Dungarvan observer 15 1 2016 edition by Dungarvan Observer

DUNGARVAN

OBSERVER

Patricia wins GAA Award fo r 2 0 1 5

Vol. 103

Friday, 15th January, 2016

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Call to Elizabeth for her consistent customer care and advice Lifesaving hero: Dungarvan teenager, Dylan Murphy (16) pictured at Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, where he bravely dived into freezing cold waters over the Christmas period to rescue a woman and bring her to safety. Waterford Council is to honour Dylan for his great feat of courage. SEE PAGES 6 & 7 FOR FULL STORY

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Abbeyside native on Voice of Ireland page 4 02

Council seeks €21m for flood damage By Christy Parker WATERFORD Council is seeking over €21m funding from Central Government to repair roads and other damage by December’s floods. Senior Executive Engineer for Roads Pat McCarthy told January’s DungarvanLismore Municipal District meeting that

two applications had been lodged in respect of the entire city and county. The first application was made shortly after flood damage was incurred on December 3rd and amounts to €2.7m. The second submission is for €19.16m in respect of the devastation wreaked over the Christmas period. Of that sum, €11.36m was needed for road restoration. Continued on page 9

Deasy picked as frontrunner for Ceann Comhairle position Artwork by Ava Kelly

Theatre to undergo renovations

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THE Irish Times has tipped Waterford TD John Deasy as the lead contender for the position of Ceann Comhairle if he’s returned to the next Dáil. The use of a secret ballot to elect the Chairman of the House is among a number of political reforms the outgoing cabinet is expected to approve before a general election is called. Saturday’s Irish Times speculated that, if that happens, “a Fine Gael deputy not in Kenny’s camp could find favour” across party lines - and said Mr. Deasy would fit the bill. The newspaper quoted a number of unnamed government and opposition TDs as voicing strong support for the Waterford backbencher should his name be put forward. Vice-chairman of the bipartisan Public Accounts Committee, Deputy Deasy has always been regarded as among the most independent-minded TDs within Fine Gael.

Waterford Deputy, John Deasy, speaking on Topical Issues in the Dáil. The Sunday Times also suggested he could be a frontrunner for Ceann Comhairle, describing it as “the most powerful role in the Houses of the Oireachtas”. It said many TDs would “relish” voting for “someone with a commitment to complete impartiality.” Until now, the Ceann Comhairle has been directly appointed by the Taoiseach of the day. Irish Times’ columnist

Harry McGee says the change “will also be widely welcomed as an assertion of independence for the parliament, which is often seen as subservient to the executive”. Political observers have pointed out that because the new Ceann Comhairle is to be elected by the members of the Dáil, the position will have a great deal more influence throughout Government.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Yo u r Observer Tow n H a l l Th ea t re S to u n d e r g o Inside O r e n o va t i o n s this week … N DUNGARVA

BSERVER Friday, 15th January,

Vol. 103

SOUTH-EAST CAR & VAN HIRE

DUNGARVAN NISSAN Van Call us first for and Car Hire

Prices from as little as €24.99 per day

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Call to Elizabeth for her consistent customer care and advice

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Artwork by Ava

Theatre to undergo renovations page 2

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Abbeyside native on Voice of Ireland

By Christy Parker

PORT

Vol. 103

Friday, 15th January,

The overall winner of the FM/Granville Hotel GAA Award WLR 2015, Patricia Jackman receiving for trophy from DJ her Carey. [Noel

2016

sport@dungarvano bserver.ie

Browne]

in respect had been lodged two applications and county. of the entire city was made shortly The first application was incurred on

seeking after flood damage to €2.7m. D Council is 3rd and amounts €19.16m in WATERFOR is for from Central December The second submission wreaked over the and over €21m funding to repair roads the devastation Government floods. respect of period. Of that sum, €11.36m by December’s other damage for Roads Pat Christmas road restoration. Engineer Senior Executive January’s Dungarvanthat McCarthy told District meeting Lismore Municipal

was needed for on page 9 Continued

as frontrunner Deasy picked airle position for Ceann Comh

Times has THE Irish TD John tipped Waterford lead conDeasy as the position of tender for the if he’s Ceann Comhairle Dáil. next returned to the balThe use of a secret Chairman lot to elect the is among a of the House political of number outgoing reforms the to cabinet is expected a general approve before election is called. Times in Saturday’s Irish hapon Topical Issues if that John Deasy, speaking speculated that, deputy Waterford Deputy, Gael Fine “a pens, the camp could the Dáil. McGee says not in Kenny’s also Harry party be The Sunday Times be a change “will also an find favour” across Deasy as Mr. could lines - and said suggested he widely welcomed bill. for Ceann the fit of independence would quoted frontrunnerdescribing it as assertionparliament, which The newspaper the role in for unnamed Comhairle, most powerful a number of often seen as subservient opposi- “the of the is government and strong the Houses to the executive”. have voicing as TDs Political observers tion would because Waterford Oireachtas”. It said many TDs support for the pointed out that Ceann should his for “somenew backbencher “relish” voting the elected with a commitment Comhairle is to be name be put forward. of the one of the impartiality.” members Vice-chairman the complete Ceann by Accounts to will have Until now, the been Dáil, the position bipartisan Public Deputy more has Committee, a great deal been Comhairle by the throughout Pageinfluence 6 Deasy has always directly appointed day. among the the as of regarded Government. nded Taoiseach Irish Times’ columnist most independent-mi Gael. til 8pm TDs within Fine T & C apply

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Council seeks €21m for flood damage

Quay, Dungarvan, pictured at Davitt’s rescue a woman Dylan Murphy (16) period to Dungarvan teenager,cold waters over the Christmas feat of courage. Lifesaving hero: Dylan for his great dived into freezing where he bravely Council is to honour FULL STORY safety. Waterford 7 FOR and bring her to SEE PAGES 6 &

9 Please go to page for further details

Patricia wins GAA Award fo r 2 0 1 5

2016

THE 2016 ADULT WESTERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

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Patricia Jack m wins the WLR an F Granville Hot M/ el GA A award f o r 2 0 1 5 See pag es 10 10 & 11

THE PARK HOTEL SPORTS STAR 2015 Pages 8 & 9

AROUND THE GAA CLUBS

Page 13

SECTIONS .........................……………………………………... PAGES News .............................…………..……………………………… 1–25 Classifieds ..........................…..…………………………….. 26–29 Christmas Day Swim at Stradbally Cove ………….. 30-31 County News ...........………….………………………………. 32-42 Schools ...............……..……………………..………………… 43–48 Obituary ..…...................………..........………………………. 49-51 Farming .....................………….……………………………… 52–55 Entertainment ........………….……………………………… 56–59 Déise Newsround ..............……………………………………… 60 Includes your 24-page Sports pull-out

News on the move:

By Paul Mooney

Web: www.dungarvanobserver.ie Find us on Twitter: @DungarvanObserv Like us on Facebook: Dungarvan Observer

WEATHER OUTLOOK WEDNESDAY will be cold and breezy with rain and sleet extending to all areas in the morning. Showers will follow from the northwest in the afternoon. Some will be wintry with hail or sleet and a risk of thunder. It will be very cold, with highest temperatures of just 3 to 8 degrees, warmer on the coast and with moderate south to southwest breezes. National outlook for the following few days. OUTLOOK: Staying cold up until the end of the week, with frost, ice and some wintry showers, but overall much drier than usual conditions. Milder next week, as an Atlantic regime takes hold. Wednesday Night: Cold with frost and ice, in light to moderate northwest winds. Long dry spells with clear skies but some scattered showers too. A few of the showers will turn wintry, with the odd snow flurry possible anywhere across the country. Most of the showers will affect west and northwest coastal counties, where there is also the slight risk of thunder. Lowest temperatures of 0 to -2 degree Celsius, coldest across the north and east of the country. THURSDAY: Another cold day with moderate northwest winds, which will feed some showers into Atlantic counties. Some of the showers will turn to sleet and snow, especially in the north and northwest later, with some moderate accumulations. Many parts of the midlands, south and east will remain dry with spells of winter sunshine. Highest temperatures of just 2 to 6 degrees Celsius. FRIDAY: A cold and mostly dry day with long spells of winter sunshine - just a few showers, mainly affecting the north. Some of the showers in the north, will turn wintry later. Bitterly cold soon after dark, with a severe frost and icy stretches setting in as temperatures plummet to as low as -5 degrees Celsius, in a light northwest breeze. SATURDAY: Frost, ice and any freezing fog will clear slowly to give a dry day with good spells of sunshine. Highest temperatures of just 3 to 6 degrees, in light variable breeze, coldest across the eastern half of the country. SUNDAY: Dry, cold and frosty to begin. Later in the day southeast winds will freshen and rain will push into Connacht and Munster, extending countrywide later. Highest temperatures of 4 to 8 degrees, coldest further north and east.

WED 8º

THUR 6º

FRI 6º

SAT 6º

THIS coming February, 2016, the Town Hall Theatre in Dungarvan will undergo renovations. The theatre, which was officially opened in 2008 at a cost of €1.5m, was delivered on schedule and on budget at the time.

Over the past eight years, the theatre has catered to the social and leisure infrastructure of Dungarvan and has been a valued resource for local and visiting drama groups, as well as many other events, seminars, talks, rehearsals and classes. Waterford City and County Council held a public meeting in September, 2014, to gauge the public’s view on how the Town

Hall Theatre could serve its purpose better as the region’s premier performance venue. According to a report to the December meeting of the Council, renovations at the Town Hall Theatre will begin in February, 2016, with work expected to take around two months. The venue is expected to reopen in time for the Celtic Media Festival in April.

Pre-election debate for County Waterford business community A PRE-ELECTION debate jointly hosted by both Waterford and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chambers is set to take place on Thursday, January 28th, at the Theatre Royal in Waterford at 7.30 p.m. The event will see many of the general election candidates debate the election topics and take questions from audience members. Set to take part in the event are general election candidates Paudie Coffey, Fine Gael; John Deasy, Fine Gael; Ciara Conway,

Labour Party; John Halligan, Independent; Mary Butler, Fianna Fail; David Cullinane, Sinn Fein and Mailo Power, Renua. Each candidate will be afforded the opportunity to outline their party policy on a variety of set topics and the audience will be given the chance to ask the candidates questions through the event facilitator Ian Noctor. Commenting on the upcoming event, CEO of Waterford Chamber Nick Donnelly said,

“We are very much looking forward to hosting this pre-election event in conjunction with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber. We know through engaging with our members that there are some very important and relevant topics which will need to be addressed by the election candidates to the business community and we feel that by hosting this event it offers our members the opportunity to present those issues to the GE2016 candidates. We are urging all Chamber members

SUN 8º

Pictured is a dolphin which washed up on Abbeyside Beach recently. Helvick Head can be seen in the distance. It is believed that this may be the same dolphin which was spotted in the Colligan River Estuary, near the Teagasc offices / Park Hotel, earlier in the week. Usually, a dolphin is ill or sick when it comes so far into shore. It is understood that the local Ranger of the National Parks and Wildlife Service was made aware of the dolphin.

who wish to attend to preregister in order to secure a seat and to engage with our advance communication so we can ensure the voice of the business community is heard.” This free event is exclusive to Waterford, Tramore and Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber members only. Those planning on attending are requested to register in advance via email with lynda.lawton@waterfordchamber.ie, jenny@dungarvanchamber.ie or call 051 311130.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Work well underway to give historic Grattan Square a ‘facelift’

New York New Market

By Paul Mooney WORK is well underway by Smarter Travel to bring about changes to the historic Grattan Square to make it more pedestrian / cycle friendly. While there was an agreed ban on any work taking place in Grattan Square during the Christmas period, the contractor, Wills Brothers Limited, began work early in the new year. Currently, the contractor is working on the installation of a new water main and service ducts, which is expected to be completed by the end of January. It has been 210 years since construction began to build the iconic Square. Construction began in 1806 and it was completed in 1826. In those 190 years since the Square was finished, very little has changed. The ‘facelift’ for the Square will see a reduction in car park spaces, new footpaths and pedestrian crossings, new junction layouts, lighting, the creation of a ‘civic space’, and street furniture.

Smarter Travel work is well underway at Grattan Square, Dungarvan. Once the installation of infrastructure is complete, the contractor will begin work on new paving. The work on Grattan Square has been divided up into seven phases (A to G) and the entire project is expected to be completed by the end of June, 2016. Businesses and residents of Grattan Square are being kept up-to-date on the work by Dungarvan Town Centre Management

Group. The management group was put in place following the abolition of Dungarvan Town Council. The group comprises of Council executives, and organisations, such as the Gardaí, the Chamber, Tidy Towns and several town centre business people. The group, which meets around four or five times per year, examines areas such as retail offering and

variety, access and internal management, vibrancy, education and employment, and presentation. While work is ongoing on Grattan Square, Waterford Council has offered motorists an hour and a half of free parking in Scanlon’s Yard as a concession to the businesses for the inconvenience the Smarter Travel works will cause in Grattan Square.

Repair Directory to be created for Waterford

A happy 50th Wedding Anniversary to John and Teresa O’Donovan which occurred on 8th January. Celebrated in style with their daughters Cora, Anna, Catherine and Angie. With love from all of their family and friends.

WATERFORD City & County Council is compiling a Directory of Repair Services in the county. The purpose of this Directory is to help people to find services which repair common household items and extend their life cycle as a means of reducing waste. The Directory will be accessible at libraries and other public buildings in the county and on Waterford City & County Council’s website and will promote local businesses that repair items such as Electrical goods, Bicycles, Computers, Phones, Furniture, Clocks, Domestic appliances, Clothing, Shoes, Musical Instruments and many

more. If you provide a repair service and would like to be included in this Directory please contact the Council's Environmental Awareness Officer @ eryan@waterfordcouncil.ie The aim of the Repair Directory is to make it easier for people to consider repair as an option to extend the life cycle of many items instead of simply throwing them away. The compilation and publication of a repair directory is a means of supporting and promoting repairs services in the county and is funded by Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund 2015.

Be a part of it as we bring homes and investment properties from all over Ireland to the REA Property Show in New York on the 3rd of March 2016.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

The future looks bright for Waterford business The Local Enterprise Office presents Waterford’s future business leaders at the W.I.T. Sports Complex, Carriganore THE breadth of talent is amazing at the first ever Waterford Student Enterprise Expo, with everything from hand crafted Ukuleles to educational apps, first responder emergency information wallets to multi lingual board games. Over 850 students started the Local Enterprise Office’s Student Enterprise Awards in September of last year and now these students from fifteen secondary schools in Waterford will showcase their business ideas to the public on Saturday, January 23rd, at the W.I.T. Sports Complex in Carriganore. All are welcome to attend, and to meet the students, see the new innovations and even buy some of the products. WLR fm’s Maria McCann will be broadcasting live from the event between 10.00 a.m. and 12.00 noon. Transition year students from Ring,

Lismore, Dungarvan, Tramore and Waterford City will be represented at this the first ever Waterford Student Enterprise Expo, hosted by the Waterford Local Enterprise Office. Richie Walsh of the Local Enterprise Office commented on the importance of the event, “The Enterprise Office continually tries to improve and evolve its services. This event is all about the students and showcasing their talents. We are delighted that this year we have the whole of Waterford County represented at one student event. The Expo gives the students a wonderful opportunity to experience interacting with the public and communicating their ideas.” “We at the Local Enterprise Office in Waterford would like to invite everyone along to this FREE event on Saturday the 23rd in the W.I.T. Sports

Complex. Every corner of the county will be represented, so we hope there will be lots of visitors from all over Waterford.” The students, schools and Local Enterprise Office appeal to the public to visit the Student Enterprise Expo to support the work they have put into their businesses and encourage their efforts. Keep up to date with the students’ progress on the Waterford, Student Enterprise Awards Facebook page or follow the event on Twitter via #WfdStudentExpo. One of these businesses will go forward to represent Waterford at the National finals in Croke Park in April. For more information please contact your Local Enterprise Office at 32 the Mall in Waterford City or Civic Offices in Dungarvan. Alternatively you can email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie .

Abbeyside native to feature on Voice of Ireland

Council launches 2016 Centenary programme of events A PROMISING programme of events outlined in Waterford City & County’s Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme will be launched at 4.00 p.m. in

By Paul Mooney AN Abbeyside native will be appearing in this week’s episode of the Voice of Ireland. Moylan Brunnock (20) from Abbeyside, Dungarvan, is a former student of St. Augustine’s College, Abbeyside. She is the daughter of Ann-Marie and Paul Brunnock, both of whom are school principals in Clonea Power, County Waterford and Carrigtwohill, County Cork, respectively. Although Moylan is currently studying to be a primary school teacher at St. Patrick’s College Dublin, music is her love and passion. Many people will recognise Moylan from her gigs around Dungarvan. Moylan usually plays covers of songs by artists such as Adele, Ellie Goulding, Ed Sheeran etc., but she is a singer / songwriter at heart and has taken part in many shows and trad music groups. Members of the public will be able to see Moylan performing live in Murphy’s Bar, Davitts Quay, Dungarvan, this Sunday, 17th January from 8.00 p.m. Meanwhile, her audition on The Voice of Ireland will also be broadcast on RTÉ One this coming Sunday, 17th January, from 6.30 p.m. To find out how Moylan does on the Voice of Ireland show, tune in to RTÉ One this Sunday.

Michael O'Hanlon, who is a student at Meanscoil San Nicolas in An Rinn, designed a special wallet which allows emergency services to quickly identify someone in the event of an accident. The product has been praised by the gardai nationally as well as by those involved in the motoring industry.

Moylan Brunnock (20) from Abbeyside, who will feature on the Voice of Ireland this coming Sunday, 17th January.

Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford on Friday, 15th January, 2016, by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John Cummins.

Waterford’s programme is the outcome of consultations with interested local groups, organisations and individuals, who were invited to participate in the planning and implementation of the events that will mark the 2016 Commemoration in Waterford City and County. Led by Waterford City and County Council under the guidance of the local 1916 Co-ordinator and the Ireland 2016 Commemoration Steering Committee, the programme contains events and initiatives ranging across all seven strands of the Ireland 2016 programme including: Ceremonial events, historical reflection, An Teanga Bheo, youth and imagination, cultural expression, community participation and the global diaspora. The 31 Local Authority Programmes for Ireland 2016 represent the outcome of many hundreds of hours of reflection, consultation and discussion involving thousands of people all over Ireland. Chairman of the Waterford Commem-

oration Steering Committee, Mr. Ger Crotty commented “We are particularly pleased with the input from the wider community to the Waterford Commemoration Programme which includes a full calendar of events from a range of groups including com-munity, tidy towns and local history groups as well as the artistic and Irish language communities. Ideas include film, theatre, writing, music, drama and memorial gardens as well as a number of ceremonial events that will provide a lasting contribution to cultural expression of the 2016 Commemoration in Waterford.” An open invitation is extended to the general public to the launch of the City and County Programme on Friday, 15th January, 2016. The launch in Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford will include music, re-enactment, photos, images and an exhibition from the Military Archives.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

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Olivia Lennox and Ellieanne Mason from Blackwater Community School Waterford and their project 'Selfies and Self-Esteem - What is the relationship' at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2016. [Karl Hussey / Fennell Photography]

Proceeds from calendar to go to mental health charities ALL funds raised from a 2016 calendar which went on sale recently will go towards mental health charities. Pictures within the calendar are from the hugely successful Melleray Field Day, which was held last June to promote mental health awareness. The calendar titled ‘Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Calendar 2016’ was put together by Cllr. Liam Brazil and John O’Brien from Cappoquin. The 2016 calendar is for sale at all Glanbia stores, shops in Cappoquin and from Cllr. Brazil and Mr. O’Brien.

All proceeds raised from the sale of the calendar will go to mental health charities. MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS CONFERENCE Meanwhile, Cllr. Brazil pointed out that the Mental Health and Suicide Awareness conference will go ahead at the Park Hotel, Dungarvan on 19th and 20th February next. There will be at least nine speakers who will talk about mental health issues and suicide. All are very welcome to attend this important event.

Date

work side by side together in shaping and leading in their futures. The 8 engagement sessions aims to enable communities to equip, inform and prepare themselves with the necessary information, resources and road-map to shape their own localised plans and will include inputs from a number of stakeholders who have significant potential to impact on community of place plans e.g Municipal

Municipal District Comeragh Tuesday, 19th January Comeragh Monday, 25th January Metropolitan Tuesday, 26th January Dungarvan/Lismore Monday, 1st February Wednesday, 3rd February Metropolitan Metropolitan Thursday, 4th February Dungarvan/Lismore Monday, 8th February Wednesday, 10th February Metropolitan

Community of Place Area Kilmacthomas Copper Coast Estuary West Waterford Tramore Metropolitan Dungarvan Metropolitan

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Waterford Local Community of Place Plans - Community Engagements 2016 AS part of the process in developing Waterford Local Community of Place Plans, Waterford City & County Council staff will be holding a series of community engagements at SubMunicipal level in January and February 2016. The Community of Place areas have been selected on the basis of where there is an overall shared sense of place allowing communities to

M AT T R E S S E S

Public Participation Network (PPN) structures; Waterford LEADER; SICAP and state and state supported service providers. These sessions will be followed in 2016 with more localised engagements with Communities. The dates, times and venues for the Community of Place engagement sessions are outlined in the table below:Venue

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

A panoramic view of the flooded fields and road after the heavy rain when the River Bride burst its banks in Tallow last weekend.

[David O'Flynn]

Bravery of Dungarvan teenager helped to save woman from river By Paul Mooney A DUNGARVAN teenager who bravely dived into freezing cold waters over the Christmas period to rescue a woman in distress and bring her to safety has been hailed a lifesaving hero. Without hesitation, Dylan Murphy (16) son of Áine Murphy and Joe Joy, and a student of Colaiste Chathail Naofa, jumped into the water and swam towards the distressed woman, bringing her to safety. His bravery and quick action helped save the woman’s life. The woman had fallen into the water at Dungarvan Harbour, Davitt’s Quay, near Devonshire Bridge around 2.00 a.m. on 20th December, last. Dylan, who was working as a glass collector at a nearby licensed premises, was

alerted by a coworker, Clodagh Murphy, who had observed the female in the water and had thrown her a lifebuoy, but the woman was unable to reach it. “The current was dragging the woman further into the middle of the harbour,” said Dylan, speaking to Dungarvan the Observer. After removing any clothing which could have dragged him under the water, Dylan armed with a lifebuoy dived into the freezing cold waters and swam to the woman. “The tide was high, but it was just after turning and was on the way out,” he said. “By the time I got to the woman, she was starting to go under, because she had a big leather bag wrapped around her shoulders and she was wearing a leather jacket. I caught

Dylan Murphy pictured at Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, where he bravely dived into freezing cold waters to rescue a woman and bring her to safety on 20th December, last.

her by the jacket and pulled her up, getting her to hold the lifebuoy. I then secured

Dylan with his proud family, left to right: Billy Joy, Paddy Murphy, Dylan Murphy and Áine Murphy.

her hand to the buoy with the rope.” Two of Dylan’s friends, James Phelan

and Mick Morrissey, who were watching from the Quay began pulling the rope to bring the woman in and assisted her up the ladder. Dylan swam behind the woman to make sure she was safe. The woman was later taken to University Hospital Waterford and treated for hypothermia. Dylan described himself as “running on adrenaline” at the time and didn’t have time to think about what he was doing. The swimming lessons he took when he was younger, from his grandfather, wellknown and popular local man, Paddy Murphy, paid off and

made Dylan a confident and strong swimmer. Dylan is also familiar with the waters around the Quay from spending Summers with his friends diving into the river from Devonshire Bridge. Dylan’s bravery has been making headlines nationally. Last week, in between classes at Colaiste Chathail Naofa, Dylan was on the phone talking about his daring rescue with Joe Duffy on RTÉ Radio One’s Liveline. Some of the national newspapers have also picked up on the story. Saving someone’s life “feels great, it’s hard to explain” Dylan

said. “Words can’t explain it.” Dylan expressed thanks to his family, friends and well wishers for their messages of support and congratulations. The woman who had fallen into the water was well enough to visit Dylan three days later to express her thanks and praise him for saving her life. Dylan said the woman doesn’t really remember what happened on the night. Dylans parents, and his grandparents in Dungarvan and Kilmacthomas are extremely proud of him for doing such a brave and selfless act.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Council to honour bravery of Dylan Murphy WATERFORD City and County Council is to honour local schoolboy Dylan Murphy in recognition of his dramatic rescue of a young woman from drowning over Christmas. The woman had fallen into the water at Dungarvan Harbour, Davitt’s Quay, near Devonshire Bridge around 2.00 a.m. on 20th December, last, and without hesitation, Dylan, aged

16, jumped into the water, swam towards the distressed woman, and brought her to safety. At the January meeting of Dungarvan-Lismore District Council, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan proposed that the teenager be honoured for his “great feat of courage” which, he added, “had made national headlines in recent days. Cllr. Geoghegan said fellow-

employee Clodagh Murphy, who raised the alarm after attempting to throw a lifebelt to the struggling woman in the water, should also be commended. He said that in past times, Dungarvan Town Council would present certificates of honour on such rare occasions. Cllr. Geoghegan’s proposal was unanimously supported.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Tom Cronin said he knew the rescued girl quite well and that “despite being a lifeguard herself, she was in trouble.” Cllr. Pat Nugent noted that the heroic teen “spoke so well” when interviewed on RTÉ’s Liveline radio show last week. The Council will consider how best to honour the young hero.

Muintir na Tíre - floods, the good and the bad MUINTIR na Tíre, the National Association for Community Development, has commended the work carried out by Community groups in the recent flooding crisis. National President, Paddy Byrne, said “much recognition has been given to the work carried out by Emergency Services, and rightly so, as they have often gone beyond the call of duty. However the work carried out by Community Councils, Community Alert Groups and other voluntary community groups should also be recognised.” He continued “these groups provided manpower, day and night, to protect their neighbours, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable. They stacked sandbags, manned pumps, and delivered emergency supplies. This prevented much more damage to life and property.” “Muintir na Tíre Community Councils

are well known for their community initiatives such as running community centres, community crèches and other facilities and providing much needed services such as Meals on Wheels, youth services, and many others. However it is when the chips are down in a community that they really come to the fore.” CEO, Niall Garvey also added that Muintir na Tíre has been raising flooding issues for some time now and seeking solutions before the current crisis. He said “early in 2015, Muintir na Tíre launched the Save Rural Ireland initiative, in partnership with several other national bodies.” “One of the first common issues identified by the bodies was that of flooding and its impact on communities. In particular Save Rural Ireland identified the difficulties with insurance cover as being of primary impor-

tance to communities. We highlighted the anomaly that the state has spent over €500 million on flood relief works to date producing very successful engineering solutions, yet people are still being refused flood insurance in areas where the problem has been solved.” “We made a number of recommendations to Government, including that the Memorandum of Understanding with the insurance industry be amended to guarantee insurance cover for homes and businesses in areas where flood prevention measures have been completed by the OPW.” “Unfortunately, it is now too late for some, but we still hope this will be implemented urgently so that people can continue to live in their homes and businesses can continue to operate. Otherwise, communities with any history, or even slight future risk, of flooding, face extinction.”

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Happy New Year David Cormack, Denise Kennerney and Rose Coonan from the MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Service) National Helpline based in Blanchardstown supporting the Dungarvan Lions Club “Wear Red to Work” fundraiser for the recent Christmas Appeal. The MABS Helpline offers a free and confidential advice service to those who are experiencing problems with debt and can be contacted at 0761 07 2000. The local MABS office is located at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan. Tel: 076107 2770.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

HSE assures ‘plan of action’ at Dungarvan Community Hospital By Paul Mooney THE HSE has assured that it has put in place an immediate action plan to address issues highlighted by a recent HIQA inspection of Dungarvan Community Hospital. HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority) visited Dungarvan Community Hospital on 25th September, 2015, and found there was ‘major non-compliance’ in relation to staffing levels at night time. HIQA said their Inspectors were not satisfied that the number of staff at night was sufficient to provide individual care to residents. HIQA said there was also evidence of negative impacts for residents due to poor staffing levels during the evening and night-time. HIQA pointed out that Dungarvan Community Hospital is required, under Regulation 15 (1) to ensure that the number and skill mix of staff is appropriate to the needs of residents, assessed in accordance with Regulation 5 and the size and layout of the designated centre. MANAGEMENT ACCEPTS IMPROVEMENT IS REQUIRED Management at Dungarvan Community Hospital (DCH) said they accept that staffing levels during the evenings and night-time “requires

improvement”. “It is in this context that staffing rosters have been reviewed in January 2015 in order to incorporate the twilight shift. This change in staff rostering resulted in an Industrial Relations issue at the Hospital,” Management at the hospital told HIQA. “Ongoing negotiations with Union officials over a number of months has not produced an agreed solution to the issue. This included Labour Relations Conciliation on two occasions in July and September. This matter has now been referred to the Labour Court.” Management at the hospital continued: “In order to provide the appropriate staffing in Dungarvan Community Hospital during the hours of 5.30 p.m. to 22.30 p.m., it has been decided to provide extra staff in order to ensure correct skill mix to meet the needs of all residents. This has been implemented effective 2nd October, 2015.” INSTITUTIONAL PRACTICES HIQA said that their inspectors were not satisfied that staff were appropriately supervised, as institutional practices were allowed to continue at the centre such as having the majority of residents in bed or in night-attire at 6.30 p.m. on a sunny Friday evening. “These practices have been identified at all inspections by the Authority (HIQA) since

the first inspections of the centre, and the inspectors formed the opinion that the culture of the centre has not changed and improved over time,” stated the HIQA report. CONFUSION LOCKS FOUND DURING A PREVIOUS INSPECTION HIQA said that on a previous inspection of DCH, it was found that residents rights were severely compromised in the dementia specific unit, in that bedroom doors had confusion locks on both sides of the doors. This meant that if the bedroom door was closed the residents could not leave the bedroom unaided and were, in effect, locked into the room. HIQA’s inspectors demanded the immediate removal of the locks inside the doors and witnessed the workmen arriving to remove the locks. On the follow up inspection on 25th September, last, HIQA saw that the locks had been removed from the doors and they were no longer in use. STAFF TRAINING WORKSHOP In response, management at Dungarvan Community Hospital said a training workshop has commenced with staff to look at patientcentred care and rationale as to why patients are in bed at earlier time than normal. “Review of assessments of patients choice of bedtime has been carried out

and same documented in care plans,” management said. “Increased activities are carried out in the evening time on all wards. Residents whose choice is to go to bed at an earlier time are encouraged to watch television and also there is oneto-one engagement and visiting is also being encouraged in the evenings.” Management said that in their dementia ward, particular attention is being made to ensure that there is patient centred care and that patients right to dignity is being adhered to by staff. Management also pointed out that the Person in Charge carries out unannounced ward rounds out of hours and the findings are documented, while feedback is provided to the Clinical Nurse Managers and any appropriate actions taken. A programme has also been developed to retrain all staff in person-centred care, which commenced on 14th October, last. HSE TAKEN STEPS TO ADDRESS ISSUES A spokesperson said the HSE welcomed the publication of HIQA’s report and the HSE has already taken steps to address the issues raised in the HIQA report, and the HSE will continue to liaise with HIQA on the matter. The HSE spokesperson pointed out that a number of units in the Hospital were significantly upgraded to ensure the environment

Dungarvan Community Hospital. for residents was compliant with HIQA regulations. On the specific issues raised by HIQA, the HSE spokesperson said they can provide reassurances in relation to the excellent care provided at DCH. In relation to staffing, the HSE said: “Management has been addressing staffing issues including through consultation with staff representatives”. “Since October 2015, additional staff have been deployed in order to provide the appropriate staffing in the Hospital during evening and overnight hours to ensure correct skill mix to meet the needs of all residents,” said the HSE spokesperson. It was confirmed that training workshops have

commenced with DCH staff to look at patient-centred care. “A review of assessments of patients choice of bedtime has been carried out and documented in Individual Care Plans,” the HSE spokesperson continued. “Increased activities are carried out in the evening time on all wards. Residents whose choice it is to go to bed at an earlier time are encouraged to watch television, are provided with one to one engagement or evening visiting encouraged. In the dementia ward, particular attention has been focused on patients’ right to dignity is being adhered to.” In relation to the bedroom doors with confusion

locks on both sides, hospital staff assured HIQA inspectors that doors with double locks were connected to the fire system and would automatically release in the event of a fire. “In any event, arrangements were made for the additional locks on the new doors to be removed in compliance with HIQA’s recommendation,” said the HSE spokesperson. The spokesperson added: “The HSE is fully committed to residential care of the highest standards in Dungarvan and looks forward to that facility’s excellent reputation for care giving continuing into the future”. The full HIQA report can be viewed on their website: www.hiqa.ie.

Councillors state their support for Dungarvan Community Hospital By Christy Parker D U N G A RV A N - L i s m o r e Municipal District Councillors have emerged unanimous in their support for Dungarvan Community Hospital following recent criticism of the service by health watchdogs HIQA. Cllr. Seamus O’Donnell raised the matter at January’s monthly meeting, saying he could “safely say it is one of best hospitals and one of the cleanest in Munster.” The Councillor said he could “not understand what HIQA are on about” and asked what the inspectorate “means by doors locked.” He wondered too whether there had been “staff nurses with them” while HIQA officials were inspect-

ing the hospital. Cllr. O’Donnell added that he believed “some doors have to be closed because there are people with dementia” but as far as he was concerned, “the staff and nurses are top class and I’m very disappointed with HIQA.” Cllr. Siobhán Whelan agreed, elaborating that “locked doors” translated as “high handle and low handle” doors, which served as “a safety precaution” for some patients who might inadvertently leave the premises. She added that HIQA previously had “not mentioned them at all.” Cllr. Damien Geoghegan assured that the hospital “enjoys the full support of the people and of this Council” and said he had “never heard a bad word about the place.”

Describing both the staff and the facility as “fantastic”, he noted that “we’ve seen HIQA reports about places around the country”, without elaborating. The Councillor concluded that “Dungarvan is a fine hospital.” Cllr. Pat Nugent echoed the sentiments, as did Cllr. John Pratt. PLEASURE TO VISIT Cllr. Declan Doocey informed that he had “monitored HIQA decisions” but that Dungarvan did not require any interception on health or safety grounds. He had had family members treated there and had found the hospital “a pleasure to visit” and a place of “excellent care”, with staff that are “kind and compassionate.” The Councillor said it was “very easy to work off a check list” but he felt HIQA’s inspectors “didn’t

understand what caring with people with dementia means.” Cllr. James Tobin echoed what had been said and asked “what would people do without the hospital?” He welcomed HIQA generally “as people sometimes were not caring properly for the elderly” but he did not believe Lismore or Dungarvan had anything but “the best run services in the county.” Cathaoirleach Cllr. Tom Cronin said he had brought someone to the hospital one evening last year, where a doctor had been met within five minutes, with service prompt and professional to the extent that he was heading home again within 20 minutes. “You could not ask for better service and its clean as a whistle too,” he added.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Council seeks €21m for flood damage FROM FRONT PAGE Mr. McCarthy said he remained unaware of how much money would be forthcoming from Dublin. He added that both applications were made within a prequisite timeframe and that an ongoing assessment “is still finding damage to roads, culvert, bridges etc.” He said the council “may have to return to the Department at a later stage”, but had the data to back up further claims. The engineer said the council was meanwhile using “existing funds” to address the carnage inflicted by what was up to six times more rainfall in December than for the equivalent period in 2014. “Our intention is to reopen as many roads as we can as soon as possible, but there is still standing water on many of them”, he explained, asking for “the patience of the public over the next six weeks.” THE FIGHT FOR FUNDS He may seek some patience from councillors too. The pitching for priority was set well in train when Cllr James Tobin claimed that 70% of the county’s flood damage occurred in the Dungarvan-Lismore electoral area. Logically therefore, that district should receive 70% of whatever money became available. “It is time that we as councillors in the LismoreDungarvan municipal district started to make sure that our roads get same priority as the roads in some of the areas that we are listening about for the past two years!” he insisted. His

view was unanimously supported by his fellow councillors. Cllr Tobin asked whether the funding application had been ‘itemised’ according to districts. The engineer said the applications clearly outlined the damage in each district and how much funding would be needed for repairs. He had “no idea how much we will get” and was unsure as yet “how it would be divvied up or who would make that decision.” Cllr. Declan Doocey said the “arithmetic is simple. If there are more jobs to be done here, then most of the money must come here!”, he kindly explained. HEAP OF BAD ROADS Cllr. Tobin reasoned that the Metropolitan area might argue for the bigger share, due to having the largest population. “But we have the biggest heap of bad roads!” he countered. “I’m not worried about what you send in to the department,” he informed Mr. McCarthy, “but I’m worried about what you do with what comes back!” Furthering his case, Cllr Tobin said a roads survey in 2000 decreed the roads in the old Lismore electoral area to be the worse in the county. “A lot of work was done since”, he reasoned, but a lot of damage was done in 2009 too and I think we still have worse roads. There are roads in this area that won’t be open within six or even 12 months. But we can’t expect miracles”, he cautioned, “and people who want roads repaired yesterday will have to be patient.

It will take a lot of money and time and manpower.” Cllr. Doocey wondered what prioritising system might be employed to adjudicate funding, with routes affecting the elderly, young, sick, schools, transport all in the mix. He also called on people using roads that were in bad repair but “passable” to be realistic and patient. Cllr Damien Geoghegan reminded that flooding had affected Boreen na Rua, close to Dungarvan which necessitated the fire service attending for over 50 hours. ROADS PROGRAMME UNCERTAINTY Meantime, Mr. McCarthy reminded that the next annual road works programme would shortly come before the councillors and warned that should there be inadequate other funding, that programme would have to prioritise repairs. Senior Executive Engineer Josephine McGrath revealed that there are currently eight roads closed, along with traffic lights on Vee. She anticipated three roads re-opening very shortly and the other five as soon as river and tide levels subsided. Roads in Cappagh and Ballinameela had water in adjacent fields as well as surface water”, she elaborated and were being monitored. Ms. McGrath said the immediate focus was on sufficient restoration to enable people to leave their homes and get to their destination even if it meant taking a roundabout route.

Sandbags, tarmac and photos in post-flood discussions By Christy Parker AS the fallout from December’s flooding crisis continued, Cllr. Siobhán Whelan asked that the council strive for “more co-ordination and access outside working hours” should similar events occur in the future. The councillor told January’s DungarvanLismore Municipal District meeting that a neighbour in Carriglea received 12 unfilled sandbags but found the council yard closed on going to fill them. Senior Executive Engineer Josephine McGrath said she would investigate, though she was unaware of such problems having occurred generally. Cllr. Whelan also inquired when the flooded road at Lusk (Kilrush) would be reopened? The engineer said two houses had been badly flooded there and the council was working closely with the owners and with the OPW on re-design issues. TARMAC AND CONCRETE SHORES RECOMMENDED Cllr. Séamus O’Donnell recommended tarmacadam as “the answer for hilly roads”, ideally aligned to concrete shores, when it comes to flood prevention. He had seen the benefits himself in various areas over the flood crisis period. Cathaoirleach Tom Cronin concurred with Cllr. O’Donnell, but cautioned that the treatment cost up to four times more than repairing a road with

tar and grit. He praised the council’s €1m per annum programme (expected to extend to up to four years) at concrete shoring, which had done much to deter flooding over Christmas. Senior Executive engineer for Roads Pat McCarthy said he acknowledged the sentiments, adding that there had been “different degrees of success in different locations” after last year’s concentration on drainage and clearing hedges. “Any roads we treated performed better, specifically using concrete shores with impervious surfaces”, he said. Mr. McCarthy said the council had the in-house capability but the budget was the main consideration. WORKERS PRAISED All councillors and executive members were unanimous in their praise for the outdoor staff, engineers, various overseers and indeed communities themselves. “Many workers became available even though it was holiday time and that also has to be acknowledged”, said Mr. McCarthy. Cllr. Cronin also lauded the out of hours emergency call service. PHOTOS, VIDEOS WANTED Meanwhile, Ms. McGrath asked that anyone with photos or video of the flood damage make them available to the council. “It is all of valuable help to us when planning drainage schemes”, she advised.

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EDITORIAL

A selfless act of courage ANYONE who is familiar with the speed of the current on the outgoing tide in Dungarvan Harbour will readily appreciate the enormity of the task so willingly, unselfishly and spontaneously undertaken by sixteen year old Dylan Murphy, when he jumped into the receding tidal waters to pluck a young woman from the near icy conditions. In weather which was uncomfortable even for the warmly dressed strollers on the Quayside earlier in the evening, Dylan did not hesitate and ‘running on adrenalin’ to quote himself, assisted by early life-saving training, he quickly divested himself of unnecessary clothing and dived into the inhospitable waters to assist the young woman. His willingness to help might not have been sufficient without his own ingenuity, cool thinking and training, as he needed to attach the woman to the life-saving ring. All of this which was completed in atrocious weather conditions, not to mention the risk to his own life, marks this young man as of special character. Those who have a quick splash during the Christmas swim will readily understand the demand which was made on this young man’s courage and quick thinking to enter the water without hesitation to go to the woman in distress. Those waters have claimed a succession of lives over the last twenty-five years and, it is a tribute to Dylan’s training, cool head, and instinctive unselfishness that both of them came out alive. His companions too kept calm and gave assistance and the necessity for lifebuoys to be at hand was never more clearly demonstrated. Never again should anyone walk past a displaced buoy or fail to challenge anyone interfering with them. They are, as described, lifesavers. All of the plaudits, appreciation and congratulations which Dylan and his companions have received since the rescue are well merited. For many, it will also restore or endorse their faith in the younger generation who sometimes come in for unnecessarily harsh criticism.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Storms abated for the moment Incorp. Munster Industrial Advocate Dylan Murphy should be an inspiration to his generation and a justifiable source of pride to his family and a testament to the goodness of the coming generation.

Refreshing the Town Hall IT would appear to the casual observer that stage shows are queuing up to use the facilities of the Town Hall Theatre and there was quite a series of performances from different companies, especially in the run-up to Christmas. Dungarvan has always enjoyed a very high reputation as a town which provides an appreciative audience and, judging by the crowds who flocked to the various productions, not much has changed in the time since. Eight years ago, the Theatre was almost completely rebuilt and the million or so euro which was spent back then can truly be viewed as a wise investment. A town without a decent theatre is sadly lacking in a necessary amenity. Eight years on, the building probably needs some refurbishing and the elimination of some deficiencies and, after recent public consultation, that work will be carried out in the very near future. The Town Hall has, in its time, served as a store, administrative headquarters, fire station, theatre, dance hall, museum and fowl market and has distinguished itself in recent times as a conference centre and meeting venue as well. The people of the town and area will endorse the decision to keep this fine old building in pristine condition and to have it available for public use as much as possible.

THANKFULLY, it appears that the recent series of storms has come to an end, at least for the moment, and the many people who were discommoded by them can now resume their lives and count the cost if they were affected either by wind damage or flooding. That spate of weather was unprecedented in living memory, when torrential rain seemed to be a daily occurrence with conditions exacerbated by high winds as well. Emergency services were kept busy, but thankfully, there were no fatalities and no major injuries reported. There was great disruption to travel, with even the N25 itself made impassable for almost a week on the road to Cork. This necessitated all traffic, even buses, taking a circuitous route to avoid even further floods. Nearer home, there were many roads which were flooded, even in close proximity to the town, but thankfully, such is the nature of the town itself, that little disruption was caused. While trading might have been slow due to the inconvenience to travel, at least there were no cases of businesses being destroyed by flooding. Whether this was a rogue series of storms, or whether we should brace ourselves for this experience on a regular basis, only providence can tell, but it behoves everyone who is likely to be at risk and the public authorities too, to take remedial action before the next event to offset as much trouble and discomfort as possible. In the midlands and west, which were worst affected, a very proactive approach must be adopted to widespread flooding, particularly in areas affected by the Shannon. It was constantly suggested that there are simple works, which can be pointed out by local people who have the knowledge of generations, and could be undertaken with as little delay as possible. The cause of the flooding: extreme weather conditions; poor planning; poor maintenance of areas of risk must all be addressed in this calm after the storm and lessons learnt and swift action taken. Not all preventative works need cost a fortune, local advice and a small budget may solve at least some of the problems.

Reg. in GPO as a Newspaper • Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • 058-41205/42042 • www.dungarvanobserver.ie • news@dungarvanobserver.ie

Anne Devine, Principal Bunscoil Gleann Sidheain, Cappoquin with her husband Billy; Brendan Horan, INTO C.C. Representative; past and present staff members of Bunscoil Gleann Sidheain at a special function in the Lismore House [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Hotel to celebrate her recent retirement.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

December sees slight increase in Live Register figures Live Register figures for 2015 JANUARY DUNGARVAN 1,814 COUNTY WATERFORD 11,509 WATERFORD CITY 9,695 CARRICK-ON-SUIR 1,685 CLONMEL 2,480 YOUGHAL 1,503 SOUTH TIPPERARY 7,864 SOUTH EAST 47,779 STATE 358,672

FEBRUARY 1,754 11,371 9,617 1,674 2,489 1,503 7,786 47,166 355,124

MARCH 1,718 11,269 9,551 1,650 2,464 1,464 7,681 46,345 348,676

APRIL 1,692 11,208 9,516 1,625 2,470 1,426 7,595 45,702 343,551

MAY 1,681 11,340 9,659 1,663 2,562 1,452 7,809 46,463 345,633

JUNE 1,810 11,745 9,935 1,697 2,611 1,511 7,998 47,714 356,520

JULY 1,881 11,960 10,079 1,719 2,616 1,529 8,110 48,465 363,628

AUGUST 1,847 11,768 9,921 1,688 2,586 1,538 7,957 47,656 359,076

SEPTEMBER 1,684 11,074 9,390 1,560 2,356 1,410 7,297 44,186 332,801

OCTOBER 1,668 10,631 8,963 1,557 2,243 1,407 7,092 42,949 320,794

NOVEMBER 1,629 10,444 8,815 1,523 2,217 1,398 6,974 42,370 316,586

DECEMBER 1,686 10,678 8,992 1,564 2,232 1,403 7,171 43,276 321,616

DUNGARVAN LIONS CLUB Remembrance Tree Thank you for supporting the Lions Club / WLRfm Christmas Appeal MASS WILL BE OFFERED FOR THOSE WHOSE NAMES HAVE BEEN PLACED IN THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE IN THE FRIARY CHURCH, DUNGARVAN on WEDNESDAY, 13th JANUARY, 2016 at 7.30 p.m.

Source: Central Statistics Office

LIVE register figures for the month of December, 2015, shows that there was a slight increase compared with November. The increase in the figures was right across the board and offsets a slight decrease in the figures experienced in October, 2015. There were 1,686 people in Dungarvan signing on the Live Register in December, and 10,678 people signing on across County Waterford, according to the figures released by the Central Statistics Office. The Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) welcomed the latest Live Register figures, noting

that 2015 was a successful year in terms of employment growth, but cautioned the rate of growth has been slowing down in recent months due to business owners’ concern over increasing business costs, continued economic uncertainty and unsustainable wage pressures. ISME noted that long-term claimants still account for 45.4 percent of the total number of people on the Live Register. “The high level of long-term unemployed shows that labour-force activation measures are not working adequately. These need to be revamped to suit the current market and schemes such as Jobsplus must be promoted to help get the long-term unemployed

Pictured (l. to r.): Tom Murphy (Tolisons Filling Station, Abbeyside) and Monica Dunphy (Brand Excellence Advisor of Costa Coffee). Tolisons Filling Station, Abbeyside, are delighted to receive top marks for cleanliness and excellence from Monica Dunphy, Brand Excellence Advisor of Costa Coffee, recently.

back to work,” said Mark Fielding, CEO of ISME. Mr. Fielding said the figures show that progress has been made in relation to employment growth in 2015. “The economic recovery strengthened during the year and gradually began to benefit small businesses. This was reflected in the employment growth figures but, as the year drew to a close, there has been a significant slowdown,” he said. “Many factors influenced this slowdown but the most critical is the increased labour cost being forced on ownermanagers. Government’s decision to increase the National Minimum Wage without adequately considering the detrimental knock-on effect on businesses will result in a slowdown in the jobs market this year.” ISME said the Government needs to focus on cost competitiveness for the small to

medium enterprises section; reduce government-influenced business costs to below the EU average; ensure real measurable access to credit for viable SMEs; outsource more state sector services to SMEs; increase job-rich infrastructure investment; reform the social welfare system to make it more profitable to work; and attack the scourge of ever-increasing black economy activity. Mr. Fielding said the Government “must address these pressure points through structural and policy changes to ensure that the fragile recovery is guarded as Ireland returns to positive growth”. “Loose pre-election pay promises must be replaced by proper debate on business costs,” he said. “We must nurture the wealth and job creating SME sector through cost curtailment and focused incentives, resulting in a virtuous circle of jobs,

welfare reduction and revenue,” Mr. Fielding added. Meanwhile, the Irish National Organisation of the Unemployed (INOU) noted that there were 321,616 people on the Live Register for December, 2015 and pointed out that the Live Register went over 300,000 people in January, 2009, and has since remained above that level. The INOU said the Live Register includes people who are in a receipt of a Jobseekers payment, some of whom are employed on a parttime or casual basis. In December 2015, there were 65,678 people on the Live Register who were also working, representing 20 percent of the Register. The INOU said figures for the Monthly Unemployment Rate for December 2015 show there were 190,600 people unemployed at this time and the unemployment rate was 8.8%.

