sequel of the History Channel’s wildly popular Vikings, fans of the franchise can judge for themselves whether this new series (titled Vikings: Valhalla, set more than 100 years after the original) meets the high bar of the original Vikings. The series certainly looks ambitious enough. Vikings: Valhalla is set in the early 11th century. And it “chronicles the heroic adventures of some of the most famous Vikings” who ever lived. Including legendary explorer Leif Eriksson (Sam Corlett), his fiery sister Freydis Eriksdotter (Frida Gustavsson), and the ambitious Nordic prince Harald

Sigurdsson (Leo Suter). As tensions between the Vikings and the English royals reach a bloody breaking point and as the Vikings themselves clash over their conflicting Christian and pagan beliefs, these three Vikings begin an epic journey that will take them across oceans and through battlefields, from Kattegat to England and beyond, as they fight for survival and glory. Executive producer Morgan O’Sullivan was also an executive producer on the predecessor series. He apparently approached Vikings: Valhalla showrunner Jeb Stuart about this new show three years ago. Along with Vikings creator and writer Michael Hirst

(who write 89 episodes of the original series), they laid out a plan for doing something new. Something that wouldn’t be just another season of the original series. “In a strange way — if you take massive violence out of the equation — the Vikings embody some of the elements that we still most want for ourselves,” Stuart said. “They were great explorers. They were often very inquisitive and open to learning ... Women could not only divorce their husbands, they could also rule kingdoms and own property. If you could earn it, you could take what you wanted from life. “It’s a timeless story. Our characters are dealing with

relationships and issues that are just as relevant today as they were a thousand years ago.” Because of that, he continued, such stories “will always excite and captivate us.” Over at Rotten Tomatoes, the series has come out pretty strong, right out of the gate. As of the time of this writing, the show has a 100 percent critics score. That’s thanks to praise like this, from The Hollywood Reporter: “Even if Valhalla never quite reaches the heights of the Vikings mothership, the show it settles into becoming is pretty strong and satisfying on its own.”

Catastrophe back for fourth season THE fourth season of Catastrophe is coming to Amazon Prime Video this month. The show focuses on a couple — played by series creators Sharon Horgan and Rob Delaney — who got together after a onenight stand turned into a pregnancy. They now live in London and grapple with marital issues, job demands and kids. Coming in March: MARCH 1 A Sky Full of Stars for a Roof (E per tetto un cielo di stelle) (1968) A Woman Possessed (1958) Abduction (2017) Amelia’s 25th (2013)

American Beauty (1999) Baba Yaga (1973) Basic Instinct 2 (2006) Big Night (1996) Black Cat (Gatto nero) (1981) Black Sheep (1996) Boomerang (1992) Carpool (1996) City of the Living Dead (Paura nella città dei morti viventi) (1980) Death at a Funeral (2007) Deep Red (Profondo rosso) (1975) Double Jeopardy (1999) Dude, Where’s My Dog?! (2014) Enter the Invincible Hero (Heugpyobigaeg) (1977) From Beneath (2012) Jig (2011) Karl Rove, I Love You (2007)

MARCH 8 Let Sleeping Corpses Lie (No profanar el sueño de los muertos) (1974) Major Payne (1995) A Man Called Blade (Mannaja) (1977) Nacho Libre (2006) Overkill (1987) P.O.E.: Project of Evil (2012) Prison Girls (1972) Rambo III (1988) Ride Out for Revenge (1957) Setup (2011) So Young So Bad (1950) Still Waiting... (2009) Tapeheads (1988) The American (2010) The Apple (1980) The Bank Job (2008) The Chumscrubber (2005)

The Crazies (1973) The Dead and the Damned (2011) The Mighty Quinn (1989) UFO (2018) Us and the Game Industry (2014) Valerie (1957) Vice Squad (1982) Waiting... (2005) You Did This to Me (2016) Boston Legal (Seasons 1- 5) Little House on the Prairie (Seasons 1-9) The Practice (Seasons 1- 9) The Unit (Seasons 1-4) Costume Quest, Prime Original Series (Season 1) MARCH 10 Middle Men (2009)

More than a decade after her previous film, Bright Star, extraordinary filmmaker Jane Campion has unfolded the director’s chair again to oversee The Power of the Dog (she wrote the script too). The 2021 movie centres on Phil Burbank, a rancher who uses the power of toxic masculinity to have his way, mocking his brother for falling in love. What happens when Phil starts to feel the same ridiculous sensitivities? The Power of the Dog is a mesmeric exercise in the subtle shifts of emotion and power in relationships, emotion that doesn’t feel subtle at all within each character. Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst help bring Campion’s masterful vision to life. Oscar buzz is in the air.

Tom Hanks in a 2020 Western directed by Jason Bourne’s Paul Greengrass. Enjoy Hanks going full Mandalorian single dad mode as Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, a Civil War veteran who discovers a young girl years after she was captured by Native Americans as a baby. In between helping to return her to her family, he does his usual job of traveling to towns and reading newspapers for a small fee. Don’t expect high-octane action: This road movie is fuelled more by character development and the beautiful views. Still, you’ll want to settle in for a comforting ride with pure sympathetic Hanks at the steering wheel.

The Coen Brothers kick up the western dust with an 2018 anthology film that gives you six vignettes all set on the American frontier. One of them is about the titular Buster Scruggs, a chipper singing cowboy who casually sets off a shoot-up in a cantina. But there’s a dark twist that keeps you on your toes. Sewing the rest of its stories together with a constant black humor, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is a Coen Brothers winner.

Vampires vs. the Bronx is a unique comedy-horror in more ways than one. Set in the New York borough of the Bronx, the 2020 movie follows young Miguel Martinez, a big-hearted kid helping to raise money for his struggling local bodega before it’s forced to sell. But it’s not just new designer clothing stores threatening to move in: Creepy pale neck-chompers are eating up people and their properties. A commentary on gentrification with goofy charm, twists and thrills, Vampires vs. the Bronx is a fresh, entertaining spin on the genre.

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Feature

(Left) John Dullard and Kitty Phelan, grandchildren of Thomas Dullard who was shot during The Friary Street Ambush on February 21st 1921. One hundred and one years later, John and Kitty visit the Friary Church, just as their grandfather did on that fatal day

Plaque to remember innocent council worker shot dead after a prayer at the Friary PHOTOS BY PAT SHORTALL The German philosopher Georg Hegel famously said, “The only thing that we learn from history, is that we learn nothing from history”. But history, depending on where it is sourced, can be blemished. Often, stories that were handed down from father to son, or mother to daughter may or may not contain the full truth. People might choose to omit that which they do not care to remember. One wonders was such the case with Kilkenny County Council worker Thomas Dullard. Indeed you would be forgiven if his name is not known to you. Even the mention of, and his connection to, The Friary Street Ambush may not enlighten you. You would not be on your own. Thanks to ‘The Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment Group’, Thomas Dullard’s name, and the reason why he should be remembered has found its way onto a plaque on Friary Street. THE FRIARY STREET AM BUSH On February 21st, 1921, three men lost their lives in what has become known as ‘The Friary Street Ambush’. Two of those were members of the local IRA. The plaque which is positioned at the junction of Pennyfeather Lane and Friary Street reads as follows; ‘At this spot, Capt. Thomas Hennessy and Michael Dermody (NCO), two brave soldiers of The Irish Republican army, gave their lives

in the cause of Irish Freedom on February 21st, 1921, during the War of Independence. To perpetuate their memories, this plaque was erected by the members of the 1st Battalion Kilkenny Brigade I.R.A.’ The third person to die was a local Council worker called Thomas Dullard, who was an innocent bystander. But it is only in recent years that the name of Thomas Dullard has come to the fore. Thomas Dullard was a corporation worker and father of four who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. He would die of his wounds. At a brief gathering on Sunday 20th of February 2022, members of The Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment group, family members of Mr Dullard and a few friends gathered to remember the County Council worker. Thanks to research by Berni Egan, we can take a closer look at the aftermath of the shooting of Thomas Dullard. Following the shooting of Mr Dullard, a military court of enquiry was held in Kilkenny on

