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. e 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 o ers 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 ve di erent 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,

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 o ers casually elegant rooms and suites with ocean or golf course views, some with kitchenettes and sleeping space for up to six. e resort also boasts three highly rated restaurants, two open-air tiki bars, tennis courts and ample opportunities for sport shing and water sports activities like scuba diving, snorkeling and windsur ng.

3. LITTLE PALM ISLAND RESORT & SPA: LITTLE TORCH KEY

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa gives guests the private island experience with no passport required. is 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 re 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. is property is considered to be one of the best Florida Keys waterfront resorts due to its stunning ocean views and world famous sunset pier. Rooms and suites o er 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 ai body rituals. e best part? You’re just steps from the sights, sounds and debauchery of Old Town Key West and Duval Street.

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. is luxury resort sits on 24 oceanfront acres with white sand and unbelievable water views in every direction. ere are ve di erent 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 tness center and a marina with water sports o erings like shing charters and snorkeling trips are also located on the resort grounds.

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

e 3,000-year-old city is like a living museum of the Europe of millennia ago. e Old Town is where many of its most arresting landmarks can be found. From the ruins of the Roman Forum, conceived by the rst 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 lmmakers, 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 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 dance oorlike Sun Salutation producing a dreamy night 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. e 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. ere are other highlights aplenty, including the unmissable Museum of 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.

Why you should go visit Zadar, Croatia

To come to Croatia and not explore one of its many hundred islands would be serious folly. roughout 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 cli s 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.

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 cli s 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 o -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.

John McGovern – One of Kilkenny’s nest half-backs

e death occurred on ursday 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 nest 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 nest half backs of that era. According to the spokesperson “O the eld Johnny was a quiet modest gentleman who avoided the limelight. He was a great neighbour, clubman and friend. We o er 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, e Kilkenny Observer is publishing an article of the 1957 All-Ireland, with thanks to ‘ e 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. ey saw the outsiders, playing superb hurling, bring o 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. is young Waterford team, playing a uent 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

is nal exploded into life right at the start when Waterford attacked from the throw in. irty 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. ey had the next ve scores. e sequence began when centreforward Mick Kenny pointed a free. e 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 e orts from Paddy Buggy and John Sutton. is 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 mid eld. When the latter released Kenny, another white ag was raised.

Less than two minutes later, Kenny slotted a free. So the crowd saw, 15 minutes elapsed, Kilkenny rampant and ve points ahead, 1-4 to 0-2.

Yet the youthful Déise men began to nd their feet and to play some lovely hurling. ey 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 nished 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 nishing touch for a nicely worked point.

Still Suirside attacked. But another great save by OllieWalsh meant scant reward for their e orts. Eventually the gap was narrowed, when concerted e orts 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 up eld. e 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. ese switches saw Séamus Power move to centre eld 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 e ect. An attack originating in mid eld 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 centre eld free. e Munster Champions now had a ve-point lead at 2-7 to 1-5.

It was now Kilkenny’s turn to dig deep. eir chance was not long in arriving and they took full advantage.

A 70 from John Sutton appeared to be sailing wide but a spectacular e ort 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. is 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. en, from the puckout, the ball was worked to Frankie Walsh.

His point pushed the Suirsiders ve 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. is realignment on the left wing saw an upturn in Black and Amber fortunes and a determined bid to wrest back the game began. e ghtback commenced when Johnny McGovern broke up an attack and sent a relieving clearance into the heart of the opposition backline. It was

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 elded by Clohosey, who swiftly passed to O’Dwyer. e 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. e deadly accurate Grimes quickly established a four-point lead with another free. e contest, when Kenny and Grimes swapped pointed frees, entered its last ten minutes with Noresiders fearing the worst. ey had no idea what was to come. is compelling nal, played with pace and skill by two evenly matched sides, was about to explode into a glorious nale. e denouement started from the last line of the Kilkenny defence when imposing custodian Ollie Walsh saved, danced o his line and raced out with the ball. e amboyant Ollie launched a mighty puck into the Waterford rearguard. e clearance found Mickey Kelly, who slipped a clever pass to Mick Kenny. e 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. e last chapter of a remarkable story was about to unfold in favour of the Black and Amber.

Four minutes left, the Noresiders attacked. e wily Kelly slipped a ball to Clohosey. e 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 nal 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. is victory revolved around the triangle formed by the half-back line (Paddy Buggy, Mick ‘Browly’ Walsh, Johnny McGovern) and the mid eld 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 e ervescent goalkeeper Ollie Walsh.

Before the match, the movie star John Gregson, who was making a lm 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 lled their imagination.

Kilkenny: 1 Ollie Walsh ( omastown) 2 Tom Walsh (Dunnamaggin) 3 Jim ‘ e 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 (Ballydu 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).