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Book to recall loss of Schooner Nellie Fleming 80 years ago By Christy Parker DEVOTEES of Maritime history in the west Waterford area will take interest in a new book marking the 80th anniversary of one of the most poignant sea tragedies to affect the region, being launched next week. Lost Without Trace, by Youghal author and historian Michael Hackett, recalls the tragedy of the Nellie Fleming, which was lost with all hands in the Irish Sea on in February 1936. The ship was one of many that plied its trade on the Bride and Blackwater, in the fading days of sail boat commerce between the south coast and Britain. The Nellie Fleming was actually the second ship of that name, the original having sank in Ardmore Bay in 1913, thankfully without loss of life. The vessels were owned by Youghal trader Michael J Fleming and as well as traversing the local waters, traded back and forth with the Bristol

Channel ports, carrying predominantly coal, salt and sometimes hardwood for use as ‘pit props’, in Welsh mines. A double-topsail schooner, the ‘Nellie was built in Carrickfergus in 1884 and began life as the Emily. Fleming bought it in 1916 and renamed it after his daughter. On February 2nd 1936, the five-man crew, all of whom hailed from Youghal, consisted of Captain Mike Duggan (aged 60), mate Mart Glavin (58), able seaman Dan Kenneally (54) able seaman Declan Doyle (24) and able seaman/cook Edward Sullivan (18) on, poignantly, his first voyage. Having arrived in Lydney, Gloucestershire, the ship was loaded up with coal for the return journey on February 8th. However as she departed south Wales in calm conditions, the first gusts an impending storm became apparent. The ship soon took shelter at Milford Haven, along with at least five other sail ships and as the winds eased set sail

again, along with the Camborne and the Kathleen & May. FIERCE STORM However, the strong winds returned and by 11 pm one of worse to storms ever recorded on the Irish Sea was building. It would blow for three days, with winds hitting 75 mph. The Camborne was swept out into the Atlantic for five days and survived, while the Kathleen & May made it back to Milford Haven. Tragically, the Nellie Fleming was last seen west of St. Ann’s Head, her rigging already being ripped apart. It was never seen again and no bodies were ever recovered. The culmination of several years’ research, Lost Without Trace documents the ship’s history from construction to doom and indeed also details the history of its sister ship the Kathleen & May (named after Michael Fleming’s other two daughters). Comprising 128 pages, it contains over 80 photographs of early 20th century

schooners, bridges, quays and sailors. The Blackwater and Bride rivers are also well researched with pages depicted from the record books of the Camphire

Bridge and Youghal Bridge DESCENDANTS Several descendants of crew members remain in Youghal and abroad, and the book contains contri-

The 'Nellie Fleming' Schooner at Lydney in Wales.

butions from people such as Youghal priest Rev. Fr. Bernard Cotter, grandnephew of Mate Batty Glavin and Jimmy Duggan, grandson of Captain Mike Duggan. Some of those who assisted with the project have themselves departed for the calm waters of the Heaven, such as west Waterford sailors like Captain Pat Walsh, and Willie Roche, both from Monatrea. Others remain anchored to this life, including Youghal Maritime enthusiast Frank Mills, Donal Landers of Lismore; John Landers of Camphire; John Young of Dungarvan; Andy Kelly of Kilmacthomas; Frank Mills of Knockanore and Mary O'Dowd (nee Burns), Youghal Bridge; Lost without Trace will be launched at the Mall Arts Centre by Fr. Cotter, on Wednesday January 20th at 7-30 pm. Jimmy Duggan, grandson of Captain Mike Duggan, will travel from London for the event; Youghal musician Mark Ansbro will play sea chanties. Kilmacthomas photographer Andy Kelly will display relevant photos. Town crier Cliff Winser from Kinsalebeg will announce the event. The book is available from local shops in the region. Price €12. DAYS OF SAIL BOAT COMMERCE Author Michael Hackett reflects on age of sail ships plying the Bride and Blackwater, noting that a skipper needed “strong

judgement, experience and wisdom.” He recalls that the old Youghal metal bridge held a narrow opening span, while the high hills on either side of the 104-mile river and its swirling currents, sandbanks and backwaters demanded immense navigational skills. “The voyage upriver from Youghal to Cappoquin was 18 miles, while some smaller craft would go onwards to Lismore, culminating the journey through the Lismore Canal”, he explains. Some well-known schooners of the era were the Jon A Dab, the Happy Harry, the Brooklands, the Kathleen and May and the De Wadden, not forgetting the Harvest King and the James Postlewaite, which were used in the making of Moby Dick in 1954. “The last pure-sail schooner to use that waterway was the Chester, in 1932”, says Michael, “while the last pure-sail schooner to pass through Youghal bridge was the Brooklands, in 1941 He continues, “The Bride was used to bring goods as far inland as Tallow Bridge quay, along with other for quays such as Headborough, Evans Quay, Moore Hill, Janeville and Bishopstown.” The writer says the “two biggest importers of goods on the Bride were O’Keeffes Merchants of Janeville and Bride Valley Stores in Tallow. The cargoes were generally coal upriver and corn and pit-props on the return.”

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

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Waterford house prices rise 2.48% in last three months THE price of the average three-bed semi detached house in Waterford has risen by 2.48% to €155,000 in the last three months, a nationwide property survey has found. The REA Average House Price Survey concentrates on the sale price of Ireland's typical stock home, the three-bed semi, giving an up-to-date picture of the property market in towns and cities countrywide to the end of the selling season in December. REA agents in Waterford are predicting that prices will rise 10% in 2016, after a 10.71% rise in the price of the average three bed semi in 2015. “There was a noticeable increase in activity particularly in the three-bed starter home market over the last quarter,” said Eamonn Spratt from REA Spratt in Dungarvan. “This is a combination of lack of supply and prospective purchasers reading positive commentary in national media.We have not noticed a significant improvement in bank lending, in fact the complexity of drawing down a mortgage is becoming more challenging. “The property market is very much perceptiondriven and currently the mood is noticeably im-

proving. “The last few years have been all about the Dublin market but now the provincial areas are also picking up and buyers are aware of this development. “Investment by the State in recent times either by the Local Authorities or Housing Agencies purchasing existing second hand stock for sale has further added momentum to an improving market.” The average semi detached house nationally now costs €188,370, the Q4 REA Average House Price Survey has found – a slight rise on the Q3 figure of €186,102. Prices in Dublin city and county fell by -0.75% in Q4, while Dublin city alone fell by -0.69% – the average three-bed semi now costing €357,500. However, the biggest growth was in the rest of the country outside the commuter belt and larger cities, where house prices increased by 0.95% in the last three months. The lack of suitable supply is the biggest influence on the property market nationwide, according to REA Chairman Michael O’Connor. “What we have seen in the last three months are prices only increasing in areas that are offering people the accommodation that

they require,” he said. “People may want to buy housing, but if suitable properties are not available, they will not buy. “We are seeing a lack of supply of good quality three-bed semi-detached houses across the country, and a desperate need for new developments. “In many areas, the properties available in the sub€220,000 level are either apartments, houses that are too small or need too much investment to bring them up to standard. “The market is still stalled at the second–time buyer level, due to the restrictive nature of the Central Bank’s deposit lending rules. “Many potential secondtime buyers now only have the option of renting bigger houses and letting out their own, as they are not able to afford the 20% deposit to be able to purchase. “There are very few suitable houses to buy at the lower end of the market for first-time buyers because potential second-time buyers have no way to trade upwards. “While Dublin was the first region to recover, followed by the commuter areas, we are now seeing an increase in values in our largest cities outside Dublin a year later.

DUNGARVAN LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS APPEAL

Angelene Kiely, Emer and Annebelle Wall, Fews NS, who raised money from the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal with Wear Red to School with John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, and Des Power, Dungarvan Lions Club. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Pupils from Glenbeg NS who raised money from the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal with Wear Red to School with John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club; Nicola Costin, Teacher, and Des Power, Dungarvan Lions Club. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Peggy Moloney and Eamon Foley, Yesterday Motor Club, presenting a cheque for €1,596 to John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, for the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal 2015. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Included is Des Power, Dungarvan Lions Club.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Pupils from St. Mary’s NS who raised money from the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal with Wear Red to School and a Cake Sale with John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, and Fiona Fitzgerald, Principal; Emma Hogan, St. Mary’s NS, and Geraldine Carroll, Dungarvan Lions Club. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

James Kiely, Eoghan Curran and Robbie McGrath, Dungarvan CBS, presenting a cheque to John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, for the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal 2015. Included is John Coade, Dungarvan Lions Club. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Pupils from Aglish NS who raised money from the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal with Wear Red to School with John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, and Jenny Mulcahy, Principal Aglish NS. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Kidzfunfit comes to Dungarvan Sports Centre A NEW concept in physical activity starts on 15th January.“Kidzfunfit,” as the name suggests, encourages children to get fit and

have fun at the same time. Starting this Friday at 4–5 p.m. and will continue weekly on Fridays at a cost of €5 per hour. Sessions will

be structured within the hour so that they will be interesting for kids.The aim is to improve balance, coordination, flexibility and a

vast range of all the fundamental movement skills. Sessions are open to both boys and girls 6–12 years. For more information con-

tact Sean on (087) 1042245 or just call into the Sports Centre, Ringasillogue, Dungarvan, on Fridays. Hope to see you all there.

Weight Watchers PARK HOTEL, Dungarvan Monday night 7.30–8.30 p.m. Tuesday Morning 8.30–11.30 a.m.

David Reynolds presenting a cheque for €1,020 to John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, for the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal 2015, proceeds of a Sponsored Slim. Included is Des Power, Dungarvan Lions Club.

Eilo Fitzgerald, Lady Captain Gold Coast Golf Club, presenting a cheque for €2,000 to John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, for the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal 2015. Included is Des Power, Dungarvan Lions Club.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

St. Mary’s Primary School Youghal Road, Dungarvan

Enrolment Day 1.45 p.m.

Eddie Cunningham, Chairman Western GAA Board, presenting a cheque to John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, for the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal 2015. Included is Des Power, Dungarvan Lions Club, and Officers of the Western GAA Board. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Kieran O'Connor, O'Connor Communications and Farm View Presenter, with Lisa Curran, Glanbia, presenting a cheque for €6,045 to John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, proceeds of the Glanbia Farm View Auction on WLR/fm. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Tuesday, 26th January All are welcome Tel. (058) 41346 e-mail: info@stmarysdungarvan.ie

Waterford Spraoi to receive €15,000 for 2016

Bridget Ahearne, Lady Captain, and Jim Kiersey, Captain Dungarvan Golf Club, presenting a cheque to John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, for the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal 2015. Included is Des Power, Dungarvan Lions Club. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Diarmuid Horgan, President, and Dermot Drohan, Captain West Waterford Golf Club, presenting a cheque to John Harnedy, President Dungarvan Lions Club, for the Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Appeal 2015. Included is Des Power, Dungarvan Lions Club. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

MINISTER for Housing and TD for Waterford, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, that €15,000 has been allocated for Waterford Spraoi in 2016. This is part of Fáilte Ireland‘s national funding of just over €1.8 million for 23 key national festivals and events. “Waterford Spraoi is a hugely popular event in Waterford and further afield.This event has grown in recent years and is attracting more and more tourists to the area. Funding of €15,000 will help to grow the festival further and to continue to plan for the future. “Waterford Spraoi is a free urban festival staged in Ireland’s oldest city over three days. The city showcases a variety of street art and spectacle, featuring hundreds of performers, live music and an array of new street theatre. “In 2016 we will continue to promote all of the festivals on offer around the country, including Waterford Spraoi.

‘When my Lower Back Pain isn’t caused by a Bulging Disc! By Tomás Ryan BSc., AHS, Ph.Th. MIAPT,

Registered Physical Therapist based in Clonmel and Thurles

MANY people experience Lower back pain after a sudden backward twisting movement of the spine. This can happen during manual activities such as gardening when straightening your back from a bent position. The Patient will report lower back pain on bending their spine backwards and when side-bending the spine to one particular side. If there is no pain on bending forward or when twisting to the side this would indicate that the cause of pain lies with the facet joints of the right side of the spine and that a protruding vertebral disc is probably not the source of pain. Indeed the patient will note relief with bending forward and with side-bending the spine to the opposite side of lower back pain. Facet joints are hinge like joints that sit on both sides of the vertebra that houses the discs of the lower spine. They control the range of movement of each vertebral segment of the spine. Facet Joints can become locked or sprained when one of the adjoining surfaces that form the Facet joint moves incorrectly and becomes misaligned. Alternatively the joint capsule that sits within the facet joint can become stretched and irritated. A misaligned or stuck facet joint hates being compressed and this is what happens when we bend backwards or side-bend the spine to the painful side causing achy pain and soreness. EXAMINATION FINDINGS FOR A FACET JOINT LOCK • Achy Pain on extending spine backwards and on side-bending to one side only • Relief on slightly bending forward and sitting in slouched position • When testing the spine, restricted movement will be noted at that vertebral segment. • When the Physical Therapist applies graded pressure to the vertebrae segment, there is an immediate soreness and replication of their symptoms. • Muscle spasm will be present in the right lower back region TREATMENT & MANAGEMENT The goal of treatment is to increase movement at the restricted vertebral level where the Physical therapist has identified the restriction. This is achieved through the use of graded mobilisation techniques that are performed at the restricted facet joint. Homecare should consist of a lower back stretching programme coupled with strengthening exercises for the gluteal and erector spinae muscles of the lower back, this is important in order to prevent re-occurrence. The injury is has a quick healing response once the restricted segment is mobilised. Tomás Ryan is a Registered Physical Therapist with The Irish Association of Physical Therapy and is based in Clonmel & Thurles. Contact Number: 0504 26672. Email tomaspryan@gmail.com

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Dunmore East and Ardmore Waste Water Treatment facilities now operational Facilities Part of €33 Million investment – Minister Coffey FINE Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey has said that he has welcomed the positive progress that has been made with the Dunmore East and Ardmore Waste Water Treatment facilities that have been completed and are now fully operational. Minister Coffey said the delivery of these facilities is part of a €33 million investment package in County Waterford and will go a long way to ensuring that the both areas receive blue flag status for their beaches. “Up until recently we had a wholly unacceptable situation where raw sewerage was being pumped out into our seas. This was

due to a complete lack of investment over many years due to the inadequate management of our water and waste water treatment infrastructure because of the lack of resources and investment. Irish Water has complete responsibility for schemes such as these and Dunmore East and Ardmore are two examples of where Irish Water has made a positive contribution in ensuring clean safe bathing water. “Blue flag status for both Ardmore and Dunmore East is critical to attracting visitors to both villages. I am pleased that Irish Water has progressed these two projects in

Waterford County and I am sure that both will benefit from having cleaner, safer bathing water for residents and tourists alike. “Irish Water have also confirmed to me that works are on-going in several other locations in Waterford County namely; Ballyduff / Kilmeaden; Stradbally; Cappoquin; Kilmacthomas; and Tallow and these works are expected to be completed by the 3rd quarter of this year. All of these schemes are being delivered as part of a €33 million wastewater investment package by Irish Water in County Waterford. It is imperative that we have do not

have raw sewerage entering out water system that poses a major health risk to people. “Fianna Fail had no plan and still has no plan when it comes to investing in our water network; they ignored investing in water infrastructure despite spending over €1 billion a year on deficient treatment plants that caused pollution in our water courses and beaches and water networks that leaked almost 50% of treated water into the ground. It was not sustainable and this government grasped the issue and dealt with it and we are seeing tangible improvements already.”

Members of Right2Water Organising Committee meeting at Unite Centre, Keyser St., Waterford.

No to water charges, no to privatisation, defend the people’s Right2Water Support constituency-wide protests on Saturday, 23rd January, 2016 ACTIVISTS from across the City and County including Dungarvan, Portlaw and Tramore representing Trade Unions, Community groups and Political parties met on Tuesday to finalise plans for a demonstration on Saturday, 23rd January, 2016, which is part of the national mobilisation in every constituency by the Right2Water campaign. The Demonstration will assemble on Saturday 23rd in the Glen at 2.00 p.m., and will march to the Bishops Palace the Mall, where the protestors will be addressed by a number of speakers including Oireachtas members, Senator Dave Cullinane Sinn/Fein, Independent TD John Halligan and Una Dunphy of the AAA/PbP. Kim Malley, “Dungarvan Says No” and Veronica D'Ambra “Larchville/Lisduggan against Water Charges” will also speak.

R2W has held five major national mobilisations involving half a million people since October 2014 and will host a Major National Demonstration in Dublin before the general election. That will most likely occur on the Saturday before the election.” Waterford right2water spokesperson Tom Hogan said “Right2Water from the beginning of this campaign said that we would endeavour to make water the number one issue in the run up to the general election and these events will go some way to making sure that is the case. The best and most efficient way to pay for water is through general taxation, which is progressive and fair. Ireland is currently the only country in the EU which is guaranteed to not have water poverty – and we should keep it that way,” he said.

“We’ve won the argument and the hundreds of thousands of people who have attended the Right2Water demonstrations have made their voices clear, they want water charges abolished, and our water services kept in public ownership. Right2Water is calling on every community group, political party member and every trade unionist across the City and County to get involved and mobilise for Saturday, 23rd January. Change will only happen if we demand it. The charges are regressive and unfair and will disproportionately target the least well off in our society. What we’ve been pointing out all along is that there is a better, fairer way to pay for water, and that’s through general taxation. Further information contact: 086-1656818.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Waterford’s Niall Power celebrates 10 years as co-presenter on Beat Breakfast The Flagship show on market leading radio station Beat 102-103 has lots in store to mark this mammoth milestone . . . SOUTH East natives Niall Power and Vincent Bradley have been part of the prime time line up of Beat 102103 since Ireland’s first regional radio station began broadcasting back in 2003. For the first three years, Waterford native Niall presented the station’s popular afternoon talk show called Beat Talk and Vincent Bradley who hails from Adamstown in Wexford was a full time sports broadcast journalist with the station. While guests at the wedding of a colleague in January 2006, Niall joked to the then CEO of Beat 1021903 Waterford man Kieran McGeary that he should “put myself and Vinny on brekkie”. Niall’s throwaway comment planted the seed in the CEO’s mind and exactly one month later, February 13th, 2006, Niall and Vinny took to the airwaves in their new time slot of breakfast and have never looked back! Breakfast radio is increasingly competitive but the duo of Niall and Vinny have remained consistently strong. Over the last decade, the show’s format has undergone numerous guises and tweaks to constantly improve its offering. In the most recent radio research results, Beat Breakfast achieved a record high of reaching 45,000 adult listeners daily*. Current CEO and Programme Director of

Beat, Gabrielle Cummins has worked closely with Niall and Vinny throughout this time and outlines why she thinks Beat Breakfast regularly produces a winning formula “there is a LOT of ego in the radio industry but Niall and Vinny are extremely talented broadcasters who have always remained relatable to their loyal and valued audience; they know how to have the craic, they listen to what their fans have to say, they have huge respect for each other, their listeners and everyone else they work with and most importantly they’re friends so there is a natural fun factor between them that can’t be taught”. There have been many Beat Breakfast programming highlights spanning the ten years including marrying two strangers which was a multi award winning station social experiment, chasing Fugitives, bringing the Beat Breakfast Birthday Bus on tour which visited all five counties of the South East and many memorable celebrity interviews. In recent months, Beat Breakfast touched emotions with Beat’s FeelGood Friday campaign, and Niall had the ultimate surprise for Vinny when he arranged for him to hang out with one of his favourite popstars, Taylor Swift. Niall Power has pin-

pointed ‘The Daily Dilemma’ as one of the show’s features that he is particularly proud of “what started as an occasional feature has grown into our most popular item on the show. It still amazes me why people air their most personal issues on the biggest morning show in the region, but I suppose people want guidance from those who aren’t attached or involved. We’ve also seen huge changes in how we interact with our listeners. There was no social media when we launched in February 2006, but you can now engage with us each morning and even when we’re not on air, right across the day on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and many other platforms.” For many years, Vinny has been Quizmaster of another of the show’s popular features ‘Beat The Bomb’. He says they’ve encountered some great characters from the South East over the last decade. “We feel like we're friends with many of our listeners at this stage, even though we've never met most of them! In a lot of cases, they're just names on a text or a voice on the phone but they talk to us as if we're in their gang or part of their family in the kitchen in the morning! It's an odd kind of relationship but we never take it for granted. The

great thing is that the “family” is growing all the time, as our listenership figures show.” In more recent years, Niall and Vinny have been joined by Waterford based Jamaican native Trish Archer and she likes to think she keeps the boys on their toes “When I was younger I really wanted an older brother and now I have two! I say it all the time when I'm asked what it's like working with the guys. It's like being in your

Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2016 WATERFORD City & County Council’s Arts Office is pleased to announce that it is currently accepting entries for the Molly Keane Creative Writing Award 2016. The late writer lived, until her death in 1996, in Ardmore, Co. Waterford. Her first ten novels and four plays were published under the pseudonym M.J. Farrell. In 1981 ‘Good Behaviour’ became

a publishing sensation for which she was short listed for the prestigious Booker Prize. Annually since 1998, to celebrate this rich literary life, the Waterford Arts Office, by kind permission of the Keane family has invited entries for a previously unpublished short story to a maximum of 2000 words. There is no entry fee, no age limit and no restriction on the subject matter. A prize of €500

will be awarded to the winner at a special ceremony during the IMMRAMA Literary Festival in Lismore, Co. Waterford in June 2016. The closing date for receipt of entries is 12.00 noon on Friday, 11th March, 2016. Full details and an entry form can be downloaded from www.waterfordcouncil.ie or by contacting the Arts Office on 058-41416.

sitting room and the gang’s around for a catch-up and cuppa. I have to say it's been an adventurous three years on Breakfast with Niall and Vinny. Hands down they are two of the most funny and witty people I know; their energy and humour is effortless and so contagious, they really do make it easy to present with them each morning.” The station is planning a major breakfast party on Friday, February 12th at The Set Theatre in

Kilkenny to celebrate Niall and Vinny’s ten years of making great breakfast radio. Popular Irish band that has featured many times on Beat Breakfast is Keywest and the band is excited to be performing live at the party: “Niall and Vinny and in fact all the team at Beat have always been really supportive of our music, giving us plenty of prime time airtime. The guys are seriously talented but down to earth at the same time.

We are delighted to help them celebrate this major milestone and look forward to hounding them for more airtime for many years to come!!” In the lead up to the Friday party, there will be lots of surprises on air and online on Beat 102-103 with some exciting giveaways including BIG cash prizes. If you would like to be one of the lucky listeners to attend the breakfast party, email win@Beat102103.com

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

moves on …

NEWS AN exciting new era in interiors retailing has begun in Dungarvan as The Colour Store rebrands to become the “Shane Curran Home Company” now located at Westgate Business Park. Shane of course is familiar to his loyal customers from West Waterford and beyond as Director of MJ Currans and more recently from The Colour Store. Shane told us that “the continued success of The Colour Store along with improved consumer confidence meant that I was ready to take the business to the next stage. I have always wanted to use my previous experience to offer a broader range of product and our new location at Westgate Business Park has given me the space and opportunity to expand the range to give you a one stop solution for all your home interiors needs.” The new expanded store will continue to offer premier paint brands such as Colortrend, Crown and Farrow & Ball (exclusive to the Shane Curran Home

19 Company in Dungarvan) along with a large selection of wallpaper books, timber care products and accessories to complete all you decorating projects. We have also expanded our display of blinds showing many options in roller blinds, Venetian blinds and roman blinds. All of this will now sit alongside a Bathroom and Tile department offering such market leading brands as Roca, Vitra, Merlyn and Porcelanosa and a Stove and Fireplace department with stoves from Arrow, Stratford, Villager, ACR and Mazona. On the second floor you can complete your restyling of your home from our massive furniture department. Choose from beds, mattresses, dining, sofas and occasional pieces, quality and style is the core of the business and all the key brands are stocked such as King Koil, RESPA and Odearest. Our display of Rauch German sliding wardrobes offers endless storage solutions and are available with free

Visit w our ne e it s b e W

delivery and assembly by our team of fitters. “Personal service, product knowledge and experience is the key” continued Shane and “to this end I am delighted to welcome Geoff Dipple to the team. Geoff comes with years of local interiors knowledge from his time running Dungarvan Home Furnishings, supplying blinds, curtains and bedding. He is delighted to be back serving the local community again and looks forward to helping customers old and new re style their homes. With myself, Geoff and my father Conor we have over 100 years of local retail interiors experience between us to offer.” To celebrate this exciting launch there are many opening offers in store and reductions on many products. Shane and Geoff look forward to welcoming you to Dungarvan’s premier interiors store. The store is open Monday to Friday from 8.00 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. and Saturday 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Tel. (058) 48611.

CRO NIN

URNITURE

FITTED KITCHENS Family run business for over 37 years

www.croninfurniture.ie

Burgess, Killeagh, Co. Cork | T. 024-95244 | F. 024-95583 E: sales@croninfurniture.ie | 5% discount for online quotes

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Truck, Trailer & Bus Services

Tachograph Calibration and Installation Speed Limiter Installation and Repair DOE Preparation Servicing Sand Blasting Spray Painting

www.truckrepairs.ie Aileen Fitzgerald, daughter of Mary and Martin Fitzgerald from Lemybrien, with her husband Craig Sheehan, son of Heather and Tommy Sheehan from Dungarvan, on their wedding day. The couple were married in Fews Church and their reception was held in [David Clynch Photography] Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan.

Contact: Gerard on 058 68855 • 087 2884113 • info@truckrepairs.ie Garryduff, Colligan, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

NEWS

An Chúirt Dúiche …

L i s m o re D i s t r i c t C o u r t

Probation report sought on man who smashed pub window A PROBATION report was sought on a man who admitted purposefully smashing a pub window because he was refused entry. Daniel McElroy (23) with an address at 9 Cois Bride,Tallow, pleaded guilty to criminal damage at McCarthy's Bar, Convent Street, Tallow, on 5th April, 2015. He also pleaded guilty to a charge of being intoxicated in public at the same location and date. Last week's Lismore District Court heard that the accused had thrown a timber block through the window of McCarthy's Pub in Tallow at 12.35 a.m. on the night in question, and later admitted the offence when questioned by Gardaí. The court heard that there were patrons in the pub at the time and while no one was injured, the event did cause shock to one patron. Inspector David Nolan said when interviewed by Gardaí, the accused said he had a few drinks on the night and went into Tallow. He said McElroy claimed that before he was within 20 yards of the pub, the bar manager 'began shouting and roaring' that he was not

allowed into the pub. He said McElroy then went away, had a few more drinks and then returned to McCarthy's Bar with a wooden block, which he threw at the pub window causing damage. Insp. Nolan said the value of damage caused to the window was €50. Judge Terence Finn noted that the accused acknowledged he had alcohol taken, was refused entry, left the area, then after taking more alcohol, returned to the area with intent. Solicitor Neil Twomey said his client acknowledges his behaviour was out of order and dangerous, and apologises for it. He said McElroy was in the pub on previous occasions to purchase drink without incident. However, Judge Finn said the accused has not obtained 'residency rights' just because he has purchased alcohol at the pub before. Judge Finn noted the accused has previous convictions, including a conviction for criminal damage. He adjourned the case to 8th April, 2016 for a probation report.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Assault charge adjourned to investigate further alleged animosity between parties A DISPUTE between a former couple, which resulted in a family member assaulting the ex-partner was adjourned for further Garda investigation into whether there is continuing animosity between the parties. Connie Curley (58) with an address at Kilmore West, Tallow, pleaded guilty to assaulting Maurice Boland at the 'Ramp Boreen', Townspark West, Tallow, on 26th February, 2015. At last week's Lismore District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that Maurice Boland made a statement of complaint to Gardai, that he had been assaulted by Connie Curley at the Ramp Boreen on 26th February,

2015. “The injured party said he was out walking his dog at the time, and alleged he was punched on the jaw by the accused and struck by a stick,” said Insp. Nolan. Photographs of the injuries were taken and a medical report was produced. An allegation was also made that the accused kicked the injured party's dog. Solicitor for Curley, Niall King, said his client denied kicking the dog. Outlining the background to the incident, Insp. Nolan said the injured party, Boland, was previously in a relationship with Curley's daughter, and they have a child together.

He said that the relationship finished and Boland is now involved in a relationship with the best friend of Curley's daughter, which has resulted in the animosity. Insp. Nolan said Curley has four previous convictions. Mr. King said his client has a medical condition which requires him to use a walking stick. He said he is also the main carer for his wife, who also has a medical condition. Mr. King said that on the date of the incident, Curley and his daughter were out for a walk when they passed Boland. He said no words were exchanged when they passed, but it was alleged Boland then turned around and referred to

Curley's daughter in an uncomplimentary manner. It was alleged Boland repeated the offensive remarks, sparking Curley to act. Mr. King said his client caught Boland by the collar and while he denies punching him into the jaw, he does acknowledge that there may have been contact with the bottom of Boland's chin in the altercation. He said Curley admits he used his walking stick to thump Boland twice on the back. “My client admits he shouldn't have done it. There was a period of aggravation before this incident,” Mr. King said. “My client is sorry for the action he took. He

does some charity work in the area.” Mr. King said that while there will be no repeat of this incident by his client, he revealed that there is still ongoing issues between Boland and his new partner, and Curley's daughter. Judge Finn said that the attention of the court should not focus solely on Curley, particularly when there appears to be continuing issues between the other parties. Judge Finn sought the Gardai to carry out an investigation of all parties involved, warning that it may require peace bonds should there be continuing aggravation and issues. The case was adjourned to 11th March, 2016.

Driver who fled the scene of collision told to take his driving test A TALLOW man who admitted fleeing the scene of a collision after his vehicle collided with a parked car had his case adjourned so he can take his driving test. Alan Giles (28) with an address at Tircullen, Tallow, pleaded guilty to a charge of Hit and Run, failing to remain at the scene; and being a provisional driver unaccompanied by a qualified driver at Parks Road, Lismore, on 23rd November, 2014. At last week's Lismore District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that Gardaí were called to the scene of a collision that occurred at 2.00 a.m. on

the date in question. He said the accused's vehicle had collided with a parked vehicle at the time. Insp. Nolan said a witness observed the accused attempting to move his vehicle, before fleeing the scene. He said the owner of parked vehicle confirmed to Gardaí he was approached by the accused the following day and the insurance company has settled the matter to his satisfaction. Insp. Nolan told Judge Finn that Giles has previous convictions for road traffic offences which date

back to 2006. Judge Finn queried whether the accused has ever held a full driving licence. Solicitor Dermot O'Brien confirmed that his client has never held a full driving licence. “My client returned to the scene the following day and attempted to find the owner of the damaged vehicle,” said Mr. O'Brien.“Matters have been sorted and my client was fully co-operative.” Judge Finn said the court has a concern that the accused's driving is not up to standard, particularly with previous convictions dating

back ten years. “Citizens are in peril because he clearly does not know how to drive a car,” said Judge Finn. “He has never held a full driving licence.” Judge Finn enquired if the accused has applied for a full licence. Mr. O'Brien confirmed his client has applied for a full driving licence. Judge Finn adjourned the case to 13th May, 2016, to allow the accused to undergo his driving test and to bring the driving test report to court.

Careless driving charge struck out A DONATION to the court poor box resulted in a careless driving charge being struck out. John Ahearne (44) with an address at 57 The Mills, Lismore, pleaded guilty to careless driving, contrary to Section 52 of the Road Traffic Act, at Hospital Lane, Lismore, on 3rd March, 2015. Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn at last week's Lismore District Court that Gardai observed

the accused's vehicle narrowly miss a parked vehicle and cut the junction as it made a right turn on the night in question. Solicitor Paddy Gordon said his client's vehicle went around the corner “too smartly”, but there was no collision. He said his client has no previous convictions. A donation of €400 was made to the court poor box and the charge was struck out.

The Caseys pictured at the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Gardaí injured in car chase By Christy Parker TWO Gardaí were taken to hospital with relatively minor injuries following a car chase in Youghal in the early hours of Sunday morning, December 20th. The incident occurred

when Gardaí responded to a call that an intruder had been disturbed at a house in O’Reilly’s Terrace at the eastern side of the town at about 5.30 a.m. When Gardaí attempted to stop a suspect car in the vicinity the sole occupant sped off and a pursuit

ensued through the town. The vehicle subsequently collided with a Garda car in the Clashadonagh area and two Gardaí received injuries. An ambulance took them to hospital for treatment. It is understood they may be off work for some weeks.

A man in his 30s and of Eastern European origin but living in Youghal was arrested at the scene. It is expected he will be charged with the alleged offences in the New Year. Last November an incident at O’Reilly’s Terrace made national news

line to pay had passed. ********** A DONATION to the court poor box resulted in a speeding charge being struck out. Bernadette Mirza, formerly of 28 The Hermitage, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, but now with an address at Barranastook, Ballinamona Cross, Old Parish, Dungarvan, was accused of failing to pay a fixed charge notice, which issued after a vehicle registered in her name was detected travelling at 79 km/h in a 60 km/h zone at Townspark West, Lismore, on 14th June, 2016. Solicitor Niall King told last week's Lismore District Court, that his client had moved address and did not receive the fixed charge notice. He said the accused has no previous convictions. A donation of €150 was made to the court poor box and Judge Terence Finn struck out the charge. ********** NOT having a current tax disc displayed on his vehicle resulted in a fine for a driver. Kevin McDermott (26) with an address at Mahonstown, Gaybrook, Mullingar, Westmeath, was fined €60 at last week's Lismore District Court, for failing to pay a fixed charge notice, which issued after his vehicle was observed without a current tax disc displayed at Crinnaghtaun West, Cappoquin, on 23rd May, 2015. The accused, who was in court, told Judge Terence Finn that he attempted to pay the fixed charge notice, but had missed the deadline to pay. The accused said he now has now regularised matters and backdated the tax on

his vehicle. ********** A DONATION to the court poor box resulted in a speeding charge being struck out. James Moloney (35) with an address at 19 O'Hogan Road, Ballyfermot, Dublin, was accused of failing to pay a fixed charge notice, which issued after the vehicle he was driving was detected travelling at 92 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on the N72 at Kilderriheen, Cappoquin, on 30th May, 2015. Solicitor Paddy Gordon told last week's Lismore District Court his client did not receive any fixed charge notice. A donation of €150 was made to the court poor box and the charge was struck out. ********** A LECTURER from Waterford Institute of Technology who overtook on double continuous white lines had the charge struck out when he made a donation to the court poor box. Ronan Gerard O'Brien (49) with addresses at 8 M e a d o w b a n k , Ballinaneeshagh, Waterford, and Knockeen, Butlerstown, County Waterford, was accused of overtaking another vehicle on double white lines at Carrigeen, Cappoquin, on 22nd May, 2015. The accused, who attended last week's Lismore District Court, admitted the offence, saying there was a car in front of him that was driving “extremely slow”, but contested the Garda's evidence that there was oncoming traffic when he made the manoeuvre. The accused has no previous convictions.

A donation of €150 was made to the court poor box and the charge was struck out. ********** FAILING to wear a seat belt cost a driver €120 last week. Padraic Greene (24) with an address at 45 Barrack Street, Cappoquin, was fined €120 at last week's Lismore District Court for failing to pay a fixed charge notice, which issued after he was observed driving a vehicle without wearing a seat belt at Barrack Street, Cappoquin, on 16th May, 2015. The accused, who attended court, told Judge Terence Finn that he was driving a vehicle from a nearby farm and had stopped outside his home at the time. He acknowledged he received the fixed charge notice, but was unable to pay the penalty on time. ********** NOT wearing a seat belt cost a driver €350 last week. Ellen Connors (42) with an address at 4 Marsh Mellows, New Ross, Wexford, was fined €350 at last week's Lismore District Court for failing to pay a fixed charge notice, which issued after she was observed driving a vehicle without wearing a seat belt at Carrigeen, Cappoquin, on 16th May, 2015. The accused, who did not appear in court, has previous convictions. ********** A MAN who was driving without insurance was fined last week but not disqualified. James Clough (37) with an address at 1 Cois Bride, Tallow, was fined €300 at last week's Lismore District Court for driving without

Photographs taken over the Christmas season which were placed in The Time Capsule at the Civic Offices on Monday last. A display of the photographs will be mounted as soon as they are all completed in the darkroom. [John Tynan]

when a surprised householder discovered that music equipment that had been stolen eight months previous was mysteriously returned to his front gate. There is no evidence to suggest that last month’s intruder was returning anything!

Road traffic prosecutions EXCEEDING a speed limit in Lismore resulted in a driver being fined last week. Judith Burton, with an address at Pheasant Lawn, Garra West, Ballyduff, was fined €350 at last week's Lismore District Court for failing to pay a fixed charge notice, which issued after a vehicle registered in her name was detected travelling at a speed of 73 km/h in a 60 km/h zone at Townspark West, Lismore, on 13th June, 2015. The accused, who has no previous convictions, did not appear in court. ********** A DRIVER was fined last week for a speeding offence. Mike Hegarty, with an address at 45 The Green,Tir Cluain, Mill Road, Midleton, was fined €350 at last week's Lismore District Court, for failing to pay a fixed charge notice, which issued after a vehicle registered in his name was detected travelling at 72 km/h in a 60 km/h zone at Townspark West, Lismore, on 13th June, 2015. The accused did not appear in court. ********** A FINE was handed down to a driver last week in relation to a speeding offence. Ciara O'Connor, with an address at 65 Main Street, Dungarvan, was fined €150 at last week's Lismore District Court for failing to pay a fixed charge notice, which issued after her vehicle was detected travelling at 83 km/h in a 60 km/h zone at Townspark West, Lismore, on 13th June, 2016. Solicitor Niall King said his client has no previous convictions. He said she attempted to pay the fixed charge notice but the dead-

The Time Capsule

insurance, when stopped by Gardaí at Tallow Bridge, Tallow, on 10th February, 2015. Imposing the fine, Judge Terence Finn noted that the accused did not have any similar previous convictions and therefore did not disqualify him from driving. Other charges of using a vehicle without an NCT, failing to produce NCT, driving with no licence, not displaying a current tax disc, failing to produce insurance, failing to produce licence at the roadside and within ten days, were marked proven and taken into consideration. Solicitor Neil Twomey told the court that his client believed his partner had sorted his driving documents, and he believed them to be in order, but that was not the case. Mr. Twomey said the car has not been used since this incident and his client now cycles to work. ********** A FINE was imposed on a driver who exceeded a speed limit of 50 km/h. Colin Landers (30) with an address at Villierstown, was fined €150 at last week's Lismore District Court for failing to pay a fixed charge notice, which issued after the vehicle he was driving was detected travelling at 89 km/h in a 50 km/h zone at Melleray Road, Cappoquin, on 2nd May, 2015. Solicitor Mary Ronayne said her client admits he received the fixed charge notice, but forgot to pay it. She said he apologises for the speed and the error in failing to pay the penalty notice.

James Condon, Artist, (whose birthday was on the day) with Waitresses Hannah Power, Old Parish, and Shauna Hallahan, Dungarvan.

Saoirse Ni Argain who assisted and posed for the camera.

Zack and Nathan O'Malley.

DUNGARVAN LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Dungarvan Lions Club Christmas Day Swim at Clonea Beach Photographs by Sean Byrne

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL SWIM

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Swim 2015 were David Dunphy and Seamus Basington. [John Power] Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Emily and Derek Flynn. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Brian Healy and Liam Farrell with Orla De Paor and Lyndsey Farrell. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Hannah, Emmett, Shirley and Martin O'Shea. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Ross and Conor Stewart. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Conor and Donal Quealy. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Philip Dunphy, Billy Moran and Craig Dunphy. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Michael and Tracey Casey, Ann Barry and Peter Kirwan. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Mike Bagge and Simon O'Connor. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Antoinette Coffey, Louise Murphy and Belinda Ryan. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Abbie and Craig Dunphy. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Kieran Foley, Edward Walsh, Rory Smith, Patrick Kirwan and Ger Stephens. [John Power]

SCOIL NAISIÚNTA NA RINNE NEW YEAR’S DAY SWIM

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

The Hardy Souls who participated in the Scoil Naisiúnta na Rinne New Year’s Day Swim 2016 which took place at Baile na nGall Pier.

[Michael Kiely]

Ted and Darach O Cathasaigh who participated in the Scoil Naisiunta na Rinne New Year’s Day Swim 2016 which took place at Baile na nGall Pier. [Michael Kiely]

Swimmers sprint to the water for the Scoil Naisiúnta na Rinne New Year’s Day Swim 2016 which took place at Baile na nGall Pier.

[Michael Kiely]

Swimmers in the water for the Scoil Naisiúnta na Rinne New Year’s Day Swim 2016 which took place at Baile na nGall Pier.

[Michael Kiely]

Catherine Downey and Deuglain O Reagain who participated in the Scoil Naisiunta na Rinne New Year’s Day Swim 2016 which took place at Baile na nGall Pier. [Michael Kiely]

Aoibhe and Ben who participated in the Scoil Naisiúnta na Rinne New Year’s Day Swim 2016 which took place at Baile na nGall Pier. [Michael Kiely]

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Malua Ni Chleirigh from Dungarvan, Councillor Damien Geoghegan, Zac O'Malley, John Tynan and Saoirse Ni Argain, all from Dungarvan, at the ceremony at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan to mark the sealing of the Time Capsule which commemorates Dungarvan 800. [David Clynch]

Dungarvan’s ‘Time Capsule’ ready and launched By Christy Parker DUNGARVAN’S ‘time capsule’, reflecting life as it is in the town today, has been filled and is ready for its 50 year-installation on the walls of council’s civic offices. The container, in the form of a large treasure chest, will be raised on high in the council’s reception area within weeks and will remain padlocked and in situ until July 2065. (Assuming flooding of an unforeseen nature doesn’t strike the locality in the meantime. (That couldn’t happen....could it?!) The project was officially completed at a small ceremony following January’s Dungar van-Lismore Municipal District meeting, attended by councillors, council officials and a number of schoolchildren and other contributors. The concept was proposed last year by Waterford Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, as part of the Dungarvan 800 celebrations, marked the town’s 800th anniversary. “I thought it would be a good way for future generations to view the town’s profile 800 years on from St. John’s Charter,” said the Fine Gael politician. SCHOOLS The project became in part a schools project, amidst awareness that many of the contributors would witness the capsule’s reopening. “We were delighted with those who contributed,” says Waterford Council’s project coordinator Susan O’Brien. “Several local schools, from nurseries to sixth year students, came forward with photos, essays, art works and so on.” Scoil Naomh Gobnait, Coolnasmear went an extra

mile or two and compiled a school attendance book covering a preceding 50 year period of 1964-2014. The soft steel container was built by local steel fabrication firm Thomas Coffey & Son. Sadly Thomas Coffey passed away recently but his memory is preserved in a photo and information preserved in his creation. Along with school contributions, other artefacts include coinage, a postal order book, local history books and photos of local sites and attractions, all donated by writer Tom Keith. Other artefacts include music cds, local newspapers and a Sean Kelly calendar. TEENS AND TREES Local publican & photographer John Tynan photographed 12 teenagers, each posing alongside ash trees which are soon to be replaced under a new Smarter Travel street programme. The black and white prints were produced under the traditional dark room process. The official launch heard Dungar van-Lismore Municipal District Cathaoirleach Tom Cronin pay tribute to the Waterford council staff and all who donated items for the project. Cllr. Geoghegan thanked his colleagues for supporting his idea, particularly Susan O’Brien for her “tremendously hard work” on the project. UP THE WALL It was originally intended to bury the capsule but amidst fears that the contents might deteriorate, the indoor wall option was chosen instead. Nonetheless all the items “are stored in preservation pouches and separated by acid–free paper”, says Ms. O’Brien.

Cllr. Geoghegan thanked Waterford Council’s Archives and Records Manager Joanne Rothwell for overseeing this process. Finally, Cllr. Geoghegan remarked that many of the

Waterford County Archivist Joanne Rothwell pictured with Susan O'Brien from Waterford County Council at the ceremony at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan to mark the sealing of the Time Capsule which commemorates Dungarvan 800. [David Clynch]

children who have contributed to the project donated “will be coming up for retirement when it is opened again!” Hopefully, they won’t have to swim to the event.

Contents of Dungarvan 800 Capsule Contents of the time capsule • Charter • Dungarvan 800 events in July 2015 • Local papers – Dungarvan Leader and Dungarvan Observer • Coins – 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 & 50 cent and €1 and €2 euro coin and £1 punt coin • School submissions (photos, art & essays) from the local primary and secondary schools • Local books relating to Dungarvan • Music CDs • Tourism maps of Dungarvan • Sean Kelly Calendar and route of 2015 event • Portrait photographs from local photographer John Tynan of locals • Dungarvan Aglow photographs from Dungarvan Chamber of Commerce • Photographs of Dungarvan Sporting highlights for 2015 • Park Hotel Awards • Patricks Day Premiere • Pictures of the various productions at the Town Hall e.g. “Hocus Pocus”, “Joseph”& “One flew over the Cuckoo’s nest” • Photographs from Abbeyside Girlguides • Photograph of the late Tom Coffey, Coffey engineering • Photographs from public submission School submissions from: • St. Mary’s Primary school, Dungarvan • CBS Dungarvan • St Augustine’s College • St. John’s Special School, Dungarvan • Scoil Gharbhain • An Naionra, Scoil Gharbhain • Le Cheile childcare • Scoil Naomh Gobnait, Coolnasmear • Scoil Naisiunta na Rinne Books included: • Dungarvan Historic guide & town trail • An Linn Bhui – Iris Ghaeltacht na nDeise • The Turning Tide • A Century of Camogie in the Deise • Deise 2000 • The colours blue and white • Ballinroad – our Church, people and places • Coolnasmear School book 1964 to 2014 CDs included: 1. Cois Mara Thoir sa Rinn 2. The eighteen Moloney, David Power

Tom Keith from Ballinroad pictured with Susan O'Brien from Waterford City and County Council at the ceremony at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan to mark the sealing of the Time Capsule which commemorates Dungarvan 800. [David Clynch]

John and Sally Tynan from Dungarvan pictured with Councilliors John Pratt and Damien Geoghegan at the ceremony at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan to mark the sealing of the Time Capsule which [David Clynch] commemorates Dungarvan 800.

NEWS/ADVERTISEMENTS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

The Newsreader THE WEEK THAT WAS IN IT . . .