22nd February 1921. One witness who testified was Bridget Dullard, wife of Thomas. At this stage, let us remind ourselves of the state of play in Ireland. IRELAND DECLARED AN INDEPENDENT NATION In January 1919, following a landslide victory in the previous December’s election, a new government was set up in Dublin, called Dáil Eireann, which had declared Ireland an independent nation. By 1920, British authority was collapsing and in an effort to regain control, Emergency powers, and later Martial Law was declared in much of southern Ireland. Ireland was becoming an increasingly nervous and violent society as attacks and reprisals by the IRA and the authorised military apparatus of the Royal Irish Constabulary, the Auxiliaries and Army continued. Kilkenny, as a traditional barracks town, would not escape unscathed in these troubled times. Each morning, following

Group of family and friends gathered on Friary Street to remember Thomas Dullard who was shot in the 1921 Friary Street Ambush

John Dullard, lays a wreath at the plaque on Friary Street where his grandfather Thomas was shot and killed.

the same timetable and same route, a limber carrying rations for Kilkenny Gaol would leave the military barracks on Ballybought Street and travel via John’s St, Rose Inn St, High St, and Friary Street, making its way to Kilkenny Gaol. Protecting this limber were seven soldiers of the Devonshire Regiment, divided into three groups. These soldiers would be armed with loaded guns and fixed bayonets. Such an obvious display of weapons would prove a tempting target for the local Volunteers, and a plan for an ambush was drawn up by the local IRA. Monday morning, 21st of February was the agreed date to execute a planned ambush, and orders were given that they would not shoot the soldiers but instead attack and physically overpower them with the intention of disarming them. Thomas and Bridget Dullard, having breakfast were blissfully unaware of the events unfolding around the corner from their house. All accounts in the British archives file agree that around eighteen civilians, men, women and children were also on the street that morning. Shots rang out in quick succession, and two IRA members, Thomas Hennessy and Michael Dermody fell to the ground. The people who had been on the street were running to escape. A civilian male suddenly appeared about twenty-five yards down the street near the Friary. Another shot was fired and he too fell. A search of the bodies found one dead from a shot to the ab-

Patrick Phelan (right) grandson, and Kian Phelan (great grandson) of Thomas Dullard visited The Friary Church in Kilkenny 101 years to the day that Thomas was shot and killed. Thomas Dullard had just left the Friary when he was shot

domen and the other two with severe head wounds, unlikely to survive. Bridget Dullard soon discovered that the third casualty was her husband Thomas, who had just left their house to go to work in the corporation. The Next morning Bridget had to attend Kilkenny Barracks for an enquiry in lieu of an inquest into the shootings, and formally identified her husband’s body. After many witness statements, the findings concluded that both Thomas Hennessy and Thomas Dullard had died due to gunshot wounds. Shots had been fired at Dullard thinking he was one of the attacking party. The Military refused any responsibility for his death stating ‘he had only himself to blame as

he was running away from the scene of the ambush.’ It was recorded that Dullard went to work each morning as a corporation worker at seven a.m., returning home for breakfast at nine a.m. He returned to work at about quarter to ten. He had a habit of stopping into the Friary on the way to say a prayer. It was while leaving the Friary on the morning of 21st February that the ambush occurred, and as he ran away he was shot. Witnesses from the Military party that day were called and stated no arms were found on his person. A Captain Sinclair declared that his wounds had been caused by a ricochet bullet. After deliberation, his Honour came to the conclusion that the death had been accidental and expressed his sympathy to Mrs Dullard, but no compensation would be awarded to her. The widow’s plea for aid had fallen on deaf ears. On Christmas Day, 1931 Bridget herself died of kidney failure. Thomas Dullard’s tragic demise as part of the events in Friary St had almost been forgotten. A plaque to commemorate the death of Thomas Dullard was erected by Kilkenny County Council last week. Congratulations to The Kilkenny Historical Re-enactment group for instigating the idea and following through with it. Special word of praise to Gargan sculptors, Friary Street, for their professionalism in creating the plaque and for the restoration of Mr Dullard’s grave stone in Patrick’s Graveyard.

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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Picture special

Ronan Maher, Fidelis Doherty and Marian Flannery

All pix: Danny Lahart

Kevin Lalor, Anne White and Monica Bermingham

Tadgh Buckley and Pat Crotty

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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Picture special

Martin Bridgeman

Alana Dragic

Hilary and Catherine Lennon

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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Much More Than Words THIS WEEK, in our look at the recently published book of poetry and prose by The Kilkenny Involvement Centre and The Recovery College, we feature work from Martha Woodcock, Izzy Tiernan and Mary Woods

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

Martha Woodcock

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.

Izzy Tiernan

‘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

Mary Woods

Remember

Royalty

It’s Time

I remember my mam; her smiles, her good humour. I remember my mam; people said she was ahead of her time And she was. I remember her famous fish dish; she won a competition for it. I remember by the time she won we were very sick of cod and parsley sauce and scalloped tomatoes and cucumbers cut in spirals with a gadget she bought at the Spring Show. I remember her calm in a crisis – for anyone who needed her calm in their crisis. I remember when she stopped remembering. The worst remembering of all.

The young are royalty When you are that full of exuberance On top of the world In every sense of the word You are a queen without a throne. Branding a cigarette as Joan Brandished her sword. Martyrs of the good times Chalices filled with cider Shitty wine in the cinema; Hail to the reckless youth

It’s time to move on Evolve and forgive Not necessarily forget Those people who did not live. But our paths are entwined Throughout harsh history The famine, the troubles and the wars All brought us down to our knees. And we must remember Those people, on both sides, Who gave up their lives, With respectful empathy There will always be disagreements As we are as different as snowflakes But we will build bridges It is all give and take…..

Martha Woodcock

Izzy Tiernan

Mary Woods

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

Community & GAA Notes

Kilkenny GAA clubs and Community news CAMOGIE Best wishes to Peter “Chap” Cleere as he takes the reins as the new Clara Senior Camogie manager for 2022. Clara have been beaten narrowly in county semi finals in each of the last two seasons and hopes are high that Chap is the man that can take the girls that extra step. Chap’s familiarity with big day dressing rooms will definitely be a help to the girls. Good luck to all. FOOTBALL The Clara minors progressed to the quarter finals of the 2022 Roinn B Championship on Sunday by virtue of a resounding 6-8 to 2-6 win over hosts Ballyraggett. Playing with a strong first half breeze, Clara conceded the first point before Rory Glynn goaled after four minutes. Two minutes later the same player added another goal and although Ballyraggett replied with a point the rest of the half belonged to Clara. Further goals from Alex McDonald and Joe Power as well as two points each from Harry Boyle and Rory Glynn and a pointed free by Ned Langton left them 4-5 to 0-2 ahead at the break. Ballyraggett opened the second half with a goal but their hopes were dashed with an immediate Joe Power goal response. Ned Langton tacked on a free and then Luke Lawlor goaled from his new full forward position to quash any notion of a comeback. In fairness to Ballyraggett they never stopped trying and added 1-4 to their tally before the end. Conor Hoyne and Ned Langton kept the scoreboard ticking with a point each from play and David Barcoe saved a penalty and also made another great stop that he tipped out for a 45. It was a great display by the Clara boys in their first outing of the year. They were disciplined in their tackling, worked hard for each other and were committed throughout. With attitude like this they will be hard to beat. Team - David Barcoe, Tommy Delaney, Cian Kelly, Ben Murphy. Alex Firbank, Ben Crow, Sean Carrigan. Luke Lawlor 1-0, Zach Lawlor. Harry Boyle 0-2, Ned Langton 0-3, 0-2f, Alex McDonald 1-0. Conor Hoyne 0-1, Rory Glynn 2-2, Joe Power 2-0. Subs Philip Carrigan, Hugh Kelly, Dillon Cummins, John Bergin, James Cody, Tom Murphy, Bill Kealy, Tom Boyle, Eoin Corr, Orí Phelan. CLUB LOTTO There was no winner of this week’s club lotto ( February 22nd) Numbers Drawn were Next Weeks Big Prize will be €6,400 ( March 1st). Play Now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto Promotors Draw: 1. Mark Ryan c/o Neil Loy. 2. Beth Holohan c/o Peter Dowling 3. Theresa Trehy c/o John Joe Cullen. 4. Jimmy & Ann Doyle c/o Esther Maher 5. Marie Hogan c/o Hugh Mahon. 6. Amy & Eileen c/o Eileen Kinchella 7. Jackie Tyrrell. 8. Mary O’Neill c/o Willie O’Neill (On-line) 9. Sarah Burke c/o Online. 10. Con Moore c/o Online Thank you for your continued support of O’Loughlin Gaels Club Lotto. All monies raised continue to support the maintenance and upgrade of facilities to benefit all our players for many years to come. Your support is greatly appreciated. Should you know anybody else who you feel we may have lost touch with or may be interested in supporting the club, please forward contact them asking them to play and support the club JUVENILE TRAINING RETURN This weekend will see our youngest Gaels return to St. Johns Park. Coaches have been getting ready, grounds are in top shape and our boys and girls from around St. Johns Parish are eager to hit the ground running. Camogie returns on Saturday March 5th at 10am and Hurling on Sunday at 10:30am. All the registration details can be found at www.oloughlingaels.com/ membership JOSEPHINE BURKE Our condolences to the Burke family on the passing of their beloved Josephine. We extend our sympathies to Josephine’s husband Liam, past secretary of O’Loughlin Gaels and one of the clubs founding members. Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam dílís. EASTER CAMP Easter Camp runs April 18th to the 22nd. For all the details and advance bookings contact Mark at 087 299 5892 or Stephen at 085 718 1325. Lovely Hurling . #GaeilUíLochlainnAbú