He bought his ticket and walked to the platform at Paddington Station. ere 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. e 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 ngernails 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 o ce 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 ngernails chipped and broken, purple bruised from fresh encounters with cement blocks and rough sawn planks of wood. ere’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 co ee 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 nally 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 ngered 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. ey all have homes to go to, he thought. en 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. e prospect of having to ll in the hours chatting to strangers until he nally stopped at Fishguard, lled him with a dread that knotted his stomach. He entered the carriage and stu ed his rucksack under the seat. He was glad that he was travelling by night. It would be easier to merge into the shadows. rough the window he saw that the platform was now almost empty as the train slowly started its journey into the night. e outside darkness was punctuated by the lights in the windows of houses which anked the railway line.

I look like death warmed up, he thought, as he saw his re ection 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 nish, the sort of houses he knew he never could a ord.

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. at’s my own fault, he thought. Too many late nights drinking. at was the mind-numbing, stomachchurning sickness that kept him out of work for too many days. He had already had his warnings. “ ere’s plenty more who could ll your spot in the morning. Plenty more. Another sick day o 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 at. 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 a ord 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. at 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 di erent. 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.” * e 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. is time he was not so lucky. He could not nd 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 tful sleep. “Change trains for Fishguard. Connecting train due at 5.40 am” the voice boomed again. e station clock showed 1.40 am. Four bloody hours to wait, he thought. e 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, and walked to the platform saw their excitement as they prepared themselves for the last leg of the train journey before they met the ferry. e carriages lled 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 t; the shoes which were scu ed and scratched; the overcoat with the patched elbows and frayed cu s. He considered how he would explain his life across the water. e lies he would have to tell. e same lies he told himself. at things were really not so bad. at life was improving. at 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 re ection, like the ickering images in an old silent movie, ashing 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.

e Kings of e Kilburn High Road runs at omastown Community Centre from March 17. Booking on eventbrite

The cast of ‘The Kings of The Kilburn High Road’ . From Le : 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, e King’s of the Kilburn High Rd, Kilkenny man Pat Gri n kindly agreed to pen a short story to highlight the plight of the Irish emigrant.

of the newspapers in the kiosk beside him, tossing empty discarded co ee cartons and sandwich wrappers along the ground,

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 businesses 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 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.

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. e 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. e 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 sta 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 nal piece of work, a very positive journey for all involved.

Dr Niamh O’Reilly, CEO of Aontas, said: “ e 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. e focus this year is on the wider bene ts of learning for development of a collective sense of belonging, equality, wellbeing, and growth.”

Commenting on the project, Nicola Finnegan, ESF Managing Authority. said: “ is project highlights what can be achieved when we work together. is project engaged all learners across the Adult Learning Service ensuring 100% retention within the service during the initial lockdown. e support given by the sta 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. e 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. e Star Awards form a key part of the annual Aontas Adult Learners’ Festival. In the past 16 years, the festival has become a rm xture in the Irish adult learning calendar, showcasing the range of learning opportunities available across the country and encouraging adults to try something new. is 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. e 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 Quali cations Ireland (QQI), the European Social Fund (ESF) and Mental Health Ireland. Sponsors will be o ering special prizes to all of this year’s winners.

In the cloud: from le , Paul Delahunty, Chief Security O icer, 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. e annual Chamber Awards, sponsored by Zurich, seek to recognise the outstanding work of its Chamber network around the country. e ceremony was opened by Ian Talbot, CEO of Chambers Ireland and the MC for the afternoon was Vincent Wall, business journalist and broadcaster. e event was attended by Paul Delahunty, Chief Security O cer 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 Development 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.

“ is seal of approval from Chambers Ireland has given our team a real boost. e Stryve team are incredible. ey work tirelessly to provide hands-on and personal service to our clients. ey 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 Minister for Of ce 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 pleasure 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 o cial handover of the Castle to the OPW. He is fondly remembered there as well as in Farmleigh, where he visited regularly. Paul’s nal 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, courteous and mannerly man with a wonderful ability to connect with people, a great a nity for Irish heritage and a love of music.

“As Minister with responsibility for the O ce 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.”

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. ose coming to market would have to enter through gates where their goods would be checked and they would be charged. e money collected went to build more wall. e 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 ne day, as the sun heated the stones. Sadly, other cats did help in building the wall but not in a nice way. e taxes on the goods sold at the market were on many di erent things that people wanted; wool, timber, cloth, sh, 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 de nite 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. e Rothes already had a growing family when they started to build and they eventually had 12 children. e big stone house they built still has their name on it. ey built large rooms upstairs and had a shop on the ground oor 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 rst one. To get to it from the street you went through the courtyard of the rst 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. is allowed Kilkenny to have a mayor and aldermen. John was one of the rst 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. e Rothes lasted in Kilkenny until 1650, when they were exiled from the city. eir 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.

e English parliament was at war with its king and the Pope wanted the king to win. e Irish lords, who were on the king’s side, met in Kilkenny to build a new army. e 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. e lords were delighted to see the guns and the money and were almost as glad to see the cardinal. e 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. is 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.

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. e 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. is 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. e 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. e 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. e 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 O ce and funded by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltcht, Sport & Media.