Our take on the Middle-East Can he be serious? ONE of the great running sores of Europe – or at least European relations – has been the long-running problem of peace in the Middle East. Long before the arrival of ISIS, the ‘Arab-Israeli conflict’ kept the region unstable. In living memory going back to the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the displacement of the Palestinian people, the Suez crisis of 1956; the June War of 1967 where Israel fought with Egypt, Jordan, Syria and Iraq in pre-emptive strikes and the later Yom Kippur War of 1973, when Egypt and Syria attempted to take back the lands the Israelis seized in 1967. Then there have been several offensives against the Palestinians with over 2,000 Palestinian casualties, mainly civilian and including hundreds of women and children. That is only a sample of the conflicts which have raged over the plight of the Palestinian people and the refusal of Israel to make a meaningful settlement in the region. Now, the Israeli Foreign Minister has claimed that Ireland is among the European countries to have “abandoned” Israel and has drawn com-

O C

C Thanksgiving

MIRACLE PRAYER – Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours; this time I ask for a special one (mention here). Take it, Dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your onw Broken Heart, where your Father sees it. Then, in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer for three days, promise publication and prayer and favour will be granted. M.W.

parisons with the fate of Czechoslovakia prior to the Second World War. According to a recent report in the Irish Examiner, the Foreign Minister, Avigdor Liberman said the behaviour of countries like Sweden and Ireland is the same behaviour and abandonment that existed in Europe in 1938 with the Munich Agreement, when the Europeans abandoned their biggest ally, Czechoslovakia. Extraordinarily, the Israeli minister said Germany was an example of a European country that understood the challenges faced by Israel and its role as “the only country that represents western values in the Middle East”. There’s a turn-up for the books! For all their claims to be peaceloving, the Israelis never seemed to be serious about a peaceful solution, entering into a series of land-acquisition raids and the slaughter of innocents along the way. All without serious international reprimand, sometimes none. Ireland has also taken steps to officially recognise Palestine, and the Department of Foreign Affairs has said that “The Government has always made clear that we believe our objective of a

two-state solution to the Middle East conflict is very much in the interests of the security and prosperity of both Israelis and Palestinians. This view is almost universally shared in the international community, and by very many people in Israel. We will continue to support efforts to progress the Middle East peace process, working with both sides and as active members of the EU and UN.” It was comments made by Mick Wallace TD in the Dail which drew Israeli ire, but he defended what he said in the course of the Dáil debate. “Right now, Israel is losing the struggle for legitimacy and that’s developing into a fundamental problem for them. “United Nations diplomacy has failed because the US can decide what’s a legitimate or illegitimate move by the Palestinians to gain freedom, independence, and to end apartheid. We now need a different kind of diplomacy that starts with International law.” And that’s about what it is. Might is right and like the other conflicts in that region, it is the civilian population which will continue to suffer most.

CAN the American people, or at least a large chunk of the Republican support, be serious about keeping Donald Trump high on the list of candidates for the American Presidency? How could anyone take Mr. Trump seriously after the outrageous and sometimes foolish, often un-American statements he makes? According to a report this week in the Irish Independent, during a Republican political rally in Iowa at the weekend, Trump repeated his assertion that Muslims should not be allowed to enter the US before turning his attention to North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-un, for the "amazing" way he murders political rivals. "You've got to give him credit. How many young guys - he was like 26 or 25 when his father died - take over these tough generals, and all of a sudden... he goes in, he takes over, he's the boss." "It's incredible. He wiped out the uncle, he wiped out this one, that one. This guy doesn't play games." Mr. Trump's comments came days after North Korea, a bitter enemy of the United States, claimed it had

Situations Vacant

EXPERIENCED CHILDMINDER REQUIRED – To mind two children, aged 1 and 4, in the Colligan area. Car essential for pre-school run. 3-4 days a week. Replies to Box No. 5545.

WANTED

Part-time Artic Lorry Driver WEST WATERFORD AREA Reply to Box No. 5547 (22-1)

Applications are invited from suitably qualiﬁed persons for the following positions:

RETAINED (PART TIME) FIREFIGHTER Dunmore East REMUNERATION:

JOB VACANCY Notice to Advertisers It is a condition of acceptance of advertisements orders that the proprietors do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a special date or at all. Although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers; further they do not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccurracy in the printing of any advertisement. They reserve the right to refuse or alter any advertisement, no matter by whom or where accepted for publication; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisements previously published. Advertisements paid or otherwise are therefore accepted only subject to the above conditions. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the proprietors against all liability for any civil action arising out of publication of the advertisement. (ind.)

detonated a hydrogen bomb for the first time - a claim treated with scepticism by many analysts. The nuclear test was followed by celebrations in North Korea. The US responded by sending a nuclear-capable B-52 long-range bomber on a low-level flight over South Korea in a show of strength. This was not the first time Mr. Trump has been complimentary about an enemy of the US. He recently accepted praise from Vladimir Putin, returning the sentiment by saying it was a "great honour to be so nicely complimented by a man so highly respected within his own country and beyond". Donald Trump still retains almost a quarter of the support in his party, just 4% behind Ted Cruise who is in top spot. Hopefully, when the Republicans come to pick their candidate starting soon, they will see this maniac for what he is and, if in the process, he gets the party nomination, that the American people will exercise some common sense and see him for what he is.

Minogue Furniture was established in 1994 by Michael & Geraldine Minogue. Initially starting out with a 3,000 sq ft store, this has now mushroomed into a magnificent 35,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art furniture superstore, offering you arguably the biggest and the best range of furniture throughout Ireland. Minogue Furniture have stunning furniture superstores in Cashel, Roscrea, Midleton, Carlow, Tullamore and Dungarvan all centrally located and easily accessible to major routes throughout Ireland.

Furniture Sales Advisors

We are looking for a customer focused sales driven advisors to our company in our Dungarvan Store • You need to be dedicated to providing excellent customer service to maximise sales on the shop floor. • Minimum of 2 years sales experience essential. • Dealing with every aspect of order from point of sale to delivery. • Furniture sales experience an advantage but not essential. • Ability to multi task, work as part of a team and also on your own initiative. • Ability to recognise sales opportunities and maximise selling potential. Experience in flooring and carpets an advantage for the position in our Dungarvan Store. applications to: jobsminoguefurniture@gmail.com

Full-Time Retail Manager Required This vacancy is at the Daybreak Store, Barrack Street, Tallow, Co. Waterford. The suitable candidate will have three year’s experience in the role of Retail Manager and demonstrate a genuine interest in a community retail store, with a focus on working in a small but busy shop environment, and in delivering excellent customer service. Candidates will be able to demonstrate ability for close attention to detail, excellent people management and customer relations skills and some background in HR Management and Health and Safety. A good background in increasing Sales, Cost and Stock Management, with a clear focus on managing competitive margins would be a distinct advantage.

Annual Retained Allowance 0-2 years service €7,562 3-5 years service €8,402 5-10 years service €9,439 10 year + €10,383 Additional payment for attendance at Fires and Drills and Clothing Allowance.

• Persons must reside and, if employed, work within 3 kms distance or 5 mins travelling of the Fire Station which will allow him/her to respond within the turnout time as set by the Chief Fire Ofﬁcer. • Persons must hold a full unendorsed Class B driving licence. • Persons must be able to provide proof of release from workplace to respond to ﬁre calls if necessary. • Applicants must be over 18 and under 55 years old. • Candidates may be shortlisted on the information provided on the application form.

The position includes a great opportunity and challenge for developing and growing the business to its fullest potential.

Application forms are available from the Human Resources Department, Waterford City and County Council, Civic Ofﬁces, Dungarvan, Tel. No.: 0761 10 2045 or may be obtained on our website at www.waterfordcouncil.ie

If this is you and you would like to apply for the position, please do so by sending your CV or by contacting: Ms. Sara-Jane Cromwell Operations Director 021-4355837 086-8838513 sjcromwell@dunganenterprises.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications is 4 p.m. on Wednesday, 20th January, 2016.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday, 20th January, 2016.

Waterford City and County Council is an equal opportunities employer

CLASSIFIED

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Childminder Wanted

SERVICES AVAILABLE

To mind two babies in their own home. 1/2 days per week. STRADBALLY / BONMAHON AREA Non-smoker. Reply to Box No. 5548.

John Phelan Skip Hire

Deadline for all adverts is 10.00 a.m. each Tuesday

Call us on 051 645445 • 087 9677797 Skip Hire and Waste Collection Services in Dungarvan and surrounding areas

Telephone: (058) 41205 / 42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie MUNSTER TRUCK, TRAILER AND BUS SERVICES – Tachograph Calibration and Installation • Speed Limiter Installation and Repair • DOE Preparation • Servicing • Sand Blasting • Spray Painting • Contact: Gerard on 058-68855 or 087-2884113 • www.truckrepairs.ie • info@truckrepairs.ie • Garryduff, Colligan, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. (ind.)

WALL’S CHIMNEY & BOILER SERVICE – Chimney & Boiler Services. Gutters and Drains Unblocked. Contact us on (087) 9931571.

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Tree Felling

HEALY TREE FELLING AND LANDSCAPING – Fully insured and certified. Specialising in tree felling, tree pruning and reducing, chipping and removal, landscaping and garden construction including grass and hedge cutting, lawn laying, gravel gardens, paving, decking and fencing Contact: Eamonn (085) 7784335. (31-1)

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Gardening Services

COMERAGH LANDSCAPING – The landscaping professionals. Garden design and layout. Planting, water features, patios, stonework, kerbing, fencing, etc. Lawn laying turfed and seeded. For a professional and affordable service contact Paul Curran (087) 2908403. www.comeraghlandscaping.ie (ind.)

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Fergal Colbert Tree Care

EXPERIENCED AND QUALIFIED TREE SURGEON – Available for all aspects of tree surgery. • Identification and removal of hazardous trees. • Tree reduction and pruning. • Hedge cutting and wood chipping. Contact your local professional Fergal Colbert (087) 7933481. (25-3)

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C Tarmacadam

TARMACADAM & TAR & CHIPPINGS – Drainage and Kerbing. Michael Fennell, Stradbally, (086) 8342233 / (051) 293943. (ind.)

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Pilates Circle

PILATES – A ‘Back to Basics’ Workshop – Find out everything you need to know to start or improve your Pilates regime (from theory and principles to practice) and how it can help you become strong, flexible and toned. Suitable for all experience levels. Saturday, 16th January, 10.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. The Red Hall, Lismore. Booking is essential! Contact: Zsofia on (086) 4041056. More information on website www.pilatescircle.net (15-1)

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Yoga Suain

TIME TABLE FOR JANUARY 2016 – Starting Tuesday, 5th January, in The Park Hotel. Tuesday: Pregnancy 7–8 p.m. Continuous Beginners 8–9 p.m. Wednesday: Continuous Beginners & Intermediate 8–9 p.m. Thursday in The Park Hotel: Gentle Morning 10–11 a.m. Contact: Mary (087) 6977426 www.yogasuain.com (ind.)

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Ballymacarbry Elders Housing

B A L LY M A C A R B R Y ELDERS HOUSING ASSOCIATION LTD. – This is a development of 15 houses in Ballymacarbry Village for the over 55s. At the moment we have some vacancies consisting of 1 and 2 bedroom houses. Applications welcome from home and abroad. Contact the Secretary, BEHAL, Ballymacarbry, via Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Or phone (087) 9878201 for more information. (22-1)

MURRAY’S ROOFING DUNGARVAN – Re-roofing specialists. Slate/Tile • flat roofs • guttering/downpipes • chimney work • chimney cowls • ridge tiles • lead flashing lead valleys • supply/fit roof velux windows • UPVC fascias/soffits • insurance work undertaken • all work holds a full written guarantee • all areas covered • For a free written quotation and emergency work call Paul on (058) 43992, mobile (086) 2109547. (ind.)

ATTENTION – LEAKING ROOFS SEALED INSTANTLY – €10.00 a square metre. Slating, Tiling, Re-roofing, Torch-on Felt a Speciality. Lead Valleys and Chimney Flashing Renewed. Emergency repairs carried out. Estimates free without obligation. All work fully guaranteed. Very keen prices assured. Also Old Slate Roofs Restored with Aquaseal. Contact: Ger O’Connor, Dungarvan Roof Sealers, anytime, on (089) 2094228 / email: oconnorroofingirl@gmail.com / www.oconnorroofing.com (12-2)

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RE-UPHOLSTERY, CARPETS, CURTAINS, FURNITURE – Free estimates in your own home. Collection and delivery. Sofas and Couches made to order. Curtains and Pelmets made to measure. Extensive range of fabrics to choose from. Colour co-ordinating service free in Showrooms. A visit to our Showrooms is a must. Open Monday to Saturday incl. All work guaranteed. Ned O’Connell, Seafield, Youghal. Tel. (024) 93106.

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Site Wanted

SITE WANTED IN GLENBEG – Or surrounding area. Reply to Box No. 5546. (19-1)

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Agri Sale

GALVANISED GATES – Barriers, Cubicles, Cattle Crush Panels, Cow Mats. Ryan Brothers, Ballymacarbry / www.ryanbrothers.ie / Laurence (087) 7994737. (ind.)

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House Wanted

PROFESSIONAL COUPLE LOOKING TO RENT A HOUSE OR APARTMENT – In the Dungarvan, Cappoquin, Ballyduff or surrounding area from the end of January. References available. Please call Emma on 087 90 20 572 anytime. (15-1)

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Kidzfunfit For Children

KIDZFUNFIT FOR CHILDREN AGED 6–12 YEARS – Starting this Friday, 15th January, 2016, from 4–5 p.m. at Dungarvan Sports Centre. €5 per session. Contact: Sean (087) 1042245.

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STAIRS CUSTOM JOINERY 087 2420124

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(ind.)

For Sale

FOR SALE – Round and Square Bales of Hay, Haylage, Silage, Straw and Pit Silage. Will deliver. Tel. (086) 2539144 / (085) 7466567. (ind.) HAY FOR SALE – Round Bales 4x4. Dromana, Cappoquin. Tel. (087) 9485082. (29-1)

Air Compressors

NEW AND USED AIR COMPRESSORS – Single Phase / 3 Phase / 110volt / Petrol / Diesel. Full range of Dental Air Compressors. Screw Air Compressors from 10hp to 250hp. 5 Year Warranty on all new Screw Compressors. 3 Year Warranty on all new Belt Driven Compressors. All Compressors 10 Bar suitable for all trades. Driers – Filters – Air Receivers and Bare Pumps. Spray Guns – Spray Pot Units – Lubricators – Regulators. Nail/Stapling Guns – Automatic Air Receiver Drains. Full range of Air Tools – Sandblasting Units. Full back-up service and spare parts. AIRCO Compressed Air Service, Deelish, Dungarvan. Tel. (086) 8664555 / www.airco.ie (16-3)

Youghal, Co. Cork. Tel. (024) 92850 / 93469 blackwaterblindsltd@eircom.net

HUGE SAVINGS CALL TODAY FULL RANGE OF QUALITY BLINDS, CURTAINS AND ACCESSORIES Quotes, Measurements & Fitting Free of Charge You’ll be “BLINDED” by our SPECIAL PRICES & SERVICES

DON’T DELAY! CALL TODAY ON 024 92850/93469

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Vehicles For Sale

2002 TOYOTA AVENSIS – With Diesel D4D Engine. Full NCT. Silver. One owner from new. Fully serviced. €1,650 o.n.o. Tel. (087) 4669221.

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Computer Services

COMPUTER AND LAPTOP REPAIRS – On Site Repairs, Set-ups, Upgrades, Data Recovery and Training. Virus and pop-up removal. Qualified computer Engineer and Trainer. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. House calls. Tel. Shane Deevy (087) 9872006. (ind.)

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C To Let

SHERRY FITZGERALD REYNOLDS LETTINGS – Urgently require Houses and Apartments TO LET in all areas of Dungarvan and West Waterford. Please contact Gerardine Reynolds on 087 2458848 / 058 23444. (ind.)

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Childminder

CHILDMINDER AVAILABLE – Kind, reliable childminder available to mind children in childminder’s own home. Over 12 years experience. Lismore / Cappoquin / Melleray area. Contact: 087(15-1) 2064286.

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• Domestic & Commercial Skip Hire • Wide Range of Skip Sizes from Mini to RoRo • Mattress Collection • Contaminated Soil Collection • Sludge Collection

Livestock

DEAD & DISABLED CATTLE COLLECTED IN ALL AREAS – Ring: Fitzgerald’s Licensed Knackery, Coolagown. (025) 36662 or (086) 8193202 / (087) 8193202. (ind.)

Pilates Circle

NEW COURSES OF PILATES CLASSES – Starting from 4th January 2016 in Dungarvan (Ladies), Lismore (Ladies), Cappoquin (Men – and NEW Ladies Class!). All levels welcome. For details and to book a place see www.pilatescircle.net or call Zsofia on (086) 4041056. (15-1)

Pa Moore Car Sales pamoorecarsales.com ALL TRADE-INS WELCOME • FINANCE AVAILABLE 09 Hyundai i20 1.2 5dr Hatchback 08 Astra 1.3 DIESEL Silver 5dr. Hatchback 08 Fiat Punto Sport 3dr Silver 58kms 08 C4 Picasso 7 SEATER 1.6 HDI Black 08 Opel Zafira 7 SEATER 1.6 08 Opel Astra 1.3 DIESEL 3dr VAN 07 Ssangyong Kyron 2.0 DIESEL Silver 07 Audi A4 1.9 TDI blue Saloon 4 dr. 07 Peugeot 307 1.6 DIESEL HDI 06 Golf Comfort 1.4 5dr H/B Blue 06 Passat 1.9 TDI Comfortline Black 06 Laguna 1.9 DIESEL 5dr H/B 06 Almera Saloon 1.5 Grey 4 dr. 06 Kangoo Van 1.5 DIESEL White 05 Passat 1.9 TDI Silver Saloon 4 dr. 05 Yaris 1.0L 5dr Red Hatchback 05 Galaxy 1.9 TDI Silver 7 Seater 05 Focus 1.4 + 1.6 Saloon Silver 05 Corolla 1.4 Saloon Blue 4 dr. 05 Focus C-Max 1.6 Silver 05 Suzuki Ignis 1.3 5DR H/B 05 Saab 1.9 Diesel Saloon 4 dr. 05 Peugeot 307 1.6 HDI Blue 5 dr. 04 Hyundai Santa Fe 2.0 DIESEL Black 04 Renault Clio 5DR Black ONLY 44k 03 BMW 318 2.0 petrol Grey Saloon 03 Mazda Sport 2.0 H/B 5 dr. 03 Mercedes A140 1.4 5DR H/B 03 Nissan Tino 1.8 Black 5DR H/B 03 Citroen C5 HDI AUTOMATIC 03 Peugeot 307 1.4 H/B 5dr Silver 02 Corolla 1.4 H/B Green 5 dr. FINANCE ARRANGED pamoorecarsales.com Tel: 087-9425791 or 086-0877831

IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam

BUCKLEY (6th anniversary) – In loving memory of Helen Buckley, late of Church Street, Cappoquin, who died on 10th January, 2010. R.I.P. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 16th January, 2016, in John The Baptist Church, Affane, at 8.15 p.m. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again. Will those who think of Helen today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

–Sadly missed by her loving husband Jimmy; sons, daughters and families.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Birthday Remembrance

CUNNINGHAM (14th anniversary) – In loving memory of a dear son, brother and uncle, John Cunningham, late of Abertagh, Clashmore, who died on 13th January, 2002. R.I.P. We hold you close, Within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us, Throughout our lives, Until we meet again. So rest in peace dear John, And thanks for all you’ve done, We pray that God has given you, The crown you’ve truly won.

–Dad, Mam, sisters Margaret and Frances; brothers-in-law John and Cathal; nephews Kyle and Evan and nieces Abbey and Libby.

FLYNN (6th anniversary) – In loving memory of Catherine Flynn, late of Fox’s Castle, Kilmacthomas, who died on 14th January, 2010.

HALLAHAN (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Philomena Hallahan, late of Bohadoon, Dungarvan, whose Anniversary occurs on 18th January.

KIELY (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of Matthew Kiely, late of Stradballymore, Stradbally, who died on 12th January, 2013. R.I.P.

MAM No matter how we spend our day, No matter what we do, No morning dawns, no evening falls, Without a thought of you. A heart of gold, a life so true, Also remembering our Dad at this time, Together forever, forgotten never, Both loved and missed always.

God has taken you away from us, And taken you to rest, It’s not for us to understand, He only takes the best.

God called you name so softly, That only you could hear, And no one heard the footsteps, Of Angels drawing near. It broke our hearts to lose you, But you did not go alone, For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. You’re always close behind us, In everything we do, You were our greatest treasure, God’s gift to us was you.

–Always loved and remembered by Breda, Rita, Phil, James, Willie, Carmel and their families.

–Love Mary, Helen, Patricia, Regina, John, Pat and families and friends. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 9.00 a.m. in Faha Church on Sunday, 17th January, 2016.

FLYNN (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Dottie Flynn, late of The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, who died on 12th January, 2012. R.I.P.

DOLAN (13th anniversary) – In loving memory of Linda Dolan who died on 16th January, 2003. BYRNE – Birthday remembrance for our beloved daughter Amy, late of Coolnasmear, Dungarvan, whose 13th birthday occurs on 13th January. All our lives we will miss you, As the years come and go, But in our hearts you will live forever, Because we love you so.

–Always in our hearts, love Mammy, Daddy, Thomas and Micheál.

It was a sudden parting, Too bitter to forget, Those who loved you dearly, Are the ones who can’t forget. We often sit and think of you, And think of how you died, To think you could not say goodbye, Before you closed your eyes.

–Inserted by your sisters Rose and Teresa and families. The person who doesn’t advertise knows what they’re doing – but no one else does! Call … 058-41205/42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

† Drohan Monumentals † Headstones in Marble, Granite & Limestone Inscriptions Cut Existing Stones Cleaned & Restored Graves Chipped Tel. (058) 43211. Mobile: (087) 2540295. www.drohanfuneraldirectors.ie

HALLAHAN (6th anniversary) – In loving memory of Ann Hallahan, late of Durrow, Stradbally, who died on 13th January, 2010. Thank you Mam for the years we shared, The love you gave and way you cared, You left a place so hard to fill, We miss you Mam and always will.

–Sadly missed by her daughter Joan, son-in-law Paul and family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 15th January, at 10.30 a.m. in St. Brigid’s Church, Kilrossanty.

In Heaven you rest, No worries, no pain, In God’s own time, We will meet again. And in return, No matter where, Deep in our hearts, You’re always there. The words we write are nothing Mam, Of the way we feel, We miss you more than any words, Could ever quite reveal.

–Sadly missed by her loving sons John, Niall, Alan and Pierce; daughters-in-law and grandchildren.

Dungarvan Observer

058-41205 058-42042 Fax: 058-41559 adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

–Sadly missed by your loving wife Cissie; sons David and Michael; daughters Marian and Caroline. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 16th January, at 7.30 p.m. in Holy Cross Church, Stradbally.

MANSFIELD-WALSH (1st anniversary) – In loving memory of Charlotte Mansfield-Walsh, late of Crobally, Old Parish, and Limerick, whose birthday was on 11th January and whose First Anniversary occurs on 17th January. A Butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam, And for a brief moment it’s glory and beauty belong to our world, Although we wish it could have stayed, We are thankful to have seen it at all. We are deeply grateful to our community, friends and extended families for the solidarity and support they have shown us during this difficult year.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Old Parish, on Sunday, 17th January, at 10.00 a.m. –Always remembered by your husband Patrick; father David; sister Maureen; brothers Walter and Morgan; family and friends. Tá sí inár gcroithe i gconaí.

MOORE – In loving memory of William and Julia Moore, late of Bawnfaun, Cappoquin, whose Anniversaries occur at this time. Mass offered. Always thinking of you.

–Sadly missed by your loving family Pat, Kathleen and family; Breda, Seamie and family. KIRWAN (12th anniversary) – In loving memory of Mary Kirwan, late of 5 St. Bridget’s Terrace, Leamybrien, who died on 12th January, 2004.

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Samaritans

W O R R I E D ? D I S T R E S S E D ? SUICIDAL? – Whatever you're going through, we're here to listen and help, 24 hours a day, every day. Call SAMARITANS in confidence Freephone 116 123, or e-mail us jo@samaritans.org (ind.)

Just when life was brightening, In the prime of your day, Your life on earth was shortened, By God’s mysterious ways. So much has changed since you have gone, Through ups and downs our lives move on, But as time goes by, one thing remains true, We will always have wonderful memories of you.

–Loved and remembered always, Ann, Siobhan and Jack. S L AT T E RY- O ’ G R A D Y (2nd anniversary) – In loving memory of Nancy Slattery-O’Grady, late of Ballygagin, Dungarvan, who died on 4th January, 2014. R.I.P. The Angels looked down from Heaven one night, They searched for miles afar, And deep within the distance, They could see a shining star. They knew that very instant, That the star was theirs to gain, So they took you up to Heaven, Forever to remain. Look down on us from Heaven, Keep us free from hurt and pain, You’ll always be within our hearts, And forever in our prayers.

–Sadly missed and fondly remembered by your loving family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 15th January, at 9.30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan.

We miss you becasue we loved you, To us you were dearer than gold, No treasure can ever replace you, Your memory will never grow old.

–Sadly missed by her son Paul, daughter-in-law Joan and family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 17th January, at 10.30 a.m., in Kilrossanty Church.

NAVIN (19th anniversary) – In loving memory of Tom Navin, late of Killelton, Stradbally, who died on 16th January, 1997.

MURRAY (12th anniversary) – In loving memory of Patsy Murray, late of Mweelnahorna, Ring, who died on 16th January, 2004. We’ve shared the joy, We’ve shared the tears, We’ve shared each other, Through the years. Thank you for being, Such a special husband and father, Will those who think of him today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

–Loved and remembered every day by your wife Mairead; sons Eoin, Daithi, Eanna and Colin; daughters Yvonne, Fiona, Orla and Aoife, and grandchildren at home and away.

SWEENEY (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of Bridget Sweeney, late of Kilmeady, Kinsalebeg, who died on 18th January, 2013. Memories are something no one can steal, Death is a heartache no one can heal, We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain.

–Loved and remembered always by your family.

ADVERTISEMENTS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

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Planning Permission

WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – I, Martin O’Connell, wish to apply to the above Authority for Indefinite Planning Retention Permission for alterations to development granted under the planning permission reference number 99579 to include the conversion of the first floor of the dwelling into living space together with the addition of an attached garage/workshop and ancillary works at Aglish, Co. Waterford. 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 Authority at Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford during it public opening hours 9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday – Friday (excl. public holidays). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the 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.

DAVID KIELY MONUMENTAL WORKS KILADANGAN, DUNGARVAN Showroom at Kiladangan (near Radley’s Engineering Ltd.) over ONE HUNDRED headstones on display Telephone: (058) 42200. Mobile: (086) 2525663. Fax: (058) 48712. www.davidkielymonumentals.com

HEADSTONES IN LIMESTONE, MARBLE, POLISHED GRANITE We restore existing headstones, kerbs, graves, chipped, inscriptions, etc. FULL RANGE OF COMPUTER OPTIONS + DESIGNS

Distance no problem to us – Member of Guild of Master Craftsmen Ring for appointment: Open Saturday and Sunday

James Kiely & Sons Prop. DAVID KIELY David & Margaret, ‘Garrán Mhuire,’ Kiladangan (058) 42200 / (086) 2525663 (Est. 1919) Irish Association of Funeral Directors

Funeral Home Embalming & Cremations Arranged We attend to all the details: Church & Cemetery

Floral & Artificial Wreaths Supplied Obituary Notices

SHANDON STREET & KILADANGAN, DUNGARVAN Phone: David (058) 42200. Mobile: (086) 2525663 Fax (058) 48712. www.kielyfunerals.ie

O Acknowledgement C † JOSEPHINE (Jo) CONWAY (nee Hartigan) Lisarow, Ardmore Acknowledgement and First Anniversary On the First Anniversary of Josephine (Jo) Conway; sons John Joe, Noel and Denis; daughters Mary and Joan; sister May and brother-in-law Patrick; daughtersin-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and extended relatives, would like to thank most sincerely all who sympathised and supported us on our sad bereavement. The family wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who attended the Rosary, removal, Funeral Mass and burial; those who sent Mass cards, letters and messages of sympathy, floral tributes and those who travelled long distances to be with us. To her kind neighbours and good friends for their support and kindness, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Sincere thanks to Rev. Fr. Fitzgerald for celebrating the Funeral Mass and burial and for his kind words of comfort and Rev. Fr. Milo for his pastoral care. The family would also like to express their gratitude to the Sacristan, Altar servers, gravediggers and the Grange Church Choir for adding so nicely to the ceremony. The family is extremely grateful for the love and care Jo received from Dr. Joe Meehan and the attentive Health Nurses, Carers and staff in the Ardmore Health Centre. Thanks to James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, for their empathy and professionalism. The family would like to thank the Ardmore GAA Club for the guard of honour and the Round Tower Hotel for their hospitality. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 17th January, in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption, Grange, at 10.30 a.m.

† NORA HALLEY (nee Mulcahy) Glenafallia, Cappoquin Died: 17th January, 2015 Acknowledgement and First Anniversary As the 1st Anniversary of Nora's death approaches, her family would like to warmly thank everyone who sympathised with us on our sad loss. People who attended her funeral, sent Mass cards and other expressions of sympathy have all been a great comfort to us. We were overwhelmed by the generosity of neighbours, extended family and friends who provided so much behind the scenes support in terms of transport, food, etc. We wish to especially thank the wonderful neighbours in Glenafallia and the Home Carers who looked after Nora while she lived at home. Also the Doctors, Nurses, and staff in Waterford Regional Hospital, St. Carthage’s Rest Home and Conna Nursing Home for their dedicated care during Nora's time with them. A heartfelt thank you to Fr. Arthure for the pastoral support he provided while Nora lived at home and for his kind Ministrations at her funeral. The beautiful music provided by the choir and soloists at her Requiem Mass made it an uplifting and comforting experience. Finally, thanks to Aidan and Marie Walsh and their staff for their endless support and consummate professionalism. As it would be impossible to thank you all individually please accept this acknowledgment as a token of our appreciation.The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Nora's First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated together with her predeceased husband Mick's 2nd Anniversary Mass on Saturday, 6th February, at 7.30 p.m. in St. Mary's Church, Cappoquin. Both are lovingly remembered and very sadly missed.

† JAMES (Jimmy) O’DEA Cuil A tSailin, Home Rule Street, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

† THERESA DUNNE (nee Ronayne) 8 St. Garvan’s Terrace, Dungarvan, and late of Coolbagh, Clashmore On her First Anniversary, Theresa’s family, daughter Susan; sons Richard and Christopher; sister Kathleen; daughter-in-law Gill; son-in-law John; brother-in-law Liam; nephews and nieces, would like to thank all those who travelled far and near, who sympathised with and supported them at the time of their loss. We deeply appreciate all those who called to the house, sent Mass cards, letters of sympathy, floral tributes and attended the Rosary, funeral and burial. Sincere thanks to Fr. Ryan, P.P.; Fr. Cooney, O.S.A., and Fr. Condon, P.P. (Stradbally), for celebrating the Funeral Mass and officiating at the burial. We thank the Sacristan and servers at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan, as well as the gravediggers. Our thanks also to David and Darragh Kiely of Kiely Funeral Home for their kindness and professionalism. We express our gratitude to Dina Walshe for the beautiful music and singing. A special word of thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and staff of St. Vincent’s Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital, where Theresa received excellent care and attention. Our thanks also to Mary and Marie for their wonderful help to Theresa. We hope this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for your intentions. Anniversary Mass for Theresa was celebrated on Tuesday, 12th January, in Dungarvan Community Hospital Chapel.

As we approach the First Anniversary of Jimmy O’Dea, his wife and family would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with and supported them at the time of their sad bereavement. A sincere thank you to all who attended prayers at the Funeral Home, the removal and Funeral Mass. Those who travelled to be with us, sent Mass cards, letters of sympathy, floral tributes or donations to the Solas Centre, Waterford. Jimmy greatly benefited from the counselling and relaxation therapies provided by the Solas Centre and the family cannot thank them enough for the great service they provided. A sincere thank you to our neighbours and friends who called to our home and supported us at such a difficult time. A special thank you to Fr. Ned Hassett, P.P., who celebrated the Funeral Mass with the assistance of Fr. Michael Enright and Fr. Kelleher and for the many visits they paid to Jimmy at home in his time of need, offering their prayers and friendship which gave him great comfort. We express our sincere gratitude also to Charlie McAllister and Frankie Kenneally who sang and played music so beautifully at the Funeral Mass. We would also like to thank Abbeyside/Ballinacourty GAA Club for their Guard of Honour on the night of the removal. To Dr. John Jackson and his team and to all the Doctors, Nurses and Carers of University Hospital Waterford; the District Nurses and West Waterford Hospice Nurses for all the great care they showed to Jimmy. Our gratitude also to Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, for their professionalism and guidance. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for all your intentions. First Anniversary Mass for Jimmy will be celebrated in Abbeyside Church on Saturday, 16th January, at 7.00 p.m.

O C

C Bridge

ABBEY BRIDGE CLUB (5/1/2016) – 1st Ann M. Firzgerald & Andrew McGrath; 2nd Brid Culloo & Mary Fenton; 3rd Kay Shanley & Phil Barry; 4th Tish Baumann & Kate McNamara. DUNGARVAN BRIDGE CLUB (7/1/2016) – 1st Helen Russell & Maureen O'Neill; 2nd Joan Mansfield & Eileen Harty; 3rd Maureen Power & Ann Heffernan; 4th John Mansfield & Claire Meaney. HARBOUR BRIDGE CLUB (7/1/2016) – 1st Mary Navin & Lorraine Vart; 2nd Margaret Foley & Cait Christopher; 3rd Ann M. Fitzgerald & June James; 4th Nellie Moloney & Nuala Condon; 5th Angela Freyne & Sheila Towey. CUNNIGAR BRIDGE CLUB (6/1/2016) – 1st Ann McGrath & Walter Murphy; 2nd Mary Dee & Margaret Hanafin; 3rd Maureen Morrissey & Mary Mitchell; 4th Aida O’Neill & Kay Shanley; 5th Phil Barry & Therese Sullivan. KILMACTHOMAS BRIDGE CLUB (6/1/2016) – 1st Anna Harney & Claire Cummins; 2nd Margaret Flynn & Beth Spollen; 3rd Mary Flahavan & Elayne Kirwan; 4th Iris Graham & Mary A. Coffey; 5th Brenda Cummins & Tess Cusack. DEISE BRIDGE CLUB (11/1/2016) – North/South: 1st Michael Kirwan & Helen Russell; 2nd Ina H. Considine & Justin Spratt; 3rd Nuala Harty & Sadie Ui Mhiachain. East/West: 1st Marianne Mulcahy & Moira Ormond; 2nd Sheila Veale & Brid Killigrew; 3rd Pauline Dempsey & Mary O'Brien. AFFANE BRIDGE CLUB (Christmas Party: 13/12/2015) – The club recently held a very entertaining Christmas party at The Park Hotel, Dungarvan. Our President Mrs. Pat Murphy extended a warm welcome to one and all present. Our afternoon began with a game of Bridge. Before presenting prizes Mrs. Murphy thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the event. She had particular praise for the management and staff of The Park Hotel for their assistance and especially for the wonderful meal laid on for us. She also thanked the scorekeepers. Results: 1st Ben Flynn & Maureen Arrigan; 2nd Nellie Moloney & Mary Murphy; 3rd Mary Fletcher & Andrew McGrath; 4th Helen McGrath & Maureen Morrissey; 5th Kathleen O’Mahoney & Rita Hegarty; 6th Mary Navin & Margaret Clancy. Mrs. Ben Flynn thanked President Mrs. Murphy on behalf of club members for a wonderful evening and a lovely selection of prizes and wished everyone a very enjoyable Christmas.

CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM AT STRADBALLY COVE

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Catriona and Eileen O'Brien pictured after the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Eamon and Dylan Clancy pictured at the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Swimmers pictured ahead the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Danielle and Jamie Organ pictured the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

The Ryan family pictured the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

The lifeguards who ensured that all the swimmers were safe during the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

The O'Brien and Power families pictured after the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Ruth Howley, Jo Howley and Grace Howley the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Kathleen Hickey and Pat Lenihan pictured after the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Cis Allen, Kathy Maitland and Sally Thompson pictured at the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland.

Ned Gough, Ken Begley and Joe O'Brien pictured at the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Paul, Eileen and Frank Heffernan pictured after the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Sally Thompson, Tracey McGrath, Jim Thompson and Ger McGrath pictured at the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Annice Morrissey, Roisin Curran and Meadbh Curran pictured at the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland. Swimmers run to the water to take part in the annual Christmas Day Swim in aid of charity at Stradbally Cove. This year's designated charity was Down Syndrome Ireland.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

NEWSREEL … Anxious or Depressed?

COME to our Support Group Meeting in Dungarvan. Venue: Deise Day Care, Dungarvan, Community Centre, Mitchel Street. Date: Every Tuesday at 8.00 p.m. Helpline: 1890 303 302. You are not alone! (ind.)

Search to find 2016 Texaco Children’s Art Competition winners launched THE search to find the young artists who will excel in this year’s Texaco Children’s Art Competition has begun. Last year two students from County Waterford won prizes in the event which is now in its 62nd year. The closing date for entries is Monday, 29th February with judging to take place in March. Winners will be announced in mid-April, with prize giving to follow in May. Details are available through Texaco service stations and online at www.texacochildrensart.com

St. Michael’s Hall Ballyduff Upper Card Results 1st Aaron & Mary Pratt, Larry Brynes & Hugh Geary. Lucky Tables: Sheila Lonergan & Pat Kirby, Peg Murray & Helen Cunningham, Bill Leddy & Helen O’Keeffe, Tom & Margaret Ryan. Raffle: Noel Geary x 2, Sean Higgins, Joan Hannon, P. J. McInerney, Anne Geary, Mary Whelan, Pat Noonan, Mary Fitzgerald and Helen Cunningham.

Pictured at Kilmurrin Cove for the Michael Power Memorial Swim 2015 wwere Ronan O'Keeffe, Breda O'Keeffe, Aileen O'Keeffe, Gerry O'Keeffe, Avril Dunne and Donal Dunne. [John Power]

Irish Red Cross - Portlaw Branch WE would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all who supported the Michael Power Memorial Swim on Christmas Day.The wet and breezy day did not dampen the spirits of all the swimmers and spectators. Thank you to all who sponsored a swimmer, brought hot chocolate for the day that was in it or gave a hand in any other way. The presen-

tation of proceeds of the Michael Power Memorial Swim will take place on Saturday, 30th January 2016 from 9.00 p.m. in Dunphy’s Pub, Kill. With music and refreshments arranged, a great night is assured. Please return all outstanding sponsorship cards to any branch member as soon as possible. Our Annual General Meeting will take place on

Friday, 22nd January, 2016 at 7.30 p.m. in Clodiagh House. All members and members of the public are cordially invited to hear reports of the year’s activities and financial details and of course the branch committee will be elected at the AGM. For further information, please contact us on 087-6646824.

Waterford Humanists THE Waterford Humanists’ January meeting will take place in Waterford City Library, Lady Lane, Waterford on Wednesday 20th at 6.00 p.m.The topic of the meeting in ‘Ethics in Politics’. All interested are welcome. For further information contact Teresa at 086-8776307.

Notification of Public Meetings for the Arts THE Arts Office, Waterford City and County Council is hosting public meetings to discuss the development of the new Waterford Arts Strategy 2016-2121.The Arts Office is pleased to have the services of Arts Consultant Sally O’Leary, Asprey Arts to assist with the facilitation of the process. The Arts Office is keen to ensure that everyone interested has the opportunity to contribute to the development of this crucial strategy. Members of the public, artists, representatives of arts organizations and groups, community and voluntary groups, educators, businesses and all interested are invited to attend. Please confirm your attendance to either or both of the meetings by emailing aspreyarts@gmail.com and indicate which meeting you wish to attend. The first meeting will be held at The Old Market House Arts Centre, Lower Main Street, Dungarvan on Tuesday, 26th January, 2016 at 6.00 pm. The second meeting will be held in the Large Room, City Hall, Waterford on Wednesday, 3rd February, 2016 at 6.00 pm. Meetings will be approximately one hour in duration. All are most welcome.

Upcoming Dates for play in Conna SOME dates for upcoming play by Conna Dramatic Society – Friday, 5th February, Saturday and Sunday 13th and 14th and Friday, Saturday and Sunday 19th 20th and 21st.

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Antoinette Coffey, Ray Walker, Nora Gavin and Sheila Walsh. [John Power]

Pictured at Kilmurrin for the Michael Power Memorial Swim 2015 were Joan Stewart, Mareike and Fina Eccleston. [John Power]

Bonmahon A MESSAGE FROM THE ART HAND... Greetings dear friends. Miranda and I would like to wish you all a very happy and creative new year. We are super excited about the new adventures ahead here at The Art Hand. We are always looking for new collaborations, exciting projects and events, so if you have any ideas please get in touch. We have had a lovely holiday with the kids and re-opened again this Wednesday with our first event of 2016; The WORDS event. It’s our monthly spoken word event and our excuse for a celebration! All are very welcome to attend and there is no obligation to perform. It starts at 7.45 p.m. but you must book a seat. We plan to bring this popular event to different locations along The Copper Coast in the coming

months. Throughout January and February we will be hosting a range of weekend courses for adults including Stained Glass, Mosaic, Coloured Glass Window Boxes and Batik Lampshades. Is part of your New Year’s resolution to immerse yourself in creativity and new experiences? If so then we’d love you to join us here on The Copper Coast. We shall continue to run art parties and school tours for kids and are available for group and family bookings. We are also expanding our Beach Art offering and have some exciting Film projects in the pipeline. Our collaborative Mosaic projects in schools are proving very popular and we are starting on a few lovely ones in the coming weeks. We are currently editing the The Magical Forest Book which will be published this Spring for the Gaelscoil na

nDéise. I’m also delighted to announce that I have been invited as a guest lecturer at the Applied Technologies Building of WIT to teach stained glass restoration to their Building Conservation students. I am also available to take commissions on Stained Glass if you would like something special made for your home. Our kiln for ceramics and glass will be operational soon so we look forward to running workshops and making some of our own long overdue artworks. Miranda and Sean would like to thank you all for your continued support. NEW CREATIVE HUB FOR THE COPPER... New Creative Hub on The Copper Coast...We are delighted to announce that the WORDS event is spreading its wings to new locations along The Copper Coast throughout 2016.

Sean and Miranda Corcoran The next one will take pation. The WORDS event is a place at the Gealach Gorm Theatre which is located in monthly event that takes the Kill Community place on the first Wednesday Centre. This is a wonderful of every month. It’s a perhidden gem of a theatre and formance night that brings it’s right at the heart of the together a diverse group of playwrights, community. Thanks to poets, Mareike Eccleston and comedians, song writers, Angela Mulcahy and their novelists and people who team for facilitating us. This can tell a good story. special event will take place Literature lovers are also on Wednesday, February 3rd welcome to attend and there is no obligation to at 7.45 p.m. This is our first step in perform. Stay tuned for furdeveloping a Creative Hub ther details closer to the which will showcase some time or if you would like to of the great venues in the receive an update by text area and expose a wider please text your name to audience to amazing talent Sean Corcoran on 087while encouraging partici- 2524657.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Kill MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL SWIM PRESENTATION A big thank you to all who supported the 2015 Michael Power Memorial Swim on Christmas Day. The presentation of proceeds will take place on Saturday, 30th January at 9.00 p.m. in Dunphy’s Pub, Kill. You have done the work, collected sponsorship, swam, paddled, shivered a bit, felt refreshed afterwards, now it’s time to reap the rewards – we are delighted to present the cheque to the Irish Red Cross Portlaw Branch Ambulance Fund in a couple of weeks’ time to support their efforts in purchasing a replacement ambulance. If all swimmers could hand their cards in to any members of the committee, please do so at your earliest convenience to allow us preparing the final figures for the night. Considering the weather being so bad, the 2015 event went fantastic with another great turnout of around 200 swimmers. Thank you all. FUNDRAISING TABLE QUIZ A table quiz night, followed by DJ will take place in Harney’s Bar, Dunhill on Saturday, 16th January at 8.00 p.m. The DJ will provide great entertainment from 10.30 p.m. The Raffle on the night offers fabulous prizes. Table of 4 is €20 with all proceeds in aid of the Lexi Murphy Transplant Fund. Lexi is the five year old daughter of Deckie and Kim Murphy, Dunhill. She has suffered with Polycystic Kidney disease since birth.This disease affects her kidneys and liver. Her health has deteriorated in the last number of years and her liver and kidneys are failing. She had a kidney removed during the summer. She is now on the active transplant list for a liver and kidney. This operation will be carried out in Birmingham Children's Hospital in the UK She will

need to stay in Birmingham for 5-8 weeks, all going well, and then in Crumlin Children's hospital for a further month. While on the transplant list Lexi needs to attend appointments in Birmingham every month which means an overnight stay. We are fundraising to contribute towards the cost associated with the family stay in the UK and Lexi's recuperation. Your support is greatly appreciated. KILL COMMUNITY CENTRE Welcome to another exciting year here at Kill Community Centre! All classes and regular events are now back in full swing. Our newsletter was distributed last week and is available in all public outlets or you can contact us on killccentre@gmail.com to sign up for the monthly newsletter or 087-4133522 for our weekly text update. We are starting back into a new year with great resolutions and resolve, please join our walking group on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 9.30 a.m. for a walk suitable for all levels. Sometimes, we all need to promise to be there to get ourselves motivated, especially with the recent weather outside! The cafe will open on our return at approximately 10.30 a.m. and now also offers healthy options. As you all know, we have been working hard on offering activities for all age groups – we would now like to invite all teenagers to attend an open evening this Wednesday 6 pm to discuss wishes, expectations and how we can help. Please spread the word and bring not only a friend but also ideas and suggestions! Our Chiropodist / Podiatrist clinic will be open this Wednesday, 13th January – please contact Stephanie on 087-9294906 for an appointment. Beauty by Niamh continues to offer great value beauty treatments every Thursday.

Call 087-7163716 for enquiries. Our next Bingo Night will take place on Thursday next week, the 21st January – eyes down at 8.00 p.m. For more information on Kill Community Centre, please call in or contact us on 087-4133522. CLOTHES COLLECTION Have you started that Spring Clean? Then please drop your reusable clothes, bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and soft toys to Kill National School on Friday, 5th February before 10.00 a.m. and leave inside the school door. We will also take old clothes you consider rag, laptops and mobile phones! Last October you helped us save 1050kg - that's just over ONE TON - of textiles from landfill. All the clothes are sent to the “Friends of Calcutta” charity who send anything that can be reused to their projects in India whilst rags are turned into insulation and sound proofing. The Parents’ Association raised a whopping €420 from your last “clear-out” a great way for the school to fundraise and you don’t have to buy a thing! Please ask all your friends and neighbours to help. Any problem with holding bags until then, please contact Grace Colbert at 086-3289212. Start that clear out NOW. KILL COMMUNITY ACTION & ALERT Anyone interested in the further development of Kill Village, its Community Alert texting system and community activities in general, is cordially invited to attend a meeting this Thursday at 7.30 p.m. in Kill Community Centre. Upcoming plans, progress updates and much more are on the agenda. If you cannot attend but would like to sign up to the Community Alert, please complete a consent/registration form in Happy Days Shop or in Kill Community Centre.

Pictured at Kilmurrin for the Michael Power Memorial Swim 2015 were Nicky Power, Tom Power, Michael Power, Memorial Swim Chairman and Chris Glynn. [John Power]

Pictured at Kilmurrin for the Michael Power Memorial Swim 2015 were the Eccleston family. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Keegan, Bronagh and Joanne Lenihan. [John Power]

Pictured at Kilmurrin for the Michael Power Memorial Swim 2015 were James and Liam Organ. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were Ber Flynn and Darren Power. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 were John Murray and John Doyle. [John Power]

Pictured at Kilmurrin Cove for the Michael Power Memorial Swim 2015 were Andrew Fitzgerald and Martin Morrissey. [John Power]

Taking part in the Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim 2015 was Holly [John Power] Dunphy.

Pictured at Kilmurrin for the Michael Power Memorial Swim 2015 was Michael [John Power] Power.