TEAM NEWS Well done you our Senior Footballers who had a good win over rivals James Stephens at the Kells Road on Saturday in tough conditions. Our Juvenile footballers are not having the same fortunes however as both the u13s and Minors found it tough going against James Stephens and Dicksboro last weekend. Well done to Mikey Butler, Paddy Deegan and Conor Heary who all played their parts in Kilkenny’s win over Laois in the National Hurling League. Finally well done to minor hurler Jack Johnson who put in a big performance that saw him box his way to becoming IABA Leinster Champion and looks forward to competing in the national finals in two weeks time representing Marble City Boxing Club . Well done Jack

ask can one parent from each family attend. The Clubs shop is open and 2022 range is soon to be uploaded onto the O’Neills club shop. Details can be found on St.Lachtains Social media pages or by O’Neills sportswear and searching for St.Lachtains GAA. PARISH NEWS

WON AWARD Congratulation are extended to our local Takeaway Brennans sisters in the village who were finalists in the Yes Chef Takeaway awards last weekend. The winners were announced at a Gala Dinner held at Raddison Blu Hotel, Athlone on Friday night last. The establishment won the award for Best Kebab. Well done to Rahim and his team of workers. They were celebrating ten years in business in the village last week and the award was a nice bonus to mark the occasion. They run a successful business and have stayed open and facilitated customers all during the pandemic and are wished many more years of success in the village. SQUASH Congratulations to two local men Pat Morrissey and Noel Walsh who took part in the Munster Senior Close last weekend. Pat finished in 3rd place in the A Section while Noel finished in 2nd place in the B section. SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the family of Brother Michael Mackey late of De La Salle, Castletown, County Laois and formerly of Graigueswood, Freshford on his death recently. His family were well known and respected in the local area. Funeral mass took place on Wednesday of last week at The Pastoral Centre Chapel Castletown followed by Burial in the adjoining cemetery. Sympathy is also extended to MS. Betty O’Connor, Clashacrow and all her family on the recent death of her mother Mrs. Anna Cummins late of Ballybeigh Tullaroan. Funeral mass took place in Tullaroan church on Friday morning last followed by burial in Tullaroan Cemetery. CAMOGIE St. Lachtain’s Camogie Club were well represented on the Kilkenny Senior and Intermediate panels at the weekend. Lydia Fitzpatick was on the senior team while Sinead Farrell, Emma Bergin and Chloe Dooley were part of the Intermediate panel. St Lachtain’s Camogie Club Registration for the coming 2022 season is now open. Registration is online via Foireann. https://www.foireann.ie/. For any new members that may be unsure on how to navigate the system please don’t hesitate to contact Emma Hickey (Registrar) (086) 1930214 for any assistance. The Club look forward to seeing you all back on the pitch over the coming weeks! DEATH The death took place last week of Liam Dermody late of Coollcashin, Gathabawn. Liam who was in his 70s and his passing caused widespread shock and regret. Both he and his family are widely known and respected in the area. Funeral Mass took place on Sunday morning last in Gatabawn Church followed by burial in St.Lachtains Cemetery Freshford. He is mourned by his brother Michael, sisters Breda Betty and Peggy, Nephews, brother in law and extended family to whom deepest sympathy is extended. CAFE Freshford are to get a new Community Café. Work has commenced on the premises at Buncrussia Street Freshford, and the volunteers are making great progress. The subcommittee are so grateful for the very generous donations of building materials from local families and business and greatly appreciate all the materials, time, labour, advice been given and they say that they are well on their way to having a fabulous community café by the community and for the community. ROAD SAFETY CLLR Michael McCarthy says that a pole is now in place to accommodate a new Feeder Speedback Sign on the Ballyragget Road at Bohergloss, Freshford. This should lead to increased safety for Road users and residents of Bohergloss. These are a welcome

Staff and management of Brennan Sisters Takeaway. Award Winners

addition to the Road safety measures in the Village and thanks is due to the Area Engineer and his staff for their help HOME FROM THE USA Thomas Bergin formerly of Woodview Freshford is on a visit to his native Freshford from the USA at present. Thomas and his family have been living in the USA for many years and this is his first visit home since before the pandemic. Thomas and his family celebrated a very Special birthday at the weekend. It was his Mams Cissie Bergin of Woodview Freshford birthday and she was joined by her family at a lovely meal to mark the occasion. LOTTO WINNER Our local corner shop here in the village O’Sheas Newsagents had massive news during the past week when they learned they were sellers of a Lotto winning quick pick for €10,000. Congratulations to the lucky winners. PLAYGROUND NEWS The Freshford Playground Committee got some bad news recently. Despite having got Planning permission recently, there has been an appeal lodged to An Bord Pleanala regarding the Playground and the Committee now have to wait a further six months before they know if they can proceed. SOCCER Freshford Town had as number of teams in action at the weekend. On Sunday morning the Juniors were in action against Castlewarren in a home league game. The local side came out winners on a 1-0 scoreline with Michael Kenny getting the all important goal. In the schoolboys section the U11 boys were away to River Rangers and came out 5-0 winners. The U13 boys were at home to Evergreen and this game ended in a 2-2 draw with Cian Dalton and Paddy McCarthy scoring for Freshford Town. The U17 boys took on Bridge United at home on Saturday and came out winners on a 4-3 score line. Jerry Bergin got a hat trick with Shane Culleton getting the other goal. Meanwhile the U9s side took on Callan at home. The training sessions for U8s continues each Saturday morning (weather permitting) from 12noon to 1pm at the Sportfield at Woodview. All boys from 5 to 8 years old are welcome so go along and join up. MACRA NA FEIRME Macra na Feirme are looking to establish a new club in the Freshford area. Macra na Feirme is an organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 who are interested in getting involved in sports, travel, drama, debating or just want to meet new people and have some fun. To be a member of Macra you must join a Macra club in your area. This will open the door to new fiends and new activities. There are hundreds of clubs across Ireland bursting with activity who always welcome a new face. For more information please contact Training and Development Officer. Michael Wall on 0868359891 or email him at mwall@ macra.ie DARTS This year’s darts leagues are back and in full swing again. Kavanaghs 2 beat The Valley 2 in Mackey’s on Sunday evening, while The Valley 1 beat Farrell’s 1 in Kavanaghs also on Sunday. (full reports next week) GAA NEWS St.Lachtains Bord na nOg AGM will be held on Friday evening next the 25th Feb at 7:30pm in the Clubrooms. All are Welcome especially Parents,Guardians,Coaches. If at all possible the Club

Attendance at indoor settings are now back to full capacity and attendance at Mass almost back to normal here to. Mass in the Parish Church each Wednesday morning at 9.30am and on Sunday morning at 11am.with Mass in Tulla church on Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Some Safety measures remain in place which includes wearing of masks, sanitising and you have the option to be seated without any seating restrictions in the top and middle section of the church or with seating restrictions elsewhere. This year is the 1400 year celebration of St.Lachtain and it is fast approaching beginning with a special liturgical celebration at 3pm on March 19th when we will be joining with our Church of Ireland Brothers and sisters on that special day. Further details will be published nearer to that date. The Stations of the Cross in the Church have now been completely refurbished. Help to complete this special project of restoration through donation or contriubution is more than welcome . Yours also very welcome to sponsor a station either as a family or with a group The sum involved is €2,000 per station. This month the safeguarding reps are competing their Safeguarding training and refresher courses. This in service is important in maintaining the safeguarding standards in the Parish especially for vulnerable and for children. NOTICES The parish newsletter is available on their website every week and also on the website you are free to pay your dues and make donations or any other contributions and you can find out more about it on the website or feel free to contact Jennifer in the Parish Office. Please note community notices for the parish newsletter should be left in or emailed to the Parish Office by 11am on Thursdays. Parish office hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 1pm. MASS CARDS Special printed parish cards are available at the Parish Office or from Annette at Tulla Church signed by Monsignor Kennedy. You can contact the Parish office on 056 8832843 or by email – freshfordd@ossory.ie. Contact Mongr Kieron Kennedy COMMUNITY ALERT Freshford Threecastles Community Alert Group remind you again that the annual text alert scheme membership is now due. It cost just 10euro per phone number and you can pay membership to any committee member. If unsure or for more information please call Jacinta on 0877658671 or Anna on 0858277965. New members are always very welcome and the group wish to thank you all for your continued support.You are reminded to take care of yourself and take care of your elderly neighbours and friends. PILGRIMAGE Pilgrimage to Lourdes will be held from 9th to 13thMay 2022. Staying at the 4 star Hotel Astrid the trip costs €645 pps (single room supplement payable). Accompanied by spiritual director. Includes return direct flights from Dublin to Tarbes, coach transfers breakfast lunch and dinner each day, full religious programme, services of a Marian pilgrimage guide, mass daily and spiritual activities, all taxes and travel insurance. For more details contact C.Flynn on 089 4638769. 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 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808. SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year – Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm) AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

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Community & GAA Notes Kilmoganny Tidy Towns will participate in the National Spring Clean from Friday 4th March to Sunday 6th March. Meeting each morning at 11 am at the St Eoghans Church. Please come along to volunteer and be part of this litter pick. Tell your neighbours and friends to join in . All bags, gloves and pickers will be provided. If you have any questions please contact Lorraine Moore on 0876414147. LOCAL LOTTO Local Lotto Draw for 21st February. Winning Numbers: 5,9,31. No Winner. Winners of Draw for 5 x € 30. Mags and Shane ( Mags Cahill ),Eileen Gerard (Jimmy McCormack ), Olive and Alan Buckley ( Jim Dalton ), Roy Ellis ( Niamh O Donovan ),Phena Heffernan ( Mary Heffernan ) Jackpot Next Week (Monday February 28th) € 5,800 Venue Delaney’s Bar Kells at 9pm. All welcome. DUNNAMAGGIN DEVELOPMENT GROUP Our next Community Gathering on Sunday the 13th March at 11.30am will be followed by our AGM and the launch of the five year Vision for Dunnamaggin. Everyone is welcome to attend and we look forward to seeing you all there. We are encouraging everyone to come along and see the outcome of the consultations that have taken place over the last twelve months despite Covid-19. The monthly markets will return to Madge’s Garden on Easter Sunday April 17th and will continue until December. DUNNA DASH The Dunna Dash takes place next Sunday March 6th. Dunna Dash isn’t just for runners,it’s the perfect chance to get on your walking shoes, grab a friend and get out the door for a stroll or power walk around our scenic Dunnamaggin loop!! Registration at St Leonards NS at 11am. Adults €10, Children €5, Families €20. Prizes for first male, female and juvenile. This year will see the return of the “Kiddies 1km Dash” for school children from 3rd class down and will start at 11.45am. All children will receive a medal for this event. The main Dunna Dash will start at 12 noon. Refreshments afterwards in the school. SAINT JOSEPH’S HOME Saint Joseph’s Home: a fundraising raffle in aid of St.Joseph care home Kilmoganny Tickets 3 for €5, available from Mary Moylan, Denise Kirwan, Jackie Kennelly and will be in local shops. DUNNAMAGGIN LADIES FOOTHBALL CLUB Well done to our U16s who played their 2021 League Final in James Park V Kilkenny City last Saturday February 26th. Harsh weather, injuries and strong opponents made for a tough match. Despite the girls best efforts it was not to be our day and City ran out convincing winners. The same day in Carlow our U14s had their first championship blitz day. They faced Meath, Laois and Wexford winning one out of three encounters. Well done to our club mentor Séamus Knox who manages the squad. They are out again next Saturday at Leinster Championship blitz day 2 when they will face Dublin, Wicklow and Westmeath. Well done to all involved this group can look forward now to a well deserved end of season presentation night very soon. Don’t forget the LIDL STAMP REWARDS FOR LGFA CLUBS are back!!! Please support Dunnamaggin LGFC when shopping in Lidl. GOWRAN BINGO Bingo in Gowran Parish Hall on Thursday’s at 8.30pm. Jackpot €700 in 42 calls GOWRAN ON THE MOVE Gowran’s new playground and outdoor hub was awarded €250,000 under the Town and Village renewal scheme. The new flagship outdoor space will be an inclusive space for all ages and abilities to play, exercise and socialise in the heart of our beautiful village. Congratulations to everyone involved. THE KILKENNY COUNTY MUSIC FESTIVAL The festival is back this year in Gowran Park, and it will take place on Sunday 3rd July featuring a host of top-class Country Singers. Performing on the day will be Mike Denver, Cliona Hagan, Robert Mizzell, Trudi Lalor, Jimmy and Claudia Buckley with backing band The Conquerors. Tickets now on Sale and for further information, check out kilkennycountrymusicfestival. ie or email kkcountrymusic@gmail.com SEAN NOS WORKSHOP The dancing workshop will take place with Laura Ganley on March 6th from 2pm to 4pm at Ionad Dara, Goresbridge. Entry is €10. For more information, please contact Majella on 086 354 3539. SPORTS ROUND-UP MICHAEL O’LEARY