Pictured at Kilmurrin for the Michael Power Memorial Swim 2015 was Enya [John Power] Eccleston.

Pictured at Kilmurrin for the Michael Power Memorial Swim 2015 was Heather [John Power] Power.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Ballymacarbry COURSES A new course will be starting in Ballymacarbry Community Centre on Wednesday, 13th January, 2016. This course will consist of Health & Fitness, Computer Class and Cookery Class. This class will be held every Wednesday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. for 14 weeks. This course is eligible for those with less than a Junior Certificate Level of Qualification. On completion of this course, you will receive QQI Certificates. This course is free of charge for anyone who is eligible. For more information or if you are interested in joining this course, please contact 0526185483 as places are lim-

ited. Booking is essential as places are limited. OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Week 1 of Operation Tr a n s f o r m a t i o n Ballymacarbry started off with great success on Tuesday, 5th January, 2016. With huge numbers turning out for the first night we would like to thank the community for their great community spirit. Walks will take place every Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7.00 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 9.30 a.m. for the next 8 weeks, with routes to be determined on the night or morning of the walk. Please wear a Hi Vis and please bring a torch. Cost per each walk is €2.

Toastmasters Pauline McEvoy, Anna Maria O'Dwyer (CBS) Michael Clarke, Susie Wingfield and Anne Halpin at the CBS Secondary School where students organised the meeting and delivered a number of informative and inspiring speeches to an audience of parents, fellow students and members of Dungarvan Toastmasters.

Ballysaggart Dungarvan Toastmasters Club SOCIAL DANCE Due to a bereavement in the area the Social Dance scheduled for last Friday night, January 8th, was cancelled, it is rescheduled to take place on Friday night next, January 15th in the Community Centre from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. BALLYSAGGART LADIES CLUB We trust that all of you enjoyed a Merry Christmas and New Year. The first meeting of 2016 will take place on Monday, February 8th, at 8.00 in the Community Center. Special Guest for the night to be announced. CONDOLENCES The Ballysaggart community wishes to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Seamus Walsh, Deerpark, Ballysaggartmore. May he rest in peace.

The first Daffodil of 2016 has bloomed and is looking bright and cheerful on a frosty morning.

ANNE Halpin of Dungarvan Toastmasters has led our involvement in delivering the Youth Leadership Programme in a number of secondary schools in the Dungarvan area again this year.The Youth Leadership Programme works like a mini Toastmasters club. Students take turns in chairing meetings, acting as president, delivering presentations and learning the

skills of Impromptu speaking. The programme is very popular because like Toastmasters, it provides the opportunity to develop public speaking skills which benefit people in work and and life situations generally. Members of Dungarvan Toastmasters share the public speaking skills they have developed as members of the club with the students.

A Toastmasters club provides a great opportunity to learn and practice public speaking skills in a supportive and friendly environment. A number of new members have already delivered their "Ice Breaker" speech and are actively involved in evaluating other speakers and taking on various meeting roles. The next meeting of Dungarvan Toastmasters takes place on

Thursday, 14th January. All are welcome to club meetings which take place on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month at 8.00 p.m. in the Park Hotel Dungarvan. There is a full schedule of meetings between now and June. This is an excellent time to join the club and develop your communication and presentation skills over the winter months.

Kilrossanty BINGO The next Bingo will be on January 22nd in Crotty’s Inn at 8.30 p.m. Proceeds of this Bingo night will go to Kilrossanty / Fews Parish Funds. A good night assured. Prizes €1,200. Extra prizes. HALL Hall meeting this Wednesday night in the hall at 8.30 p.m. CLERGY Thanks to all who contributed to the collection for the Clergy. Your generosity is appreciated. DEATH Deepest sympathy is extended to Kitsey Keating, Fahafeelagh on the death of her son Padraig Keating whose death took place last week at an all too early age. Padraig is also survived by his wife Mary; his brother Liam; sister Mary and all the Keating and Kelly family on their sad loss. Burial took place in Tyrone last Friday. His other brother Sean died some years ago. May he rest in peace.

TALK AND LECTURE SERIES: WATERFORD NEWFOUNDLAND LINKS Continuing our talk and lecture series, our next talk will be taking place on Wednesday, January 20th when we will have Jack Burtchaell with us, a man – it is true to say – that is now known all over the world. He is a Waterford Historian and a Waterford City Tour Guide. He will be giving an illustrated talk on Waterford links to Newfoundland. Venu: Town Hall Theatre (upstairs), Friary Street. Date: Wednesday, 20th January. Time: 8.00 p.m. Entry Fee €5 and all are very welcome. Jack is a wonderful speaker and really captures the imagination of the listener. He is well known for his Waterford City Medieval walking tours. He studied Archaeology, History and Geography at University College, Dublin and graduated in 1982 with a First Class Honours Degree. After winning a post graduate scholarship, he contin-

ued in U.C.D in the Geography Department specialising in the field of Historical Geography. While teaching field studies to undergraduates his interest in heritage tourism developed and ever since he has combined tourism and active historical research. Jack was awarded several ‘Best Tour Feature’ by CIE International Awards of Excellence. He also won a Bord Fáilte Irish Welcome Award as well as collecting awards from various parts of the world. Jack also has a number of historic publications to his credit. We look forward to seeing you all there. TRIP AWAY Don’t forget to book your seat for the trip away in April. The spaces are filling fast. Any queries, please contact Christina at the museum. 1916 COMMEMORATIONS The exhibition to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising is being planned.We are interested in any photographs or artefacts which you may have. We are par-

ticularly interested in copies of the Dungarvan Observer for Easter week 1916. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If you would like any items displayed during the exhibition, please drop them into the museum. We also accept donations of items of interest. OLD PHOTOGRAPHS If you have any old photographs of people, places, ships, sports events etc. we would be very happy to accept them.We would scan them and give you back the originals. Looking ahead to the 1916 commemorations we would also be interested in any artefacts or photographs relating to that period. VISITING THE MUSEUM We welcome visits from schools, community groups, and local history societies. Please contact us at 05845960 to arrange a visit. Let us know if you are interested in a particular subject and we will focus on that during the visit. OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 10.00

a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Admission is free. FIRST WORLD WAR WATERFORD CASUALTY LIST FOR WEEKENDING 13TH JANUARY Name: Christopher Nash; Service No Rank: GS/4719 Pr.; Service: Army; Unit: H’Hold Cav.9 Lancers; Where Born: Notting Hill; Death Category: Died; Date of Death: 7/1/’16. Name: Martin Flynn; Age: 23; Service No Rank: 7438 Pr.; Service: Army; Unit: R.I. Reg. 1Bn;Where Born: Carrickbeg; Death Category: Died; Date of Death: 11/1/’16.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

COUNTY NEWS

Kilgobinet/Colligan/Kilbrien LATIN MASS Start off with a few words in Latin and it's surprising how many people in Kilgobinet Parish can pick up the thread and continue the recitation. "Confiteor Deo omnipotenti..." and along comes the rest of the chant: "...et vobis fratres, quia peccavi nimis..." I confess to almighty God and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned... Before the Second Vatican Council swept away half a millennium's form of worship, the Latin Mass was just that, a Mass in Latin. Not completely in Latin, unless there was a High Mass when a priest or notable citizen was laid to rest. Then there might be thirty or forty priests gathered at the front of the local churches and nearly the entire service was conducted in Latin and most of it was sung. Many of the airs were centuries old, beautifully designed for the human voice and that most important musical instrument of the Catholic faith, the church buildings themselves with their stony and resonant spaces. "Kyrie Eleison..." Lord have mercy... drawn out till it echoed off the rafters; "Christos Eleison..." Christ have mercy... "It was a beautiful service," is the way most of the older residents of the parish remember the Latin Mass. "You might not understand it, but you understood" was the way one man described it. SUNDAYS The more workaday Sunday Mass featured a goodly component of English. There were three prayers recited in the native language by everyone, first Faith then Hope and finally Charity. Then the Priest's homily was in English and so was the week's Gospel reading. The last prayers before the Priest dismissed everyone with a blessing were also in the vernacular. But, during the Eucharist, the consecration and sharing of the Host, the prayers were all Latin. The Priest would intone a prayer in the language of Cicero and Caesar. Responses in kind were expected. But, only the servers answered. There might be five or six altar boys - no girls allowed back then - and they would answer the priest which meant that the local school boys, the same rowdy lot who'd be yelling and running around and tossing stones of a Monday were expected to act the very models of deportment and scholarly knowledge on Sunday. In front of their parents

tion. Through decades of repetition, men and women alike learned the Latin prayers and they joined in the swelling chorus of responses. "I know a lot of Latin - but not what it means," recalls one woman. But, there was a "peace" to the enduring ritual. Except when it was winter and she stood beside her mother through seemingly endless prayers "frozen with the cold." Another woman recalls the introduction of the Mass of Pope Paul VI after it was published in 1969. Suddenly, it seemed, the old Missals bearing the imprimatur of the Bishop disappeared. "We were just getting to know the Latin when they got rid of it." She recollects clearly the words "Nihil Obstat" imprinted on the these older books. "Nothing Hinders," meaning the book's contents were acceptable and could be published. "It's a wonder we all didn't grow up to be lawyers." LOURDES PILGRIMAGE It's that time of year again! Booking forms now available for the 2016 Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes, 6th to 11th June 2016. Please contact: Noel Devereux on 087-257-2850 or Ann Crowther on 0877606941 INCLUDE YOUR INFO Scott Simons - greenhillsofireland@gmail.com

Christmas at Colligan Woods. and neighbours, the lads day when Sunday morning performed their sacred dawned wet and blustery. The winds picked up, the duties. In Latin! rain flung itself at the faces TRAINING It was the job of the of the faithful. Scarce more National School teachers to than a handful of families of train their young male showed up - and only two charges in the Latin songs altar boys. When the pair realised needed for this weekly task. Since the girls were taught that they were on their own, in an entirely separate class- their young hearts sank. And room by female instructors, the response was indeed thin it was the male staff who when the first Latin prayer laboured over these lessons came bowling at them. O salutaris Hostia, Quae with the boys on their side of the two room country caeli pandis ostium: Bella premunt hostilia, Da schools. The Priests made it their robur, fer auxilium. But, the pair managed, business to keep the lads on their toes. One man remem- and after that it was easier. bers that when he attended "We were very well Coolnasmear School in the trained." And on that day, 1940's Father Henry they were glad of it. 1969 Conway, then the Parish The familiar, lovely Priest, would visit the schools on Mondays. His melodies of the Latin Mass Eimear Fahey at the Christmas Carol Service in Kilgobinet. first question was always the rolled over the congregasame: "What was the gospel about last Sunday?" Kilbrien School was still located next to the church and the Master there might take the whole group of altar boys over to say a "practice Mass" and brush up on the prayers. The lads felt "privileged" to be chosen for this task and proud of their Latin mastery and that they could rattle off the intricate Latin words and cadences. Not that the girls' spiritual upbringing was neglected. One woman who attended town convent classrooms remembers they were adorned with posters of Saints Ignatius Loyola and Maria Goretti . The saints were the celebrities of the day and the nuns used to give away as special prizes little picture cards embossed with the portrait of a saint. A really superior performance might gain a scholar the ultimate trophy, a brass or tin medal of St. Christopher or St. Anthony. SERVERS With five or six lads responding together during Mass, there was always someone who knew the verses. A couple of the boys might drop a line, but between them, they'd get through. But, there came the The unending rains of December made some folks happy. The Colligan River over Christmas Week.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Ballinameela

John, Edel and Sally Tynan from Dungarvan pictured with Julian Ashleigh from Dungarvan at the ceremony at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan to mark the sealing of the Time Capsule which commemorates Dungarvan 800. [David Clynch]

Dungarvan Mens Shed DU

AN ARV NG

menssheds.ie JUST a few words about the Sheds appearance on the Billy McCarthy show on WLRFM, which aired the other morning. It was a great day for lads in the

Shed, a chance to give their views and opinions on the local Shed. Of course, we had the usual tall tales from Dick Clancy, and it wouldn't be a session without a story from the maestro himself, Geddy Mul! We also had some heartfelt talk from Chairman Oliver Whelan, Billy Cowming and founder member Nicky Sheehan. Another Shed Man with good opin-

ions was Joe O’Rielly, who in this case did his impersonation of "Silent Mike"! To top it off, we had a song from Salesman of the year John Dee. All in all, a great morning. On the same theme. RTE News featured the Shed on their Evening News slot, "Dungarvan Aglow" which helped showcase the Shed’s Part in the community.

St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan Second Sunday in Ordinary Time Isaiah 62:1-5 The bridegroom rejoices in his bride. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 One and the same spirit, who distributes gifts to different people just as he chooses. John: 2:1-11 This was the first of the signs given by Jesus: it was given at Cana in Galilee. Prayer for the Holy Year of Mercy Lord, you are the light that lights up our darkness, You are our strength in weakness. You are our hope in our times of distress, You are our anchor when we are buffeted by the storms of life. You are our friend in an unfamiliar world. When we stray, you gently lead us back. When all seems lost, you whisper silent reassurance. When every door is closed, you open up your heart to us. When we feel desolate and abandoned, your Mercy shines forth and comforts us. Lord, make us aware that you never give up on us. Make us aware that your mercy, reconciliation and forgiveness are always available. Lord, help us to see your Mercy as love in action. May this Year of Mercy help us to redis-

cover your care and concern for us. Amen Visit the Holy Door of Mercy at St. Mary’s: A visit to the Holy Door of Mercy is a special occasion as the Door of Mercy is a visible reminder of God’s mercy. It is as if we can reach out and touch the Father’s mercy. Just like the woman in the Gospel story who said “If I can touch even his clothes, I shall be well again” (Mark 5:28ff) To make a visit to the Holy Door of Mercy more special we can pray and celebrate: 1. Pray the Apostles’ Creed 2. Pray the Year of Mercy Prayer 3. Pray for the Pope’s Intentions – Our Father, Hail Mary and the Glory be to the Father…. 4.When possible, celebrate the Sacrament of Penance/Confession and receive Holy Communion. Parish Office: Located in St. Mary’s Church and is open Monday to Friday office hours. If you want to book Masses or Baptisms call during these times. Phone 42374. Daily Mass broadcast on 98.5 FM. Phone No: Fr. Ryan 42374, Fr. Harris 42384, Fr. Cooney 41136. Emergency Phone No: To contact Priest on duty: 086 233 4282 St. Vincent de Paul Helpline No.: 0877747870.

BOOKING THE HALL There is still some available slots for the evenings, so if you would like to start your own in-door soccer games for the winter or other activity you can book the hall through our new booking officer – Alison Curran 087-8289147. The centre is also a great place for kids parties etc. and can be rented for €30. Anyone renting the hall, please pay the person who opens up the hall for you and please take away your own rubbish. If you are borrowing anything from the hall, these must be booked through our booking officer Alison Curran. Each month someone on the committee is responsible for opening and closing the hall, for the month of January is Mathew Fogarty who can be contacted on 0860644811. FINISK VALLEY AC Membership for 2016 is now due for renewal; Membership cost covers registration with Athletics Ireland and Insurance for the Club from 1st January, 2016 to 31st December, 2016. Juvenile Membership: €15 for 1st two children and €10 for each child after that, Adult Membership: €20. For new members please attach a copy of your birth certificate as it is needed for registration purposes. NOTE: For new mem-

bers there will be a 3 week trial period to see if the athlete would like to join the club. For insurance purposes no more than a 3 week trial period allowed. Training times: Wednesday training from 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., Saturday morning from 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in Ballinameela Community pitch/hall. CIRCUIT TRAINING Circuit Training Classes are back in Ballinameela Community Centre every Monday night for the next few weeks at 7.00 p.m. It’s never too late join our class, so if you have not got your new year off to a healthy start now is the time to do it. Our Class Format will vary every week so that you enjoy the variety in training. Enquiries text or call 087-8229762. BALLINAMEELA ADULT AND TODDLER GROUP Ballinameela Adult & Toddler Group meets every Thursday from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in the halla of Whitechurch National School. New parents, childminders, grandparents with toddlers very welcome. For more information contact Janice on 087-9718945. BADMINTON If you fancy a socialable game of Badminton come along to Ballinameela Community Centre on Tuesday nights from 8 to 10, if interested contact

TILTING AT WINDMILLS Long time ago, before the world went mad, people were resourceful. Everything had a purpose and waste wasn't frowned upon because it didn't exist. If somebody needed a house, fallen timber was rounded up and cut into planks and cross-beams.The branches were made into wattles for the walls, while the smaller branches were tied into bundles of kindling called "faggots." The mortar was made by mixing chopped straw and mud, or even cow dudu! Big cauldrons of food were cooked at the start of the week containing all the meat and vegetables required for a relatively balanced diet. The peelings and any other veg wastage was fed to the small herd of pigs who would probably take pride of place in the cauldron next week. The sawdust from the timber had many uses; bedding for animals, stuffing mattresses, insulation from the cold or sometimes, just for shoving down someone's shirt. And, because there was no waste,

Mairead at 087-7681975. COMMUNITY ALERT There is a Community Alert text system in place text your name and mobile number to this number: 087-3538347. It works in two ways, firstly a message regarding any suspicious activity is sent to your phone so you can be on the lookout. Secondly, you can send details of suspicious activity to this number where it will be re-sent around to the community and to the Gardai who treat it as serious and act immediately. Follow on facebook www.facebook.com/parish .communityalert.ie AGLISH FIT FOR LIFE Aglish Fit4Life & Couch to 5k will now take place every Monday and Thursday night at 7.15 p.m. Please note no running on Tuesday at the moment. New members always welcome. Further details on Facebook Aglish Fun Run o r email aglishfunrun@gmail.c om BALLINAMEELA FOROIGE 'Ballinameela Foroige has returned to the hall.The club urgently needs volunteer leaders to help supervise at the weekly meetings. Could you spare 1 hour for about 8 Thursdays in the year, we operate a rota system for leaders so you will not be required to attend all the meetings. If anyone would like more informa-

there was no pollution, apart from the odd horse breaking wind. When something needed fixing, it was fixed. When something needed moving, it was moved. When something needed building, it was built. There was no need to get permission from some Baron von Knickerbocker in Bavaria or have a 3 year case study formulated by Monsieur Cristophe De Dullard in Marseilles. If a farmer wanted to grow a crop of beet on his own land and sell it to the local sugar factory and then buy some calves to increase his herd, guess what? He could. In every walk of life, not just in Ireland, but in all corners of Europe adults are being led by the hand. Bureaucrats have taken over our lives. Once upon a time, some smartly dressed college graduates, probably from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg or the fashion district of Milan, decided that farmers could increase their acreage by following a few simple guidelines. 1. Remove all stone fences and

tion or is interested in getting involved please call or text Moya 087-6356478. Foroige is a great initiative for teens in our community so we would urge anyone who can help out to consider getting involved. WOODLAND LADYBIRDS, BROWN & GUIDES VILLIERSTOWN Woodland Ladybirds, Browines & Guides Villierstown local branch of The Irish Girl Guides Ladybirds, Browines & Guides meet every Thursday in Villierstown. Please contact leaders in your daughter interested in joining. We are always looking for adult leaders and helpers LOTTO RESULTS 11th January, 2016 – Numbers drawn were: 2, 19, 27. No winner. €20 winners: Caroline O’Brien, Kilmolash; Marie O’Donovan, Ballygambon; Catherine O’Brien, Kereen; James Ryan Jnr., Lauragh; Michael Fogarty, Whitechurch. Next week’s jackpot €3,200 and will take place in the Kereen Bar. NOTES FOR INCLUSION If you have something you would like in the Ballinameela notes you can email Claire Tobin on fitz_tobin@yahoo.co.uk or phone 087-6808287. Follow and like us on facebook, Ballinameela Community Centre.

cut down trees and bushes. 2. Clear rivers and streams of vegetation and disrupt their natural flow. 3. Make the land as featureless and uniform as possible. 4. Plant only what we tell you. These "recommendations" were put before a committee of career civil servants who adopted the ideas as their own, then got our elected representatives to sign it in to law (probably without reading it) and imposing it on the little people. Under threat of losing their grants, the little people complied. And that's why we have floods! Ballinameela Creatives are a group of artists who believe in originality, freedom of expression and thought. Modern legendary actor Benedict Cumberbatch said, "there is so much in the 21st century that is stymied by bureaucracy and mediocrity and committee."

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Ardmore TIME Over time, situations change and people change. Society changes as well. We are now living, and have been for quite a number of years, in an age where information is useless unless it is instantaneous. Our dig-

ital devices have become like a third arm such is the regularity with which we rely on them for information. It’s like a death in the family when the wi-fi gives a bit of trouble or the phone or media tablet packs up; we simply cannot seem

to live without them. Do without Facebook for a week and see if your mood changes. Imagine the thought of not knowing what your neighbour is having for lunch. The horror of not know-

Fireworks over Ardmore Bay following Phil Coulter's performance at St. Declan's Church, Ardmore organised by the Ardmore Pattern Festival Committee. [David Clynch Photography]

ing when someone decides to head to the leaba for the night.The shock to the system of not being able to see another utterly pathetic “photo” taken in a dark nightclub or bar. Do I really need to know what Paddy down the road agrees with or disagrees with? Imagine if everything that people publicly posted on Facebook was collated and printed as ‘news’ in their local paper? I wonder. Trying to gather together information for a local column like Ardmore Notes is something that is getting harder and harder. I visited this subject a number of months ago and nothing much has changed in the meantime. Our village / parish is small and as such there is not much that goes on during the quite months. I could go down the road of offering opinion on various aspects of village life but to be honest I feel that doing that would only rile folk and I am much happier having a quiet life. In the past I have spoken out when I felt certain things needed to be said; not that it did me any good. Ardmore Notes will continue to be collated and or written by yours truly and if I do start to offer opinion again and instigate debate then maybe that’s what our area needs; what’s the use of whispering in shadows when you can speak out in the light? CARDS AT KEEVERS Card Results - 1st Des Fitzgerald and Gerry O’Brien; 2nd shared by Marie Stillwell and Peggy Keevers and Tommy Power and Michael O’Reilly. Best of last 5 Seamus and Laurence Keevers. Last game Terry McGrath and Anne Hally YOGA CLASSES Yoga classes return to Halla Deuglán after the Christmas break. Every Tuesday night 7.30 p.m. 9.00 p.m.; come along and join up on the night.

Siobhan Riordan from Ardmore pictured with Niamh Da Silva from London at Phil Coulter's performance at St. Declan's Church, Ardmore. [David Clynch Photography]

Anne and Anthony Cooney from Dungarvan pictured at Phil Coulter's performance at St. Declan's Church, Ardmore. [David Clynch Photography]

Ardmore Tidy Towns TIDY TOWNS TEXAS! Aidan Quirke has very kindly offered to run a weekly Texas Hold’em Poker Classic in The Round Tower Hotel on Wednesday nights (after choir) for the benefit of Ardmore Tidy Towns, if there is sufficient interest. If you would like to participate in this game give Aidan a ring on 0872673526 and let him know because it will only go ahead if there is interest. We used have great crowds for this a few years ago so hopefully the interest

can be rekindled again. DUMPING Sadly we have had some fly-tipping over the Christmas holidays. Along the top road and over near Jameson’s garden have been the recipients of some unwanted furniture. We do appeal to residents to keep an eye out for this awful activity and report any incidents to Waterford County Council. This is so mindless especially when those kind of items can be recycled for free at the Youghal facility.

CHRISTMAS TREES Don’t forget to drop in your Christmas trees to An Cúilín for recycling. Joe O’Callaghan has very kindly offered to shred them for free for us once again, so do drop yours in before the end of the month. ALLOTMENTS Weather prevented our first attack on the allotments area last Saturday but Bernie Stilwell took us out of trouble once again when he committed to get all the grass raked into two or three ranks for removal.

Mary Cahill and Pauline O'Shea, both from Midleton, pictured at Phil Coulter's performance at St. Declan's Church, Ardmore. [David Clynch Photography]

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Stradbally SYMPATHY It was with great sadness the community in Stradbally said goodbye last weekend to one of their most respected and senior citizens. Dick McKeown, Chapel Road, Stradbally. Dick passed away peacefully at University Hospital, Waterford on Thursday, 7th January, 2016 and was reposed at Drohan’s Funeral Home, Dungarvan on Friday evening, 8th January where rosary and prayers were recited. The Funeral Mass took place at Holy Cross Church, Stradbally at 11 a.m. on Saturday, 9th January celebrated by Fr. Jerry Condon, P.P. The hymns during the Mass were sung by Dessie Norris (Kilmacthomas). The readers of the Liturgy of the Word were Amy Cusack and Vincent Lenihane. The Prayers of the Faithful were shared by Martin Lynch (son-in-law) and his son Matthew. Before the final prayers the family thanked the local doctor for the care and attention he gave to Dick and also the Staff of Medical University Hospital, Waterford who looked after Dick, they also included their families, neighbours, friends in their thanks. There was a special mention to Tom Drohan Undertaker who looked after the funeral in such a professional manner. After the final hymn was

sung, Dick was carried to his resting place in the adjoining cemetery. Deepest sympathy is extended to son Michael McKeown; daughter-in-law Patricia; son-in-law Martin Lynch; grandchildren Matthew and Richard; great grandchildren, nephew, nieces and the extended family. Deepest sympathy is also extended to Kitsy Keating and family, Fahafeelagh on the sad passing of her son Padraig Keating, Omagh, Co. Tyrone on Tuesday, 5th January, 2016 where the funeral has since taken place. May he rest in peace. COVE BRIDGE UPDATE The many people affected by the closure of Cove Road, Stradbally due to the recent storm damage at the bridge will be pleased to know that the job of repairing the bridge has gone to tender. It is envisaged that a private builder will be commencing the job as soon as possible. Thank you to Cllr. John O’Leary for this update. SOCCER NEWS Academy and Little Dribblers returns on Saturday morning next at 10.30 a.m. All children and parents welcome. Astro Turf is for hire. Contact Tadgh for time slot availability at 087 230 6841. There are some club kits for children still available, would make ideal birthday

presents. Contact Aine at 087 761 8127. FIXTURES Saturday - under 12 at 10.30 a.m. - Stradbally v. Bohemians. Junior League - at 2 p.m. - Red Star v. Stradbally Sunday. Youths League - at 11 a.m. - Stradbally v. Portlaw. All games subject to the weather permitting. BARRON HALL The new year 2016, activities resuming again after the Christmas break. Good to see Michelle and all the young people back in the Pre-School, not called “Its a Child's Life” for nothing. Active Retirement recommenced again on Monday 11th, and Peg (086-3027927) resumes with the Yoga classes on Thursday 14th, 6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Marie Swaby (087-2589117) will have Meditation classes in place before end of January. We have enquiries about Tai Chi, Josephine Hickey (051-293219) will have a teaser or introductory class before end of January, and if interest is there we will go with it. More detail next week. Any Barron Hall enquiries please contact Nicola 087-7160700. The committee are delighted to see so much activity, and would like to thank all who supported the Barron Hall during 2015, hope to see all again, and also some new faces for 2016.

Christmas Appeal 2015: At the draw for the Lions Club hamper sponsored by Nemeton Teoranta in Oifig an Phoist, An Rinn - Pádraig Ó Currín, Máire Breathnach, Seán Ó hAirtnéada, Cáit Mhic Craith, Ian Breathnach.

The Art Pad THE Art Pad has been running for over two years by local woman Tamsin Jay who is an artist and art teacher. Tamsin qualified from Waterford Institute of Technology with a degree in fine art and has since had the opportunity to teach in various settings such as Dungarvan Community Hospital, Dungarvan ETB and local mother and tod-

Touraneena SLIABH gCUA LOTTO After the Christmas break, the lotto draw resumed last Sunday night in Hanrahan's Bar, Ballinamult.The winning numbers drawn were 5, 14 and 18. There was no winner of the €1,100 jackpot. The 5 x €20 winners were, Mon Hickey, Bernie Gleeson, Jim McGrath, Donna Troy and Sean Power. The promoters prize of €20 was won by Nuala Dunne. The next lotto draw will be held in Dunne's Bar, Touraneena on Sunday night, 17th January, 2016. The lotto jackpot prize of €1,200 would be a nice amount to help balance the books after the Christmas season. Tickets are €2 each and can be purchased from local retail outlets, committee members and designated promoters. Happy New Year to all. LOURDES DIOCESAN PILGRIMAGE The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place each year from the 6th to 11th June. For further information or to book a place on the year's pilgrimage, please contact the Diocesan Pilgrimage Office, St. John’s Pastoral Centre, John's Hill, Waterford or telephone (051) 878900. If you are

interested in becoming a volunteer with the pilgrimage, there are many ways in which you can help. Listed below are the contact details for the leader of each volunteer group. All enquiries are welcome. Doctors: Dr. Collette Murphy lettiemurphy@eircom.net Nurses: Grainne Walsh 0876297123 Brancardiers: Matt Shanahan 0862681551 Handmaids: Avril Halley 0861721736 & avrilhalley@gmail.com Youth: Denise Kelly kellyac@aol.ie Choir: Mary Dee pastoralmail@eircom.net Cara: Gerry Halley ghalley@mmhalley.com Spirit of Lourdes: Avril Halley avrilhalley@gmail.com 1916 COMMEMORATIONS There will be many events taking place this year throughout Ireland and many parts of the World as part of the 1916 Commemorations programme. Last Driday saw the launch of the American 1916 commemorations at Battery Park, New York. One event closer to home will be the Irish Tricolour weekend in Waterford city 6th - 8th March. The Tricolour celebration commemorates the unveiling of the Irish

Tricolour flag by Thomas Francis Meagher. The flag was first flown in public on 7th March 1848, during the Waterford by-election when Meagher and his colleagues flew the flag from the headquarters of Meagher's 'Wolfe Tone Confederate Club' at No. 33, The Mall, Waterford, a short distance from where Meagher was born, which is now the Granville Hotel on the quay. Meagher stated that '“The white in the centre signifies a lasting truce between the “orange” and the “green” and I trust that beneath its folds, the hands of the Irish Protestant and the Irish Catholic may be clasped in generous and heroic brotherhood” – Thomas Francis Meagher. In April 1848, Meagher presented the Irish Tricolour in a speech to the citizens of Dublin. Even though the flag didn’t see the light of day again until it was raised above the GPO in 1916, the Irish Tricolour has inspired generations of Irish people since its conception in 1848, Thomas Francis Meagher's memorabilia can be viewed in the Bishop's Palace, Waterford and at the Granville hotel. If you would like more information on the Irish Tricolour commemorations in Waterford, please email info@1848tricolour.com

dler groups. Together with her sister Natalie who has a background in craft and design they will be holding Art Classes in The Rehearsal Hub, Westgate, Dungarvan. •4-7 year olds Wednesday 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. • 8-12 year olds Thursdays 3.30 p.m. to 4.30 p.m. • Mother and toddler art group on Wednesday 10.00

a.m. to 10.45 a.m. Lots of exciting activities to have including painting, drawing, printing, watercolour, play dough, papier mache and easter crafts.

Adult classes are also available. Booking is essential as places are limited. Please call 086-8842843.

Dungarvan Dramatic Club A VERY Happy New Year from all in Dungarvan Dramatic Club to all our members, supporters and audiences. 2016 will be a very significant and exciting year for the Club as it will be celebrating 75 of producing live theatre in Dungarvan. D.D.C. is not a group to rest on its laurels, so over the Christmas period, the committee was busy reading plays, gathering to share ideas and making plans for its upcoming production. So I am delighted to tell you that Dungarvan Dramatic Club will be appearing on the Town Hall stage on February 11th – 13th with two hilarious oneact plays. “The Last Bread Pudding”, written by Nick Warburton will be directed by Siobhán Buckley and “Last Tango in Little

Grimley”, written by David Tristram will be directed by Pat Power. On Wednesday last, Siobhán and Pat were delighted by how many braved the wind and rained and arrived to read for parts for these two plays. After a very funny and lively evening, they were thrilled to be able to cast all 11 characters in the plays. The two casts who will have a very busy four weeks ahead of them are as follows: “The Last Bread Pudding”: Ken – Ruaidhri de Paor, Jack – Des Feeney, Jan – Ann Marie Hayes, Denise – Margaret Dennehy, Fleur – Orla Glascott, Phyllis – Lisa O’Sullivan, Tramp – Dave Mansfield. “Last Tango in Little Grimley” : Gordon – Dave Pollock, Margaret – Charlie O’Donoghue, Bernard –

Paul MacGabhain, Joyce – Jess McGovern. So have you ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors of drama group committee meetings, the readings, the rehearsals, well now is your chance. Believe it or not the plays tell the stories of two amateur dramatic groups, meeting to discuss their next production, to cast their upcoming plays and plan for their future! You will meet the 11 members of these two struggling committees and we bet you’ll recognise a few of the characters! The bossy ones, the art-farty ones, the opinionated ones, even the silent, deadly ones! We guarantee you an evening of side splitting comedy as you join Little Grimley Amateur Dramatic Society, worried about its dwindling membership and a small-town drama a group, trying to choose its next play for Festival. Watch this space for more information on these upcoming productions from Dungarvan Dramatic Club.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Tionól Niocláis Tóibín 2016 11 – 14 Feabhra, Rinn Ua gCuanach

Tionól Niocláis Tóibín, 11-14 Feabhra. IS ar an Déardaoin, 11 Feabhra a thosnóidh Tionól Niocláis Tóibín na bliana seo. Tosnófar I mbliana le dráma agus ceolchoirm na nÓg i Halla Pobail na Rinne chun deis a thabhairt don dream óg a gcuid ceoil is amhráin a chur os comhair an phobail. Beidh an oscailt oifigiúil ar siúl i dTigh Uí Mhaonaigh an oíche sin, ag tosnú ag 9.00 i.n. Bronnfar Gradam Niocláis Tóibín ar Eoiní Maidhcí Ó Súilleabháin i mbliana ag an ócáid seo. Tá ceoltóirí agus amhránaithe den scoth bailithe le chéile do na ceardlanna maidin Shathairn i Meánscoil San Nioclás. Mar chuid de Thionól na nDéise, beidh cur i láthair i gColáiste na Rinne ag an Dr Ríognach Uí Ógáin ag tosnú ag 3.00. Beidh deis ag daoine tuilleadh ceoil a dh’aireachtaint sna tábhairní go dtí am tae. Buacphointe na deireadh seachtaine i gcónaí ná an ceolchoirm a bheidh ar siúl arís i mbliana i Halla Pobail na Rinne ag tosnú ag 7.30 i.n. Tá slua an-mhór d’amhránaithe agus de cheoltóirí bailithe le chéile don cheolchoirm agus oíche iontach ar fad geallta. Is i dTigh Uí Mhuirithe a bheidh club na féile ar an Satharn. Craolfar an

tAifreann beo ar RnaG ó Shéipéal San Nioclás maidin Domhnaigh ag 11.30 agus beidh deis ag daoine cuairt a thabhairt ar uaigh Niocláis ina dhiaidh. Críochnóidh an deiredh seachtaine i dTigh an Cheoil le seoladh dlúthdhiosca agus ceol is amhráin den scoth. (Táimid buíoch don tacaíocht ón Oifig Ealaíon, Comhairle Contae agus Cathrach Phort Láirge agus Ealaín na Gaeltachta). FANTASTIC WORKSHOPS AS PART OF TIONÓL NIOCLÁIS TÓIBÍN Irish music and song will be celebrated at Tionól Niocláis Tóibín which will take place in an Rinn beginning on Thursday 11th February with a drama and concert by the young people of the area.The official opening takes place in Tigh an Uí Mhaonaigh at 9.00 p.m. The well know sean nós singer from Cúl Aodha in Cork, Eoiní Maidhcí Ó Súilleabháin will be presented with the Gradam Niocláis Tóibín this year. Saturday morning will see some of the best musicians and singers taking part in workshops in Meánscoil San Nioclás offering participants the chance to learn from the best of musicians and singers, with the workshops extended to 3 sessions again this year. Seo liosta na gceardlanna do 2016: Fidil- Carmel O’Dea & Tara Breen Bosca Ceoil- Murty Ryan & Derek Hickey CansairtínClara Mannion & Tommy Fitzharris & Mairéad

Hurley Feadóg Mhór, feadóg Tom Doorley & John Kelly Píb Uileann- Tommy Keane agus Mick O’Brien Banjo- Páraic Mac Donnchadha Giolcaigh- Mick O’ Brien & Victor Mullaly Amhránaíocht- Ógie Ó Céilleachair & Irial Ó Ceallaigh MASTER CLASS – UILLEANN PIPES WITH MICK O’BRIEN Deis iontach ag daoine rang a thógáil le Mick ar an Satharn ag na ceardlanna i Meánscoil San Nioclás. Mick O'Brien is one of Ireland’s best-loved uilleann pipers, performing regularly as a solo artist, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and with the Norwegian groups Vamp, Hanne Krogh, and Secret Garden. Mick was born in Dublin into a very musical family, with all five boys playing Irish music. Dinny, Mick’s father, an accordion and whistle player, nurtured the love of traditional music in all the lads. At the age of nine, Mick started learning the pipes in the famous Thomas Street Pipers Club in Dublin, which was also a meeting house for musicians from all over the country. Now much in demand as a tutor, Mick has travelled to Europe, Canada and the USA conducting master classes. As a performer, Mick has broadcast on TV and radio extensively both as a soloist and with various artists with whom he has made numerous recordings. He has recorded with Charlotte Church, The Dubliners, The Boys of the

Lough, Altan and Charlie Lennon, to name a few and also performed on Braodway with the internationally renouned show Riverdance. His first solo album 'The May Morning Dew' (1996) was received with great critical acclaim, and his duo album with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh 'Kitty Lie Over' (2003) has since become a classic. He comes from a great Dublin musical family, and now his own children are becoming fine performers in their own right. Saturday night will see the crowds gather in Halla Pobail na Rinne for the Tionól concert with over 40 participants already booked, commencing at 7.30 p.m. Sunday morning will see Aifreann an Tionóil broadcast on Raidió na Gaeltachta at 11.30 a.m., a visit to the grave of Nioclás Tóibín and further music and song in Tigh an Cheoil with a cd launch and further music and song. For further information on any of the events, contact Mac Dara Mac Donncha 086-8565569 or Darren Ó Droma 0876007827.

Rubbish dumped in the picnic area of Dromana Woods over Christmas period.

Villierstown Community Council FLY TIPPING There is a major problem, not only around our local area but nationwide, with illegal dumping in scenic areas in rural Ireland. We have always tried to stay on top of it here in Villierstown but over the Christmas period an excessive amount of rubbish was tipped in our local picnic area in Dromana Woods just outside the village. As you will see from the pictures somebody was

obviously carrying out some home renovations but unfortunately their budget did not include the removal of waste so they decided the best thing to do was to dump it away from their own home. Out of sight, out of mind I suppose! Our local CE Scheme workers braved the cold last week and cleaned up the entire area and stacked the waste for Waterford County Council to collect, but in the process of this they

found a car registration plate in the middle of the rubbish.They passed this on to the relevant authorities so I'm sure somebody will want to have a little chat with the owners of that. NEW LOCAL EVENT Villierstown Community Council will (hopefully!) be bringing you some news on a new local event which is in the very early stages of planning, but watch this space for an announcement in the next week or two.

WEST WATERFORD SCÓR . . .

Mick O’Brien

Santa Clause visits Le Cheile – Santa Clause visited Le Cheile on the 18th December, 2015. We all had a great day singing songs and telling Santa how good we were all year! Happy New Year and best wishes for 2016 to all our friends and families.

Two Munster Scór na nÓg titles for Port Láirge SCÓR NA NÓG Congratulations to the Sliabh gCua music group and the Stradbally léiriú/novelty act that claimed Munster honours at the Scór na nÓg Final on Cappoquin on Sunday afternoon. The fantastic Cappoquin venue held a most enjoyable Munster Final with an attendance of over 500 enjoying the afternoon’s entertainment. All Waterford competitors performed to a very high standard on the day with Stradbally and Sliabh gCua now in preparation mode for the All Ireland Final to be held on Saturday, 30th January in the INEC in Killarney. TICKETS FOR THE ALL IRELAND FINAL The price of the tickets will remain at €20 each.

An all-in family package of €60.00 i.e. 2 adults at €20 each plus 2 children U-16 at €10 each will be available for both 2016 finals. Orders have to be with Rúnaí Moll Shields (087-9526685) no later than Friday, 15th January to ensure tickets are ordered and available for the final. SCÓR SINSEAR The County Final of Scór Sinsear will be held on Saturday, 6th February in Ballinroad at 7.30 p.m., with the Munster semi-final two weeks later in Kanturk. SCÓR NA BPÁISTÍ There will be three qualifying rounds for Scór na bPáistí, all on Friday evenings – 26th February, 4th and 11th March, with venues to be decided in the coming week. The County

Final of Scór na nPáistí will take place in Cappoquin on Saturday, 19th March at 6.00 p.m. ** Please note entry forms for Scór na bPáistí will be distributed in the coming weeks, to be returned at the latest Thursday, 18th February. No applications will be accepted after this date and no applications will be accepted on the night. Parents / mentors will have the option of selecting their preferred venue, and when the quota for each venue is achieved, will be offered an alternative night. We do not want a repeat of last year where it took 5 hours on the final night to run off the competiton. Please note again the no late entries will be accepted in 2016.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Villierstown JACK THE JOKER Jack the Joker draw took place in An Cruiscín Lán on Saturday night last and €50 was won by Jack Mullany with card number 38. Next week’s jackpot is for €3,000. Remember if you are not in … you can’t win. This is a joint community fundraiser and tickets can be bought locally. LITTER FAIRIES Looks like the litter fairies have returned since the Christmas period … A huge effort was put in by Council workers and locals on Wednesday evening last to tidy up the rubbish after being dumped around the village since the Christmas period only to find out on Thursday morning that the "rubbish fairies" returned. This was very disheartening to all those who put in a huge effort to keep our Village clean and tidy. COUNCIL WORKERS I would like to congratulate Council workers in our area who put in

tremendous effort over the Christmas period dealing with local flooding ensuring the roads were safe for us all to travel. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Happy 18th birthday to Eoghan Halford who celebrated in style at the weekend. Remember Eoghan you’re only young once!! VILLIERSTOWN STUDY GROUP Villierstown Study Group takes place every evening in the VECP room from 4.30–6.00 p.m. If you are looking to hold a small party, a meeting, a course, music lessons, a get-together for a reunion. The VECP room in Villierstown is available for bookings. Situated beside the Villierstown shop which has home-made cakes and dinners, who also take special orders if needed. Please contact 0876635465.Thank you. AGLISH FIT4LIFE Aglish Fit4Life and Couch to 5k has resumed

after the Christmas break. Every Monday and Thursday at 7.15 this would be a great place for everyone to run off all that excess Christmas turkey! Thanks to everyone for all their support. COMMUNITY ALERT TEXT See or hear anything out of place in the village … Text: 087-3538347. SAFE TALK If you need someone to talk to, someone to listen to you or just someone.We are very lucky in Villierstown to have a trained “Safe Talk Counsellor”. Contact Carol:- 087-6635465. I NEED YOUR HELP If I don’t know it’s happening I can’t put it in. Please use the email address below. If anyone has anything they would like included in these notes just let me know. Local news makes this section interesting for everyone. All local news very welcome. villierstownnews@yahoo.ie

Kilmacthomas REUNION The Kilmacthomas Soccer Club had a reunion of the team who won both League and Cup ten years ago in Kiersey's Pub on Saturday, 2nd January. The night was well attended and much enjoyed by all team mates. LOTTO DRAW Lotto results for AFC Kilmacthomas.

Letters drawn were G, R,V and Z. No jackpot winner. Five winners of €20 each to Behan Children, Kilnagrange; JAE Hearn, Old Road, Kilmac; Fionn O'Donnell, Faha; Ciara O'Donovan, Cork and Sandra Mulhearne, Furraleigh, Kilmacthomas. Next week’s jackpot €4,050, be in to win.

Emily Cleary and Maeve Gildea both from St. Mary's National School pictured at the ceremony at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan to mark the sealing of the Time Capsule which commemorates Dungarvan 800. [David Clynch]

Tree planting at the hotel car park organised and funded by Lismore Tidy Towns.

Lismore Tidy Towns AFTER the terrible weather conditions of late December early January there was a slight improvement from Monday 5th with less heavy rain which enabled our two CES workers to carry out general maintenance work on the planted areas in the Millennium Park and at the Triangle and Lower Ferry Lane and a twice daily litter pick up. Lismore Tidy Towns has arranged the planting and financing of three Silver Birch trees in the hotel car park to screen off the backs of the dwelling houses bordering on the back wall of the hotel. Our thanks to David Barry, Glencairn Landscaping for carrying out the work on our behalf. The chairperson and members of

Lismore Tidy Towns wish to extend our sympathy to Mary and the family of the late Paddy O’Neill, Deerpark Road on Paddy's recent passing. Paddy was an active member of the Lismore Tidy Towns until his retirement from work with the group. May he rest in peace. ECO TIP OF THE WEEK:Continuing the theme of environmental terms in alphabetical order we are now three quarters of the way through! This week's terms start with the letter P. PARTICULATE MATTER - fine solid or liquid particles that pollute the air and are added to the atmosphere by natural and man-made processes at the Earth's surface. eg. dust, smoke, soot,

pollen and soil particles PAY BY WEIGHT - a system in which a person pays for bin collections on the amount of waste being placed in waste bins The more waste that people reduce, re-use, recycle or compost, the less you will pay for waste.Pay by weight will be introduced nationally this July so it will be in all of our interests to do what we can to reduce the amount of weight going into our food and general waste bins PESTICIDES - a general term for any chemicals that are used to kill weeds, fungi, insects or other pests PLANNING PERMISSION permission granted by a local authority for new buildings or extensions once nobody objects to the plans

Parish of Lismore and Ballysaggart DISCERNMENT! Families who are privileged to have a young member about to complete their CAO application are encouraged to pray to the Holy Spirit as they consider possible career options, not ruling out the possibility that the Good Lord may be calling them to religious life or priesthood. Students learned about the gifts and fruits of the Spirit as they prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation. That may seem ages ago to young lives who live in a throw away society. Be confident that in those years the Spirit has not departed from your life. Gentle friend, the Spirit awaits to be called upon. Call on the Spirit without doubting. In all our daily lives closeness with the working of the Spirit is true wisdom. As Parish we pray for the many young people who are totally at a loss as to what they may choose after Leaving Cert. Sunday 17th is World Day of Migrants and Refugees. As a Parish are we aware of the families who have found home among us? We are all brothers and

sisters through our common humanity. While publicly proclaiming our own Catholic Faith we can at the very same time value, esteem and encourage a greater understanding of those whose religious traditions differ. Secularism that distains all religious faith and its public practice is dishonest. It infringes basic human rights. Neither religion or secular ideologies may hold the common good to ransom. We will have our Ecumenical Service in St. Carthage’s Church on Sunday 24th at 7.00 p.m. All are invited. The Church in Latvia have taken the initiative in creating the texts for the service. MASS TIMETABLE Weekday Mass at 10.00 a.m. Saturday, 16th January Vigil Mass in Lismore at 6.15 p.m. Sunday, 17th January Morning Mass in Ballysaggart at 9.30 a.m. Sunday Mass in Lismore at 11.00 a.m. PRO(E) Pastoral Council Parish Radio Link 103.9FM

Lismore Heritage Centre Science Camp LISMORE Heritage Centre is holding a Science Camp on Saturday, 23rd January in the Courthouse, Lismore. Science Camp will be held from 11.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and is suitable for 7-12 year olds. The Camp will feature exciting experiments in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, the Environment, Earth Science and Space and includes lots of interaction and hands-on fun! The Camp will cost €7.50 per child and will include all materials. All you need to bring is a drink and some old clothes. This Camp marks the beginning of our After School Science programme which runs for 5 weeks from 3.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m. each week. There will be an opportunity to book this at the Camp. For more information or to book please contact Roseanne on 058-54975 or e-mail rleddy@lismoreheritage.ie

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

West Waterford CLASSIC REVIVAL It’s been almost ten years since the once most popular event of the week – Poker Classic Night – at Ardmore’s Round Tower Hotel, ended. Recently some of the original players have decided to try to revive the weekly Round Tower Poker Classic. If you are interested in joining them for a game each Wednesday night they would love to hear from you. If you have never played before and would like to join – they will organise some introduction nights for new players.Want to be part of this Classic Revival? just contact Adrian at 087-2673526. PARISH OF AGLISH – BALLINAMEELA – MOUNT STUART Our thanks to all who helped in any way with our Christmas Masses. Especially all who were involved in the preparation and those who were involved in the actual masses. Feast of the Baptism of the Lord: The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord was celebrated in Aglish Church at the 11.00 a.m. Mass on Sunday last, January 10th, with a special blessing for children who were baptised in the Parish during 2015. Feast of the Epiphany: Mass was celebrated in the three schools in the Parish on Wednesday last, January 6th - The Feast of the Epiphany. Christian Unity: Mass for Christian Unity will be celebrated on Friday, January 22nd in Aglish Church at 7.15 p.m. Mass of the Sick: Mass of the Sick will be celebrated on Friday, February 12th at 7.15 p.m. in Aglish Church with Sacrament of the Sick available for all those who may wish to receive it. COMMUNITY CELEBRATION FOR TADHG Our Community Celebration for local sporting hero Tadgh de Burca, 2015 All-Star & Young Player of the Year award

NEWS ITEMS All news items and notes are to be forwarded to the following email address: news@dungarvanobserver.ie

winner has been rescheduled for Saturday night next, January 16th here at The Decies Bar in Clashmore. Music will be provided by the “Savage Yanks” and everyone is welcome along to join Tadhg and the Bourke family in celebrating this momentous occasion. INVITATION! Lost Without Trace is the remarkable story of the ‘Nellie Fleming’ Schooner, by the ever popular author and historian Mike Hackett. This beautiful one hundred and twenty-eightpage publication with ninety photos, will retail at just €12. All of you our readers are invited to the launch of this special book to commemorate the loss of the local schooner ‘Nellie Fleming’ in 1936. It will take place in The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal on Wednesday, January 20th at 7.30 p.m. This is a long-overdue publication and it is appropriate that it will appear on the eightieth anniversary of that sad event (February 8th). Rev. Fr. Bernard Cotter, S.M.A., will perform the ceremony and he is a grandnephew of the Mate, Batt Glavin, who was one of the five local sailors lost with the vessel. The Ansbro family will entertain with sea-shanties and Cliff Winser, our local Town Crier, will announce the event. Also in attendance (over from London) will be Jimmy Duggan, grandson of the Captain Mike Duggan. CLASHMORE RAMBLERS ALPHA LOTTO Sunday, January 10th: This week’s letters drawn in the Clashmore Ramblers Alpha Lotto draws were N, B, D and U. There was no jackpot winner. Next week’s jackpot will be €5,150. This week’s €20 spot prizes go to Paul Marks, Mary Anne Troy and Anthony Dunne. Well done to all our winners and thanks to everyone for your continued support. CLASHMORE/ KINSALEBEG FOROIGE CLUB HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL AT FOROIGE! We are back to normal tonight Wednesday 13th, meeting in the Heritage Centre for our 30 members from 7.00 p.m. 8.30 p.m. We just have a few Notes from 2015. We had a great Christmas Party, where we finished the following tournaments:Ian Burke - Darts Champion Caitlan Devine - Darts Champion

Sergei Quinn - Pool Champion Girls Darts to be completed in 2016 Special Thanks to Chris Ryan (Plastering) for sponsoring our Darts and Pool Tournaments. CHRISTMAS RAFFLE Winners Marie O’Connor (Aglish), Kathleen Power (Piltown), Deidre Young (Ring), Maddie Fox (Clashmore), Orla Murphy (Dungarvan), Mossie Devine (Clashmore). Thank you to everyone who sponsored prized, tickets sellers and of course ticket buyers. 2016 is going to be busy and full of new adventures, we are once again asking the community committee to involve the kids in any project you may be planning for 2016. This is the most important part of Foroige, to get involved with our communities. Anyone looking to join as Leaders please call into us any Wednesday evening in the Centre or contact us - Esther Quinn, Grainne Ryan, Jennie Smiddy, Helen O’Rourke, P. J. & Margaret Burke. The more leaders we have the more kids can join. CLASHMORE / KINSALEBEG GAA LOTTO Jackpot €3,800: The weekly Clashmore / Kinsalebeg GAA Lotto draw took place on Monday night last, January 11th. The numbers out of the drum this week were 5, 15, 17 and 23. We had no match four winner so next week our Jackpot will be €3,800. Next week’s draw takes place at the Decies Bar. Well done to the following winners of our €20 each spot prizes: Angela O’Neill; Sean Hennessy, Modeligo; John Hickey, Cross; Nick Troy and Kieran Mansfield. Thank you to everyone for your support and congratulations to all our winners. KINSALEBEG MACRA NEWS The very best of luck to our Kinsalebeg Macra Capers team who will travel to Aghada, Co. Cork, this coming Saturday night, January 16th to take part in the Munster Finals. The venue is the Aghada Community Hall and Kinsalebeg are first of six on stage commencing at 7.00 p.m. Any support on the night will be very much appreciated, and if rehersals are anything to go by a very entertaining night is assured.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS A very happy 21st Birthday to Christopher Burke, Clashmore. Christopher is celebrating his birthday this week, congratulations and best wishes are extended to him from his uncle John and all his family and friends. CLASHMORE 45 DRIVE Top prize winners this week jointly on eight games each were Kathleen Osborne and Eileen Dower; Paddy and Jack Douris. In third place on six games each we had Tom Osborne and John Motherway; Tony Keane and Gabriel Hynes; Anne Ledingham and Terry Ledingham. Best of the last five were Maura McGrath and Pa McGrath. Our lucky last game winners were Pat O’Halloran and Aine Curran. Well done all and thanks to everyone for your support. HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN A very happy 40th Birthday to Brian O’Neill, who celebrated his 40th Birthday last weekend. Best wishes to you Brian from all you family and friends. “LOST WITHOUT TRACE” This week we would like to introduce you to is another brilliant publication from local historian and author Mike Hackett “Lost without Trace”. The historic story of The Schooner ‘Nellie Fleming’. The beginning of this story tells that Fleming's had lost their original ‘Nellie Fleming’ vessel when it went aground at Ardmore in 1913. Thankfully, all the crew were saved from that shipwreck. Then, in 1916, Fleming’s purchased a vessel named ‘Emily’, as a replacement that had been built at Paul Rodgers’ yard in Carrickfergus in 1884. It was a wooden three masted double topsail schooner and she was one of six wooden vessels built there between 1881 and 1887. The name of the newly purchased schooner was changed to ‘Nellie Fleming’ and she was registered at Cork. Then from 1917 to 1936, she was kept busy in Fleming’s ownership. The Youghal Harbour record books of the early twentieth century show that the ‘Nellie Fleming’ plied mainly to Cardiff, Newport and Lydney. You also had an odd trip to Garston and Sharpness. Cargoes are listed as coal and salt. The vessel was skippered by Captain Joe

Aherne during those early years and then, from 1933 to 1936, Captain Mike Duggan began to skipper voyages. We move now to the record books of Youghal Bridge where we see that the ‘Nellie’ went upriver as far as Cappoquin and onto the Bride as well. The Camphire Bridge record books show that the ‘Nellie’ passed through (going up) on the 28th August, 1922, and passed down on the 4th September. Interesting to realise that vessels, unloading for Tallow, docked at Janeville (south-side), while those unloading for Lismore docked at Bishopstown Quay, on the north-side of the river Bride. Although the berths were almost across from each other, this saved a few road-miles, depending on cargo destination. Incidentally, mentioning 1922 brings to mind a very sad happening on the Youghal quays. A vessel named ‘Isabella’, under Captain Jones, arrived with cargo, in the dark of a September evening in 1922. The Irish Civil War was in full swing and there was a curfew in place, unknown to the captain and crew. The captain’s teenage son and another crew member innocently went ashore and were challenged by Free State soldiers while up town. The two young men ran away, not knowing what this was about, and were shot dead. Captain Jones’ son is buried in the grounds of St. Mary’s Collegiate Church. KINSALEBEG NS NEWS Our School Plays: Well done to all the boys and girls who worked hard for weeks practising and getting ready to entertain their families in this year's Christmas Concert. Our junior classroom performed a nativity called 'The Sleepy Shepherd'. Our middle classes performed a funny play about Santa getting sick called 'What, No Santa Claus!' Our senior classes entertained us with a musical comedy called 'Straw and Order'. We had a great night's entertainment. Thanks to the Parents Association for organising the hall, raffle and cake sale. Tadhg de Burca visited our school: We had a visit from our local all-star and Young Hurler of the Year Tadhg de Burca, who came to talk to us and show us his trophies. Thanks to Tadhg for signing autographs and taking photos. We were delighted to meet our local GAA hero!

Dungarvan Town Manager Ivan Grimes pictured with Councillor James Tobin at the ceremony at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan to mark the sealing of the Time Capsule which commemorates Dungarvan 800. [David Clynch]

Letters to the Editor … Address Letters to: The Editor, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Fax: 058 41559. e-mail: news@dungarvanobserver.ie ALL letters MUST include your name, address and telephone number for authenticity purposes.

Tracing father’s details Dear Sir or Madam, I am trying to trace any details of my late father's employment in the Cappoquin area in the 1930s. I understand he worked in the agricultural sector for local farmers for some time. His name was Myles Burke from the Westport area in Mayo. He had fond memories of Cappoquin, and particularly the dances at the Boathouse, where he said he would meet 'grand girls'. My contact details are: James Burke, Knockbrack, Sheeaune, Westport, County Mayo. Telephone numbers: 098 27635 (Landline) / 087 795 7304 (Mobile). If you are able to provide any assistance I would be most grateful. Yours faithfully, JAMES BURKE

Know Your Rights Smacking Children Question: I heard that smacking a child is now illegal. What exactly are the rules? Answer: The Children First Act 2015 provides for a number of key child protection measures. Changes aimed at banning corporal punishment or use of force against children came into effect on 11th December, 2015. Since that date, a person who physically punishes a child can no longer rely on the defence of “reasonable chastisement” in the courts. Before this change, parents or others acting in loco parentis could use physical force to punish their children, even though a law allowing parents to use force against their children was repealed in 2001.They could do this by relying on the common law defence of “reasonable chastisement”. This meant that a person who hit or smacked a child could argue that they did so to discipline the child. This was a defence to what would otherwise be an assault on the child. This defence can no longer be used in the courts. No new offence has been created and there are no laws that directly ban the smacking of children. However, the withdrawal of the “reasonable chastisement” defence means that an effective ban is in place. You can visit Parenting24seven, an online resource from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to get information that is relevant to children and families at different stages of childhood and in different situations. Know Your Rights has been compiled by Dungarvan Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0761 076550. Address: Scanlons Yard, Dungarvan. Information is also available online at www.citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000. FLAC (Free Legal Advice Clinic) available 1st Thursday of every month, by appointment only.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

200 people take part in the 2016 Operation Transformation Dungarvan Walk RTÉ's Operation Transformation teamed up once again with Sport Ireland and Local Sports Partnerships to organise the Operation Transformation National Walks. This year 200 people took part in the Dungarvan Operation Transformation Walk led by Waterford Sports Partnership (WSP). The walk took place on the Dungarvan Railway Track starting from the Causeway Tennis Club, Abbeyside last

Saturday, 9th January. Participants didn’t let the recent damp weather stop them from coming out with great enthusiasm! The group enjoyed a lively warm-up led by WSP’s Jai Tuohy and Peter Jones. We were delighted to be joined on the day by a number of local groups including members and leaders from Operation Transformation groups in Ardmore and Clashmore as

well as fourteen members from the 11th Waterford and Dungarvan Cubs and twenty two children and adults from the Syrian community.. Walkers had the option of a 3.5km or 5km walk with the majority of participants stepping up to the challenge of the longest route and some opting to complete a 7.5km route. Along the way, participants were kept motivated by our cheerful volunteer

stewards from Waterford Comhairle na nÓg and PLC Sport, Exercise and Coaching students from Coláiste Chathail Naofa. Upon arrival back to the Tennis Club, participants were given a welcome cup of tea and coffee and a healthy fruit snack to replenish their energy levels. They were also given some additional information about upcoming events and programmes being run

by Waterford Sports Partnership. Nicola Donnelly from the 11th Waterford and Dungarvan Cubs said “we were delighted to be involved in a great community event” with Comhairle na nÓg volunteer James McClosky saying “the atmosphere was amazing, it was a great day.” Waterford Sports Partnership would like to congratulate all those who took part in the event and

would like to thank Sport Ireland and Go Dungarvan for supporting the event. We would also like to thank the Irish Red Cross and our twenty eight volunteers on the day for their help and support. There are a number of groups in the area conducting Operation Transformation walks so please visit www.rte.ie/ot. To keep on walking, Waterford Sports Partnership’s Walk Waterford series

begins on Sunday, 17th January in Mahon Falls at 2.00 p.m. For further Information, please contact – Peter Jones on 0761 10 2191.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Kilmacthomas Primary School

Ellie Skehan and Niamh Kavanagh with their Scór na nÓg medals for first place in Comórtas Cheannais na Mumhan Léiriú which was held in Cappoquin on Sunday last.

Naoise Murtagh who won the Under 13 Girls Singles Badminton in the Rainbow Hall in Kilmacthomas last Saturday.

Junior Infants from Kilmacthomas Primary School enjoying exploring 3D shapes.

Ireland's Fittest Family, the O'Brien Devine Family visiting Kilmacthomas Primary School on Friday last to launch our Operation Transformation fitness campaign.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

ST. AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE

Footloose The Musical

Liam Suipéil, Sinéad Ní Chochláin agus Míchéal Ó Drisleáin ó Choláiste na Rinne ag an BT Eolaí Óg i mBaile Átha Cliath le déanaí. Seolfar Idirbhliain nua an Satharn seo sa Choláiste.

Lá Oscailte Launch of new Transition Year in An Rinn BEIDH na múrtha fáilte roimh chách a bheith inár gcomhluadar ar an Satharn seo, 16ú Eanáir 2016 ar a 2 in nuair a sheolfaidh an Coimisinéir Teanga, Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Idirbhliain i nGaeltacht na nDéise, sa Halla Éisteachta i gColáiste na Rinne. Tá Coláiste na Rinne i gcomhair le Meánscoil san Nioclás sa Rinn ag seoladh na hIdirbhliana nuálaí seo ina mbeidh sé d’uain ag daltaí cur fúthu i gColáiste na Rinne agus feabhas a chur ar a gcuid Gaeilge i gcroílár Ghaeltacht na nDéise. Clárófar daltaí mar dhaltaí na Meánscoile agus leanfaidh siad cúrsaí acadúla agus curaclaim de réir chlár idirbhliana na Meánscoile. Cuirfear lóistín iomlán cúig oíche sa tseachtain ar fáil do dhaltaí i gColáiste na Rinne agus is ansin a thabharfaidh siad faoin iliomad cúrsaí seach-churaclaim tar éis uaireanta scoile. Beidh socrúchán oibre cheithre seachtaine mar chuid dhílis den chlár iomlán seo. Beidh an chéad ghrúpa de scoláirí ag freastal ar an gcúrsa seo i Meán Fómhair 2016. ‘Tá an-éileamh ar a mhacasamhail de chúrsa’ dar le Liam Suipéil, Bainisteoir Choláiste na Rinne ‘agus ó bunaíodh Scoil na Leanaí in 1919 bíonn Coláiste na Rinne lárnach agus gníomhach i nGaeltacht na

nDéise chun gach iarracht a dhéanamh easnaimh sa mhargadh a líonadh agus cúrsaí a chur ar siúl do dhaoine gur mian leo an Ghaelainn a fhoghlaim. Bímid ag éisteacht le hiarscoláirí dílse Scoil na Leanaí agus an Choláiste ar fud na tíre agus is deas linn go bhfuil na háiseanna den chéad scoth againn anseo i gColáiste na Rinne, a chuireann ar ár gcumas freastal orthu go héifeachtach. Táimid ag coinne go mór leis an Idirbhliain seo i nGaeltacht na nDéise a chur chun cinn i gcomhpháirtíocht le Meánscoil San Nioclás a bhfuil dlúthcheangal láidir, fónta againn léi le fada an lá, chun leanúint leis an dea-obair atá ar siúl ag Coláiste na Rinne ag caomhnú oidhreacht agus chultúr mhuintir na nDéise leis na cianta cairbreacha.’ The Irish Language Commissioner Rónán Ó Domhnaill will launch a new Transition Year Course in the Waterford Gaeltacht in Coláiste na Rinne at 2pm this Saturday 16th January with an open invitation for all those interested to attend on the day. Coláiste na Rinne in conjunction with Meánscoil San Nioclás have devised a unique Transition Year Course where students will be immersed in the

Irish Language. The 5-day boarding course is ideal for students interested in the Irish Language and Culture and particularly for students wishing to pursue a career in education, law, journalism, media and translation services. The Inaugural Transition Year Course will commence in September 2016. Principal of Meánscoil San Nioclás is Séamus Ó Cadhain: “Our new transition year programme in conjunction with Meánscoil San Nioclás and Coláiste na Rinne is an energetic, enterprising and an innovative programme. This dynamic, entrepreneurial and pioneering programme ensures that we capitalise on local, national engagement and connectivity. Both Institutions are renowned for providing an outstanding student experience in the past and our commitment is to make a difference by shaping the future through educating and empowering our students through the medium of Irish. Outstanding recreational, cultural and sporting facilities further enhance this exceptional learning environment.” Further information on the Transition Year course as well as application form can be found at www.anrinn.com or 05846128.

ST. Augustine's College Transition Year students proudly present “Footloose the Musical” from Wednesday, 20th January to Saturday 23rd at 8.00 p.m. nightly. Musical director; Ms. Kelley Gardiner, Producer; Mr. Pat Knightly and Ms. Sarah Layman, Choreographer. Tickets are available at David Walsh, Office and School Supplies, Lower Main Street, Dungarvan (Tel: 058 42786) and from Helen at the College office (Tel: 058 41140). “Footloose” is a 1998 musical based on the 1984 film of the same name. The music is by Tom Snow (among others), the lyrics by Dean Pitchford (with additional lyrics by Kenny

Loggins), and the book by Pitchford and Walter Bobbie”. Brief Synopsis - “When Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared for the adjustment to his new high school. What he isn't prepared for are the local laws - including a ban on dancing - which are the brainchild of a local preacher bent on exercising control over the town's youths. When the Reverend's rebellious daughter sets her heart on Ren, her boyfriend tries to sabotage Ren's reputation and many of the locals are eager to believe the worst about the new kid. With its Oscar'-nominated hit score (the film soundtrack album

has sold over 15 million copies world-wide) the celebrated film musical now bursts explosively onto the stage” MUNSTER SENIOR COLLEGES CAMOGIE SEMI-FINAL St. Augustine’s College 4-8; John the Baptist College 3-8. Last Wednesday January 6th, our Senior Camogie team played John the Baptist Community College, Hospital, Co. Limerick in the Munster Camogie Semi-Final. The game was played at Rathkeale, Co. Limerick on an all-weather pitch. The Friary girls’ hard work, commitment and dedication to training over the

Christmas paid dividends as the team secured a toughly fought victory. St Augustine’s got off to an excellent start and lead by five points at half time. However, Hospital came back and levelled the game with five minutes to go. Both sides exchanged points and with two minutes to go the sides were level once again. Lucky the girls persevered and were rewarded with a last minute goal to ensure they won on a score line of 4-8 to 3-8. They progress onto the Munster Final now where they will face Coláiste an Chroí Naofa Carrignavar. Congratulations to all concerned including team coaches; Ms. Lisa Hanrick and Mr. Paul Whyte.

Transition Year Students busy at rehearsals with Ms. Sarah Layman (Choreographer).

Friary welcomes Florent - Florent Daburon from Réunion Island, Indian Ocean is spending a week with us at St. Augustine’s to improve his English speaking skills. Florent is a guest of the Keane-O’Mahoney family and is pictured here with Oisín KeaneO’Mahoney, Lennon Kennedy and Paddy Hayes, Transition Year students. We hope you enjoy you time at The Friary, Florent.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

SCHOOLS

45 DUNGARVAN C.B.S.

CBS Winter League

Sixth class pupils Brandon and Gabriella present Scoil Mhuire Principal Mr. Ruaidhrí de Paor with a cheque for €1,200, the proceeds from their Christmas Charity Appeal for the "Make a Wish Foundation".

SCOIL MHUIRE

Scoil Mhuire Christmas Charity Appeal raises €1,200 for “Make a Wish Foundation” WE were thrilled with the response to our Christmas Charity appeal which we held for two weeks before the holidays. The “Make a Wish Foundation” is a very worthy organisation which helps to facilitate exciting experiences for seriously ill children. They were extremely grateful for the donation and we would like to thank all of those who contributed and of course,our

sixth class pupils and their teachers who organised the appeal. RED KETTLE THEATRE VISIT Many thanks to our Parents Association who organised a wonderful show for us before the Christmas holidays.The pupils really enjoyed the role play activities.We also thank them for financing our Christmas cinema trip which was great!

THE CBS Winter League concluded in November and prizes/vouchers were awarded to students before the Christmas break by the organisers Mr. Kennedy, Ms. Gleeson and Ms. Kirwan. With almost 40 students registered for the league it certainly was an exciting finish. Congratulations to Padraig Fitzgerald on winning the overall prize for the Long Route (2.5 miles) and Joe Kuhne for coming out on top in the Short Route (1.5 miles). Both athletes were focused throughout the league and their performances improved on a weekly basis. Prizes for the fastest time in each route were awarded also. Well done to Ted Kelly for completing the 1.5 mile route in an impressive 8 minutes 39 seconds. For the long route there was a tie between brothers Seamus and Padraig Fitzgerald.They both ran over the finish line together having completed the 2.5 mile course in a staggering 15 minutes 32 seconds. Prizes were also given to consistent athletes who competed all 8 weeks of the

league. These students turned up each week and ran in all weather conditions. These included each of the winners above, as well as Tadgh Keegan, Alvaro Castresana, Mark Dwyer, Adam Whelan, Jason Flanagan Tobin, Maurice Kiely, Tomas McGrath, Jack Mulcahy and Jack Maye Twoomey. Congratulations to all athletes who participated in the annual CBS Winter League and best wishes to those who go on to represent the school in both Cross Country and Track and Field in the coming weeks. CYCLE AGAINST SUICIDE This year Dungarvan CBS are partaking in the Cycle against Suicide schools programme. As part of this programme, there will be a congress in the RDS on Thursday, 14th January. During the Congress there will be discussions, debates, displays and live music. We have been invited by the event manager Tricia Quinn who is a Waterford native to put on a display of our own. The theme of Cycle against

Transition Year students working on their project for display at this year’s Cycle Against Suicide Congress.

Suicide is: ‘It’s ok not to feel ok, and it’s absolutely ok to ask for help’. The specific theme of this year’s Congress is ‘Together We Can’. With this in mind, we are build-

ing a house on stage from card board boxes. This will combine the two themes as one person cannot build the house on their own and therefore they have to ask for help.

Second year students Seamus (left) and Padraig (right) Fitzgerald with Principal Mr. Sheehan. Padraig won the league for the long route, as well as achieving joint fastest time with his brother Seamus.

Joe Kuhne – winner of the Winter League Short Route.

Excited volunteers during the Red Kettle Theatre Christmas show.

Scoil Mhuire Parents’ Association AFTER a wet but restful Christmas, Scoil Mhuire Abbeyside reopened on Wednesday, 6th January. As usual the school is a hive of activity with work of all sorts. After a busy pre-Christmas season the schools Parents’ Association has also kicked straight back into gear with organising the last quiz of the season. The previous quiz nights were a great success, with the novelty for all of being in the school after dark and also with raffle and quiz prizes to be won. On Thursday, 21st January, 7.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m., the 5th and 6th class quiz will take place. All 5th and 6th class students from all primary schools in Dungarvan and its surroundings are invited

to come along. Schools can enter as many teams/tables as they wish, with the usual maximum of 4 students per table. It costs €4 per child and that includes a free strip of raffle tickets on the night. We are very grateful Clonea Strand Hotel Leisure Centre and SGC Dungarvan for their kind sponsorship of the prizes.The quiz will happen in the Scoil Mhuire School Hall and no food or drink are allowed. So come along, test your knowledge against your peers and maybe win a prize on Thursday, 21st January, 7.30 p.m. Watch this space for more news on events such as our annual monster Cake Sale.

Transition Year students working on their project for display at this year’s Cycle Against Suicide Congress.

Tadgh de Burca visits Clashmore National School

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Third and Fourth class pupils of Clashmore National School pictured with All Star and Young Player of the Year 2015 Tadgh de Burca on his recent visit to the school.

OUR local sporting heroTadgh de Burca 2015 All Star and Young Player of the Year award winner made a very welcome visit to Clashmore National School recently. Junior and Senior Infants of Clashmore National School pictured with All Star and Young Player of the Year 2015 Tadgh de Burca on his recent visit to the school.

First and Second class pupils of Clashmore National School pictured with All Star and Young Player of the Year 2015 Tadgh de Burca on his recent visit to the school.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

SCOIL GHARBHAIN

Ceol Choirm an Naíonra BHÍOMAR go léir faoi gheasa ag páistí an Naíonra le deanaí nuair a tugadh cuireadh dúinn freastal ar an gCeol Choirm sa Halla roimh an Nollaig. Bhí maidin den scoth againn nuair a chas páistí an Naíonra 18 amhrán creid nó ná creid agus Ciara á stiúrú. Bhíodar ar fheabhas ag canadh amach agus geáitsí acu le dul le gach amhrán. Bhí tuismitheoirí, sean thuismitheoirí agus gaolta ana bhródúil go deo agus iad ag féachtaint agus ag éisteacht leo. Maith sibh ar fad go háirithe foireann an Naíonra Ciara, Jackie, Maria, Sydney, Fionnuala, Kirsty agus na cailíní ar thaithí oibre a chabhraigh ar an lá Libby agus Edel. Ár mbuíochas ó chroí le Coiste an dTuismitheoirí as a gcuid tacaíochta le sóláistí blasta a chur ar fáil don slua ina dhiaidh. NAÍONRA GARBHÁN CHRISTMAS CONCERT We were all mesmerised by the children in the Naíonra when we received an invitation to attend their Concert in our Halla just before the Christmas holidays. We had a fantastic morning’s entertainment when the children sang 18 songs for us believe it or not as Ciara directed proceedings. They sang their hearts out and had actions to accompany every song. Parents, Grandparents agus relations were very proud as they listened enraptured to the children singing with

gusto. Well done to all the children and especially to all the staff in the Naíonra – Ciara, Jackie, Maria, Sydney, Fionnuala, Kirsty and to the girls on work experience who helped on the day Libby and Edel. A big thank you to our Coiste na dTuismitheoirí for their support as they catered with refreshments afterwards. CEOL CHOIRM AN BHANNA PRÁIS Bhí áthas an domhain ar na Naíonáin Mhóra nuair a tugadh cuireadh dóibh páirt a ghlacadh i gCeol Choirm an Bhanna Práis i séipeal na hAibhistínigh ar an mbaile. Bhí oíche den scoth acu agus seans eile acu dráma na Nollag a chur ós cómhair an tslua. Gan dabht bhíodar ar fheabhas agus dheineadar cinnte de gur chuala an slua go soiléir iad focal ar fhocal. Maith sibh Naíonáin Mhóra bhíomar ana bhródúil agus ár mbuíochas go speisialta le Múinteoir Siobhán Ághas, le

Múinteoir Hilda, Múinteoir Jen, Múinteoir Máire agus le Sandra as an dráma iontach agus as an gcleachtadh don oíche tábhachtach seo. DUNGARVAN BRASS BAND’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT We were delighted to be invited to attend and to participate in Dungarvan’s Brass Band’s Christmas Concert recently which is held annually in St. Augustines’s Church in Dungarvan. We had a fantastic night’s entertainment by na Naíonáin Mhóra as they were given another opportunity to perform their Christmas Nativity Play. They captured the attention of the crowd by ensuring that everyone heard every sentence clearly. Well done Naíonáin Mhóra, we were very proud and a special word of thanks to Múinteoir Siobhán Ághas, Múinteoir Hilda, Múinteoir Jen, Múinteoir Máire and to Sandra.

Naíonáin Mhóra ag baint as an gCeolchoirm sa Séipéal áitiúil.

Páistí an Naíonra i gCeol Choirm na Nollag.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Players from all three teams that qualified for the finals in UCD. Back Row: Kayleigh Nugent, Kayleigh Beecher, Dermot Lannen, Aurimas Pocius, Kieran Lannen, Matteo Divetta, Adam Power, Aaron Donovan, Joey Quinlan, Martin McDonagh, Caoimhe Claffey, Matthew Whitely. Front Row: Paul Doherty, Christjan Delaney, Ashley Hennessey, Tyrone Kelleher, Calvin Fraher, Amy Donnelly, Alina Walsh, Noreen Duggan, Keiraleigh Tompkins and Oliwia Chruslak.

COLAISTE CHATHAIL NAOFA

Senior Boys Volleyball All-Ireland OUR Senior Boys qualified to play in the All Ireland final in UCD.They had a tough opponent in St Brigid's Vocational School, Loughrea. St Brigid's are a national powerhouse in Volleyball for both girls and boys. After a nervous start we found ourselves in trouble. However the CCN team dug deep and improved as the game went on. The first set was won 25-16 by St Brigid's but the second set was won easily by CCN. In the third set CCN were slow to settle but then made a real battle of it. At 2018 the game was in the balance. St Brigid's finished strongest and won 25-19. This was only the second time a CCN Senior boys team have reached an All Ireland final. While it was disappointing to lose, it has been an excellent season and a terrific achievement to get to a national final. PUPPY LOVE AT COLÁISTE CHATHAIL NAOFA On Wednesday last, which will forever more be known as ‘Woof Wednesday’. We had some very special guests at Coláiste Chathail Naofa. Iggy (a 6 month old Poodle), Sar’ann and David form the local Dogs for the Disabled paid a visit. Iggy is a charming, black bundle of energy who even at this tender age of 6 months is being trained to help a child with sensory issues. He is already living with a loving family and has made big difference to the life of the child and has become part of the household. Sar’anne gave us a lot of information as to what the charity Dogs for the Disabled is about. She herself is involved in the fostering of pups up to the age of 18 months, then, they are sent away to be trained. The dogs are matched to children at an early stage and are specifically trained to help with the child’s difficulty. Some of the tasks they can do are pick up

books or toys, help a child dress or undress, help children walk by providing a stable base with forward motion. The dogs also offer friendship, love, loyalty and fun to the children and make family life easier in coping with a child with a disability. Funds to train the dogs are always needed and to this end a calendar for Dogs for the Disabled has been produced at the price of €12. Of the 12 dogs featured on the calendar have been fostered in the Dungarvan area. This is a testament to the hard work being done by the local teams but also as to how good the people of Dungarvan are at supporting this charity. A very important point to remember is that all money donated stays local.This visit was organised by the 3rd year C.S.P.E. class as part of their Action Project. We count ourselves very fortunate to have had such super guests and are already looking forward to the next visit. We thank Sar’ann, David and Iggy for their time and wish them further success in 2016. 1ST AND 2ND YEAR ALL IRELAND FINALS For the second year in a row we had three teams qualify for the Spikeball All Irelands, which was more than any other school in the country. Our First and second year mixed teams qualified as well as our second year boys team. Our First Year mixed lost out in the All Ireland semi final to St Brigid's, Loughrea. Our second year mixed lost out to St Brigid's also. In the 2nd boys competition the team played really well in the group stages but played their best Spikeball in the semi final against Kildare. The team started brilliantly in the final dominating the first set. However St Fintan's improved in the second set and the game went to a third set which

unfortunately St Fintan's won SPORT, EXERCISE AND COACHING Another busy week for our PLC students.Tuesday they had their final Exercise to Music exam with Harley Barnes. The students course is hectic from the beginning in September there are assessments every month. On Wednesday the students had their final day coaching Spikeball in local primary schools. Being the final day most sessions were based around tournaments within each school. The response to coaching in the schools has been very positive from all involved. In the new year CCN will host a Spikeball club for pupils from local primary schools. Watch this space for further details.

Pictured above is Sar’ann and David from the local Dogs for the Disabled and some 3rd Year students.

Squad after medal presentation – Back Row: Daniel Drummy, Dylan Swales, Josh Britton, Raph Britton, Paul Lannen, Adam Power and Alex Pavuk. Front Row: Sorin Konig, Domantas Jokubauskis, Davin Duggan, Pawel Chrzastek, Bradley Murray and Evan McKenna.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

JAMES OLIVER (Ollie) McGRATH Ballycreen, Ring, Dungarvan, and Askeaton, Co. Limerick With great sadness and regret we record the passing of James Oliver (Ollie) McGrath of Ballycreen, Ring, Dungarvan, and Askeaton, Co. Limerick. This sad event occurred peacefully on Tuesday, 22nd December, 2015, at Milford Care Centre. Ollie was born on 14th July, 1949, to his late parents Jack and Mary McGrath. He was the sixth in a family of ten. Ollie was predeceased by his sister Maura Grant in 2000. Ollie attended Scoil Naisiunta na Rinne and on finishing school he went to work for the late Michael O’Sullivan, Seaview, and the late Gareth Curran, Ballycreen. In the early 1970s he went to Askeaton, Co. Limerick, and worked for Aerobord Limited and then for Whyte’s where he worked for many years until he retired due to ill health. He worked hard all his life but always found time to enjoy darts, cards and to watch his native Waterford, the blue and white, in GAA. Ollie met his wife Brigid and married in 1990 and had two daughters. He never complained about his illness and was always in good form, he will be sadly missed. Reposed at Madigan’s Funeral Home in Askeaton on Wednesday, 23rd December, after prayers Ollie’s remains were brought to St. Mary’s Church in Askeaton. Fr. Sean O Longaigh, P.P., of Askeaton, recited funeral prayers in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and friends. On Thursday, 24th December, Christmas Eve morning, Funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Sean O Longaigh, assisted by Fr. Timothy Curtin, P.P., of Ardagh and Carrickerry. Readings and Prayers of the Faithful were read by his nieces. Lovely music and hymns were provided during the Funeral Mass. Symbols representing his life were presented to the Altar by his grandson, niece, grandnephew and grandniece. A pack of cards, darts, his mobile phone and the blue and white jersey of Waterford. Following Funeral Mass his daughter Katie delivered a lovely poem and had a special word of thanks to Sean and Mary McGrath and family for all their help and support through Ollie’s illness. Ollie’s coffin was then walked down the aisle by his wife, daughters, sisters and sister-in-law Mary to the door. His brothers, nephew and brothers-inlaw then brought the coffin to the waiting hearse to take him to St. Reilagh Mhuire, Graveyard, Askeaton, stopping at his home on the way. Fr. Sean O Longaigh officiated the graveside prayers where Ollie was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, relatives and large cortege of mourners. Donie Nolan sang “Dungarvan My Hometown” at the graveside beautifully. We would like to offer a special thank you to all the Doctors and Nurses who cared for Ollie in Milford Care Centre. And also to all the people who travelled long distances to Askeaton in bad weather on Wednesday and Thursday for the removal and burial. We extend our deepest sympathy to his loving wife Brigid; daughters Katie and Christina; grandsons Charlie and Tommy; brothers Tony, Sean and Munchin McGrath and sisters Catherine Burke, Helen Joyce, Patricia McCarthy, Bridget Landers and Claire Dee; his father and mother-in-law Paddy and Joan Molyneaux; brothers-in-law, sistersin-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace. Mass for Ollie to be arranged at a later date.

OBITUARY DICK McKEOWN Chapel Road, Stradbally With profound sorrow we record the passing of Dick McKeown which sad event occurred on Thursday, 7th January, 2016. Removal was from Drohan’s Funeral Home on Saturday morning to The Holy Cross Church, Stradbally. Following Funeral Mass on arrival, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. To his son Michael; daughter-in-law Patricia; relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy. Full obituary next issue. (Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

KATHLEEN MOONEY Kilcolman, Old Parish Kathleen Mooney of Kilcolman, Old Parish, went to her eternal reward on Monday, 4th January, 2016, at CareChoice Nursing Home, Abbeyside.We offer our deepest sympathy to her brother William and sister Mary; extended family, relatives and friends. Kathleen lay in repose on Thursday evening, 7th January, at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan. Many of Kathleen’s friends and neighbours came to console the bereaved and bid farewell to a quiet and gentle member of the local community in An Sean Phobail. Funeral Prayers were recited by Fr. Conor Kelly, P.P. Later the removal took place to The Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Old Parish. On arrival Fr. Kelly, P.P., conducted the Service of Reception. Requiem Mass for the repose of Kathleen’s soul was offered by Fr. Kelly, P.P., on Friday morning, 8th January, and afterwards Kathleen was laid to rest in the family grave in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

MAURA STEPHENSON (nee Fitzgerald) Dungarvan Community Hospital and formerly of Griffith Place, Waterford, and The Ocean View Hotel, Clonea We learned with sorrow and regret of the passing of Maura Stephenson on Tuesday, 5th January, 2016, at the Sacred Heart Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital. Maura was predeceased by her husband Joe, formerly of The Ocean View Hotel, Clonea. We extend our sincere condolences to Maura’s nieces, nephews, sister-in-law, other relatives and friends. Removal took place on Wednesday evening, January 6th, from the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, to Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Modeligo. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday morning, January 7th, by Fr. P. Gear, P.P., and afterwards Maura was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest in peace. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

(Funeral arrangements by Madigan’s Funeral Directors, Askeaton, Co. Limerick).

MICHAEL (Mattie) O’MAHONY Hackettstown, Old Parish With sadness and deep regret we record the passing of Mattie O’Mahony which sad event occurred on Monday, 11th January, 2016. Rosary will take place at Drohan’s Funeral Home on this Wednesday evening (today) at 7.00 p.m. Funeral Mass on Thursday (tomorrow) at 11.00 a.m. in the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, Old Parish. Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. To his cousins, relatives and friends we extend our deepest sympathy. Full obituary next issue. (Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

DUNGARVAN OBSERVER EMAIL ADDRESSES The Dungarvan Observer email addresses are as follows: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie news@dungarvanobserver.ie sport@dungarvanobserver.ie

SEAMUS WALSH Deerpark, Ballysaggartmore, Lismore It’s with sincere sadness and deep regret that we record the passing of Seamus Walsh which sad event occurred on Wednesday, 6th January, 2016, in his 93rd year, after a full and happy life. Reposing at Ryan’s Funeral Home, Lismore, Family Rosary was recited on Thursday evening. Removal took place on Friday evening to St. Mary’s Church, Ballysaggart. Requiem Mass was offered up on Saturday morning after which Seamus was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. To his loving wife and life soulmate Ciss; children Pius, Diarmuid, Alma and Cora; daughters-in-law Mary and Una; son-in-law Denis; brother-in-law Fanahan Fennessy; sister-in-law Maggie; grandchildren Emily married to Tom Veale, Ceanna, Jamie married to Natalie Byrne, Dermot, Erica, Caolan, Christian, Gavin, Ronan, Ava, Isabel, Alan and Sineád; great grandchildren in Australia, Cian, Fionn and Roisín; nephews, nieces and all his great neighbours and friends in Ireland, South Africa and Australia; the G.A.A. and Equestrian circle, we extend our sincere sympathy. Full obituary to follow. (Funeral arrangements were by Ryan’s, Funeral Directors, Lismore).

49 JIMMY BEGLEY St. Martin’s Terrace, Dungarvan It is with great sadness that we record the death of Jimmy Begley, St. Martin's Terrace, Dungarvan. Jimmy passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Eve 2015 in St. Vincent’s Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital. Jimmy entered St.Vincent's Unit only the day before for a period of respite over the Christmas Season having actively participated in the Deise Day Care Centre Christmas Party just hours beforehand. Jimmy celebrated his 89th birthday on the 26th October, 2015. An only child, he spent his early childhood in Mitchell St. in the company of his mother Catherine. Jimmy never married and in later years resided in St. Martin's Terrace. Jimmy entered the workforce at an early age. After a short period in the Leather Factory he spent the rest of his working days in the meat/butchery business in Dungarvan. He distinguished himself as a committed, hard-working, loyal employee performing a whole range of roles in the Alleys Butchers, O'Connell St. for approximately 30 years. When the Alleys closed in the late 1970s he continued in the meat business by supporting two other well known butcher shops in the town - Vinny Morrissey's and Liam Morrissey's. Hurling was a real passion of Jimmy's - he played club hurling with Eire Óg and Dungarvan and took a keen interest in the County team. He enjoyed nothing more than going to matches especially on Munster Final days. He also supported Manchester Utd. He always enjoyed a 'Sing-Song' and was never shy himself to sing a song, particularly 'My Lovely Rose of Clare'. He loved the radio and regularly recited the Rosary. As his sight failed the radio became more and more an integral part of his life. The Deise Day Care Centre, which he attended on a daily basis for many years, was very important to Jimmy. In the Centre he benefitted and enjoyed the excellent services provided by the management and staff and also from his social interaction with his fellow senior citizens. His involvement and participation in all the activities there ensured Jimmy was held in very high regard there and was an inspiration to all. In addition to everyone in the Centre, Jimmy was blessed to have a wide circle of friends, none more so than Breda Kirwan who was always there for him – an invaluable friend and support. As well as Breda, a special thanks to Dr. Nyhan and all the Doctors and Nurses who cared for him; the management and staff of the Day Care Centre; St.Vincent's Unit; all the Carers, friends and neighbours who helped him; Rev. Canon W. Ryan, P.P., and the Priests of the Parish. The Undertakers, James Kiely & Sons, are also acknowledged for their caring and professional service. Jimmy lay in repose in Kiely's Funeral Home on Sunday, 27th December, where Sr. Martina led his many friends in the recitation of the Rosary. Removal took place on Monday the 28th to St. Mary's Parish Church, Dungarvan. En route to the Church the cortege paused in prayerful tribute at St. Martin’s Terrace. Requiem Mass was celebrated by Very Rev. Canon W. Ryan, P.P., in thanksgiving for Jimmy's life. The Liturgy of the Word was read by Carmel Power and Ann O'Connor. The Offertory Gifts were presented at the Altar by Breda Kirwan and Margaret Coffey. Reflecting aspects of Jimmy's life, a Radio and Rosary Beads, were brought to the Altar by Nora Lynch and Jackie O’Connell. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Margaret Coffey, Dylan Fraher, Rosarie Donovan and David Murphy. A beautiful choice of music and hymns were provided by Dina Walshe. After the concluding prayers, David Murphy provided recollections on Jimmy's life, paying tribute to his kind and generous nature, his work ethic, describing him as an amazing gentleman and being part of the fabric of Dungarvan. Jimmy was brought from the Church to the strains of “Dungarvan My Hometown”, beautifully sung by Charlie McAllister. He was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery beside his beloved mother while the lovely air of 'My Lovely Rose of Clare' was poignantly sung by Charlie McAllister. Jimmy is mourned by his wide circle of friends and all his colleagues in the Day Care Centre. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal. Month’s Mind Mass for Jimmy will be celebrated at 12 noon on Sunday, January 24th, in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

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OBITUARY LIAM BYRNE Clonea Road, Abbeyside

Liam Byrne of Clonea Road, Abbeyside, went to his eternal reward at University Hospital Waterford on Saturday morning, 2nd January 2016, evoking profound feelings of sadness in the local community and far beyond. Born to parents William and Nora Byrne, Liam was one of nine siblings and was a native of The Village. He completed his formal education at Abbeyside National School and CBS Secondary School, Dungarvan. He subsequently pursued a third level qualification in Electronics at DIT Kevin Street, Dublin, and was then employed at EI in Shannon, County Clare, for many years. Liam’s expertise in electronics saw him attain the role of Supervisor at the company. Liam returned to the Déise County in 1973 where he opened up a very successful TV Sales and Services Shop on Main Street, Dungarvan. The business was patronised by a wide clientele. Liam’s attentiveness to his customers, diligence and hard work were exemplary and made him a very popular and well respected member of the local business community. Sadly, owing to ill health he retired in 1996. A great family man, Liam married Kitty in 1974 and together they lovingly raised their two children Honor and Ger. Indeed, family was the very centre of his existence and in recent years the arrival of his two grandchildren was the source of huge pride for Liam. He simply adored Darragh and Anna and loved visiting them. An avid sports fan Liam was interested in a variety of sports including GAA, soccer and horse racing. He keenly followed the fortunes of the various Déise hurling and football teams and also Manchester United. Gardening was another treasured pastime, he lovingly tended the various plants and flowers. Indeed, his beautiful garden was noted by many visitors. Liam always looked forward to his regular trips to The Park Hotel to meet his friends, a knowledgeable conversationalist, over lunch, a wide variety of topics were discussed. A wonderful friend and neighbour Liam was always there to help others and go the extra mile for people. A man of deep Christian faith, he lived the Gospel message in word and deed. In recent years Liam had not enjoyed the best of health and he had battled his most recent illness over the past eighteen months with courage and fortitude. During some of that time he had enjoyed the excellent care of staff at the Sacred Heart Unit in Dungarvan Community Hospital. One of nature’s true gentlemen Liam’s passing on the 2nd January is deeply mourned by his loving family, relatives, friends and neighbours who will sadly miss him. A dear husband, father and grandfather, may Liam rest in peace after life’s journey. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal. On Saturday evening, 2nd January, the family gathered at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, where the Rosary was recited. Liam lay in repose on Sunday, 3rd January, where many people came to pay their respects and console the bereaved. His good friend Fr. Michael Enright, P.E., led the recitation of the Rosary and Funeral Prayers. Later Liam was accompanied by his family back to his beloved home on the Clonea Road from where the removal took place on Monday morning, 4th January, to St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside. On arrival Requiem Mass was concelebrated by Fr. Michael Enright, P.E., assisted by Fr. Ned Hassett, P.P.; Fr. Frank Lloyd, P.E.; Fr. Jim Curran; Fr. M. Kennedy, P.P.; Fr. Joe Delaney, A.P., and Fr. Donal McCarthy, S.A.C. Fr. Enright noted in his homily that Liam was known as Alfie to many of his friends from his younger days. The Liturgy of the Word was shared with the congregation by Dee Fenton (daughter-in-law) and Pat Rice (son-in-law). The Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Liam Byrne (nephew) and Helena Byrne, Norma Hanrahan and Molly Fitzgerald (all nieces). Offertory Gifts of Bread and Wine were presented at the Altar by Lenore Byrne and Mary Byrne (both sisters-in-law). After Communion, a Reflection was read by Áine Byrne (niece) and heartfelt word of tribute and thanks were delivered by Liam’s son Ger. Throughout the Mass beautiful sacred hymns were played and sung by Anne Gartland and Patricia Quirke. Afterwards Liam was shouldered from the Church to begin his final journey to St. Laurence’s Cemetery, Ballinroad. En route, the cortege paused in prayerful tribute at the family home. On arrival at Ballinroad, Fr. Enright, P.E., imparted the graveside blessing and conducted the Rite of Committal before Liam was laid to rest in the presence of a huge concourse of mourners. Indeed, the large numbers who attended the funeral obsequies is a fitting testament to the esteem in which Liam was held. I líonta Dé go gcastar sinn le chéile. We offer our sincere sympathy to Liam’s wife Kitty; son Ger and Deirdre; daughter Honor and Pat; grandchildren Darragh and Anna; brother Johnny (Clonea Road); sister Kay (Tipperary Town); sistersin-law Lenore, Mary, Kathleen, Bridie and Maura; brothers-in-law Stephen and John; nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Liam is predeceased by his parents William and Nora; brothers Jimmy, Paddy, Neilius and Michael; sisters Sheila and Mary. I líonta Dé go gcastar sinn le chéile. Month’s Mind Mass for Liam will be offered on Sunday, 21st February, at 9.30 a.m. in St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