GOWRAN GIRLS FEATURE IN NARROW CLARE VICTORY Gowran Girls featured prominently in Kilkenny’s narrow one point victory (1-8 to 0-10) against Clare in Ennis in Round Two of the National Camogie League on Saturday Afternoon. Tiffany Fitzgerald who is making the step up from the Intermediate Team last year, started her Second Senior Match at Full-Back having made her Senior debut three weeks ago against Limerick, while her sister Steffi also started as she scored an important point that drew Kilkenny level near the end of the match. Ciara O’Keeffe who was also part of the Intermediate Team last year was also part of the Kilkenny Squad last Saturday afternoon, and she made her Senior Inter-County debut while coming on as a substitute in the opening round victory against Limerick.Kilkenny’s next League match will be away to Cork, their conquerors in last year’s All-Ireland Semi-Final. FITZGERALD SISTERS NAMED ON ALL-STAR TEAM The Fitzgerald Sisters Tiffany and Steffi have been very busy lately, and they were rewarded for their performances with their respective 3rd Level Colleges by being named on the 3rd Level Camogie All-Stars 2022. Both were named in the two wing-forward positions, with Tiffany part of the NUIG Team that lost the Purcell Cup Final, while Steffi played a prominent role as DCU strolled to their very first Ashbourne Cup Camogie title. U-13 FOOTBALLERS PUT FIVE PAST DANESFORT The U-13 Young Irelands Footballers had a great win in Danesfort as they won 5-3 to 1-1 last Sunday morning. It was there Second game of the competition having lost out to John Lockes of Callan the previous Sunday. Very best wishes to the Minor Footballers who play St. Martins in the County Minor Roinn A Semi-Final next Sunday morning in Gowran at 10.30am. CAREY FEATURES IN LANDSLIDE LAOIS VICTORY Mikey Carey played another game for the Kilkenny Seniors as he started at corner-back in their landslide 2-28 to 0-17 win against Laois on Sunday. Kilkenny now turn their attention to their next game on Saturday evening away to Dublin in Parnell Park at 5pm. It’s a repeat clash of last year’s Leinster Final in which Mikey scored a point from play. CRUELTY FOR IT CARLOW There was cruel devastation for IT Carlow, as they lost out to subsequent winners University of Limerick in the Fitzgibbon Cup Semi-Final after Extra-Time with the last puck of the game.DJ Carey was manager of the IT Carlow Team, while Jason Brennan was part of the playing squad. The Limerick College won the Fitzgibbon Cup Final in a dramatic finish against NUIG. 2022 DRAWS The Draws for the 2022 Senior, Intermediate and Junior Leagues were made last weekend with the Young Irelands Intermediates drawn in the same group as St. Martins, Conahy Shamrocks, Carrickshock, Rower-Inistioge, Dunnamaggin, and Thomastown. The Young Irelands Junior 1sts Team will compete in Group B of the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Junior A Hurling League, and they have been drawn with O’Loughlin Gaels, Carrickshock, Mullinavat and Thomastown, while in the Championship they have been drawn at home to Thomastown. Meanwhile, the Junior B Team will compete in the JJ Kavanagh & Sons Junior F Hurling League, and they have been drawn with Tullaroan, Blacks & Whites, Conahy Shamrocks, St. Lachtains and Rower-Inistioge, while in the Championship they have been drawn at home to Mooncoin. The League Sections will commence around Easter (Mid-April), with the Championships scheduled to get underway in Mid-July. The League Sections of the Senior, Intermediate competitions will more than likely start in August, with Pre-Season competitions taking place prior to that. CLUB LOTTO Dicksboro GAA Club LOTTO Results February 24th. Nos: 26–5– 20– 31.Jackpot: €8,050– not won. Draw Prizes – €50: Joan knox c/o Herself. €25 each P and J Cody c/o P and J Cody €25 each Kay Fitzpatrick c/o Anne.Kerwick. €25 each Laura Quinn c/o Billy Walsh Co Op draw ticket Ada Grace Hackett c/o Tommy Hackett. Promotors prize Gina Gaule New weeks draw €8,200 4th of March 2022 SENIOR FIXTURES Rd 1 31/07/22 - v Bennetsbridge. .Rd 2 07/8/22 - v Glenmore. Rd 3 14/08/22 - v O Loughlin Gaels. Rd 4

Dicksboro - Under 21 County Champions

28/08/22 - v Graigue Ballycallan. Rd 5 04/09/22 - v James Stephens U21 HURLING FINAL Dicksboro defeated Shamrocks Ballyhale on Saturday in John Locke Park. Final Score 1-24 to 2-14. This was great result which has come on the back of u17 and u19 success in 2021. Well done to all the players (41 players in total) and Manager Michael Walsh who managed the three teams to success in the one season. MINOR FOOTBALL Our Minor footballers had a great start to the season with a good win over O Loughlin Gaels. PALMERSTOWN CLUBHOUSE REOPENS Dicksboro Clubhouse Bar has reopened Thursday from 8.30pm and every Thursday going forward. Thursday nights is Lotto Draw and Cards Night. All are welcome out for a social drink, a chat and if there is interest, a beginners cards table. We are offering a particular welcome to all of our senior citizens members, it’s been a difficult past two years and we would be delighted to see you out to the club for a chat. We have a selection of non-alcoholic beers, barista coffee and all the usuals. We look forward to seeing you all CLUB REGISTER 2022 We are delighted to announce that Registration for Dicksboro GAA and Camogie Club for 2022 is now open. There are a number of ways for existing and new members to register with the club. Click on the link below (For existing members enter your e mail address to retrieve all details from last year’s registration process ). Go to the membership page on Clubs App and sign up, https://dicksborogaa.com/membership_signup

Mark Nolan receives the trophy from Junior Board Secretary Pat Dunphy

ROADWORKS CLLR Michael McCarthy informs us that the poles are now in place to accommodate the erection of the three Driver Feedback signs, which will take place in the coming weeks. These should lead to increased safety for Kilmanagh Village, its road users and residents. These are a welcome addition to the existing road safety measures. Great credit is due to the Area Engineer and his staff. MICHAEL LYNCH The death has occurred of Michael Lynch, Ballycallan and California. Sympathy is expressed to his brothers, sisters and other relatives. Mass and burial of ashes

will take place in Ballycallan church on Saturday next at 11.00 o’clock. JIM CODY Jim Cody, Kilkenny, whose death has occurred recently, along with the late Pat Shortis, regularly entertained active retirement clubs including our own P.A.L. club. Sympathy is extended to his family and friends. MOUNT CARMEL DRAW Results of the February Mount Carmel draw are as follows: 1st Prize: Martin Gleeson c/o Promoter; 2nd Prize: Eddie Kennedy, Crossoge, Callan; Other prize winners include Carmel & Eddie Ryan, Monassa, Callan; Breda Somers, Blackstaff; Ann Walsh, Abhainn Ri, Callan; Liam Sanders, Knockbutton; Droichead FRC, Callan; Joe Kearney & Nancy Power, Callan; Michelle O’Rourke, Killeshin; Sarah Power, Maxtown; Claire Fogarty c/o Sally Brett and Marie Gorey, Burnchurch. Promoters’ prizes went to Tom Maher, Margaret Ryan and Frank McKenna. TABLE QUIZ The Annual Mary McGrath table quiz in aid of Official St. Brigid’s camogie club is back in The Pound on Friday March 18th, which this year is a new bank holiday. Looking forward to seeing everybody there, it’s been a while. KILKENNY VOLUNTEER CENTRE Kilkenny Volunteer Centre is a support service which aims to match anyone interested in Volunteering with local not for profit organisations who engage Volunteers. Our Volunteering Development Officer is available to discuss all things volunteering with anyone interested in finding out more. We also offer support, guidance, an opportunity to network, training and a Garda Vetting service for our registered organisations. We are delighted to now be able to offer appointments to anyone wishing to avail of our services. Please contact us on info@volunteerkilkenny.ie or call 089 258 49 46 to make an appointment to discuss your needs. KILMANAGH NOTES Anyone wishing to submit news items, events, announcements etc. can do so by email only to elanigan18@gmail.com. If you have any photos that you would like included, please send as an attachment. CALLAN GOLF CLUB LADIES NEWS RESULTS February 8th. 12 Hole Competition. 1st Mary Manning 23pts. 2nd Ena Kennedy 22 pts. 3rd Rita O’Neill 22pts. February 15th. 1st Brid Brett 25pts 2nd Rita O’Neill 22pts. 9 Hole Competition. 1st Rose Brophy. 2nd Claire Hendriques With Eunice and Franklin taking ownership of the course last week the only hole open was the 19th. On Thursday 17th the senior ladies held their A.G.M.. There was a very positive vibe for the year ahead where Mary Croke has taken over as Seniors Captain from Ann O’Shea. The feeling of being back as a group indoors and enjoying the refreshments and chat was warmly welcomed by all. The Spring League having not taken place the last two years due to the virus is back and proving to be very popular. Format a two person team event mixing high and low handicaps . All details and pairings can be found on the notice board in the ladies locker room. Date for Diary: Saturday March 12th, Captains Drive In. Captain John Ryan/Lady Captain Anne Croke. Junior Boys Captain Charlie Grace/Junior Girls Captain Anna O’Brien,will show us all how its done! Hoping for good weather and great support

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Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

Allianz Hurling League Division 1 Group B Kilkenny 2-28 Laois 0-17 @ UPMC Nowlan Park

BRIAN Cody’s men got back to winning ways at home last Sunday, as they put the slim defeat away to Tipperary behind them, by putting Laois to the sword with the minimum of ease. A 17-point victory didn’t flatter the Cats, as they made best use of the elements in the second half to inflict a 3rd Allianz National League loss on the O’Moore County hurlers this season. While ‘Cheddar’s’ charges were somewhat wasteful with the chance they created in the opening period, they was a clear gulf in class between the two outfits throughout the encounter. Graigue-Ballycallan forward, Billy Ryan opened the scoring within the first 20 seconds, but Laois settled quickly after that score and registered four points of their own, via midfielder Jack Kelly (2) and their main danger man, Stephen ‘Picky’ Maher, who fired over a pair of placed balls to give his a 3-point lead by the 6th minute. All Laois’s good work was swiftly undone following a nice move by the home side just after. A long searching angled ball into the visitors defence eluded their sweeper, the less famous John Lennon and allowed Mossy Keoghan and Conahy Shamrocks Tom Phelan to exchange passes, before Phelan dispatched his shot to the net from about 15 metres out, for the first green flag of the day to level matters. Phelan’s goal appeared to stun the Laois team, and they quickly found themselves behind, when Tullaroan’s Mossy Keoghan rifled over a nice point to give the home side the lead once again, and one they never relinquished for the rest of the game. Billy Ryan added another point for the Cats, and again, the lively attacker looked dangerous throughout, as he finished the day with a tally of 0-4. Seamus Plunkett’s team did respond, but some wayward shooting with the aid of the wind didn’t help their cause, indeed his charges would record some eight wide’s in the opening period, compared to their hosts six, and this proved costly by the short whistle. Glenmore’s Eoin Murphy was busy man in the opening period, but this was more a result of Laois efforts dropping short, rather than any serious threat to his goal. One would imagine ‘Cheddar’ was livid with his side dropping EIGHT efforts short in the first half. By contrast, Kilkenny kept the scoreboard ticking over, Murphy No.2, Alan fired over 7-points, six of which came from his accuracy via the placed

Cats canter to Laois victory

All pix: Danny Lahart

Phelan hits 2 majors in facile win

Walter Walsh and James Maher take flight

Cody & Co have plenty to ponder

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Hurling matters ball. Laois responded with points from the impressive James Keyes, Ross King and Fiachra Fennell. By the short whistle, Cody’s inside forward line had notched 12 points between them, as the home side entered the interval 1-12 to 0-11 ahead. When you play with the wind, you need to be a few points to the good before the ‘turn-around’. Cheddar’s troops were 4 points down. The first quarter of the second period saw Kilkenny up the intensity and effectively win the match, as they had somewhat of a purple patch, where they outscored the O’Moore County 1-5 to no score in a 5-minute blitz from around the 40th minute. James Keyes popped a point over for his side when play resumed, but the reliable Alan Murphy and in-form Mossy both hit a brace of points, along with one from Billy Ryan, as the Laois puck-out failed twice on the bounce. The loss of a third consecutive restart, would put the result beyond any doubt as Kilkenny registered their second major of the day. Conahy Shamrocks Phelan outpaced Fiachra Fennell to a loose ball before bursting forward for some 50 metres. The wingforward evaded any would-be markers before his ‘dummy’ hand-pass accounted for two defenders which gave him the time to fire past Enda Rowland for his second goal of the game. The score board now read, Kilkenny 2-18, Laois 0-12. Laois would only register 5 more points during the remainder of the game, a couple of frees from keeper Rowland, and points from Ross King, substitute Ciaran Byrne and wing-back Ryan Mullaney. Brian Cody had the luxury of using his bench and deploying the maximum 5 subs. His charges would add a further ten points before the long whistle. Mossy Keoghan, Alan Murphy and Billy Ryan added to their personal tallies, while Cillian Buckley, David Blanchfield, James Maher, Walter Walsh, John Walsh all got their names on the score board. Along with their scoring run, the Cats also managed to notch 13 wides in the second period, and this will no doubt be a focus of training ahead of their clash with Dublin. More pleasing will be the fact that nine men in the black and amber contributed to the scoring. Laois will have felt a huge sense of relief when Offaly whistler Richie Fitzsimons brought proceedings to a close, another heavy defeat and another long summer in prospect, albeit most likely short in competitive length. Full time score, Kilkenny 2-28, Laois 0-17. Job done for the Cats. Tom Phelan impressive throughout. Off to Dublin next.

Tommy Walsh rises high

Goal-getter Tom Phelan hits the net

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Mikey Butler on the move

Alan Murphy takes a nice catch

This will be quite short......not much gained from this outing, other than more minutes for many players. Conahy Shamrocks Tom Phelan will have done his championship chances no harm, hitting 2-1. Alan Murphy is Glenmore’s TJ from the placed ball. Talking of TJ – he was last seen in Thailand. Billy Ryan continues to impress as does Mossy. Brian Cody said after the Laois victory that he expects some of the Shamrocks Ballyhale contingent to be in the squad for the next game, Dublin at Parnell Park. A little sprinkling of extra quality to an improving squad. Mattie Kenny’s team should provide more or a challenge than Laois. The fixture in the Capital will set us up nicely for the Deise. One game at a time... sweet Jesus.

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Hurling matters

Sport BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

J.J Kavanagh and Sons Under 21 A Hurling Championship Final Dicksboro 1-24 Ballyhale Shamrocks 2-12 Venue: John Locke Park Callan

DICKSBORO overcame a stubborn Ballyhale challenge to claim the U21 title on a blustery day in Callan last Saturday. While Shamrocks fielded the likes of Eoin Cody, Dean Mason and Darragh Corcoran, it was Michael Walsh’s charges that played the better hurling and ran out worthy 9-point winners. Ballyhale’s dependance on Young Hurler of the Year Eoin Cody was evident throughout the game, and in the end the mercurial attacker just didn’t have enough around him to repel a rampant Dicksboro. The Palmerstown outfit played with the benefit of a very strong wind in the opening period, and they were well aware that a substantial lead would be needed at the short whistle if they were to give themselves the best chance of claiming the title. The side’s exchanged scores in the opening minutes, as both attempted to come to terms with the playing conditions. Boro’s Cillian Hackett, Aran Murphy, Harry Shine and captain Mark Nolan all registered scores in the first quarter, with Eoin Cody keeping his side in touch. Despite the wind advantage, Dicksboro played the ball through the lines as they ran their opponents ragged with their pace and movement. By the end of the opening quarter, the maroon’s had a five-point lead, 0-8 to 0-3, as Shamrocks struggled to get a foothold in the game. Their cause wasn’t helped, when full-back, Dara Mason had to be replaced early on, having been unable to continue, despite the best efforts of his medical team. Things would improve for John Drennan’s in the 18th minute, when Jason Devereux was presented with a goal chance that he wasn’t going to turn down. Ballyhale were unable to build on this major and the Boro stretched out their lead as the half progressed and hit a further 6-points to just one from the Shamrocks, as they headed into the interval seven ahead, on a score line of 0-14 to 1-4. Michael Walsh’s team were worth of their lead, and had it not have been for some fine goalkeeping from Dean Mason, the Boro could have been even more out of sight at the short whistle. Despite some early success in getting the long ball into Stephen Barron, the Dicksboro defence had the upper hand on their opponents, with the half-back line of Eoghan Moylan, Timmy Clifford and the impressive Stevie Dermody very much controlling proceedings. The Dicksboro attacking threat was working well together, with some great inter-play between the half and full-forward lines. St Kieran’s star, Harry Shine, along with Liam Moore and Aran Murphy were all too much for the Shamrocks defence. Shamrocks took the first score of the second period when Jason Devereux found Eoin Cody who slotted over, just what they needed. Dicksboro immediately went on the attack from the restart and almost goaled after great skill and play from Harry Shine, only for Dean Mason to pull off his third fine save of the day. Eoin Cody then popped on over from over his left shoulder to continue his side’s comeback, but that man Harry Shine then notched the Boro’s first score of the second

‘Boro too strong for Shamrocks as Harry Shine’s! U21 title heads to Palmerstown Liam Barron take a nice catch

half, following good work from Hackett and Aran Murphy. Kilkenny’s new vice-captain Cody then slotted over a placed ball, as the Shamrocks crowd in attendance found their voices. It appeared that every time Eoin Cody scored, Harry Shine responded, and that’s exactly happened again in the next period of play. Then matters got very interesting. A Dicksboro attack was snuffed out and Casey Corcoran launched a long ball toward Niall Shorthall who took delivery and finished

brilliantly. All of a sudden from being seven down at the interval, Ballyhale now found themselves just 2-points down. James Carroll got the next score of the game as he tried to settle the Boro nerves. With only 2 points between the teams, the next score would be vital, and that man Harry Shine was to be the scorer. Great play from centre-forward Liam Moore saw the play find Cillian Hackett who in turn played a lovely pass to Harry Shine, who despite being fouled, who allowed the advantage and finished emphatically past the helpless Dean Mason.