KATHERINE (Phyl) MOLONEY (nee Kilcoyne) Canty, Cappagh Phyl was born in Modeligo in 1928 to John and Nan Kilcoyne [nee O'Farrell]. She spent the first few years of her life in Cork city with her parents where her father was Chief of Munster Region Sales for the Henry Ford Motor Company. Due to the loss of her father at 4/5 years of age, the economic climate and the War, the rest of Phyl's formative years were to be spent, in the main, separated from her mother. Apart from a brief interlude with her mother who was Nursing in London, she was brought up by her Grandfather O'Farrell and aunts in Modeligo on the family farm. She was educated in the Mercy Convent and the Brigidine Convent in Mountrath, and then to Southampton for teacher training. Phyl was to teach in London for the rest of her working life. While home on holidays from Southampton, she met her future husband, courtesy of 'arranged accidental' meetings by her aunt in Church Street. Donal, was the son of Madge Moloney [nee Curran] of the Quay House [The Moorings]. He was to become a Solicitor in London. They spent all their working lives in London and had five children [Edaena, Diarmuid, Fergus, Fiona and Sheena] and two grandsons [Lorcan and Glen]. With extended families, and a constant stream of relatives and friends from near and far, it was a very busy household. Phyl was artistic and had the gift of music. Phyl loved gardening and entertaining. Phyl and Donal retired to Killann in County Wexford in 1987. Donal died in 1994. Phyl stayed in Killann until early in 2014 when she moved back to the Cappagh area with Fergus. Phyl passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday, November 20th, while being treated in hospital. Phyl was brought back to her latest home to repose and be visited for a few days before her last short journey back to the Church of Our Lady of The Assumption in Modeligo, the same Church where she was Baptised, Confirmed and married. On Tuesday evening, November 24th, Phyl’s family and friends gathered at her home where Fr. Gerard O’ Connor, P.P., led prayers. Requiem Mass in thanksgiving for Phyl’s life was celebrated in Modeligo Church on Wednesday morning, November 25th, by Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., assisted by Fr. P. Gear, P.P.Throughout the Mass beautiful hymns were played and sung by Dina Walshe. A real celebration of Phyl’s life, readings and prayers were read by her family. Afterwards Phyl was laid to rest alongside her husband in the O'Farrell family plot in Modeligo Cemetery. Phyl is sadly missed by her children Edaena, Diarmuid, Fergus, Fiona and Sheena; grandsons Lorcan and Glen; extended family, other relatives and friends. Phyl will always be remembered as being most welcoming and non-judgemental, and a mother who tried to teach the human example of Christ in everything she did. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

PATRICK (Pad) KEYES Kilmore West, Tallow, Co. Waterford We record with sadness and regret the passing of Patrick (Pad) Keyes, Kilmore West, Tallow, Co. Waterford, loving son of the late Patrick and Christine (nee Prendergast), loving brother of the late Cornelius (Neil), which sad event occurred peacefully on 5th January, 2016, in the tender and loving care of the Nursing staff at St. Patrick’s Hospital, Waterford. Lying in repose at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Tallow, on Thursday evening, Rosary was recited by Rev. Fr. M. Melican, O.C.D., in the presence of his loving family, relatives and friends. On Friday evening Rev. Fr. M. Melican, O.C.D., recited funeral prayers in the presence of loving family, relatives and friends before removal took place to the Immaculate Conception Church, Tallow. On arrival his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday morning by Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P. Readings during the Mass were recited by grandnephew Mark Ariwss and niece Chrissie Keyes. Prayers of the Faithful were read by family relatives Rose Prendergast and Dermot White. Patrick’s cousins, the Prendergast extended family, provided the music, hymns and songs throughout the Funeral Mass which was indeed very special. The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by cousins Angela Collender and Sharon Hession. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers, where Pad was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace. May we extend our deepest sympathy to his loving sister Carmel Murphy; sister-in-law Sylv; nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, very kind neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

GERARD TRUMAN Springmeadows, Dungarvan Gerard Truman passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday morning, 15th December, 2015, surrounded by his family. Gerry reposed at his home from 4.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. on 16th December and many of his friends and fellow workers came to pay their respects. Rosary was recited at 8.00 p.m. by Fr. Cooney, O.S.A. Removal from his residence on 17th December to St. Mary’s Parish Church for Requiem Mass. Gerry’s dear friend Fr. Peter Ahearne, P.P., celebrated the Mass and it was cocelebrated by Fr. Cooney, O.S.A., and attended by Fr. Ryan, P.P. Fr. Ahearne spoke of Gerry’s life and his qualities at the Mass. The readings were read by Donal McLoughlin (son-in-law) and grand-daughter Amy McLoughlin. The Prayers of the Faithful were read by Gearóid Truman, Charlie McLoughlin, Sam McLoughlin (grandchildren), Brenda Barry (niece), Marion McLoughlin (daughter), Padraig Kennedy (son-in-law) and Rafa Pardinas (son-in-law). The Offertory procession was his wife Rita and grandson Danny. Gerry’s grandmother’s shawl was brought up by his brother Michael, a book by his son Emmet and wedding photograph by his sister-inlaw Rose. Hymns were sung by Lorna Daly-Murray. ‘Abide With Me,’ ‘Nearer My God To Thee,’ ‘How Great Thou Art,’ ‘The Old Rugged Cross,’ other personal favourites of Gerry’s were ‘Bendemear Stream’ and ‘Guardian Angels Around My Bed.’ Eulogy was given by his daughter Aisling and Gerry was laid to rest in the old churchyard. Gerry was born in Shandon Street in 1941. He and his two brothers were brought up there by his grandmother and auntie Hanna. Gerry was predeceased by his younger brother Peter in June 2009. Gerry lived in Shandon for a number of years and had a lot of great memories from there. Gerry attended the local CBS school, he left school at 11 and worked as a farm labourer. He spoke of how hard the work was but liked the people he worked with. Gerry worked hard and took whatever work he could get. He worked for a time on the boats that came into Dungarvan Harbour. In the late ’50s he got a job in the local Creamery and worked there for 34 years. Gerry moved to Abbeyside in the late fifties, but moved back to Dungarvan in 2000. Gerry got married in St. Mary’s Parish Church in 1972 and Gerry and his wife Rita were married for 43 years. Gerry was a very kind and loving husband and also a proud and loving father to his four daughters and son. Gerry also took a great interest in his grandchildren and passed on his great love of books to them. Gerry came from a very Nationalist family and was very proud of his uncles part in the War of Independence. He had a great love of local and national history all his life. Gerry was a great conversationalist and passed on his family history and local history to his family. Gerry was a great believer that everyone should know the history of their own area. The tribute that Aisling paid to her father was short and simple but expressed everything that Gerry was completely. May he rest in God’s love and peace. The chief mourners were – Rita (wife); Emmet (son); Catherine, Marian, Jennifer and Aisling (daughters); Gearóid Truman, Danny Kennedy, Amy McLoughlin, Charlie McLoughlin, Sam McLoughlin, Aoife McLoughlin, Ciara Ring, Jamie Ring (grandchildren); Michael Truman, Abbeyside (brother); Gabriel Truman, Rose Grace, Kathleen Franklin, Vera Booner and Nancy Moss (sisters-in-law); Donie McLoughlin, Padraig Kennedy, Pat Ring and Rafa Pardinas (sons-inlaw); and a large circle of nephews and nieces. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 17th January, 2016, in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan, at 12 noon. (Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

PATRICK ARTHURE FLYNN Marlpit Vale, Knockanore, Co. Waterford It is with great sadness we record the passing of Patrick Arthure Flynn, Marlpit Vale, Knockanore, Co. Waterford, which sad event occurred at his home after a short illness on 4th January, 2016. Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Home, Cappoquin, on Saturday evening from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. Funeral prayers were recited in the presence of his loving family and friends. Funeral service will take place in England at Lesley Barlow Clacton Funeral Services, 98 Station Road, Essex, Clacton-on-Sea. Burial afterward in Burrs Road Cemetery, Clacton. May he rest in peace. We extend our deepest sympathy to his loving son Rick; daughters Sarah Spencer and Kelly; sister June; brother-in-law Alan; the extended Spencer family; nephew, nieces, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

TERRY CROTTY Lower Main Street, Cappoquin It is with sincere sadness we record the death of Terry Crotty, Lower Main Street, Cappoquin, which sad event took place at University Hospital Waterford surrounded by his loving family on 18th December, 2015, aged 92 years. Terry was born on 18th July, 1923, to James and Hannah Crotty, he was the last of twenty-one children. Terry served in the Irish Army and was stationed in Cobh and Trabolgan. Many a story he told us of these days where he would cycle to Cappoquin from Cobh to play a hurling match and back again. He loved to play hurling and he was on the Cappoquin County Champions team of 1944.When Terry was finished in the Army he went to work in the local Mines in Barnsley in England where he lost his arm, but this did not stop him from enjoying the things he loved to do. Terry’s great passion was rowing and he coxed the Cappoquin Rowing Club crews to many a victory in Ireland and England and was known all over as the one armed cox. Terry’s hobbies were walking, fishing, gardening and spending time in the garden with his great grandnephews and nieces Dylan, Jay, Holly and Hannah and many a time they were sent looking for his missing arm.Terry was a true gentleman and loved going out for a pint to have a chat, even the young people enjoyed his company and stories from years ago. In later years Terry moved in with his niece Anna Sheehan who looked after him so well. They were great friends and she will miss him so much.The family have lovely memories as we all went to Trabolgan where he was stationed and Terry was delighted. He also went to Mayo for a holiday and loved it. Terry loved spending time with his grandnephew David who he would often be seen taking to the hurling pitch for a puck around and as David got older, a pint in the local bars. Terry also loved spending time with Deirdre and he would be seen taking her (carrying her more like) to school. Anna and her family would like to take this opportunity to thank the following: Karen Twohig (David’s fiancee) for all she did for us and for Terry and to Billy McNamara (Deirdre’s husband) who was always only a phone call away. Thanks to Dr. Ben Murphy, Marcella Scanlan, Dr. Nikki Faichney and team, the Palliative Care team and the Nurses and staff of Medical 2 in University Hospital Waterford who went above and beyond in their care for Terry. Thank you to Cappoquin Rowing Club for providing a guard of honour to the Church.Thanks must also go to Cappoquin Scout Group for their lovely tribute during Mass. A massive thank you to Aidan and Marie Walsh and staff for their professionalism and kindness to us at this very difficult time and to the Sacristan and Terry’s little friend Altar girl Millie Hickey. Thank you to Fr. P. Geary, P.P., who celebrated Terry’s Mass and to Dina Walshe who provided a lovely selection of music throughout Mass. The family would like to thank all those who sent Mass cards, floral tributes, phone calls and those who called to the house personally and who travelled long distances to be with us. During Mass symbols representing Terry’s life were presented to the Altar by his great grandnephews and nieces, Dylan, Jay, Holly and Hannah and these were narrated by Eilish Curran.The readings during Mass were recited by Eilish and Charlotte Curran. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Aishling Cusack, Warren Twohig, David Sheehan and Karen Twohig. Anna Sheehan and Deirdre McNamara presented the Offertory Gifts to the Altar. Thanks to Johnny Sheehan for the Eulogy, acknowledging the support that the family had received from the local community at this sad time. Thanks to the pallbearers, Kevin Curran, Tommy Coffey, David Sheehan, Billy McNamara, Johnny Sheehan and Warren Twohig. We extend our deepest sympathy to his niece Anna and Johnny Sheehan; grandnephew David and his partner Karen; grandniece Deirdre and her husband Billy; niece Merci and husband Tony; nephew Michael and wife Linda (London); and his very special great grandnephews and nieces Dylan, Jay, Holly and Hannah. May he rest in peace. Month’s Mind Mass for Terry will be celebrated on Monday, 18th January, at 7.30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Cappoquin. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

MICHAEL WALSH Johnstown House, Ballymullala, Cappagh With deep regret we record the passing of Michael Walsh which sad event occurred on Wednesday, 6th January, 2016. Removal was from Drohan’s Funeral Home on Thursday evening to St. James’ Church, Ballinameela. Following Funeral Mass on Friday morning, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. To his wife Margaret; daughters Belinda and Imelda; brother Jim; sister Philomena; grandchildren and relatives, we extend our deepest sympathy. Full obituary next issue. (Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

OBITUARY SHEILA DROHAN (nee Murray) Crough, Lemybrien, Co. Waterford With feelings of great sadness and regret we record the passing of Sheila Drohan, Crough, Lemybrien, and formerly of Deelish, Dungarvan, which sad event occurred peacefully on 31st December, 2015, at University Hospital Waterford. Predeceased by her husband Joe, Sheila was born on 26th November, 1933, the second eldest of five children to Margaret and Nicholas Murray, Deelish. She attended Garranbane National School and Dungarvan Technical School before beginning work in shops in Dungarvan. She spent a number of years working in hotels in London in the 1960s which she enjoyed immensely and from which she made lifelong friends. In 1969 she returned home and married Joe Drohan and together they had three children, Catherine, William and Margaret. Sheila always looked on the bright side of life, loved her grandchildren and caring for her family. She enjoyed dancing and a sing-song when socialising with her late husband Joe. Sheila loved meeting old neighbours from Deelish, visiting relatives and catching up with local friends on her weekly trip on the bus to Dungarvan. We would like to thank all the staff of the Sacred Heart Unit in Dungarvan Community Hospital and Waterford University Hospital for their care and attention to Sheila during her illness. Lying in repose at Drohan’s Funeral Home, the Rosary was recited on Friday evening by Fr. J. Delaney, P.P., in the presence of her loving family, relatives and friends. Funeral prayers were recited on Saturday evening by Fr. M. Collender, O.S.A., before removal took place to St. Brigid’s Church, Kilrossanty. On arrival her remains were received and blessed by Fr. Delaney, P.P., assisted by Fr. Collender and Rev. J. Mulhall. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Sunday morning by Fr. Delaney, P.P., assisted by Fr. Collender and Rev. H. Dunwoody. Symbols representing Sheila’s life were brought to the Altar by her grandchildren Alice, Grainne, Alan and Philip and son William. The significance of these were narrated by her son-in-law Aidan. Liturgy of the Word was read by her daughters Catherine and Margaret. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by her niece Olive, niece-in-law Ann and grandchildren Ellen and Lisa. Offertory gifts of bread and wine were brought to the Altar by her nieces-in-law Kathleen and Nora. A beautiful selection of hymns were sung by Sheila’s daughter-in-law Bridget Drohan and her grandsons Philip and Alan played some instrumental pieces. Following Communion a touching reflection was delivered by Fr. Collender. Following Mass interment took place in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest in peace. Sheila is mourned by her son William and daughters Catherine and Margaret; daughter-in-law Bridget; son-in-law Aidan; grandchildren; sister May; brothers Paddy, Noel and Michael; sisters-in-law Kathleen; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 7th February, at 10.30 a.m. in St. Brigid’s Church, Kilrossanty. (Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

ANNE BOLGER (nee O'Riordan) Main Street, Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford It is with feeling of great sadness and regret we record the passing of Anne Bolger (nee O'Riordan), Main Street, Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford, loving wife of the late Eamonn, which sad event occurred unexpectedly at her home on 7th January, 2016. Reposing at her home on Monday, Rosary was recited in the presence of her loving family neighbours and friends. Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Home, Tallow, on Tuesday evening removal took place to St. Michael’s Church, Ballyduff. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on this Wednesday morning (today) at 11.00 a.m. Followed by burial in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Ballyduff. We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving sons Maurice, Kieran, Dermot and Brendan; brothers Noel and Joe O’Riordan; sisters Bríd Geary and Agnes Helm; daughters-in-law Nicole, D’Arne, June and Caroline; grandchildren Conor, Ronan, Ashton, Bronagh, Aideen, Clodagh, Matthew and Shane; brother-in-law Leo Helm; sisters-in-law Terry, Irene, Maura, Carol and Gladys; nephews, nieces, relatives, kind neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

51 CARMEL O’REILLYCUNNINGHAM (nee McGovern) Tallow Bridge, Tallow We record with sadness and regret the passing of Carmel O’ReillyCunningham (nee McGovern),Tallow Bridge,Tallow, Co.Waterford, and formerly of Tullyveela, Corlough, Co. Cavan, which sad event occurred on 20th December, 2015, peacefully in the presence of her loving partner Andy and her family in the tender loving care of Doctors, Nurses and staff at Cork University Hospital. Carmel was born on the 18th August, 1942, in Tullyveela, near Ballyconnell, Corlough, Co. Cavan. Carmel attended Corlough National School and went to England in search of work in 1959. Carmel worked in many hotels and hospitals in the catering area. Carmel spent most of her time living in Watford, where she raised her family, Raymond and Frances. In 1998 Carmel moved backed to Ireland to Tallow Bridge with her partner Andy, fell in love with Tallow and the people there. She loved her home and was a keen gardener. They both enjoyed walking and walked every day and loved socialisation and going to dances on the weekend. Carmel was a great supporter of Waterford GAA and both Carmel and Andy loved to attend all the local and national GAA matches. Carmel will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her, she was lady in every way and throughout her illness was shown great care and support by her partner Andy, her daughter Frances, son Raymond and extended family. May she now rest in peace. Reposing at her home in Tallow Bridge, Rosary was recited on Monday evening by Rev. Fr. M. Melican, O.C.D., in the presences of her loving family, relatives and neighbours. Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Home, Tallow, on Tuesday evening Rev. Fr. M, Melican, O.C.D., recited funeral prayers in the presence of her loving family, relatives and friends before removal took place to the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Tallow. On arrival her remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday morning by Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P. Symbols representing her life were presented to the Altar by Sive Costello (flowers), Dermot Costello (a music CD) and Olan Costello (a picture of her beloved cats). These were narrated by Eddie Cunningham. Readings during the Mass were read by Maureen Power and Jacqueline Merridew. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Emma Murphy, Fiona Cunningham, Marina McGovern, Bernie McGrath, Bridie Gallagher and Teresa Glynn.Tallow Parish Choir provided a lovely selection of music and hymns during the Mass. The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by her partner Andy Cunningham and daughter Frances Gallagher. Following Communion her daughter Frances delivered a very fitting eulogy. Dinny Cunningham gave a lovely tribute by singing the song “Come Back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff ” as the coffin made its way from the Church. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers where Carmel was laid to rest in the presence of her loving family, relatives and friends. We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving partner Andy Cunningham; son Ray O’Reilly; daughter Frances Gallagher; brothers Michael, Oliver and Peter McGovern; sisters Mary-Bridget McGovern, Claire O’Shea and Rose Reilly; daughter-in-law Breda; son-in-law Padraic Gallagher; grandchildren Aimee, Lauren, Emma and Jill; great-grandchildren brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 16th January, 2016, in the Immaculate Conception Church, Tallow, at 6.30 p.m. Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

EAMONN McCARTHY Springfield, Dungarvan Profound feelings of sadness were expressed with the passing of Eamonn McCarthy on Thursday, 7th January, at St. Vincent’s Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Eamonn’s wife Kit (nee Whelan); sons Aidan and Seán; daughters-in-law Sandra and Michelle; grandchildren Hannah, Paddy, Niamh, Conor and Tommy; sisters Mary, Catherine and Margaret; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Eamonn lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on Friday, 8th January. That evening removal took place to St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan. Con-celebrated Requiem Mass was offered on Saturday morning, 9th January, and afterwards Eamonn was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

FARMING

IFA Dairy Committee meets Co-ops this month on the need to support farmers while 2016 Dairy Markets rebalance IFA National Dairy Committee Chairman Sean O’Leary has said the Committee are starting this week on a series of meetings with all dairy co-ops on behalf of milk producers facing into a tough cash flow situation this spring. On the agenda of those meetings: milk prices for 2016, devising volatility risk management instruments for farmers, pre-election lobbying on tax solutions for volatile incomes, industry efficiency and consolidation, and the need for coordinated action on those and other issues through the

Dairy Forum. “When you look closely at the price dip of 1.6% in this week’s GDT auction, you see that it was largely influenced by a correction of whole milk powder prices after massive increases in the recent past. Butter, cheddar cheese, lactose and casein prices continued this week on the upward trend started in December. I would still take it to indicate buyers’ expectations of lower product availability as NZ and US production forecasts have been further revised downwards,” Mr. O’Leary said. “While supply and

demand are undoubtedly in the process of rebalancing, there will likely be a few challenging months in 2016 for Irish dairy farmers, as their cash flow are affected by already low milk prices and seasonally poor constituent levels in the first quarter of the year,” he said. “This is why we in the IFA National Dairy Committee has decided to meet up with co-ops as early as possible this month with a view to establishing their plans to support farmers through the short-term cash flow crisis. We also will deal with the

longer term issues, as farmers cannot be left to shoulder alone the impact of prolonged low market returns, but must be satisfied that, through improved efficiencies, risk management offerings and other supportive measures, their co-ops are working to help them cope with volatile incomes,” he said. IFA’s series of meetings with co-ops is starting this week (7/1/16) in west Cork, and next week in the north east and Tipperary. “We plan to have most co-ops met in January,” Mr. O’Leary concluded.

Movement on hedge cutting and burning dates a positive first step WATERFORD IFA Chairman John Fitzgerald said the extension by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys of one month for hedge cutting and burning of gorse on a pilot basis is a positive step

and will be welcomed by farmers. John Fitzgerald said that IFA had been campaigning on this issue since changes were introduced as part of the Wildlife Amendment in 2000. “The Minister’s decision to intro-

duce on a pilot basis for two years an extension of one month for hedge cutting to include August, and to allow burning of gorse in March, is a practical step and will be a major help to farmers.”

Advice for Cereal Farmers with flooded crops WITH over 40% of annual rainfall falling in Oak Park in December the consequences to cereal crops will be apparent up to next harvest. Rainfall has been higher in other areas of the country, but flooding in fields is evident across the tillage areas. Estimates from the Teagasc tillage advisers across the country put flooding at 5-10% and potential damage at this stage of less than 5% of the crop area, with most of the damage confined to areas flooded by rivers or low lying areas. “In Wexford despite the major flooding in towns, most crops are reasonably ok, with the major flooding taking place beside rivers in areas which were generally not sown to winter cereals,” said Ciaran Hickey, Teagasc tillage adviser in Wexford. “However, damage may not

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 8 January, 2016

be apparent for some time on headlands, or areas of the field with poor soil structure, as plants may already be affected by restricted root growth and yield potential,” added Ciaran. Farmers with higher value crops are the most immediately impacted. There are a small number of farmers with potatoes in the ground and under water. It will be some time befor these crops can be harvested and losses are expected to be high. Ciaran Collins, Teagasc tillage Adviser in Cork said: “There are substantial amounts of fodder beet in the ground waiting to be harvested. Ground conditions since midNovember halted harvesting and now stocks are running out, creating a fodder gap for farmers and a potential loss of sale for beet growers”.

According to Michael Hennessy, Head of Crops and Energy Knowledge Transfer in Teagasc; “There are a number of simple actions growers can take to help alleviate surface flooding which include; checking land drains are flowing into drains unimpeded, checking drain outlets are not blocked with debris such as branches and leaves, where possible create a channel to let surface water run in to dikes/ditches”. “In order to reduce damage it is very important to get the surface water to drain away as quickly as possible so that oxygen can get to the leaves and roots,” added Michael. Winter barley is more sensitive to waterlogging than wheat. Where winter barley is under water for more than a couple of days it is likely to be severely

impacted. Where barley is subjected to sustained flooding, yields can be reduced by 50%. Growers should map out these areas and monitor the eventual plant populations and their potential to yield. This should influence the grower’s decision about potentially re-sowing, or not applying further inputs to the affected areas of the crop. These maps can also be used later in the year to investigate why these areas were not draining correctly. This could be due to poor soil structure, a blocked drain or inadequate drainage. The upcoming Teagasc Spring Seminars, taking place around the country in January, will help farmers to address the aftermath of flooding and economic consequences. See www.teagasc.ie

Round-up … Three candidates to contest IFA Presidential Election The IFA National Returning Officer Jer Bergin has confirmed that three nominations for the position of President of the Irish Farmers Association have been received by the 6th January deadline. Henry Burns (Laois), Joe Healy (Galway), and Flor McCarthy (Kerry) will contest the election to be held in April. Each of the candidates has the required number of nominations, which is their own County Executive and five other County Executives. IFA Livestock Chairman Henry Burns has been nominated by Laois, Wexford, Kildare, Offaly, Kilkenny and Wicklow. IFA Farm Business Galway rep Joe Healy has been nominated by Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal. IFA Rural Development Chairman Flor McCarthy has been nominated by Kerry, Clare, Waterford, Tipperary South, Louth and Meath.

Taskforce on flooding has to be more than a talking shop - Turley IFA Flood Project Chairman Tom Turley has welcomed the announcement by the Government of a hardship fund to deal with the losses farmers have incurred as a result of the recent flooding. On the establishment of a taskforce, Tom Turley said various initiatives announced in the past have turned out to be toothless. “This will have to deliver for farmers and rural communities, with a meaningful impact on the ground to alleviate the pressures on farm families. It’s action that people want to see now, and not more talk about plans.” Tom Turley said, “EU regulations allow necessary maintenance work to take place in an emergency situation, which is what farmers and householders have endured for the last month”. Already, some farmers have been granted emergency fodder from a list compiled as a result of the Teagasc and Department of Agriculture assessment of flood damage and losses. Tom Turley said it is important that these farmers are contacted immediately and he encouraged farmers who have suffered losses to make contact with IFA, Teagasc or their local Department of Agriculture office. Tom Turley also called for all outstanding payments – Basic Payment, ANC, GLAS, AEOS, Beef Data – to be paid out immediately. Some of those waiting for payments are in flooded areas.

IFA says strong live export trade vital for price competition IFA National Livestock Chairman Henry Burns said the prospects for the live export trade look much more promising for 2016. Speaking from the Bord Bia Livestock

exporters seminar in Tullamore Henry Burns said the major reduction in milk replacer costs and higher prices in Holland for veal calves should strongly drive calf exports. In addition, he said the slow recovery in the EU beef market and lower grain prices should boost demand for live exports of weanlings into the more intensive beef feeding systems in Italy and Spain. Henry Burns said a strong live export trade is essential for price competition and to maximise market outlets. He said, with Bord Bia forecasting 50,000 to 80,000 more cattle for sale in 2016, a vibrant live export trade was never more important. The IFA Livestock leader said Minister Coveney needs to prioritise the live export trade and focus on removing the barriers restricting the trade to Northern Ireland and Britain and securing access to international markets like Turkey and Egypt. He said it is not acceptable that retailers and processors are allowed to use the EU labelling rules to deny the free operation of the EU single market. In addition, he said Ireland should have access to Turkey and Egypt like other EU countries which are exporting tens of thousands of cattle to these markets. He pointed out that last year France exported over 80,000 head to Turkey. Henry Burns said the EU Commission is forecasting EU beef production to increase slightly in 2016 by just 0.8%. Consumption is also set to increase slightly by 0.4%. Last year Irish livestock exports reached 177,431 head a reduction of 25% from 2014 levels.

Survey highlights on-going failure of Government and Local Authorities to address repair of rural roads Tim O’Leary IFA’s Deputy President and Countryside Chairman has described the results of the first national survey of local and regional roads as “confirmation of the unacceptable road conditions that many farm families and rural dwellers have to endure each day.” The survey, which was completed by the local authority oversight body, the National Oversight and Audit Commission, found that over 75% of national roads are not in top condition and almost one-third of minor roads have some form of structural damage. Mr. O’Leary added that of additional concern is the failure of at least five local authorities to complete the survey. IFA has called on Government to implement the following two key measures set out in the Association’s Charter for Rural Ireland policy framework, to tackle the issue: A robust roads budget must be put in place, with funding from the Department of Transport ring-fenced for rural roads each year and allocated to local authorities as part of a planned annual repair and maintenance programme. The Local Improvement Scheme, which supports works to be undertaken on local roads, must be restored and fully funded in each local authority region.

FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Over 1 million calves to be registered online in 2016 ACCORDING to figures from the Department of Agriculture, 1 Million calves were registered electronically in 2014, a record number which is widely expected to be beaten in 2016. Herdwatch, the number one farming app in Ireland, is expecting around 200,000 calves to be registered in 2016 by the thousands of farmers using its award-winning app. This would represent about 20% of all calves registered electronically this year, after only 2 years of operation. Herdwatch co-founder Fabien Peyaud said: “The trend from last autumn and the beginning of the current Spring calving season is showing a 7-fold increase in

the number of calves registered through our app. Farmers are finding it so much easier and faster to register the calves with Herdwatch as soon as they are tagged, it’s a no-brainer for busy farmers. Hundreds of them are signing up every month.” The company has just announced further updates which will be released shortly, including the ability to record sheep remedies for Bord Bia, as well as Sprays and Fertilisers, which is another compliance

READER’S QUERIES Question: I received my approval recently for GLAS1. I had thought we had to have a second part of the plan drawn up before the end of 2015 however my planner said the deadline for this plan had been extended. I was also wondering about soil tests. I had the whole place tested a few years ago and was wondering if these results would suffice? Also when is the new deadline for the second part of the plan? Can you please advise? Answer: The second part of the GLAS plan known as the nutrient management plan must be in place by the 31st December, 2016. The template for this plan is currently being tested and is not yet generally available to planners. Soil samples will be required for this plan on all lands that receive chemical fertiliser regardless of whether it is owned, leased or rented. Now would be a good time to be taking these samples before Nitrogen is applied. Participants should contact their planner to arrange collection of a sampler and bags. Although soil samples that are up to five years old are permitted, these would then have to be retaken during the scheme so it is advised to have new soil samples taken for the GLAS NMP. Soil samples must be taken from an area no greater than 8ha and it is advised to take separate samples from lands which have area based actions where chemical Nitrogen restrictions apply, such as THM and LIPP plots. I trust this will clear things up for you. Tip of the Week: Make farm safety your priority for 2016. Have a farm audit and risk assessment carried out. Contact Terence on 087-2430067.

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headache the app will remove. “We are also putting the finishing touches to the Herdwatch Grassland management module which will give farmers an easy way to measure grass and optimise grass utilisation on their farm” said Peyaud. Herdwatch have just been shortlisted for an Innovation Award at the LAMMA show this January, which is the UK's largest agricultural and machinery show.Their UK version will be launched at the

show. Herdwatch is a Farming App by FRS Farm Relief Services which saves Dairy, Suckler and Beef farmers hours on paperwork and Bord Bia compliance, by simply using their smartphone, tablet or computer, for less than €2 a week. Farmers interested in finding out more can visit www.herdwatch.ie, where a free trial is currently available, or contact their local FRS (Farm Relief Services) co-op (list on www.frsnetwork.ie).

ICSA calls for extra effort to clear payments due to farmers

Dungarvan Mart Report SAMPLE PRICES DRY COWS 1 Fr. 710 kgs. made €1,120. 1 Fr. 690 kgs. made €1,090. 1 Fr. 785 kgs. made €1,080. BULLOCKS 1 Belgian Blue Blk. 615 kgs. made €1,310. 6 Lim. Blks. 523 kgs. made €1,075 each. 5 Her. Blks. 418 kgs. made €905 each. HEIFERS 2 A.A. Hfrs. 607 kgs. made €1,195 each. 2 A.A. Hfrs. 560 kgs. made €1,075 each. 2 A.A. Hfrs. 545 kgs. made €1,050 each.

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ICSA calls for extra effort to clear payments due to farmers under national reserve, young farmer top-up, BPS and ANC Schemes . . . ICSA rural development chairman Billy Gray said that the delays on delivering national reserve payments and the young farmer top up were causing immense frustration among eligible farmers. He said that there was also frustration among a core of farmers who were still not paid ANC or BPS payments by the first days of January. “ICSA accepts that there has been a lot of work with examining applications for the national reserve but it is surely now time to see delivery. Every effort must now be made to clear backlogs on all payments. Affected farmers are extremely frustrated by the lack of progress and there is

huge annoyance that information is not being made available to them. Difficulties in getting through to the Department on the phone is adding to the frustration.” “The Department needs to put extra staff on the phone lines to handle queries and provide some indication of when people will be paid. While the percentage of farmers paid ANC and BPS is high, this is no consolation to farmers who have got nothing yet and are under severe pressure. The Minister needs to look at staffing resources and deployment early in 2016 with a view to ensuring we do not have a repeat in 2016.”

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FARMING

Tipperary student wins Teagasc Special Award at BTYSTE 2016 JACK O'Meara, from St Joseph's College, Borrisoleigh, Co Tipperary winner of the Teagasc special award at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2016 (BTYSTE 2016). Jack’s project ‘The Mastitis Meter’, which was entered in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category, looked at the early detection of mastitis of milk in the parlour. He looked at the increased conductivity of infected milk and proposed a device that would test samples of milk for increased conductivity before it enters the bulk tank. Jack’s award was sponsored by Teagasc for the project that best demonstrates a thorough understanding of the science of

agricultural or food production, or the use of science to improve technologies available to agricultural or food production. Almost 1,200 students from across the island of Ireland covering 550 projects from 29 counties competed in the RDS at the event. Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle congratulated Jack O’Meara on winning the Teagasc award at the young scientist exhibition. “Mastitis is an issue that every dairy farmer in the country can relate to, and any new way of detecting it in dairy cows could help farmers in their day to day management of their cows. I would also like to congratulate all students who exhibited at the event

and I was very impressed with the standards they achieved in their projects.” Dr Frank O’Mara, Director of Research, said that Teagasc is proud to support the young scientist exhibition: “We all benefit from raising students’ awareness of the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers and the career opportunities from taking STEM courses”. Over 60,000 visitors attended the event which took place at the RDS, Dublin January 7th-9th. Visitors to the Teagasc stand met research and teaching staff and learnt about the Irish Soils Information system and Sensory Food Network Ireland.

Teagasc Director, Professor Gerry Boyle presents Jack O'Meara, St Joseph's College, Borrisoleigh, Co Tipperary, with the Teagasc Special Award at BTYSTE 2016.

Teagasc staff at the World of Science and Technology Hall at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2016.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Teagasc DAIRYING Managing your finances in 2016 Most forecasters estimate that the average milk price for 2016 will be very similar to 2015. Given the cost structure on the majority of dairy farms, this price will put many dairy farmers under pressure from a cash flow point of view. Teagasc advice is to prepare a cash flow budget now and work out a strategy suitable for your farm to increase cash availability. This will involve a combination of reducing cash outflows and increasing cash inflows. When completing a cash flow budget, you should: • Start by estimating your likely revenues for the year. How can these be optimised? Have you surplus or unproductive stock that can be sold? • Identify your 2016 costs in relation to drawings, taxation, debt repayment and new investments. Which of these costs are fixed and which can be reduced or postponed? • Examine all farm production costs and identify areas where savings can be made. For the majority of farmers, savings can be made. Identify the optimum number of cows/volume of milk for your farm in 2016. • Talk to your bank manager and arrange to fund expansion costs from long-term loans. Explore the possibility of making increased working capital available. • Include any savings that can be used to carry you through the year. It is not ‘a one size fits all’ approach; each dairy farmer will have to identify the best combination of actions for their farm. One thing is certain though: doing the same as you did in 2015 is not a good option. Talk to your Teagasc adviser now to get assistance in completing a Profit Monitor for 2015 to establish what your costs of production are and then to prepare a cash flow budget for your farm. Complete it and discuss the outcome with your adviser before you get busy again at the end of January. Beware – Adhere to Milk Withholding Times! Minimum dry periods and milk withholding times for antibiotic dry cow therapy (DCT) are there to ensure that no residue of antibiotic remains by the time the freshlycalved cow is milked into the bulk tank. In the absence of quotas, some farmers will have milked on for a little longer than previous years, which may result in a shorter dry period for some cows. If you did this, then you need to double-check that the dry period of every cow treated is at least as long as the minimum dry period of the DCT used. Early lactation is a high risk time for bulk tank residues, particularly antibiotics, which is a serious food safety matter. Milk processors have stringent penalties if milk supplies are found to be positive for residues. How to avoid antibiotic residue problems this spring: • Write down the dates of when cows were treated with DCT, and when their withholding periods are up (based on the manufacturer’s recommendations). • If cows calve early, make sure the

minimum dry period has passed before putting her milk into the tank. • If you suspect an error in cow identity, treatment or calving date records, do not put the milk in the tank until the issue is resolved. Consult your milk processor immediately. • Many processors will offer an option to pre-test milk before collection in spring – avail of this to help ensure that your bulk tank is residuefree. Finally, if you suspect any cows have been milked into the tank by mistake notify your milk processor immediately to avoid contaminating a full silo of milk. Derogation Applications 2016 A very high number of farmers in Waterford and Kilkenny are now applying for a nitrates derogation each year and demand for assistance from Teagasc is also increasing. To ensure that this work is completed by the March 31st closing date it is vital that we start now. If you need assistance send in the following documentation to your Teagasc office immediately. • Meal statements for 2014. • Estimated tonnes of feed purchased in 2015. • Fertiliser statement for 2015. • Any results for soil analysis completed in recent months. Gather the information now because when calving commences you will be too busy and it may be forgotten or done too late. If you have been exporting slurry for the last number of years in order to stay under the 170 kg organic nitrogen per ha limit then you should apply for a derogation in 2016. IMPORTANT EVENTS Calf Care Events Teagasc, AHI, Glanbia and Volac have come together to host a Calf Care event in Kilkenny and Waterford. Before the calving season commences it is important that farmers should remind themselves of best practice in rearing and looking after calves.The events will take place on the farm of Michael Murphy, Banse, Kilmanagh, Co. Kilkenny on Friday, January 15th and on the farm of Pierce and Adrian Casey, Faha, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford on Tuesday, January 19th. Parking for Casey’s farm will be at Faha Church. Both events will commence at 11.00 a.m. Each of the events will focus on four topics: • The 1, 2, 3 of colostrum management; • Performance of calves on either milk replacer or whole milk; • Controlling cryptosporidium and coccidiosis in calves; • Streamlining the workload during the calving season. All are welcome. Teagasc Spring Cereal Seminar The Teagasc Spring Cereal Seminar will take place in the Teagasc Centre, Dungarvan on Wednesday, January 20th at 8.00 p.m. Teagasc advisers and specialists will discuss bean agronomy, crop margins, crop nutrition in 2016 and the establishment of a tillage discussion group. All are welcome.

FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Growth in Agricultural land prices continued at a moderate rate in 2015 AGRICULTURAL land values rose by 1.1% in 2015, to stand at approximately €9,800 per acre.This compares to growth of 3% recorded in 2014, according to the latest report by Sherry FitzGerald Group. Following average price growth in farmland of 1.5% in the first nine months of 2015, prices dipped in the final quarter, falling by 0.4%, reflecting the ongoing volatility in the market. An unsteady trend continues to take place each quarter and varies across the regions.The regions with the highest growth rates in 2015 were the South-East and the West at 4.3% and 4.0% respectively, followed by the South-West at 0.8%. Notably the South-East recorded strong price growth in all types of land in the year. A similar trend took place in the West and, albeit from a lower base, values in the West appear to be generally on the

increase. In contrast, the Mid-East experienced the largest fall at 1.6% during the twelve month period, while all other regions remained relatively stable. Notably, land values in the Mid-East stabilised in the second half of the year. Dissecting the market, 2015 saw values for prime arable land and prime grassland grow steadily, while growth in marginal grassland was more moderate. However, all types of land experienced a dip in the final quarter. The average price per acre of prime arable land stood at approximately €11,700 at the end of December, while prime grassland values averaged €11,000 per acre. Marginal grassland values are notably lower, averaging €6,700 per acre. Following relatively cautious optimism at the beginning of 2015, prime agricultural land prices softened in some areas towards the lat-

ter half of the year, underpinned by a reduction in confidence in the sector. Furthermore, an analysis of sentiment in the marketplace by Sherry FitzGerald Research reveals that overall activity in the fourth quarter of the year ranged from stable to low, as uncertainty regarding weaker dairy prices continues to weigh on the demand for land. Large parcels of land of 100+ acres, both including a residence and without, witnessed increased demand during the year. In particular, the average price of such parcels which include a residence rose by approximately 2.6% in 2015. However, this compares to a 5.6% increase recorded in 2014 and may be reflective of the notable moderation in Irish house price growth which took place in 2015. This slowdown can perhaps be attributable to farm estates in the

commuter counties of Kildare and Wicklow. Commenting on the market, Roseanne De Vere Hunt, Sherry FitzGerald said, “Land values overall increased during 2015, albeit moderately, as purchasers remained cautious.The outlook for 2016 will see a similar trend to 2015 with modest growth levels. Demand is likely to be strongest for smaller parcels of land as the market remains hampered by a lack of cash and restrictions on borrowing.” Commenting on the South-East market, John Radford, Sherry FitzGerald Radford said, “Confidence in the farming sector in the South-East had a positive influence on demand during 2015 and this can be seen in sales achieved, both in small and larger lots of land. This was evident for all types of land, while the general outlook for 2016 is positive.”

Kilmacthomas Macra na Feirme By Mark Hayes KILMACTHOMAS Macra Na Feirme are holding a Table Quiz in Kirwan’s Bar Kill Co. Waterford on Friday, January 15th at 8.30 p.m. Please come along and support our great club. Based on the ethos of serving the community, Macra Na Feirme is a voluntary organisation for young people between the ages of 17 and 35 with the Kilmacthomas Macra club making up just one part of

what is a greater nationwide network of clubs all of which strive to deliver on six key areas of activities, activities such as agriculture, sports, travel, public speaking, performing arts and community involvement. The organisation is committed to promoting personal development of its members while encouraging social interaction and participation, you could say that the Macra Na Feirme or as it is more affectionately known Macra is the ultimate social club which

embraces a greater demographic of people whatever your background or wherever your interests may lie. With an ever growing demographic grass root, clubs such as the Kilmac club have to cater for a wider spectrum of interests and as is with any club there is associated costs in running a community lead and community driven club costs that create the need for fundraising events. So please come along and enjoy a night out while playing an important role in the betterment of our com-

munity. Kilmacthomas strives to serve the local community and its members so needless to say the club is immensely proud whenever our members represent us at national level whatever the outcome particularly if there is success which was the case last weekend when Kieran Foley, Kiva Stanley, James Dowdall and David Battye represented Kilmac Macra in Cork in the senior debating coming out having progressed to the next stage of the nationals. Kilmacthomas Macra would like to

acknowledge the hard work and commitment of Kieran, Kiva, James and David and to wish them every success in their next debate which will be on Saturday, January 30th. If you are aged 17-35 and would like to join something new and exciting where you can meet new people, make new friends and pursue what interests you whatever that may be then please don’t hesitate join Kilmacthomas Macra today, check us out on the Kilmacthomas Facebook page or contact Mark on 087-9566678.

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ICSA calls on beef farmers to get tough on prices while supply remains scarce ICSA beef chairman Edmond Phelan says that farmers need to realise that now is the time to drive up prices while cattle are still scarce. “Cattle will be much scarcer for the first six months. Already there are signs of cow price hardening which is always a positive sign for finishers. This won’t happen however, while people continue to sell prime beef at €3.90/kg. Farmers need to get tough and fast, in the coming weeks when beef will be scarce.” However, Mr Phelan said

that the longer run picture suggests price weakness towards the end of 2016. Apart from the extra calves born last year, there was also a significant fall in live exports of almost 60,000 head compared to 2014. “We need the Government to concentrate on doing everything possible to facilitate live exports in 2016. There is also an onus on farmers to re-evaluate what they are doing. Farmers who are keeping dairy calves at home instead of allowing them be exported to continental veal units

need to look very carefully at the economics of what they are doing. Suckler farmers need to consider reducing cow numbers by at least 5%.” “In the bigger picture, the national strategy of expanding production is a disaster for farmers. Run faster to stand still. Farmers need to take a serious reality check about the economics of extra livestock whether on dairy or beef farms. It is clear that the beef sector here needs to contract rather than expand given that every time cattle num-

bers increase even slightly price drops below the cost of production.” “The time has come to look at the way in which supports are designed with a view to giving farmers real options. Agri-environment supports should be include better support for alternative crops on a portion of the national land base which might also benefit climate change targets while facilitating the continuation of efficient grass based systems if, and only if, production remains profitable.”

“Forestry supports need to be made more attractive and should apply over a much longer term as well. The bottom line is that to continue to produce as much beef as we do at a loss is insanity and it’s time for a national debate on this. Less can be more.” Mr. Phelan also expressed concern at the increase in Polish imports to the UK. “Farmers would not like to think that Irish beef factories could see this as a source of cheap cattle to drive down price for British or Irish farmers.”

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“Mary Pops In” the Musical next Week LISMORE Dramatic Society’s Spring presentation of “Mary Pops In” takes to the stage next week at the Courthouse Theatre and runs from Friday, 29th January to Sunday, 7th February for seven performances. This is a musical extravaganza, of music, song, dance and story with a cast of over 30 and it will be a theatrical highlight, for fans of musical theatre over the next few weeks. Rehearsals have been going on in the Courthouse Theatre over the past two months and we are looking forward to showcasing the

musical talent around Lismore and surrounding areas. The production is directed by Vanessa Celisse. This year’s musical is based on the original showstopper “Mary Poppins” with our favourite numbers and others brought to the stage under the musical’s director. Aislinn Celisse plays the lead part of Mary with Martin Murphy playing Bert ably assisted by a strong cast, with old and young members of the society taking part. Tickets €12.00 (adult) and €7.00 (student) can be booked at Lismore Heritage

Centre on 058-54975 daily and also on mobile 0857527007 6.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m.

All tickets on opening night, Friday, January 29th €7. Don’t miss out on this musical treat and book early!

Aislinn Celisse (Mary) and Martin Murphy (Bert) in rehearsal for “Mary Pops in” the musical.

January 17 23 Aries March 20th April 19th

Taurus April 20th May 20th

1 Get no result (4,1,5) 9 Sir Edwin Hardy _ , former dressmaker to the Queen (5) 10 A special talent or quality (1,6) 11 Anagram of DRUGGING (8) 12 An old type of payment from which one may be free (4) 15 A non-metric unit of pressure (1,1,1) 16 See 20 17 Word element meaning including everything (3) 18 A knowledgeable enthusiast of, for example, computing (4) 19 Of an artist etc., producing many works (8) 22 Language that Jesus is considered to have used primarily (7) 24 Region forming part of the South Island of New Zealand (5) 25 American singer and songwriter Justin (10) DOWN 2 Accepting that one cannot avoid something undesirable (8) 3 Speaking or writing in an expressive and imaginative way (6,7) 4 Use a transporter in Star Trek (4) 5 Creature whose varieties include army and fire (3) 6 _ Dunst, actress who holds dual citizenship of America and Germany (7) 7 Brand of Scotch whisky (4) 8 The little details (8) 13 1991 psychological thriller film, a remake of a 1962 version (4,4) 14 Tool used for pruning or lopping branches (8) 15 An outdoor performance of a historical scene (7) 20 16 One spelling of the name of the first premier of the People s Republic of China (4,2-3) 21 Mist on a hot day (4) 23 A hole in the wall (1,1,1)

SOLUTION

In association with SGC Dungarvan

Joy Review by Grace Collender

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Gemini May 21st June 20th

Cancer June 21st July 22nd

Leo July 23rd August 22nd

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Scorpio October 23rd November 21st

OU VE done well with conserving money Y these last few weeks and now it s time to treat yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back. You ve worked hard, now you can have some fun. feeling lonely, then you re not alone IJoinFthereyou re are countless other people just like you. a club, phone up an old friend or arrange to see a relative. It ll make you feel much better. OMEONE you met two weeks ago for the first S time has got their eye on you but you don t realise it. Finding out who it is could result in an unexpected, yet highly enjoyable experience! OR all you Cancerians, it s a very, very happy F new year. The tempo of life is set to increase in the next few weeks, bringing a welcome boost to both your professional and working life. ONEY worries are getting on top of you at M the moment, but it will come to an end. By keeping a level head and not letting things get you down, you will come out on top. OUR love life is well and truly on fire, and Y you re loving every minute of it. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain simply by having fun, so sit back and enjoy the ride! VERYONE seems to be taking their E frustrations out on you at the moment. Be sympathetic, as many people close to you are under huge pressure they will thank you later.

F you ve just started a new job, you have already made an impact. But it s not just your work talents that have been noticed; you have also caused a stir with those of the opposite sex.

Sagittarius

AROMANTIC incident which occurred at a

Capricorn

ON T be surprised if you get a phone call D from an old flame this week. It might have failed last time, but arrange a date as soon as

Christmas party may not turn out to be the November one-off you thought. If you play your cards right 22nd December 21st this weekend, you ll need the mistletoe out again! December 22nd January 19th

Aquarius January 20th February 18th

Pisces February 19th March 19th

possible and it could be second time lucky. OVE is in the air, and you have every reason to L be happy with your romantic situation. Everything s going fine on the relationship front, but don t relax, as complacency breeds boredom. OUR possessive nature is getting the better of Y you once again, and it s not doing anybody any favours including your partner. Calm down, relax and remind yourself of all your strengths.

AS we enter a new year brimming with possibilities, what better way to welcome it than with an inspiring rags to riches tale like Joy. Joy, the third collaboration between director David O. Russell and Jennifer Lawrence who previously worked together on Silver Linings Playbook and American Hustle, is a heartening story, poignant throughout. Encouraging moments such as a young Joy (played beautifully by Isabella Crovetti-Cramp) boldly declaring “I don’t need a prince” as she pursues her dreams of being an inventor make this charming comedy drama a true joy to watch from beginning to end. Based on the real life story of Joy Mangano, the movie details Joy’s odyssey as a struggling single mother, striving to support not only herself and her two kids, but her mother, father, grandmother and her ex-husband, all of whom live under the one roof. Not exactly an environment conducive to creativity and the pursuit of the dreams of her youth. So, much like the cicada, an insect that we learn in the movie buries itself in

dirt, there to remain for seventeen years, Joy’s life has been on hold, herself buried and suffocated by life’s crushing responsibilities. All of this changes after she invents The Miracle Mop, a self-wringing wonder mop that transforms Joy’s life. Born anew, she wipes the floor with her adversaries, both outside and inside of her family, to become a self-made millionaire. Jennifer Lawrence, who rejected a role in Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming release The Hateful Eight for this lead part, shines, stealing the show. Playing a woman twenty years her senior proves no problem for the versatile actress as she delivers a powerhouse performance, earning her a well-deserved Golden Globe nomination for best actress. Even though she is among great company with Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper, at times Lawrence is the sole element anchoring this production, which can become saccharine in tone in certain scenes, detracting from the sincerity of the film. Nonetheless, Joy is ultimately a touching tale, and is certain to have audiences awash with emotion. 6.5/10.

Room - Opening Friday, 15th January DIRECTOR: Lenny Abrahamson. Starring: Brie Larson, Jacob Tremblay, Sean Bridgers. Synopsis: Room tells the story of a five-year-old boy, Jack (Jacob Tremblay), and his relationship with his loving and protective mother, Ma (Brie Larson).The pair share a special bond, enjoying doing the normal mother-child activities, playing and telling stories. However, their life is anything but normal as Jack and Ma are trapped in a tiny, windowless room.

Ma endeavours to provide Jack with as ordinary a life as possible, but as he grows she realises that such a life is impossible so long as they are confined to the room. Therefore, she plans a daring escape, determined to save her son, but ultimately exposing them both to what could be their most frightening foe yet – the real world. Room is a powerful tale, and a great testament to the strength of a mother’s love.

Verdi’s ‘La Traviata’ Live from Covent Garden Thursday, February 4th at 6.45 p.m. By Jim Ryan 2016 LOOKS like being a ‘happy new year’ for lovers of opera and the arts generally at the SGC, Dungarvan, following a wonderful 2015. Eugene and his team have a feast of ‘goodies’ in store for us. After the recent superb ‘double bill’ of ‘Cav’ and ‘Pag’ from Covent Garden and a splendid ‘Jane Eyre’ from The National Theatre (which I really enjoyed in the theatre during my trip to London), Antonio Pappano and Covent Garden are bringing us another operatic delight, ‘LaTraviata’. Many operagoers, if asked to name their favourite opera, would choose ‘La Traviata’, Verdi’s nineteenth opera, surely one of the most tuneful ever composed. This great work on family strife and doomed love fell foul of the censor – its social realism was too close to the bone and the action had to be changed from the mid-nineteenth century to the year 1700’. It premiered at the historic Teatro La Fenice, Venice, (where two years earlier ‘Rigoletto’ was acclaimed) on March 6th, 1853, but while it was “a complete fiasco”

(Verdi’s own words) on that opening night, it soon transferred to the Teatro San Benadetto in the same city. After some revisions, it was a ‘smash hit’ there, and ever since, La Traviata (which means ‘the woman who strayed’) has been among the best-loved and most performed of all operas. (The well-built “prosperous frame” of the soprano portraying a frail young woman dying of tuberculosis was just too much for the first-night audience – and they jeered). [On Thursday, February 11th, live from Opera de Paris, we have the second of Verdi’s great trio of operas from the mid-1850s, ‘Il Trovatore’; this production features the superb Anna Netrebko, one of today’s great singers, and the wonderful Marcelo Alvarez. Caruso famously wrote of this opera’s needing “the four greatest singers in the world” – a good production of ‘Trovatore’ can be just magical. I look forward eagerly to this screening. ‘Renoir: Reviled and Revered’ on Tuesday, February 16th, and Shakespeare’s delightful comedy, ‘As You like It,’ from The National Theatre on Thursday, February 25th, are events for the diary].

Across: 1 Draw a blank, 9 Amies, 10 X factor, 11 Grudging, 12 Scot, 15 PSI, 16 , 17 Pan, 18 Geek, 19 Prolific, 22 Aramaic, 24 Otago, 25 Timberlake. Down: 2 Resigned, 3 Waxing lyrical, 4 Beam, 5 Ant, 6 Kirsten, 7 Haig, 8 Minutiae, 13 Cape Fear, 14 Billhook, 15 Pageant, 20 16 Chou En-lai, 21 Haze, 23 ATM.

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Annual Valentine’s Charity Dance West Waterford’s dancing event of the year arrives once more . . . AS we look forward to all 2016 has to offer, we are sure that the Annual Valentine’s Charity Dance in Cappoquin Community Centre on Saturday, 6th February promises to be one of the better ones in the social calendar again this year. The Annual dance, held by the West Waterford Dancers, is now in its eighth year and organisers are promising another night with top bands and dancing all in aid of fantastic local charities. This year we are proud to be supporting the Special Needs Pre-School Dungarvan, by purchasing specialised equipment for them, the second charity is the South Eastern Radiotherapy Trust (SERT). Last year’s event continued the now established tradition of providing a fantastic night of great dancing supported by superb bands

creating an enjoyable atmosphere for all, whether they wished to dance the night away on a very large dance floor or soak up the fine music on offer. This year we are delighted to announce that The Aces Showband from Kilkenny will be our main band on the night. The Aces Showband are rightly regarded as one of Ireland’s number one function bands who will create a truly memorable night of dancing and entertainment. To kick off the night Batty Prendergast, a well-known local entertainer, will quickly fill up the floor and set the mood for the night with his energetic performance. On the night there will be complimentary cheese and wine for all those who attend. This year’s programme will have a fantastic new feature. We are delighted to

announce that Billy McCarthy, WLRfm will be our special guest on the night, to be the judge of the Most Stylish Lady and Trendy Gent. This comes with a prize package of €300 worth of vouchers for the Flynn Hotel Group. The night’s music will begin at 8.30 p.m. and will continue on until late in the night.The admission fee for this enjoyable night of dancing and great music is just €15, with all proceeds from the night going to two very well-deserving local causes. Tickets are available from Cappoquin Community Centre, Noel Devereux Manshop and Special Needs Pre-School Dungarvan.Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night. For any enquiries about the night please contact either 087-8128169 or 0877786677.

Paddy Awards and Singers Club Party a huge success! ON Monday, December the 7th, in Dillon's Bar,Wolfe Tone Road, Dungarvan, we held the Annual end of year party for the Dungarvan Singers Club, which sometimes but not always includes the Paddy Awards when we in the DSC honour some singers and/or musicians with our much prized “Paddy”, or Lifetime Achievement Award. As you know, all the top awards have people's first names such as Oscar, Emmy, Tony etc. So for Irish traditional music in particular and Irish Music in general, the name “Paddy” is supremely appropriate. But even

more importantly the sparkling glassware that constitutes the award is the work of a great glass-cutter from Waterford, the great Paddy Foran. He very generously donates the beautiful vases that constitute the physical reality of the Paddy. But the award is really a “virtual” award in that it is the virtue of the individual artist who gets the award that is being honoured, through all our encouragement to keep up the sterling work they do for the Irish nation; and so the award is measured really in terms of love and honour, respect and dedication. As in all such cases it's the thought that counts. But this does nothing to diminish the beauty and art, the craftmanship and expertise that go to creating the truly enchanting glassware that Paddy brings to us from all his years of training, hardwork and thorough commitment to beauty in all forms (but especially artistic). John Nyhan was the winner of the Paddy Award. UPCOMING EVENTS Venue: St. Mary's Church of Ireland, Jacknell St., Dungarvan. Date: Saturday, January 16th. Time: 8.00 p.m. Act: Trio Elatha Lyric Fm favourites who feature lovely arrangements of Irish traditional music in a classical vein, and feature: Lynda O’Connor - Violin; Brendan Walsh - Classical Guitar and Alibhe McDonagh, Cello. Not to be missed.

Sunday Session Cuil na Smear.

COMERAGH COMHALTAS

Something for Nothing WASN’T there an old proverb much quoted years ago “the best things in life are free”. Every Sunday evening for many years, Comeraghs Comhaltas have been running a childrens’ music session from 6.00 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. in Cúil na Sméar Hall. Over the years it has been facilitated by a dedicated few but following our AGM last October all our teachers have agreed to attend on a rota basis. Last Sunday evening as branch PRO I arrived at the venue at 6.35 p.m. It was so delightful to be met by the sound of music. Looking around the crowd of over 20 playing various instruments, despite my years of attending, it was hard to comprehend that such a diverse group ranging in age from about 7 to 15 could be so capable. Teacher in charge Hannah Power then arranged the children in groups of two’s and three’s and for the next

40 minutes we heard each group play their own chosen selection. Reels, jigs, hornpipes, polkas and marches featured and one could only conclude that great progress was being achieved by all. Following a short break during which the usual refreshments were served and tea and coffee for the parents we set up the musicians for a photo. It was great to see the variety of instruments plenty fiddles, a couple of flutes, concertinas and accordions with tin whistles popping up now and then as second choices. Uilleann Pipes, a bodhrán and a couple of banjos made up the ensemble or should I say orchestra. That’s Cúíl na Sméar on a Sunday evening and like the best things in life its free and open to all. BANDS GO PLACES To have a worldwide reputation is the aim for any brand. For the past several years our traditional musi-

Josephine Morrissey and Jackie Ryan at dress rehearsal for Aisteoiri An tSean Phobail’s production of “Don’t Tell The Wife” this week.

cians have brought the Waterford name to the 5 Continents. The value of the publicity they generate is appreciated by those involved in tourism and the hospitality business. Recently our own Seán Kearney from Kilbrien has been touring in America with his band Drops of Green. Following in the footsteps of Danú and Caladh Nua they will be taking in over a dozen venues in six states. The community of trad followers worldwide are like fans of other genres, very knowledgeable, often to a personal degree with their favourite performers. Perhaps it is true to say that the personal relationship of trad-band members to their fans is even closer, governed as it is by ethnic connections and the potential of the much referenced diaspora. How these touring bands have brought the name of Dungarvan to far-

away audiences is positively reflected in the number of foreign tourists attending Féile Trad Dungarvan each year. Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, France and the USA are the main areas where our bands tour. Danú completed a three week tour of USA before Christmas and both themselves and Caladh Nua will commence tours there again at the end of February. In the meantime Seán Kearney and his band will have travelled to Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Florida and Las Vegas Nevada. Without doubt the increasing reputation of our county as an outstanding traditional cultural destination is considerably as a result of our internationally renowned touring bands. At Comeraghs Comhaltas branch we have played some small part in their development and are proud to support their continued success.

Peter Kiely and Nicola Costin at dress rehearsal for Aisteoiri An tSean Phobail’s production of “Don’t Tell The Wife” this week.

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Dáimh for The Local Bar FREE GIG!

TAKING their name from the Gaelic word for kinship, “The Gaelic Super Group” Dáimh (pronounced dive) are based entirely in the West Highlands of Scotland. From pyrotechnic jigs and reels to achingly poignant ballads, they run the full expressive gamut of folk music at its best, and are justly renowned for their thrilling live shows. After releasing their first two albums Moidart to Mabou (2000) and Pirates of Puirt (2004) independently, 2007 saw them adding the vocal talents of Mod Gold Medallist, Calum Alex MacMillan and releasing Crossing Point on the Greentrax label working once again with long-time friend and producer Iain MacDonald and for the first time with the legendary Calum Malcolm. Fourth studio album,

! WIN

Diversions, was released in 2010 with a mixture of high-energy and fast-flowing music from the Gaelic tradition; songs old and new covering all the favourite subjects of the Gaels – love, death, war and drink. After experiencing their first personnel change in 14 years the band returned stronger than ever with an exciting and inspired new line up and with it their 5th album, Tuneship. Featuring the band’s own compositions, including those of Damian Helliwell from the Isle of Eigg on mandolin and banjo alongside Griogair Labhruidh making his impressive debut with the band on vocals with three songs sourced from his ancestral homeland of Ballachulish. The depth of understanding and passion in Griogair’s singing further

highlights the band’s roots in their beloved West Lochaber and North Argyll yet blends perfectly with their cutting edge compositions and contemporary arrangements to create a consummate snapshot of Gaelic music in today’s Scottish Highlands. 2014 saw the group win the “Eiserner Eversteiner” European Folk Music Award in the 23nd German Folkherbst competition and nominated for Folk Band of the Year in the Scots Trad Music Awards. It has also seen the addition of Murdo Cameron on mandola and for the first time in Dáimh’s history… an accordion! Dáimh will be making a guest appearance at The Local Bar, Grattan Square, Dungarvan, on Friday, 22nd January, at 9.30 p.m. A night not to be missed!

LA TRAVIATA @ SGC Dungarvan

WIN

Dáimh will be appearancing at The Local Bar, Grattan Square, Dungarvan, on Friday, 22nd January, at 9.30 p.m.

Caught on camera at Murphy’s Bar/Waves Nightclub

La Traviata (Live from The Royal Opera) Tuesday, 4th February, at 6.45 p.m. La traviata is regarded as one of Verdi's finest operas, and Richard Eyre's traditional staging, is one of The Royal Opera's most popular productions. The opera tells the story of the Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry, one of opera’s greatest heroines, based on the reallife courtesan Marie Duplessis, who died in 1847 aged just 23. In this revival, Violetta is sung by Russian soprano Venera Gimadieva in her debut with The Royal Opera, following her successful appearance as Violetta at the Glyndebourne Festival. The Dungarvan Observer, in association with SGC Dungarvan, has a pair of tickets to give away to the lucky winner of our competition. All you have to do is answer the following question and post your entries into La Traviata Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 26th January. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

✄

✄ Question: La Traviata is screened at SGC on what date?

Answer: ………………………………………………………………………………………… Name: ………………………………………………………………………………………….. Address: ……………………………………………………………..………………………… ………………………………………………………………………...……………………….. ……………………………………………… Tel. No. ………………………...….……………

Call a cab …

✄

Joe Cliffe

Ollie Gillen

Ann O’Dwyer

Nicholas Drohan

Liam McCarthy

087 7935393 /

087

058

087

68101 /

058 44570

7449965

44043

8144777

087 2630666

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Friday 15th – Thursday 21st

A i ste o i r í a n t Se a n Phobail

FILM INFORMATION AND BOOKING LINE 058 45796 www.sgcdungarvan.ie

present

in Halla Naomh Colmán

An tSean Phobail Thurs. 14th, Fri. 15th, Sat. 16th, Sun. 17th, Fri. 22nd & Sunday, 24th January, 2016 8.15 p.m. • Adm. €10 • Booking essential Phone: (058) 46483

STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS (12A) 136 mins.

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DADDY’S HOME (12A) 96 mins.

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Time capsule ready for 50 year hibernation REFLECTING recently on the Dungarvan 800 celebrations earlier last year, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan wondered what mode of lasting memorial could be created which would provide something of interest to future generations. He struck on the idea of a time capsule, a collection of artefacts which would show those living in Dungarvan town and district two generations hence the kind of society in which their ancestors lived fifty years before. He approached schools, organisations and some individuals for artefacts which would reflect life today and got a generous response. Last Monday in the Civic Offices, those artefacts and various items of memorabilia were stowed in a steel chest, reminiscent of the treasure chests beloved of pirates in which they entrusted their valuables. Noel Coffey of the steel fabrication factory at The Spring was entrusted with the task of manufacturing the sturdy container and last Monday afternoon, a small but representative group gathered at the

Civic Offices to fill the chest with the modern artefacts which will become the antiques and curiosities of the future. Among those present were the Chairman of the Dungarvan & Lismore Municipal District Council, Cllr. Tom Cronin, members of the Council, representatives of schools and community groups together with Ivan Grimes, Director of Services, Waterford Council and Manager of the Dungarvan / Lismore Municipal District and Susan O’Brien, Waterford Council who drew the various strands of the project together. The collection contains books of photographs, newspapers of the day – including the Dungarvan Observer – CDs, tapes, local history books, some coins, cheques and a postal order issued in Abbeyside Post Office on the day they were discontinued. It will certainly make interesting reading and browsing for those who will be present at its opening a half a century hence. Chairman of the Dungarvan /

Lismore Municipal Council, Cllr. Tom Cronin welcomed the group and congratulated all concerned with the project. He thanked them for bringing together what should be a very interesting collection for the generations to come and a collection which is representative of life today. A feature which will prove very interesting will be John Tynan’s collection of twelve portraits of local teenagers who, if they are not scattered across the globe should be present at the re-opening in fifty years time. And if they are in far foreign fields, what will be their mode of transport home? Beam me over Scottie? “This is intended to be a snapshot in time to show what it was like to live in Dungarvan in 2015, 800 years after the founding of the town,” says Damien. “It was originally our intention to bury the capsule,” he says, “but we were advised that others who had done that found much of the material decayed when taken from the

ground. Instead, it will be mounted on the wall of the lobby of the Civic Offices where it will remain on display for the next fifty years. I thank our County Archivist, Joanne Rothwell for her valuable advice and

various contributions to the collection and Ivan Grimes, Director of Services for his co-operation also. “I have to wonder how many of those present at the ceremony of closure today will be around again

Pictured at the filling of the 50 year Time Capsule in the Civic Offices last Monday are from left: Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, Ivan Grimes, Director of Services, Waterford Council; Ina Considine, Tom Coffey Engineering; Noel Coffey, Tom Coffey Engineering; Cllr. Tom Cronin, Chairman of the Dungarvan / Lismore Municipal Council, and Susan O’Brien, Waterford Council.

And the days grow longer … NOW that Christmas and New Year have passed and are safely disappearing into the distance, it is time to look forward again to brighter evenings and better weather. We have also celebrated the 6th of January, Little Christmas, the Feast of the Epiphany for Christians and for the women of Ireland, Nollaig na mBan, their own dedicated day in the year when the men are required to do all the housework. But for many people, the reason they looked forward to the 6th January was for what they called the ‘Cock’s Step’, that moment when you realise that the evenings are getting longer again and there is a noticeable brightness in the sky. This needs a fine clear evening and not one when, as my mother might have said, ‘the sky is on the ground’. This week, the change in the evenings should be very noticeable because we have already gained an extra half-hour of light. The days are at their shortest on the 20th to 22nd December, the Winter Solstice, when

daylight lasts for only seven hours and thirty minutes. Contrast that with the Summer Solstice when, according to official figures, we have precisely seventeen hours of daylight. From now until the Spring Equinox on the 20th March, the improvement in the evenings will gather momentum until they will lengthen by a

variable daily addition of up to 14 minutes a week and, of course, the adjustment for New Time (Daylight Saving Time) will add another hour and hey presto, at the beginning of April we have light until 8.00 p.m. As we approach the Summer Solstice, which will be the 20th June this year (official date), the length of additional light

for its opening in five decades time.” Certainly the schoolchildren and some of the younger adults should be, but who knows how far the average lifespan will have stretched by then.

we get will diminish down to zero and then we begin to lose it again as the days shorten and sunsets arrive earlier. For people like me who crave the long evenings, this might lift their spirits, for, as Shelley poetically put it in his ‘Ode to the West Wind’, ‘If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind’.

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How to find us!

Vol. 103

Friday, 15th January, 2016

SPORT

sport@dungarvanobserver.ie

The overall winner of the WLR FM/Granville Hotel GAA Award for 2015, Patricia Jackman receiving her trophy from DJ Carey. [Noel Browne]

Patricia Jackman wins the WLR FM/ Granville Hotel GA A award f o r 2 0 1 5 See pages 10 & 11

THE 2016 ADULT WESTERN CHAMPIONSHIPS Page 6

THE PARK HOTEL SPORTS STAR 2015

AROUND THE GAA CLUBS

Pages 8 & 9

Page 13

ATHLETICS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Ted O’Leary, Daithi de Paor, Michael Callaghan and David Wade pictured after the Waterford half marathon on Saturday last. Pat Fitzgerald coming into complete last Saturday’s rescheduled Waterford half marathon.

Fintan Walsh running very well at the recent Winter League.

Vincent O'Donovan pictured in the early stages of last Saturday’s rescheduled Waterford half marathon.

Out on his won is Gerry Cantwell at last Saturday’s rescheduled Waterford half marathon.

West Waterford Athletic Club Juveniles

Colligan Cup on Sunday next, January 17th ALL roads lead to Colligan Wood next Sunday for the annual Colligan Shield sponsored by Albert McGrath’s Newsagent. Registration will start at 12.15. The juvenile event will get underway at 1 p.m. with the person with the slowest predicted time going off first. Remember it is not the fastest person who wins it is the person who can predict their time accurately. No watches are allowed so you have to judge your own pace. The event is open to all so come along and have a go. CREDIT UNION AWARD FOR OISIN O’RIORDAN The December winner of the Combined Credit Unions Award is Oisin O’Riordan. He becomes the fifth athlete from West Waterford to win a monthly award. It comes as a result of a fine run in the All Ireland cross country championships where he finished in 12th place and also helped the Munster team to second

place in the team competition. The final of the Combined Credit Union Awards will take place on Saturday, January 23rd. The finalists from West Waterford are Jurig Kanass, Seamie Fennell, Micheál Power, Aoife Hamilton and

Oisin O'Riodan winner of the Combined Credit Union Award for December.

Oisin O’Riordan. As the event clashes with our trip to Cardiff, Aoife and Oisin will be missing for the final. WATERFORD SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY ON FRIDAY The annual schools cross country season kicks-off on Friday with the Waterford Schools Cross Country taking place in St. Augustine’s College at 11.30 a.m. EVENTS: Minor under 14 on 1st July ’16 Girls 1,500m, Boys 2,000m. Junior under 15 on 1st July ’16 Girls 2,000m, Boys 3,000m. Inter under 17 on 1st July ’16 Girls 2,500m, Boys 4,500m. Senior under 19 on 1st Jan ’16 Girls 2,500m, Boys 5,000m. A large number of West Waterford athletes will compete for all the local schools we wish them all the best of luck.

Noelle Conway at the 5 mile mark at last Saturday’s rescheduled Waterford half marathon.

25th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race WE’RE on full steam ahead now for the upcoming race of the year, the 25th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10. With registration completely full with over 2,500 places filled within 3 weeks of the race entries opening on October 1st we are now nicely assembling a really top class field of elite athletes which will make for the biggest and best race to date. The race is on Sunday, January 31st at 1.30 p.m. All finishers of The John Treacy Dungarvan 10 will receive the now famous West Waterford AC goody bag, plus a Nike dry fit running top will be awarded to all finishers. Shower facilities will be available at the Dungarvan Sports Centre for men, The Fusion Centre alongside for Ladies and the Dungarvan Boxing club pavilion (by kind permission) for the ladies showers. All race Goodie bags and Shirts will be awarded when runners cross the finishing line. Presentation of prizes will take place at the Sports Centre where teas and sandwiches will be provided. This year's race once again will

see substantial cash prizes for the top runners with the first lady and man getting €400 each plus €250 to the first athlete to break either course record. Substantial cash prizes will follow down throughout the categories. The club committee have been working hard to ensure that the day will go off without a hitch and our hope now is the man above will do his bit by giving us a good day weather wise for the race of the year. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED FOR DUNGARVAN 10 It’s a mammoth task for our club to organise the upcoming Dungarvan 10 mile. We have been fortunate in the past to have had help from club members and also from many outside of the club circle who come along each year to give a few hours of their time. This year we are in need of that same help again and even more, with a much bigger field assembled this year we will be under more pressure in making sure these visitors to our town leave with a good experience of what

Club Training for 10 mile CHRISTMAS is well and truly over and it’s time to really focus on our next goal race – John Treacy Dungarvan 10. We are now on a countdown and have 3 weeks of specific race training to get us to the start line in the best possible shape. For the next two weeks our Friday night training session will be aimed at establishing desired race pace and getting comfortable and efficient at that pace. Practising race effort will give you the confidence for fast, relaxed racing. We have two groups training at present a beginner and more experienced group so no matter whether it’s your first or 20th 10 mile race we have a group that will suit your ability. Any club member can come along and join us at any stage. Warm-up starts at 6.30 pm and we meet at the Park Hotel Leisure Centre. Cost per session €3.

Tough Half for Margaret Hearne WELL done to Margaret Hearne who complete a half marathon in the north east of Holland last weekend. The race was a tough event with 40 kms an hour winds and very wet conditions, making it a very tough course which included 8km on a very soft sanded beach circuit and also 7 kms through a wooded area and to finish off it as 6 kms of sand dunes, well done Margaret "tough times don't last, tough women do."

Sympathy WEST Waterford athletic club extends sincere sympathy to the families and friends of Eamonn McCarthy, Springfield, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, and Alice Duggan Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford who passed to their eternal reward's last week. May they rest in peace.

Dungarvan has to offer and we hope such will be the impression we will make on them that they will want to come back again to visit the town for maybe a longer stay. We will need stewards and people to help with catering on the day ,if you have a few hours on Sunday, February 1st please contact stewarding co-ordinator Karen Ryan 086 8245683. or catering manager Gerry Cantwell 086 3503571. Please support your local athletics club. AVONMORE PROTEIN MILK TO SUPPORT ATHLETES AT 25th ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 "We are delighted to say that Avonmore Protein Milk will be at the finish line of this years race with a free Avonmore Protein Milk 500ml carton to help all athletes with their recovery.Hard working muscles need protein!!!." 25th ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 MILE We are lighted to announce the ongoing association with our 10 mile road race by our good friends at Flahavan's in Kilmacthomas.

We sincerely thank the Flahavan family and all their staff for their kind sponsorship once again this year. PACERS 60: David McCarthy – West Waterford AC 65: John Nolan–Waterford AC 65: ?????? 70: Anthony Whelan – West Waterford AC 70: Trevor Mason – West Waterford AC 75: Mark Cliffe – West Waterford AC 75: Ted O'Leary – West Waterford AC 80: James Veale - West Waterford AC 80: Paul Brunnock – West Waterford AC 85: Ian Robinson – Waterford AC 85: Trevor Murphy – Waterford AC 90: Conor Blackwell – West Waterford AC 90: Martin Stephenson – West Waterford AC 95: Tony Keogh – Waterford AC 95: Michelle Byrne – Waterford AC 100: Owen Duffy WAC 100: John O'Sullivan unattached

Ray Hahesy wins Winter Quarter THE clubs athlete of the year competition for the 2015 season finished on December 31st. After the last 3 months, the winter quarter we must congratulate Ray Hahesy who claimed the club’s athlete of the year accolade for that quarter. Ray finished with a grand total of 14 points just one ahead of Sandra Prendergast who was second with 13 points and these were followed by two others on 12 points Mary Hogan and Onra Power. We then had 6 athletes finishing on 11 points, Cathal Gleeson, Catriona Kiely, Ann Massey, Tom Leahy, David

McNally and Kate Veale. It was once again a very close competition with only a few points separating the top contenders We will shortly be announcing the overall winner of athlete of the year for 2015. The top 10 for the autumn quarter were as follows: Ray Hahesy 14 Sandra Prendergast 13 Yev Chizhikov 12 Diana Chizhikova 12 Mary Hogan 12 Onra Power 12 Cathal Gleeson 11 Catriona Kiely 11 Tom Leahy 11 Ann Massey 11

Running Quote PAIN is a given. I don't try to fight the pain or pretend it's not there. In fact, I give into it. But only for a little while.

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

22nd Annual West Waterford Athletic Club Winter League

Mass start for Winter League tonight UNFORTUNATELY, last week's resumption of the league after the Christmas break was cancelled due to health and safety concerns with high winds and heavy rain lashing down just as the time approached 7 pm, because the weather turned bad at this time it was a late call by our safety officer but a wise one as between 7 and 8 we saw the worst of the conditions. However, we will have another shot at it tonight Wednesday. The second half of the West Waterford Athletic Club Winter League will now consist of 6 nights ending on Wednesday, February 17th with the famed mystery tour going ahead on Friday night, 19th February. Anyway back to this week's run from the Sports Centre, Quanns, Dungarvan and it will get underway at at 7.20 pm. The short course runners will leave from the road start line and they will be followed 5 minutes later by the long

course runners again form the front road at the sports centre. A large crowd is expected for the first night back of 2016 and we hope that all those of you who have made New Year resolutions to improve your health and fitness will come on down and join the league. Our motto at the winter league is that it’s never too late, so why not come along and get on your way to a healthier and fitter 2016. If tonight is your first night please come along around 7 o’clock so that we can issue you with a number and explain the procedure to you. Newcomers are welcome each night of the league and if you can’t make it tonight then come along next week and bring a friend or two with you, the more the merrier! Now that we all have had an extended break from the league it’s time to get back on track and concentrate on the next six weeks of the league. Even if you haven’t managed

to get some training in don’t let that put you off coming tonight, we will all be a little bit sluggish tonight for the first mile or two, just adjust your pace and in no time you will be back to normal. The goal is still the same, improve your running time each week and earn as little points as possible each night. The starting times will vary each week in order to make each run as interesting as possible and also to give us all that extra push and motivation to get to the finishing line as quickly as possible. Don’t forget your reflective bib and your number for tonight. See you at the Sport’s Centre! PLEASE NOTE STARTING TIMES FOR TONIGHT To get the second half of the league underway we will have a mass start this Wednesday with the short route runners first off at 7.20 p.m. and the long route runners will be off 5 minutes later at 7.25 p.m.

Successful Waterford Half Marathon on Saturday last THE rescheduled Waterford half marathon went ahead last Saturday morning after its original date before Christmas was ruled out because of the adverse weather conditions. A field of 1.340 completed the course in the rescheduled race with victory going to Mick Closesy, Raheny, Shamrocks AC in a time of 64.25. The ladies winner was Claire Gibbons-McCarthy Leevale AC in a time of 76.45. The organisers Waterford AC will be thankful that the day held up so well considering the extreme weather conditions of late. It was difficult for them to have to reschedule but fair dues all went off brilliantly on the day.

The club had 39 finishers with Des Feeney leading them home in 1.23 the first club lady to finish was Laura Flavin 1.36 West Waterford AC results as per West Waterford AC finishers on official race results. Des Feeney 1.23.14 Alan Ryan 1.24.23 Jimmy Connors 1.24.37 Ray Hahesy 1.26.49 Michael Dwyer 1.28.22 Ted O'Leary 1.29.36 Alan Hogan 1.30.23 Pat Fitzgerald 1.30.27 Gerry Cantwell 1.30.15 Liam Kavanagh 1.31.33 Anthony Dwyer 1.31.47 Noel Drohan 1.32.22 Micheal Callaghan 1.33.03 Laura Flavin 1.36.08 John Paul Hogan 1.37.47

Mark Cliffe 1.38.23 John Nee 1.41.27 Ann Dunford 1.42.24 Ray Burke 1.42.15 Kevin Casey 1.45.43 Caroline Russell 1.46.04 Noel Hogan 1.46.47 David McNally 1.51.03 Philip Cleary 1.51.10 Catriona Kiely 1.52.08 Karen Power 1.56.21 Emma Murphy 1.57.10 Jenny Murphy 1.58.59 Linda Garcia 2.01.58 Sharon Nugent 2.04.06 Rita Cronnolly 2.05.22 Ciara Duffin 2.05.22 Tricia Cullinane 2.05.52 Timmy Coughlan 2.07.55 Vincent O'Donovan 2.08.10 Una Mulligan 2.08.34 Margaret Conway 2.11.06 Terri Gough 2.26.56 Noelle Conway 2.27.39

Anthony Dwyer, Noel Drohan and Liam Kavanagh after last Saturday’s half marathon in Waterford.

A great photo here from the camera of Rory Wyley taken in Colligan wood back in 1990 when Nicky Sheehan won the 2nd annual Kiely Monumental Colligan cup,

23rd Annual Michael Roche Carpets Series

All roads this Sunday lead to the 28th Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup THE Michael Roche Carpets Series continues this coming Sunday, 17th January with the 28th Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup. The Juvenile race starts at 1 pm. The senior race has a 2 pm start and is over the usual 5 miles Colligan Wood circuit and Juveniles will have a single 1-mile circuit to run. The Colligan Cup is a unique event in that it is run on a handicap basis where you simply predict your finishing time over a 5 mile run, with the winner being the person who is nearest to that predicted time. This makes the race open to all no matter what your standard is, everyone has the same chance of taking the title. For the very first time this year we will be using the clubs new chip timing system to determine the winner so this will add to the excitement of the event on the day. Now in its 28th year we would like to thank sincerely our sponsor for all of those 28 years David Kiely of Kiely Monumental for his on-going support for the local running club West Waterford AC. So for a great fun event on the yearly running calendar Colligan is where you need to be come Sunday, 17th January. HOW COLLIGAN CUP TIMING SYSTEM WORKS First introduced last year for the first time we will again this year be determining the outright winner of the Colligan cup by way of our Club chip timing system. The chip timing device is attached to each runners race number and this system will decide who the winner will be for 2016, but as we said the race timing system itself will remain the same as the one Victor Mullins devised 27 years ago. The following is how the handicap timing system works, the run begins when the clock starts with the time of the slowest predicted runner’s time, say 60 minutes. As the clock counts backwards down to zero every runner begins when his or her predicted time shows up on the clock.

The runner with the fastest predicted time will be the last runner to start the race. The winner of the Colligan Cup is the runner who is the first person to cross the finish line after the clock reaches zeroit is that simple. All you have to do is get your prediction right. Remember, no watches allowed or music head phones. So if you would like to become part of local athletics history and have your name inscribed on the now famous Colligan plaque which was erected in the wood some years ago by the race sponsor David Kiely of Kiely Monumental come along next Sunday. We must also mention and thank Coillte for their permission and help in letting us hold the race. We urge all going to Colligan on Sunday to please allow plenty of time as parking will be restricted on the road to one side. Please do not park where your car might obstruct the flow of traffic or interfere with the runners. This is a great family event with something for everyone. The Colligan Cup itself will be awarded to the winner of the senior race, while the Shield will be awarded to the first lady finisher. Likewise the Juvenile Shield will be presented to the Juvenile

winner. The junior race is organised by the club’s juvenile section over one lap of the Colligan circuit and it gets under way at 1 pm sharp and this too is a guess your time handicap event. All are welcome to participate. ROLL OF HONOUR COLLIGAN CUP WINNERS (1989-2015) 1989 Willie Henry 1990 Nicky Sheehan 1991 Richie Moore 1992 Martin Geoghegan 1993 Liam Rossiter 1994 Gerry Cantwell 1995 John Lyons 1996 Tom Meehan 1997 Colin Lyons 1998 Kathleen O’Connell 1999 Tom Fitzgerald 2000 John Whelan 2001 Ray Dwyer 2002 Ann Cronin 2003 Tony Shalloe 2004 Michael Dwyer 2005 Mark Langford 2006 Brian Collins 2007 Maurice Boland 2008 Michael Tutty 2009 Ger Wyley 2010 Kelly Cantwell 2011 Liam Sandford 2012 Conor Blackwell 2013 Michael Dwyer 2014 Ray Hahesy 2015 Dermot Dwyer LADIES SHIELD WINNERS (1994-2015) 1994-Monica Power 1995 Paula Keohan 1996 Paula Keohan 1997 Frankie Devlin 1998 Kathleen O’ Connell 1999 June Twomey 2000 Ann Cronin 2001 Martina Budds

2002 Ann Cronin 2003 Kathleen O’Connell 2004 Helene Hayes 2005 Annette Long 2006 Josie Uí Chuirrin 2007 Catriona Mulcahy 2008 Diane Behan 2009 Brigid Coffey 2010 Kelly Cantwell 2011 Aine Lombard 2012 Anne Whelan 2013 Karen Ryan 2014 Diane Behan 2015 Mary Harney McGRATH NEWSAGENT’S JUVENILE SHIELD WINNERS (1993-2015) 1993 Alan Moore 1994 Darren Harty 1995 Ronan Dennehy 1996 Rosemarie Curran 1997 Dervla O’Connor 1998 Rosemarie Curran 1999 Brian Kelleher 2000 David Buckley 2001 Natasha Behan 2002 Mary Ryan 2003 Lorraine McCarthy 2004 Sarah Flavin 2005 Michelle Norris 2006 Lughaidh 0’Mahony 2007 Rachel French 2008 Aaron Whelan 2009 Bobby Landers 2010 Sean Patmore 2011 Eoin Dwyer 2012 Gillian Whelan 2013 Tony Dwyer 2014 Mary Kate Prendergast 2015 Ronan Mansfield THE VICTOR MULLINS CUP WINNERS (2009-2015) 2009 Michael Moloney 2010 Mark Cliffe 2011 Aine Lombard 2012 Tony Ferncombe 2013 Brendan Foran 2014 Keith O'Driscoll 2015 Claire Fitzpatrick

Des Feeney who was the club’s first man home pictured here just ahead of the 1.30 pacers at last Saturday’s rescheduled Waterford half marathon.

DUNGARVAN GOLF CLUB Tel. Office 058-43310, Fax. 058-44113, Pro Shop 058-44707. Bar/Restaurant Tom Daly Catering 087 2680597 Timesheets online at www.dungarvangolfclub.com Email: dungarvangc@eircom.net TOM COFFEY RIP Our Club sadly lost one of its stalwart members on New Year’s Day, 2016, with the passing of our good friend and long standing loyal member, Tom Coffey. Tom joined the golf club in the early 1980's and just like every aspect of his life, he went at the game with that same incredible determination that epitomised the man, whether it involved family, work or the various sporting activities he was involved in, during a long and well lived life. To say Tom had the determination of two men understates the steely nature of the man and yet, he was a gentleman to his fingertips with a ready smile and a word for everyone. Tom served as President in 2001 and 2002 and during those years was an outstanding ambassador for the club with his innate charm and ability to make all feel welcome, be they members or visitors. His business acumen was also of great assistance to the club though this benefit was not just confined to the years he served as President as he was ever willing to assist the club in any way he could. Tom was a great man to tell a yarn and liked nothing better than regaling us with stories of the characters he knew in his early days in his beloved Modeligo. When the singsong started, Tom was equally at home and gave many renditions of his favourite song, The Golden Jubilee involving that famous couple, Kate and Pat McGee. Tom was an outstanding sponsor of the club with his Friday singles competition being one of the highlights of the annual open fortnight. This sponsorship has been an annual event for longer than most can remember and even when the recession hit and all businesses were feeling the pinch, Tom continued on with the sponsorship which was again a measure of the man. On the course, he had many successes but perhaps what he enjoyed best of all was the regular Summer evening Fourball with his great (though rarely complimentary!!!) friends, Tom, Michael and Cyril. Those who made occasional guest appearances at these “events” were heard to say that while one could not afford to be sensitive, the banter between the four men

was a tonic for all concerned and rest assured, the late Tom was well able to give as good as he got. Tom will be sadly missed by all his friends at the card table, another game he played with a passion and one that also gave him great enjoyment. When his body finally started to fail him in recent times, he would still find his way up those stairs and take his place at the table with the mind working as sharply as ever. A compliment I heard paid to him recently was that he had “a great head” and I think it’s one that sums up Tom very well. To Tom’s son Noel; his daughters Mairead, Mary, Majella, Jacqui, Jill and Joyce; his much loved grandchildren and his extended family, we offer our sincerest condolences. You have lost a loving father, grandfather and brother and we in Dungarvan Golf Club have lost a great clubman but, most of all, a man we are proud to have called a very good friend. Rest in peace, Tom. CLUB NEWS In other club news, again the weather played havoc with our Winter fixtures. There is so much water falling, it feels like the showers are giving way to monsoons. However, the forecast is good and hopefully the course will return soon to a playable condition. The Winter League continues to run and hopefully we can get the fourth round played. MEMBERSHIP FEES For convenience please note that the Club has the facility to accept debit and credit card subscriptions payments over the phone. Also Club bank account details can be provided on request to members who prefer bank transfer. The annual subscriptions were due to be paid before 1st January, 2016. We thank members for making payments already. Thank you for your continued support. SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER INCLUDING GOLF LESSON New members to Dungarvan Golf Club, who have not previously been a member of the Club, can avail of an Introductory Membership Offer of just €300 subscription including one complimentary lesson with our resident PGA Professional David Hayes. This offer is for a limited

time only, and is valid for the 2016 membership season. An application form can be downloaded from the club website www.dungarvangolfclub.com or alternatively contact the office on (058) 43310 if there is any further information or assistance you require. LADIES - GET INTO GOLF 2016 In conjunction with CGI, Dungarvan Golf Club are hosting an 8 week introductory programme to encourage more ladies to take up this wonderful game. The programme will include tuition from PGA Professional David Hayes as well as on course and social activities with club members. Equipment will be provided with follow on membership offers so spread the word to your friends, family and work colleagues. It is an ideal opportunity to take your first steps into Golf in a fun and friendly environment. RESULTS Thurs. 7th Open Singles: 1st Trevor Melbourne (17) Mountain View 35 pts. CSS 36 pts. FIXTURES Mon 11th Jan Open Gents /Ladies Seniors (50+) 16 Holes Singles S/F Tues. 12th Jan Ladies 11 Holes Singles S/F Wed. 13th Open Gents 16 Holes Singles S/F, Youngones 12.30 p.m., Sixty.com 1 p.m. Thurs. 14th Jan Open Gents 16 Holes Singles S/F Fri. 15th Jan Gents/Ladies 16 Holes Singles S/F Sat. 16th Jan Gents/Ladies 16 Holes Singles S/F Sun. 17th Jan Gents 16 Holes Singles S/F Mon. 18th Jan Open Gents /Ladies Seniors (50+) 16 Holes Singles S/F SIXTY.COM NEXT COMPETITON Weds., 13th Jan. Draw for partners at 1 p.m. YOUNGONES Next Competition Wed. 13th Jan 12.20 pm. SOCIAL BRIDGE Are you interested in playing bridge in the clubhouse on Friday mornings 11 a.m – 1p.m? All Levels welcome. No partner required for more details please contact Brenda Cummins on 086 6059032. RULE 14-1b There is much discussion at the club regarding the use of belly and long putters. Several of our members are using such weapons and under the new rule they are still allowed to use them.

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

However, they are no longer allowed to anchor the putter. This rule came into effect on January 1st. The rule itself is simple and effectively states that while making a stroke a player may not anchor the club directly or indirectly through the use of an anchor point. You are deemed to anchor the club directly when you intentionally hold the club or a gripping hand in contact with any part of the body, except holding the club or gripping hand against an arm or forearm. An anchor point is deemed to exist when the player intentionally holds a forearm in contact with any part of his body to establish a gripping hand as a stable point around which the other hand may swing the club. We have posters displayed in the clubhouse to help you with your understanding and interpretation of this rule. Just because you don’t use a long putter is not an excuse. You might be playing an opponent with a long putter some day and remember “ignorance of the rules is not an excuse”. For those of you who watch golf on telly, Matt Kuacher’s technique is fine but the likes of Tim Clark and Adam Scott will have to find new ways of getting the ball into the hole. Club professional David is always on hand to offer guidance and explanations of Rules if needed. JUNIOR NOTES Due to the condition of the course, tuition for our beginners and pre-juniors will recommence in February. Our elite squad is being assembled for Winter coaching at Tinhalla and panel members will be notified. We have the Irish Junior Foursomes at Gold Coast in March as well as a Fred Daly match. No efforts will be spared this year as we have arrived at a competitive position. Any enquiries relating to junior activities at Dungarvan can be directed to Club Professional David Hayes. David can be contacted at 058-44707 or email at golfpro@eircom.net. PRO SHOP NEWS After a busy Christmas period, David is getting ready for another season. New stock items are arriving every day. We are eagerly awaiting on our Mizuno Fitting system which will compliment Callaway, Ping and Wilson systems already in place. To prepare yourself for the new season You can avail of David’s offer of free custom fitting to ensure that you are using the correct equipment. Or maybe avail of David’s professional repair service and get your clubs regripped for the start of the season. David is currently offering massive reductions in Winter wear and you can follow all offers plus new arrivals on David’s website at www.davidhayesgolf.com. CLUB CONTACT DETAILS Timesheets online at www.dungarvangolfclub.com Office 058 43310/ 41605, Pro Shop 058 44707, Bar/Restaurant Tom Daly Catering 087 2680597.

Tony Sheehan, Martin Murray, Eilo Fitzgerald, Ruth Hannigan and Teresa Queally for their input and expertise in compiling the list for 2016. All we need now is the weather. To access the fixture list just go to the club website www.goldcoastgolfclub.com and click on fixtures. LADIES NOTES FIXTURES 10 Hole Ongoing Competition Moorings Winter League 13 Holes Ladies Winter League sponsored by Moorings Bar and Resturant Due to inclement weather round 5 resumed again on Monday, 11th to Sunday, 17th Januart 2016, if you have played your round already you may re-enter again with best score to count. There has been a change to the rules of the competition, from Round 6 onwards each round may be played twice with best score to count. To facilitate the playing of the league, a slot has been reserved every Monday from 11.00-11.30 am, please use timesheet to book your slot!! CAPTAIN’S DRIVE-IN Due to the inclement weather we have had for many weeks now, our Captain’s Drive-In has been postponed and will be rescheduled to a later date later in the month. COASTAL ALLIANCE Our Christmas outing for the Alliance has been cancelled twice due to inclement weather and the event will now take place on Thursday, 14th January 2016. Hopefully, the New Year will bring us drier conditions which will make the event all the more enjoyable, will keep you posted on same!! WEBSITE PHOTOS A collection of photos taken during the year from various presentations are now available to view on our website, www.goldcoastgolfclub.com NEW MEMBERSHIP OFFERS Ladies, if you would like to try out a game of golf on our stunning 18 hole championship course, we are in the process of combining a very attractive and generous package for new members to include free golf lessons and the use of clubs. Names are now being taken, for details contact Bob or Mark in the kiosk. (058-44055).