Dicksboro notched the next couple of points as well, as they re-established their superiority following Ballyhale’s bright start to the second period. The score board now read, ‘Boro 1-18, Shamrocks 2-10. The imposing Liam Moore was involved in everything, he was certainly the conductor of this Dicksboro orchestra. Captain Mark Nolan then slotted over a lovely point, a reward for much ‘dirty work’ that he was getting through. ‘Boro keeper, Brian Manogue then pulled off a fine save, which again, gave his side another boost to go and get another score. Ballyhale

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Hurling matters Shine battle’s to hold on Dicksboro celebrate post-match

Captain Mark Nolan is presented with the cup

>> SHERRY SAYS...

Harry’s game - Hero Harry finished with 1-10

Take that! goal in progress

Daire Maher gets away from Shamrocks goal scorer, Niall Shortall

got a point from Niall Shorthall, as Eoin Cody was moved into the edge of the square. James Carroll then brought another fine save from Dean Mason, as the Fitzgibbon Cup winner showed his worth, with yet another fine save. Further scores late-on from Shine, the skillful Aran Murphy and Liam Moore saw the Boro home comfortably to claim the U21 championship title, on a final score of 1-24 to 2-12. Dicksboro- Harry Shine 1-10 (0-7f, 0-1 65), Liam Moore (0-4), Aran Murphy (0-3), Mark

All pix: Danny Lahart

Eoin Cody was in top form

Nolan (0-2), Timmy Clifford, James Carroll, Cillian Hackett, Padraic Moylan, Charlie Nolan (0-1 each) Shamrocks- Eoin Cody 0-10 (0-5f ), Niall Shorthall (1-1), Jason Devereux (1-0) Stephen Barron (0-1) Dicksboro- Brian Manogue; Tommy Farrell, Niall Rowe, Daire Maher; Eoghan Moylan, Timmy Clifford, Stevie Dermody; James Carroll, Charlie Nolan; Padraic Moylan, Liam Moore, Harry Shine; Cillian Hackett, Mark Nolan, Aran Murphy. Subs: Sean Maher for Hackett 44 mins, Colm

O’Hara for C.Nolan 55 mins, Nick Doheny for Carroll 60 mins. Shamrocks- Dean Mason; Michael Cullen, Dara Mason, Killian Corcoran; Casey Corcoran, Darragh Corcoran, Cian Cullen; Christopher Coady, Edmond Fitzpatrick; Liam Barron, Eoin Cody, John Shorthall; Niall Shorthall, Stephen Barron, Jason Devereux. Subs: Larry Cody for Dara Mason (injured) 10 mins. Referee- Peter Burke (Emeralds)

For those that don’t know, there are some decent hurlers on the rise in Palmerstown. The fact that Boro’s backroom team had greater numbers than the Ballyhale bench says it all. Captained by Mark Nolan, who worked seriously hard throughout the final in Callan, the winners were deserving of their latest underage title. A strong spine is crucial to any side with ideas of claiming titles and beating a successful path. Keeper – Brian Manogue – check. Fullback – Timmy Rowe – check. Midfield – Charlie Nolan – check. Centre-forward – Liam Moore – check. No.14 - Mark Nolan – check. When you sprinkle huge amounts of quality around that spine, then you have the recipe for success. Aran Murphy, Cillian Hackett and the frighteningly impressive and improving rising star, Harry Shine in attack make this a really dynamic unit. A Special mention for the performance of Stevie Dermody last Saturday. The defender was immense throughout, and swept beautifully in front of his full-back line. Let’s go back to Harry Shine –not only does this young lad has it all in front of him, but he’s grasping every opportunity that presents itself, not matter what jersey he adorns. Be it that of St Kieran’s College, last season’s Kilkenny minor’s, Dicksboro minors or U21, Shine delivers. Ballyhale were beaten by the much better side last week. I do however feel for the talented Eoin Cody. The heartbreak he has suffered in the last couple of weeks will be tough to take, both with the senior club side and IT Carlow. You could clearly see that the twice crowned Young Hurler of the Year was trying everything in his power to drag his team to glory last weekend. Ultimately, that was the difference between the finalists. The Dicksboro rearguard got to grips with the Shamrocks attack and by enlarge kept them in check. Ballyhale’s defensive unit were unable to get to grips with the likes of Liam Moore, Cillian Hackett, Aran Murphy and Harry Shine. Shamrock’s keeper Dean Mason, despite finishing on the losing side, was in inspired form in Callan, and without him, the difference between the sides could have embarrassing at the long whistle. Mason, along with Eoin Cody, Darragh Corcoran have plenty of medals in their pockets, and while add more to their tally over the coming years. For now, the dominant force in underage hurling in Kilkenny belongs to Dicksboro. Palmerstown is rising and beginning to Shine – literally!

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Camogie

Sport Littlewoods Ireland League Division 1 Clare 0-10 Kilkenny 1-08 Cusack Park, Ennis

BY MARTIN QUILTY IT wasn’t pretty, nor impressive, but Kilkenny managed to make it back-to-back Littlewoods League wins, following their trip to Ennis last weekend. Those in attendance at Cusack Park had little to get excited about across the 60odd minutes, and the game as a spectacle wasn’t helped by referee Andy Larkin, who appeared reluctant to let the game flow, as he repeatedly halted play and awarded frees, when perhaps a less ‘fussy’ official may have allowed play to continue. A taste of what lay ahead was possibly the opening period of the game as neither team troubled the umpires in the first five minutes. The game sprung to life when Kilkenny were awarded a penalty after St Martins Katie Nolan was fouled. Like she did in the 2020 All-Ireland final, Windgap ‘wonder’ Denise Gaule stepped up to take it but with a different outcome on Saturday. It wasn’t Gaule’s best ever penalty; but it was well saved by Doireann Murphy in the Clare goal. The Gaels watching on probably expected a different outcome, given Gaule’s recent football exploits with Mullinahone in the Tipperary and Munster Junior Championship recently, where she claimed both County and Provincial titles. Little would separate the sides in the first 20 minutes as the home side hit points Caoimhe Carmody, Lorna McNamara and Eimear Kelly getting scores from Clare while Katie’s Power and Nolan pointing for Kilkenny. The Banner’s play was superior to the stripey women, but they couldn’t convert the chances in the final third. Kilkenny’s first touch seemed to have eluded them in comparison to the Limerick game two weeks previous, and it was almost as if a different team had turned up to play Clare. The turning point came in the 24th minute when Steffi Fitzgerald latched onto a ball outside the ‘D’ and went direct for the goal. The Young Irelands star drew a couple of Clare defenders to her, before giving a beautiful handpass inside to the waiting Miriam Walsh, she sidestepped a Clare defender and the keeper, before slotting home for a well worked goal. Kilkenny had taken the lead for the first time in the game. The Banner had led on three separate occasions up to the Tullaroan stars major, but following the green flag; John Dermody’s team would remain in arrears for the rest of the match. A mini spell of dominance then followed with points from Gaule and Laura Norris just before the interval saw the visitors lead at the break 1-4 to 0-4. The second half didn’t really make much more of an impression than that of the first. Brian Dowling’s side did however make plenty of

Camogs conquer Clare Rebels on Leeside next up for Dowling & Co.

Denise Gaule - The ‘Windgap Wonder’ was back in the fold

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Camogie chances and Clare can thank netminder Doireann Murphy for keeping Clare in the game after she pulled off a point blank save from Katie Nolan, after great work between herself and Miriam Walsh almost raised a second green flag. Kilkenny’s decision making during the second half was poor, some of their shot selections left a lot to be desired but the fact that they did make numerous chances would have pleased their mentors to a certain degree. At the other end, Kilkenny’s defence stood firm and didn’t let Clare in for any easy chances. Piltown goalkeeper Aoife Norris wasn’t called on to make one save from the Clare forwards. That was testament to how well the Kilkenny rearguard played in Ennis. The visitors were also awarded another penalty during the second period, which Denise Gaule rifled over the crossbar. Further points from Katie Power, Laura Norris and marauding wing-back, Kellyann Doyle pushed the Marble County’s lead to 3, but credit to Clare, they battled on with points from Lorna McNamara and Eimear Kelly, but fell just short as the long whistle sounded. Final score 1-8 to 0-10 in favour of Kilkenny. The result was perhaps a touch cruel on the Banner women who had outscored the visitors 0-6 to 0-4 in the second half. For long periods, Clare outplayed the stripey women and no many in attendance would have said Clare possibly deserved to get something out of the game. Brian Dowling spoke to the media after the game “We definitely got out of jail” Dowling said, We were very lucky to come away with the points, we didn’t deserve it. We didn’t play well at all, missed a lot of chances, composure was poor at times. We know ourselves we have a huge amount to do. It was a very frustrating game. I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in a game where there have been so many stoppages.” He was very frustrated about the way the game had been refereed, “It was very frustrating on both sides – we couldn’t tackle without it being a free. We’re coming away thinking that camogie is being more physical, then it turns out that it’s not. Any neutral coming in to watch that game couldn’t say they enjoyed it”. The result in Ennis means that it now a showdown away to Cork in two weeks’ time to decide who goes into this year’s League Final.

Katie Power will hope to get more playing time

Kellyann Doyle got on the scoresheet

Miriam Walsh fresh from her Hen party, scored the vital goal

Manager Brian Dowling knows there is plenty to work on

Scorers Kilkenny: Miriam Walsh 1-0, Katie Power 0-2, Denise Gaule 0-2 (one penalty, one free), Katie Nolan 0-1, Laura Norris 0-1, Steffi Fitzgerald 0-1, Kellyann Doyle 0-1 Scorers Clare: Lorna McNamara 0-4 (four frees), Caoimhe Carmody 0-3, Eimear Kelly 0-2, Aine O’Loughlin 0-1 Teams: Kilkenny: Aoife Norris; Sarah Crowley, Tiffany Fitzgerald, Grace Walsh; Kellyann Doyle, Claire Phelan, Lydia Fitzpatrick; Julianne Malone, Niamh Deely; Steffi Fitzgerald, Denise Gaule, Laura Norris; Miriam Walsh, Katie Power, Katie Nolan Subs: Aoife Prendergast for Malone (43), Aoife Doyle for L. Norris (47), Mary O’Connell for Nolan (55) Clare: Doireann Murphy; Ciara Grogan, Clare Hehir, Caoimhe Kelly; Aoife Keane, Chloe Morey, Alannah Ryan; Regan Conway, Caoimhe Carmody; Robyn Conway, Eimear Kelly, Zi Yan Spillane; Lorna McNamara, Áine O’Loughlin, Shauna Canny. Subs: Susan Daly for Regan Conway (39), Lynda Daly for Canny (53) Referee: Andy Larkin (Cork) * Additional reporting by Niall Sherry

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The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

Feature Oloughins 2019 u21 county champions

Paul and Linda Molloy

Jordan Molloy and Laoise Fennelly

O’Loughlin Gaels GAA ON Friday evening at the O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club Lounge the GAA and Camogie Clubs celebrated their teams achievements for 2019, 2020 and 2021.

It was an event that had been delayed due to covid related restrictions. Seven hurling teams and one camogie team were celebrated: the

u21, Junior B and Junior teams of 2019, the Intermediate Football Winners of 2021 and the U22 Camogie Champions of 2021. The players

and their supporters were welcomed by Games Development Chairman Eddie Buckley who invited former chairman Brian Murphy Ben Ledon, Jay Leahy and Sean Bolger

Eoin Lawlor, Joan Galway and Tadgh Crowley

to present the medals alongside Benni Cleere to the hurlers. Camogie Chairman Eoin Lawlor credited the clubs recent success to increased

numbers, improved training for coaches, and a hardworking administrating, all of which were overseen by previous chairperson

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Basketball Eugene Buckley

Brian Murphy

Eoin Lawlor

O’Loughlin’s u22 intermediate county champions camogie team

& camogie awards night Joan Galwey - inviting her to present those medals to the 2021 Champions. Further awards were presented on the night the u21 Player if the year

for 2019 went to Jordan Molloy. Conor Kelly picked up the Junior B Player of the Year for the same year, while Gary Kelly was that years recipient

Paul Cleere,Alan Phelan and Nigel Skehan

of the Junior Player if the year. For Camogie , Danielle Quigley was awarded the u22 Player of the year, Abigail Egan received Emerging Young

Talent and Phil Fogarty was the overall Player of the year. Sponsoring the awards for the respective clubs were Pat Carrolls Pub, Ballybought Street

and MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre. Club Chairman Johnny Holohan closed off the presentations with a word of congratulations to all

recipients and common wish to drive on to more successes in 2022. The celebrations continued ..likely into early Saturday morning

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News

Planning Memoriams/Miracle notices prayers

Planning notices KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Victoria Tennyson intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for planning permission for a Proposed new bungalow style dwelling, proposed shared entrance, driveway, borewell, proposed wastewater treatment tank and percolation area, stormwater soakaways, landscaping and all associated site works at Kilmacshane, Inistioge, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Nextgen Design, www.ngdb.ie.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, John Buggy intend to apply for Retention Planning Permission for a single storey extension to the rear of existing building and all associated site development works at 4 Watergate, Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Michael Maher intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build a dormer type dwelling house, garage, new entrance, private bore well, septic tank and percolation area and all associated site development works at Kyleballyoughter, Tullaroan, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9 a.m.- 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission.

KILKENNY COUNTY COUNCIL I, Aoife Lyons intend to apply to Kilkenny County Council for Planning Permission to build an extension to the side and rear of existing dwelling house, upgrade existing effluent treatment system and all associated site development works at Gragara, Jenkinstown, Co. Kilkenny. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Department, Kilkenny County Council, County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny, during its public opening hours 9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Planning Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the planning application and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions or may refuse to grant permission.

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

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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Motoring

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

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Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

Young Irish Film

Makers on(MICK) the set of BROPHY MICHAEL the National Youth 13TH ANNIVERSARY Film school 2019

With loving thoughts of Mick, late of Derdimus, Callan Road, Kilkenny, who left our home on 6th March 2009. No words we write could ever say How much we miss you everyday Life goes on, we know that’s true But we can’t get over losing you Sometimes we laugh Some days we cry Remembering you And the things we used to do You are forever in our hearts We will always love you Siobhán & Jack XX

PADDY DELANEY 37TH ANNIVERSARY In memory of Paddy Delaney, late of Walkin Street, Kilkenny who died on 1st March 1985. Gone from us that smiling face The cheerful pleasant ways In bygone happy days A life made beautiful by kindly deeds A helping hand for others needs To a beautiful life comes a happy end He died as he lived, everyone’s friend. Always remembered by his daughters Kathleen, Theresa and family.

St. Martha Prayer

SAY EVERY TUESDAY FOR 9 TUESDAYS PROMISE PUBLICATION Saint Martha, I resort to thy aid and protection. As proof of my affection and faith, I offer thee this light, which I shall burn every Tuesday. Comfort me in all my difficulties and through the great favours thou didst enjoy when the Savior was lodged in thy house, intercede for my family, that we be provided for in our necessities. I ask of thee, Saint Martha, to overcome all difficulties as thou didst overcome the dragon which thou hadst at thy feet. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. (Mention your request here…) Saint Martha, pray for us. Say 1: Our Father… Say 1: Hail Mary… Say 1: Glory Be… This miraculous Saint grants your wish before 9 Tuesdays, no matter how difficult. C.D

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.P.B

The Miracle Prayer

GERALDINE RYAN 8TH ANNIVERSARY In loving memory of Geraldine, late of Greenfields, Freshford Road, Kilkenny who died March 3rd 2014 R.I.P Your life was one of kindly deeds A helping hand for others needs Sincere and true in heart and mind Beautiful memories left behind Always loved and much missed Anne, Fran, Phil, Richard and Martin children, Eoghain, Niamh and Niall daughter-in-law Jen and grandchildren Eilbhe and Rían.

The Miracle Prayer

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022

kilkennyobserver.ie

Memoriams / Miracle Prayers

The Miracle Prayer

kilkennyobserver.ie

The Kilkenny Observer Friday 04 March 2022