You can contact us by phoning 058-44055 Our email address is: goldcoastgolf@cablesurf.com Our website is: www.goldcoastgolfclub.com RESULTS: Friday 8th/Sunday 10th January: 18 Holes Stableford. 1st: Nicholas Power (23) 42 pts; 2nd: Eamon O’Donnell (5) 40 pts; Gross: Micheal White (3) 36 pts. FIXTURES: Monday 11th/Friday 15th January: Round 5 Winter League Tuesday 12th January: Open Seniors, 50+, Ladies & Gents. Friday 15th January: Open 18 Holes Stableford. Saturday 16th/Sunday 17th January: Round 5 Winter League Tuesday 19th January: Open Seniors, 50+, Ladies & Gents. The Premier Butcher at Dawn Meats Winter League Round 4: Thankfully we have now completed Round 4 of the Winter League after many weeks of trying so we can now move on to round 5 and hopefully get it completed in a week, weather permitting. In the league, Dunhill maintain their position at the top of the table and lead Dungarvan by 28 pts. Deise were the biggest movers and they have leap-frogged Ballinacourty. Deise are now just 2 points behind Dungarvan and are 12 points ahead of Ballinacourty. Copper Coast, Abbeyside and Nire/Touraneena all gained points and there is just 1 point between Copper Coast and Abbeyside with Nire/Touraneena just 16 pts further back. With 13 players on each team the margins above are very small and any team who have an exceptional week could shoot up the table and even take over the top spot, it is that close. The full scores are as follows: Dunhill 1,338, Dungarvan 1,310, Deise 1,308, Ballinacourty 1,296, Copper Coast 1,287, Abbeyside 1,286, Nire/Touraneena 1,270. EAMON MCCARTHY R.I.P. Our condolences to the family of the late Eamon McCarthy who died during the week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

CAPTAIN’S DRIVE-IN: The Captain’s Drive In which was due to take place on Sunday last will be rescheduled for a date later in the month. MEMBERSHIP FEES: All players should now have received their annual subscription leaflet and we would ask that you pay as soon as possible. Last year we reduced our top rate by €100 and corresponding decreases in other rates and we have maintained these rates for 2016 at the same level as last year, the only increase is to the GUI levy which the Union decided to impose on all members. In the Gold Coast we prefer to give continuous benefits to our members by keeping our membership rates as low as possible and hopefully we will maintain these rates well into the future. If you would like to join the Gold Coast, why not give Bob or Mark a call on 058 44055. INSURANCE: Should golfers have insurance? Over the past few years a number of court cases have dealt with players getting hit with golf balls and in some cases made awards against the player who hit the ball. Also golf clubs are expensive and it is no harm to have them covered. Here in the Gold Coast we operate a policy on behalf of Aon Golfcare which is specifically designed with the golfer in mind. A full list of the benefits is on display in the kiosk. The cost to the golfer is €25 and the policy runs from the 1st April. Talk to Bob or Mark if you are interested. WINTER SPECIALS AT GOLD COAST: Monday to Thursday: Golf €15 or Golf & Carvery €20 Friday: Golf €15 or Golf, Competition and Carvery €25 Saturday/Sunday: Golf €20 or Golf & Carvery €25. FIXTURE LIST FOR 2016: The fixture list is now completed and is one of the most comprehensive ever prepared for the Gold Coast. Thanks to Rafael Alvarez, Brian Fahey, Tom White,

Lismore Golf Club Phone 058-54026. Email: lismoregolfclub@eircom.net Website: www.lismoregolf.org LISMORE LADIES The Captain's Drive-In went ahead on Sunday, 10th January with Captain's Jack Aherne and JoJo Tobin most ably acquitting themselves. As there had been severe ground frost, there was no fun golf on the day but all who attended were fed and

watered in the bar. The warm soup was much appreciated by all in attendance and went a long way in defrosting many cold fingers and toes. Congratulations to Jack and JoJo who were helped along by the Master of Ceremonies President Katherine Moynihan, best of luck to our

officers for 2016. The Spring League will be starting on Sunday, 31st January, there is a sign up list in the clubhouse, please put your name up if you wish to play. FIXTURES: January 1st to January 30th - 9 hole ongoing 2 person Champagne Scramble. Get organising your partners - re-entry allowed. (Weather Permitting) Spring League starting 31st January. FEES: It's that time of year again, all fees now due please. Prompt payment would be much appreciated.

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

West Waterford Golf & Country Club Telephone: 058-43216. Fax: 058-44343. E-mail: info@westwaterfordgolf.com Website: www.westwaterfordgolf.com FIXTURES – WEATHER PERMITTING Comeragh Oil Winter League will commence as soon as weather conditions permit. CAPTAIN’S DRIVE-IN 2016 The Captain’s Drive-In for 2016 took place on Sunday last, 10th January, in the presence of a large amount of members and friends. It was great to see such a huge turn-out who showed their support to the Captains. Jean Conway, Lady Captain, got the driving underway followed by Conor Duggan, Junior Captain, and Dermot Drohan, Captain. Well done to all three who showed no signs of any pressure. Dermot, Jean and Conor wish to express their gratitude to everyone for joining them on the day. COMERAGH OIL WINTER LEAGUE Teams have now been completed and the full listing is posted on the notice board and also on www.westwaterfordgolf.com. Entrants may play any day during the week and those not playing in the League are most welcome to compete for the weekly prizes awarded over 4 categories. We now await developments regarding the weather situation and are ready to tee off as soon as conditions permit. In the meantime check your

teams, and don’t forget the target is the Top 16. Thank you for your patience, and we can guarantee that when we get started you will enjoy the league as much as ever. LAUNCH OF NEW PROMOTION BOOKLET West Waterford Golf Club were delighted to launch their new Promotions Booklet last weekend. It contains some fabulous aerial photos which were taken by John and Fergal Power and these photos were the inspiration behind this booklet. Well done to all who put in a lot of hard work making sure that the end product would be very beneficial promoting West Waterford Golf Club. Great praise to Munster Signs & Print for producing a fabulous booklet for us. The booklet contains a selection of packages that are available at West Waterford for societies, clubs or organisations. For further information or if you wish to receive a booklet just contact Austin or Gillian on 058 41326 and they will be glad to assist you in organising a package for your group. PARK HOTEL SPORTS STAR AWARDS 2016 Thanks to the exploits of Gary Hurley in 2015, the West Waterford contingent is once again looking forward to the big night on Saturday, 23rd January when the

Diarmuid Horgan, President; Dermot Drohan, Captain; Jean Conway, Lady Captain with members of the Brochure Committee at the launch of the new brochure at West Waterford Golf & Country Club. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport] Supreme Sports Star for 2015 will be announced. We are delighted to be associated with the event and remind suppoprters that they can procure their tickets by contacting Gillian or Austin at 058 43216. You are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. OUR WEBSITE Just a reminder that the full list of Winter League teams is now posted on the club website and updated round by round scoring will be available on www.westwaterfordgolf.com as it happens. Billy O’Sullivan continues to do a professional job on the site and is always available to update as required. I would recommend that you visit the site and see for yourself what’s happening at West Waterford. RESTAURANT OPEN FOR SUNDAY LUNCH We are delighted to report that Sunday Lunch at West Waterford has been a great

success to date and wish to thank you all for your continued support. If you haven’t done so already why not come along and relax in the warmth of our bar and restaurant. Sunday lunch is available between 12.30 pm and 3 pm. CONFIRMATION AND COMMUNION MENU AVAILABLE Do you have a Confirmation or First Communion in 2016? If you do then our First Communion and Confirmation menus are now available. Give us a call on 058 43216 or call into the bar or office at West Waterford to get a copy. We look forward to serving you. FRIDAY NIGHT IS 45 NIGHT AT WEST WATERFORD Our first 45 Card Night took place last Friday night and proved to be a great night which was very well supported. The 45 Night will continue every Friday night

during the Winter months and members, friends and the general public are invited to join us in the comfortable surroundings of the stove. Card players can enjoy a game of 45 and non card players are most welcome to come along for a chat and a pint or two. If you’re driving you can have a mineral or maybe a cup of tea or coffee. Remember it’s good to talk so why not come along and meet the neighbours to discuss the latest from the locality. See you Friday night!!! LOOKING BACK - 1995 Two years old and the club is now finding its feet. John Power takes over the mantle of Captain with Stephen O’Connor as President and Vera Nugent as Lady Captain. The club savoured its first success at inter-club level when we beat Youghal at Lismore Golf Club to win the South-East League and bring the first of many pennants

back to West Waterford. Normally a good indicator of form for the upcoming GUI Competitions, and sure enough we won the area final of the Bruen Shield beating Templemore to set up a playoff with Youghal for a place in the Munster Finals in Monkstown, which we duly won and booked our place in the Munster Finals. After a marvellous display against Ballybunion in the morning semi-finals we lost out by the smallest of margins to the home team in the final. A truly magnificent performance, the club had announced its arrival on the competition scene. Austin Spratt set a new course record to win the Mitchelstown Senior Scratch Cup after earlier in the year winning the Ballybunion Scratch Cup. He continued his good form to also lift the President’s Prize, and, needless to say was selected Golfer of the Year.

Andy Hally lifted the Captain’s Prize. The juniors also started to make their mark with Alan Harty and John Keane winning prizes at the 10th Annual Bruen Memorial Tournament at Muskerry Golf Club. A notice displayed this year in the clubhouse reminded members of the danger in disposing of cigarette ends on the golf course due to the exceptionally dry warm spell. Dare I say wishful thinking in our present climate? More next week. BUSINESS AS USUAL Just a reminder that our office is open as normal for enquiries and all other business. Feel free to call along for a chat and an update on happenings at the club. CONDOLENCES Sincere condolences to Elma and the extended Fleming family on the passing of David Fleming, Clonea Road. May he rest in peace.

Captain’s Drive in at West Waterford Golf Club. Pictured at the Captain’s Drive in at West Waterford Golf Club were Dermot Drohan, Captain; Jean Conway, Lady Captain and Conor Duggan, Junior Captain.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

The 2016 Adult Western Championships OVER the next few weeks clubs will be gearing themselves to making a start in preparations for the new championship year. Who is training ye this year? Are we doing strength and conditioning before we head to the field? Did anyone transfer to us? Did we lose anyone? Who is being regraded? These are just a sample of the questions being asked in clubs all over the Western Division as the dawn breaks on another championship year. Every club begins with the hope of winning a title, maybe it’s the one they felt they should have won last year or the title that they never won and this is what keeps clubs going from year to year. Here in the Western Division, we have championships in both codes that prove very attractive every year and 2016 should be no different in this regard. INTERMEDIATE HURLING The Board’s blue ribbon championship is up for grabs again this year among the same teams bar the relegated Tourin club who will ply their trade in the junior ranks. Last year’s winners Modeligo will be striving to win back to back titles and this will be a

major task for the 2014 Munster junior champions. They have retained the same trainer in Barry Hazlewood which is a plus in what is a very competitive grade. Ardmore will be striving to regain a title they last held in 2013 and they will be major contenders while one feels An Rinn will need to concentrate more on the small ball if they are going to achieve their potential and return to senior ranks. Shamrocks fared well under Peter Quealy in 2015 and it will be interesting if they can improve further and Ballinameela will be striving to return to their 2014 form when they contested the Divisional final while teams such as Stradbally, Brickey’s, Clashmore/Kinsalebeg and Ballysaggart will always prove difficult to defeat. Predicting the winner of this championship is similar to when the rain would stop over Christmas but our forecast is that Ardmore will regain the Ray O’Brien Memorial cup in 2016. INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL As expected, though they took the scenic route, Ballinameela made an instant return to senior ranks when defeating Bonmahon after a

replay in the county final at the Fraher Field. In their absence this year, the Western Intermediate title is up for grabs and with Brickeys also in the higher grade, this championship has a very open look about it. Geraldines brought Ballinameela to a replay in last year’s decider while Ballyduff and Ballinacourty will also be very much in the mix to claim honours. Modeligo are the newcomers to this grade and there is a line of thought that their footballers can achieve what their hurlers did previously in winning back to back titles in different grades. Dungarvan avoided relegation last year when they beat Sliabh gCua in the play-offs. Ballinacourty perform very well in the group stages of this championship and it is only in the knockout stages that they fail to get over the line. However, they are getting stronger each year with their successful underage teams providing a steady flow of talent and they should improve further this year. Themselves, Geraldines, Ballyduff, Modeligo and a focused Dungarvan team are on par in what should be a very closely fought grade.

Ballinameela's Captain Kevin Phelan holds the Cup High following the presentation by Eddie Cunningham, Chairman Western GAA Board in the replay of the 2015 Radley Engineering sponsored Western Intermediate Football Final in Fraher Field. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Helena Byrne, Local Bar (Sponsor) along with Niall Moore, Western GAA Board presents the 2015 Junior A Hurling Cup to St. Mary’s Captain, Eoin Kearns. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

On last year’s form, Geraldines are forecast to win the cup. JUNIOR ‘A’ HURLING This title should rest between St. Mary’s and Colligan and Tourin with Geraldines, Tallow and Abbeyside next in line. Dungarvan, Kilgobinet, Lismore, Ballyduff and Fourmilewater aren’t strong enough for this grade and where it’s relevant their senior team has to play two championship games before they play St. Mary’s, Geraldines, Tourin or Colligan, so they may never have the services of their regraded players. Last year’s winners, St. Mary’s were an improved side and with Maurice Geary remaining in their corner, it will help them retain their title. At their best and with all their players available to them, Colligan and Geraldines will be in contention also while it will be interesting to see can Tallow maintain their good form of 2015. Abbeyside beat Geraldines in the Group stages last year and they too can make an impact here. Any team that comes down from the Intermediate grade must be worthy contenders and Tourin will be very much in with the opportunity of a quick return to the higher grade. They beat Shamrocks in 2015, lost out to Ballysaggart by 0-1, Modeligo by 0-2 and Ardmore by 0-3 so they will be a match for anyone in this grade. At the end of the day, the other five teams should be in a grade of their own and bring the best of them in at the quarter final stages. This way everone of the ten teams will get meaningful games and will reduce the number of one sided matches and walk overs. Tourin to win out. PREMIER JUNIOR FOOTBALL Modeligo are out of the equation this year and in many peoples’ eyes, Emmetts will be favourites to regain this title. They beat Modeligo in the League final in 2015 and finished strongly against them in the championship decider. Sean Phobail will be seeking to restore their 2014 form when they won the title, beginning with getting as many of their absent players last year back in action. Shamrocks reached the semi final in 2015 losing out by just 0-2 to Emmetts while Affane have the potential to make an impression also. Former champions Tallow will always be difficult to beat and they too can be in the mix at the business end. Sliabh gCua return to this grade and they will be among the favourites to take the title. The Touraneena side beat Dungarvan in the higher grade last year and the Western finalists Geraldines had just 0-2 to spare against them in a very good game of football. Sliabh gCua are the favourites to win the championship.

JUNIOR ‘B’ HURLING This is one of the Board’s most popular championships and it should provide excellent fare again in 2016. Brickey’s are the reigning champions with Shamrocks, Abbeyside, Glen Rovers and Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg also capable of winning out. Teams such as Cappoquin, Ballysaggart, Ballinameela, Geraldines, An Rinn and Modeligo will be hoping to improve on last year when the loss of players to their first

team effected their performances as the championship progressed. A hard one to call with Abbeyside getting the nod to win out in 2016. JUNIOR ‘B’ FOOTBALL In these grades it can often prove to be a numbers game and in this regard, Ballinacourty are ahead of the possee as their third team had the services of a huge panel in 2015. However, you must still be able to kick ball

and last year the local club won both this championship and the County one against Bonmahon in Stradbally. ‘Courty should be in a league of their own again this year with their greatest opposition coming from Kilgobinet and newcomers to the grade last year, Ballysaggart. Geraldines, Melleray and Emmetts also featured in 2015 with Geraldines reaching the semi finals. Ballinacourty to retain the Ned Burke Memorial Cup.

2015 – Neil Moore, Western GAA Board presents the Cup to Ballinacourty's Captain, Conor O'Dwyer. Included is Michael Burke, Lawlors Hotel, Sponsors. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

County GAA Board Chairman Paddy Joe Ryan presents the 2015 County Junior football Cup to Modeligo's Captain Pat Fitzgerald. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Eddie Cunningham, Chairman Western GAA Board and Helena Byrne, Local Bar (Sponsor) presents the 2015 Junior B Hurling Cup to the Brickey's Captain, Eoghan Drea. Included is Eoghan's son Harry. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

GAA Coaching & Games Development Notes

Indoor Go Games THE GDA’s will be running Go Games Blitzes Indoors in the coming weeks. Each GDA Division will have a number of Saturdays. GDA’s will be in touch with clubs with dates, times and venues for the blitzes GAMES PROGRAMME We are currently finalising the C&GD Games Programme for 2016 and will have it available for all clubs by end of January 2016. Wallcharts for each GDA Division will be sent to clubs in early February. CHILD PROTECTION AWARENESS WORKSHOP 23rd JAN. GAULTIER On Saturday, 23rd January a Child Protection Awareness Workshop will take place in Gaultier GAA Club. If you wish to attend please contact John Quinn to book a place. The workshop will run from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the day cost is €10 per person. EAST U-11 & U-12 GAELIC FOOTBALL Clubs are reminded to have entries for East U-11 & U-12 Gaelic Football in by Friday, 15th January. U-11 & U-12 will be run as mini leagues. Entries to be returned to Eoin Breathnach. KELLOGG’S GAA CÚL CAMPS 2016 The dates for the Cúl camps are being finalised this week and will be sent to all clubs next week. Camps run from 4th July – 19th Aug. The price is remaining the same for 2016 €55 for 1 child, €45 for 2nd child from same family and €40 for each additional child from same family.

Online booking will be available from 1st March and full details of all camps will be available next week. EASTER CAMPS The GDA’s will be organising Easter Camps in each GDA Division. These will run from Tuesday 22nd – Thursday, 24th March. Full details on all camps will be sent to clubs in the coming weeks. MANDATORY COACHING STANDARDS 2016 All clubs and coaches are reminded that new mandatory Coaching standards come in from January 2016. INTER-COUNTY MANAGEMENT TEAMS By the start of the 2016 season, all Inter-County Management teams will contain an Award 2 coach. This person would ideally be the head coach. Applications for a derogation can be made to the National Games Development Committee where deemed to be in the best developmental interests of the relevant team. By the start of the 2018 season, all Inter-County Head Coaches will be Award 2 qualified. CLUB MANAGEMENT TEAMS By the start of the 2016 season, all Club Management teams will contain an Award 1 coach. This person would ideally be the head coach. By the start of the 2018 season, all Club Head Coaches will be Award 1 qualified.

Tallow Minor hurling County Champions 1980. Front (l to r): Noel Henley, Dave Doyle (R.I.P.), John Henley, Connie Ryan (R.I.P.), Michael Condon, Seán Power, Aidan Ryan, John A. Tobin, Billy Henley (R.I.P.), Aidan O’Brien, Donie Lyons, Cillian O’Herlihy, Kieran O’Brien, Paul Curley, Tommy Flynn, Harry Ronayne (R.I.P.). Back (l to r): Eddie Cunningham, Gerry Hogan, Mick Beecher, Dick O'Mahoney, John Fitzgerald, Johnny Geary, Sean Lyons, Martin Prendergast, Philly Curley, Michael T. Cunningham, James Power, Pat Murphy, Francis O’Brien, Liam Aherne, Dessie O’Herlihy, Frankie Ryan, Dermie Henley Jim O’Donoghue, Milo Aherne, Eric Cantillon, Don Henley, Richie McNamara, Martin Murphy, Paul Geary (R.I.P.), Frank Ryan, John William McCarthy (R.I.P.), Eddie Curley, Dominic Murphy, Billy Sheehan, Jimmy Cunningham (R.I.P.), Pa Sheehan (R.I.P.), Con Ryan, John Doyle, Michael Henley.

County Bord na nÓg Proposed Gradings 2016 UNDER-14 HURLING Division 1: Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Mount Sion, St. Carthage’s, Fourmilewater, Passage, Ballygunner, Roanmore, Portlaw & Ballyduff Lower Division 2: An Ghaeltacht, Kilrossanty, Ballygunner “B”, Cois Bhride, Clonea, Clan na Gael, De La Salle, Tramore Division 3: Naomh Bríd, Clashmore / Kinsalebeg, Stradbally, St. Molleran’s, Sacred Heart, Ferrybank, St. Mary’s Division 4: St. Oliver’s, St. Saviour’s, Cappoquin, Ballyduff

Upper, Brickey Rangers UNDER-16 HURLING Division 1: Abbeyside, Ballygunner, Mount Sion, De La Salle, Passage, Roanmore, Tramore, St. Carthage’s, Portlaw & Ballyduff Lower Division 2: St. Oliver’s, Dungarvan, Clan na Gael, Cois Bhride, Sacred Heart, Naomh Bríd, An Ghaeltacht, Clonea, Brickey Rangers, Kilrossanty Division 3 and Division 4: GROUP 1; St. Mary’s, Stradbally, Ferrybank, St. Saviour’s, St. Molleran’s GROUP 2; Cappoquin, Ardmore,

Ballyduff Upper, Clashmore / Kinsalebeg UNDER-16 FOOTBALL Division 1: Ballinacourty, De La Salle, Tramore, Gaultier, An Ghaeltacht Division 2: Dungarvan, Brickey Rangers, Stradbally, St. Oliver’s, Rathgormack, Kilrossanty, Clan na Gael, St. Pats, Portlaw & Ballyduff Lower Division 3: Ballyduff Upper, St. Saviour’s, Cois Bhride, St. Mary’s, Ardmore, Clashmore / Kinsalebeg, St. Molleran’s

UNDER-14 FOOTBALL, DIVISION 1 – ALL COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP This will an all Co. Championship, run by Western Bord na nÓg Ballinacourty, Gaultier, An Ghaeltacht, The Nire, Kilrossanty, Tramore The County Bord na nÓg gradings meeting, will take place on Tuesday, January 19th in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan commencing at 7:30 p.m. All appeals to the proposed gradings are to be submitted by 6.00 p.m. on Sunday, January 17th.

Eddie O’Donnell Monumental Eastern Under 21 (A) H.C. Final

McNulty the star as De La Salle claims Eastern title De La Salle …………... 0-18; Mount Sion ………….. 1-14. THIS long delayed Eastern U-21(A) hurling final was finally given a window of opportunity to be played in Carraiganore on Thursday last where a very big crowd saw a keenly contested final between two committed sides resulting in a narrow win for De La Salle. It was a stirring contest that kept the crowd on its toes from start to finish with the teams level on seven occasions. It was De La Salle who produced the game changer with an inspirational second half performance by team captain Shane McNulty who took the game by the scruff of the neck with five superb points struck from outfield that contributed to opening up a four point lead with the game going into added time. Mount Sion refused to concede however, and it came down to a nail biting finish as substitute Andrew Doherty’s 61st minute goal cut the De La Salle lead to the minimum with three fur-

ther minutes of added time to come. In a dramatic finale De La Salle held on to celebrate a deserved victory that meant so much as they collected the Liam O’Donnell Cup that perpetuates the memory of the young De La Salle rising star who passed away in a tragic accident some five years ago. The postponements before Christmas saw De La Salle forced to make three changes from the side that beat Ballygunner in the semifinal with Adam Doyle, Jack McCarthy and Dylan Foley unavailable with Darragh Fitzpatrick, Evan Whelan and James Stone coming on board. Though the Carraiganore sand based pitch held up well there was little bounce in the ground as every ball was fiercely contested in tight situations. Shane Ryan opened the scoring with a De La Salle point from a free inside a minute but Mount Sion were quickly level with Evan Curran replying in kind. The

outsiders looked the more likely side in the opening minutes and might easily have had an early goal before Jordan Broaders’ point gave them the lead for the first time in the 7th minute. Sion continued to miss chances and had four wides on the board before Adam Farrell levelled for De La Salle in the 13th minute. The scores continued to be hard to come by as points from frees by Austin Gleeson and Shane Ryan maintained parity into the 20th minute. Mount Sion then enjoyed their best spell between the 21st and 27th minutes as points from Jordan Broaders, Austin Gleeson, with a great catch and strike, Aaron Coady and Cian O’Regan opened up a four point lead but they failed to push on as De La Salle regrouped to finish the half strongly with points from Shane Ryan, Shane McNulty and Ryan again (F) to leave their side slightly flattered to be trailing by just a point on a score of 0-7 to 0-6 at the break.

Mount Sion got off to a good start on the resumption with Gleeson sending over a long range free but within four minutes points from Brian Cunningham and Shane Ryan (F) had the teams level for the fourth time. Gleeson and Ryan were both wide from frees before Sean Colfer shot Sion back into the lead in the 37th minute. It was score for score as Adam O’Sullivan and Cian O’Regan (F) exchanged points before McNulty made his presence felt with a fine point from play to level and then followed up with a long range point from a free to give his side the lead for the first time since the opening minute with forty two minutes played. A point from a free inside his own half by Austin Gleeson had the teams level again before Shane Ryan restored his side’s lead from a free at the end of the third quarter. McNulty was fouled in possession in midfield and slotted over to give his side a two point lead in the 47th minute and making a great

catch from the Mount Sion puck-out he returned the ball over the bar for an uplifting score and a three point lead for his team. Austin Gleeson kept his side in touch with a pointed free in the 50th minute and a further exchange of points between McNulty and Evan Curran left the issue still in doubt with five minutes remaining. The game was now going De La Salle’s way with Shane Ryan sending over two further points from frees for a four point lead but a point from a Cian O’Regan free in the 60th minute made it a one score deficit again before the concession of another free saw Shane Ryan restore his side’s four point advantage. Then came the final twist as Sion substitute Andrew Doherty followed through to capitalise on a defensive handling effort to shoot to the net. It was a tense closing two minutes as Mount Sion had a chance to shoot for the equaliser but time ran out and De La Salle held on to

advance to a final meeting with Dungarvan. Full marks to both sides for producing a stirring contest in difficult conditions at this time of year. While Shane McNulty proved the main difference between the teams De La Salle had fine performances from Lee Wall, Stephen Dalton, Tom Moran, Adam Farrell and free taker Shane Ryan. While Mount Sion were the outsiders from the start in this championship they had their chances here and though they may feel aggrieved that two decisions by the referee to overrule his umpires resulted in two De La Salle points they can have no real complaints with the final result. They had fine performances from goalkeeper Stephen Power, Peter Penkert, Ben Flanagan, Austin Gleeson, Evan Curran and Jordan Broaders. Scorers – De La Salle: Shane Ryan 0-9 (8Fs), Shane McNulty 0-6 (2Fs), Brian Cunningham, Adam Farrell, Adam O’Sullivan 0-1 each. Mount Sion: Austin

Gleeson 0- 5 (4Fs), Andy Doherty 1-0, Cian O’Regan 0-3 (2Fs), Evan Curran (1F) and Jordan Broaders 0-2 each, Aaron Coady and Sean Colfer 0-1 each. De La Salle – Shaun O’Brien, Darragh Fitzpatrick, Lee Wall, Evan Whelan, Craig Dowling, Shane McNulty, Stephen Dalton, Tom Moran, Gavin Coppinger, James Stone, Adam Farrell, Mikey Costigan, Shane Ryan, Adam O’Sullivan, Brian Cunningham. Subs: Michael Roche for Stone, Jeff Cahill for Costigan, Conor McCann for Cunningham. Mount Sion – Stephen Power, Ben Walsh, Peter Penkert, Ben Flanagan, Aaron Coady, Austin Gleeson, Nick Cannell, Aidan Power, Kaylem Kennedy, Mikey Daykin, Evan Curran, Cian O’Regan, Jordan Broaders, Sean Colfer, Darren Finn. Subs: Ferdia Mac Aogain for Cannell, Andy Doherty for Colfer. Referee: Alan Kissane (Dunhill).

PARK HOTEL SPORTS STAR AWARD 2015

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

The Park Hotel Silver Jubilee Award next week 25th Year (1991 – 2015) THERE have been many changes, though not as many as one might expect, over the course of twentyfive years of The Park Hotel Awards, which will celebrate Silver on Saturday, 23rd January next. The finest of Waterford Sports people, their families, friends and a goodly number of enthusiasts who would not miss this annual gala for gold will gather at the famed hostelry to see the new supremo of Waterford sport crowned for the year. As usual, there will be a first class line-up of Monthly Sports Stars, only one of whom is likely to take away the accolade of Supreme Sports Champion of 2015. The stats are very interesting, not least because five winning

Special Guest on the night will be Johnny Giles.

captains will be vying for further honours, but will have to get past a formidable array of talent across the breadth of Waterford sport. Many budding stars have passed through the portals of The Park Hotel and have picked up their monthly accolade before going on to take the overall title. The inaugural winner of The Park Hotel Supreme Award was, very fittingly, Sean Kelly who ranks among the greats of Waterford Sport, but for numerical success, a still youthful Tom Queally has taken home the magnificent crystal trophy three times. He won it first in the Millennium Year, 2000 when he was the leading Irish and UK Apprentice riding for the legendary trainer, Henry Cecil. Tom was still a teenager attending the local CBS when he first mounted the podium and thereafter, his extraordinarily successful partnership with the great Frankel brought him supreme honours twice more. Legendary hurler, Tony Browne, collected on two occasions and is joined by Show Jumping’s Capt. John Ledingham; Soccer’s John O’Shea; Hurling’s Dan Shanahan and, for the last two years, the legend from the Women’s Rugby side, Niamh Briggs. After a quarter of a century, there are pages of interesting statistics, but as the final week dawns, the most sought after

nugget of information will be the name of this year’s worthy choice. Sometime before midnight on next Saturday week all will be known and the Crystal Trophy and the accolade of their peers,

together with the 25th Title will go to Waterford’s newest Supreme Sportsperson. It will be an interesting contest and only the pluckiest will lay anything more than a modest wager.

THE Park Hotel is offering readers the opportunity to win a VIP Weekend for Two in The Old Ground Hotel, Ennis, The Imperial Hotel, Cork or the New Park Hotel, Kilkenny. There is also a runners-up prize for Dinner for Two in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan. All you have to do is put your skill against our panel of Judges and choose which one of The Park Hotel Sports Stars (listed across) will be chosen Waterford’s Supreme Sports Star of 2015 at a Gala Banquet on Saturday, 23rd January, 2016. So fill in the coupon straight away and you could be one of the lucky winners. RULES 1. The employees and immediate families of The Park Hotel Group are not eligible to enter. 2. Prizes cannot be refunded for cash. 3. The Judges’ decision is binding and no correspondence will be entered into.

My choice for the Waterford Sports Star for 2015 is: Ladies rugby star Niamh Briggs who has won the Park Hotel Sports Star Award for the last two years in succession.

Park Hotel Monthly Award Winners 1991-2015 BREAKDOWN OF MONTHLY WINNER BY SPORT Hurling (43): Paul Flynn 5, Kevin Moran 4, Ken McGrath 3, Dan Shanahan 3, Tony Browne 3, Billy O’Sullivan 2, Eoin Kelly 2, John Mullane 2, Stephen Bennett 2, Sean Daly 1, Mick Mahony 1, Gerald McCarthy 1, Padraig Fanning 1, Pat Fitzgerald 1, Fergal Hartley 1, Nicky Cashin 1, Michael Walsh 1, Justin McCarthy 1, David O’Sullivan 1, Craig Maloney 1, Noel Connors 1, Maurice Shanahan 1, Philip Mahony 1, Wayne Hutchinson 1, Kieran Power 1, Patrick Curran 1, Tom Devine 1, Kevin Daly 1, Owen Connors 1. Athletics (43): Kelly Proper 7, David McCarthy 6, Susan Smith 4, Kate Veale 3, Thomas Barr 3, John Treacy 2, William Harty 2, Jamie Costin 2, Bríd Golden 2, Niamh Whelan 2, Joe Gough 2, Francis Lynch 1, Derek Hayes 1, Bro. P. Lennon 1, John Hallissey 1, Mairead Murphy 1, Mairead Deevy 1, Megan and Ben Kiely 1, Jessie Barr 1. Soccer (40): John O’Shea 11, Stephen Hunt 3, Daryl Murphy 2, Tommy Lynch 2, Alfie Hale 2, Paul Power 2, Alan Kirby 2, Shane Robinson 2, Brian Murphy 2, Noel Hunt 2, Jim Goodwin 2, Brian Arrigan 1, Micheál Downey 1, Kevin Kelly 1, Mick Madigan 1, Michael Devine 1, Gary Dempsey 1, Jimmy McGeough 1, Brian O’Keeffe 1, Willie John Kiely 1 and

Kenny Browne 1. Horse Racing (29): David Casey 6, Tom Queally 6, Pat Flynn 4, Henry de Bromhead 4, Shay Barry 3, John Kiely 2, Ken Whelan 1, John Queally 1, Danny Grant, Robert Widger 1 and Mark Beecher 1. Showjumping (21): Francis Connors 10, John Ledingham 4, Anthony Condon 3, Denis Coakley 1, Peter Moloney 1, Paul Beecher 1 and Tholm Keane 1. Golf (21): Seamus Power 5, Gary Hurley 3, Kevin Phelan 2, Robin Dawson 2, Eddie Power 1, Michael Burns 1, Suzanne O’Brien 1, Gavin McNeill 1, Eoin Ryan 1, Justin Spratt 1, Mark Shanahan 1, Alan Thomas 1, and De La Salle College 1. Basketball (17): Gillian Hayes 3, Michael Evans 2, Gerry Fitzpatrick 2, Catherina White 2, Christina Kiely 1, Eric Blair 1, Orla Dempsey 1, Mary & Kim Fitzpatrick 1, Dean Kavanagh 1, Robert Grant 1, Michelle Aspel 1, Sinead Deegan 1. Cycling (16): Ciaran Power 7, Declan Lonergan 4, Robert Power 2, Sean Kelly 1, Stephen Spratt 1 and Rory Wyley Jnr 1. Gaelic Football (15): John Kiely 2, Shane Briggs 2, Carthach McCraith 1, Peter Ferncombe 1, Pat Walsh 1, Richie Power 1, Michael Supple 1, Michael Walsh 1, Sean Ahearne 1, John Hearne 1,

Park Hotel Sports Star Award 2015 Readers’ Competition

Maurice O’Gorman 1, Gary Hurney 1, John Moore 1, Thomas O'Gorman 1. Boxing (10): Neil Gough 8, Martin Murphy, M & K Fitzpatrick 1, James Keoghan 1 and J.P. McDonagh 1. Ladies Football (9): Michael Ryan 3, Bernie Ryan 1, Aine Wall 1, Marie Crotty 1, Catherina Casey 1, Mary O’Rourke 1, Linda Wall 1. Rugby (8): Ben Cronin 4, Liam Lannon 1, Brendan Moran, Jason Moran & John Kelsey 1. Swimming (8): Shauna O’Brien 5, Rebecca O’Meara 1, John Paul Williamson 1 & Joe Murphy 1. Rallying (6): Craig Breen 5, Ray Breen 1. Women’s Rugby (5): Niamh Briggs 5.

Rowing (3): Pat & Milo Murray

……………………………………………….. Name: ………………………………………. Address: ……………………………………. ……………………………………..………… Tel. No. (if any): ……………………………

3. Motor Cycling (3): Hilton Hincks 3. Ladies Soccer (3): Ciara Grant 3. Camogie (2): Colm Bonner & Padraig Fanning 1, Caithriona McGlone 1 Ladies Boxing (1): Lynne McEnery. Greyhound Racing (1): John O’Connor 1. Hockey (1): Roisin Foley 1. Handball (1): Barry McAndrew & Kenny Keane. Special Olympics (1): Susan McGill & Tom Scanlan. Racquetball (1): Niamh Coffey & Tristan Hickey. Total 25 Sports.

Most prolific monthly award winners 11: John O’Shea (soccer) 10: Francis Connors (showjumping). 8: Neil Gough (boxing). 7: Ciarán Power (cycling); Kelly Proper (athletics). 6: David Casey (horse racing), David McCarthy (athletics), Tom Queally (horse racing). 5: Paul Flynn (hurling), Seamus Power (golf), Niamh Briggs (rugby), Craig Breen (rallying), Shauna O'Brien (swimming). 4: Ben Cronin (rugby), Susan Smith (athletics), Declan Lonergan (rowing), Pat Flynn (horse racing), Capt. John Ledingham (showjumping), Kevin Moran (hurling), Henry de Bromhead (horse racing).

Return to :– Waterford Sports Star for 2015, c/o The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, County Waterford. Closing date for entries is Friday, 22nd January, 2016, at 10.00 a.m. RESULTS WILL BE PUBLISHED

Overall Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star award winners 1991 – Sean Kelly 1992 – Tony Browne 1993 – Eddie Power 1994 – Capt. John Ledingham 1995 – Capt. John Ledingham 1996 – Susan Smith 1997 – Neil Gough 1998 – Tony Browne 1999 – Ciarán Power 2000 – Tom Queally 2001 – Paul Flynn 2002 – Ken McGrath 2003 – John O'Shea 2004 – David Casey 2005 – Seamus Power 2006 – Dan Shanahan 2007 – Dan Shanahan 2008 – John O'Shea 2009 – Tom Queally 2010 – Tom Queally 2011 – Kate Veale 2012 – Craig Breen 2013 – Niamh Briggs 2014 – Niamh Briggs

(Cycling) (Hurling) (Golf) (Showjumping) (Showjumping) (Athletics) (Boxing) (Hurling) (Cycling) (Horse Racing) (Hurling) (Hurling) (Soccer) (Horse Racing) (Golf) (Hurling) (Hurling) (Soccer) (Horse Racing) (Horse Racing) (Athletics) (Rallying) (Rugby). (Rugby).

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

PARK HOTEL SPORTS STAR AWARDS 2015

The Park Hotel Sports Star 2015 JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

THOMAS O’GORMAN (GAELIC FOOTBALL)

JOHN KIELY (HORSE RACING)

NIAMH BRIGGS (RUGBY)

Thomas was an inspirational in defence and played a captains roles leading the Waterford Footballers to McGrath Cup victory. Victories over an All Star Cork team in the semi-finals and Sigerson Cup Holder UCC in the final helped secured the county footballers silverware for the time in over 30 years.

John Kiely is the February winner of the Park Hotel, Waterford Sports star Award. John trained Carlingford Lough to win the Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown the day after jockey Tony McCoy announced his retirement.

Niamh was in inspirational form as she captained the Women’s Irish Rugby Team to a record 73 – 3 win over Scotland to secure the RBS Six National Championship and the Triple Crown in March. She was also outstanding in the 20 nil defeat of Wales earlier in the month.

MAY

JUNE

KEVIN MORAN (GAA)

CRAIG BREEN (MOTOR RACING)

Kevin captained the Waterford Senior Hurling to the National Title in May. He led by example, with an outstanding Man of the Match performance to secure Waterford third league title and their first since 2007. This is Kevin’s fourth Park Hotel, Waterford Sports Award.

Craig won the ERC Rally Azores in Portugal, with a thrilling final stage win to secure his third ERC round win in a row. With four more rounds remaining in the ERC Championship, Craig is in a challenging position for the overall ERC Championship Title. This is Craig’s fifth Park Hotel award.

SEPTEMBER

CATHRIONA McGLONE (CAMOGIE) ANDLINDA WALL (GAELIC FOOTBALL) September belongs to ladies GAA with the Waterford Camogie team beating Kildare in the All Ireland Intermediate Final on Sunday, September 13th led by their inspirational Captain Linda Wall. Two weeks later, Waterford and Kildare did it all again but on this occasion it was All Ireland Intermediate Football Final. This time it was the turn of Captain Caithriona McGlone to inspire her team victory.

JULY

APRIL

THOMAS BARR (ATHLETICS)

DARYL MURPHY (SOCCER)

Thomas Barr has been voted European Athlete of the Month for April, thanks to his European leading time of 49.04 set when winning the 400 metres hurdles at the Tom Jones Classic in Gainesville USA. This time qualifies Thomas for the Beijing World Championships in August.

Darryl had an outstanding season in the Championship, finishing with 27 league goals, the top league goal scorer in the Championship and the top league goals across all the English leagues. He was the Ipswich Town player of the year.

AUGUST

THOMAS BARR (ATHLETICS)

GARY HURLEY (GOLF)

Thomas became the first Irish athlete since Sonia O’Sullivan to win gold at the World University Championships. In a close, tense race, Thomas powered over the final hurdle, kicking away in the final 20 metres to secure victory in a time of 48.78 seconds. Thomas will compete in this month’s World Championships.

Gary was outstanding at the European Amateur Golf Championships, shooting 18 under par for the tournament to win the silver medal. Gary’s excellent performance, combined with his consistency all year secured him a place on the prestigious Walker Cup team for the championship at Lytham & St. Anne. This is Gary’s third Park Hotel award.

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

SHAUNA O’BRIEN (SWIMMING)

HENRY DE BROMHEAD (HORSE RACING)

SINEAD DEEGAN (BASKETBALL)

It was an amazing weekend for UCD swimmers at the Manchester International swim meet led by Waterford’s Shauna O’Brien. Shauna broke Irish records three times during the event. She claimed records in the 50m and 100m fly events – breaking the Irish record on the 50m butterfly in 26:98, then again in the final in 26:76.

Henry De Bromhead is the winner of the November Park Hotel, Waterford Sports Star Award. Henry had an outstanding month with 5 horses from his stables in the winners enclosures. His biggest win of the month came at Newcastle with Identity Thief winning the Grade One Fighting Fifth National Hunt Hurdle. This is Henry’s 4th Park Hotel Sports Awards

Sinead Deegan is the winner of the December Park Hotel, Waterford Sports Star Award. Sinead captained the Wildcats to back-to-back victories in December and helped them secured a place at the National Cup Semifinals against UL Huskies. Sinead was also selected for the Irish Basketball Squad.

10 & 11

AWARDS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Patricia Jackman wins the WLR FM/Granville Hotel GAA award for 2015 PATRICIA Jackman was announced as the overall winner of the WLR FM/Granville Hotel Gaa award for 2015 on Saturday night in the Granville Hotel. Kilkenny's D. J. Carey made the announcement at the Gala event in the City where 11 monthly awards winners in contention for the outright honour. Patricia had already received the monthly award for August after she won the All-Ireland Puc fada title for a 7th year in-a-row and had also helped the team win through to the All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie final after a superb comeback against Meath in the semi-final. The Gaultier player was in shock when her

name was read out as the overall winner but after gathering her thoughts she admitted it was an brilliant end to a remarkable season for her: "Getting up the steps in Croke Park and winning the All-Ireland final was an amazing achievement. Honestly for anyone who hasn't done it just keep working at it because it's the best feeling in the World and I've no doubt that plenty more Waterford teams are going to win there in the future. It was a great privilege to play with the girls we'd on the team and people kept asking me why I was coming home, it was just to play with those girls and how could you not look forward

to going training with them, so it was definitely winning the All- Ireland with the team that was the highlight of the year." Patricia had earlier explained to the audience that she had made 46 trips back and forth from Lincoln University to Waterford for training and playing throughout the year. The 24 year is currently studying for a PhD and will remain based in England for the next few months. Special guest on the night D. J. Carey said her dedication to her sport left him in no doubt that she was a most deserving winner: "Absolutely, she epitomises what the GAA is all about and her commitment is nothing short of

phenomenal. I think Patricia is a wonderful role model for Camogie and for Waterford sport in general." Jackie Cusack from the Granville Hotel presented Patricia with a specially engraved piece of Waterford Crystal while she also received a weekend away as she became the first woman to claim the outright award. The other 10 monthly award winners who were also present on the night were Tadgh De Burca, Pauric Mahony, Kevin Moran, Maurice Shanahan, Michael Walsh, David O'Sullivan, Beth Carton, Aileen Wall, Maurice O'Gorman and Shane Lannon.

DJ Carey pictured with June winner Maurice Shanahan along with Pauline, Chloe, Mary and Brian Shanahan and Katie Redden. Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Cummins and guest speaker, DJ Carey are pictured with January winner, Maurice O’Gorman. Also included are Thomas and Kay O’Gorman, Clare O’Mahoney, Hannah and Michael Morrissey. [Noel Browne]

DJ Carey pictured with November winner Shane Lannon, also included are, Maurice and Mary Lannon, Gerry and Elaine Casey and Majella Walsh. [Noel Browne]

September winner, Aileen Wall is pictured with Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Cummins and guest speaker, DJ Carey along with family members, Mairead, Linda, Eamonn, Mary and Vincent Wall and Grainne Enright. [Noel Browne]

Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Cummins, guest speaker; D. J. Carey, Jackie Cusack, Granville Hotel and Liz Reddy, WLR FM are pictured with the overall winner of the 2015 WLR FM/Granville Hotel GAA Award, Patricia Jackman and the other monthly winners, Tadgh O’Sullivan on behalf of David O’Sullivan, Michael Walsh, Pauric Mahony, Maurice O’Gorman, Beth Carton, Maurice Shanahan, Tadgh de Búrca, Kevin Moran, Aileen Wall and Shane Lannon. [Noel Browne]

July winner, Michael Walsh pictured with Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Cummins and guest speaker, DJ Carey, Liz Reddy, WLR FM and Cllr. Liam Brazil. [Noel Browne]

Patricia Jackman, the overall winner of the WLR FM/Granville Hotel GAA Award for 2015 pictured with the May Monthly winner, Beth Carton and members of the Waterford County Camogie Board 2015, Roisín Hartley, PRO, Ita Murphy, Chairperson and John C. Flood.

Guest speaker DJ Carey pictured with David and Helen Dickenson, Martha, Aisling and John C. Flood.

The overall winner of the WLR FM/Granville Hotel GAA Award for 2015, Patricia Jackman receiving her trophy from DJ Carey. Also pictured are, Liam Cusack and Jackie Cusack, Granville Hotel; Mayor of Waterford City & County Council, Cllr. John Cummins and Liz Reddy, WLR FM. [Noel Browne]

[Noel Browne]

The Stradbally GAA Club were well represented at the awards with monthly winners, Michael Walsh and Shane Lannon. Also included were, Pat Curran, Niall Cusack, Liam O’Brien, Luke Casey, John Halpin, Maurice Lannon and Eoin Cunningham. [Noel Browne]

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Gaelic Jottings Weekend games rained off IF nothing else, the weather is consistent for the past few months and it forced the postponement of last Sunday’s County Under 21 ‘A’ hurling final between Dungarvan and De La Salle and the County’s two tournament games against Cork (F) and Limerick (H) respectively. The hurling game was originally scheduled for Carrigbeg and later Kill but a pitch inspection on Saturday confirmed the majority viewpoint that the game would not be going ahead. The Board has announced that the game will now be played at a date that will suit both clubs and this will be later rather than sooner as the Western champions have three players emigrating to America for a few months so it looks as if it will be scheduled close to the first two rounds of the club senior hurling championship. Waterford’s hurling game has been rescheduled for Carriganore on Tuesday, January 19th at 7.30 p.m. and in the meantime, Derek McGrath’s charges will play Cork in Mallow this Wednesday night, January 13th at 7.30 p.m. and Clare in Carriganore this Sunday, January 17th at 2 p.m. The new date for the postponed McGrath Cup game is this Thursday, January 14th in Mallow at 8 p.m. while this Sunday, January 17th, Tom McGlinchey’s men head to Rathkeale to play Limerick at 2 p.m.

County Board Meetings A SPECIAL meeting of the County Board took place last Monday, January 11th at 7 p.m. The only item on the agenda was the proposals on the structure of the Senior All-Ireland Football Championships which will be considered by Ard Comhairle at its meeting on the 16th of January. Each county is requested to discuss the proposals in order to determine its views. The County Board meetings of the 18th and 25th of January will proceed as schedule. (See more details on page 13).

Féile Na Gael deadline CLUBS are reminded that the final date for the return of Garda Vetting Forms for this year’s Feile in Waterford is Sunday, January 31st.

Affiliations Meeting THE Western Board’ team affiliation meeting will take place in Lawlors Hotel this Thursday evening, January 14th at 7 pm.

Regradings THE final date to forward player regradings for 2016 is Friday, March 4th. Because of a motion passed at the recent County Convention, players who didn’t play last year are not required to be regraded.

Concussion Guidelines THE GAA’s medical, scientific and welfare committee (MSW) have released information on a number of issues of relevance to the Association

including statistics from their injury database, guidelines on how to deal with concussion and new anti doping policies which which have been in place since January 1st. Symptoms of concussion have been listed as Headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, double/blurry vision, sensitivity to light, feeling hazy or groggy, just not feeling right, memory problems and pressure in head. Regarding the treatment of concussion, step number 1 is for all concerned to recognise the signs and the symptoms of it and if suspicious that it has occurred to report it and not hide it. Recovery begins with rest and medical guidance before the return to play protocol and getting medical clearance.

Colleges Fixtures DE La Salle will play Nenagh CBS in the quarter-final of the Harty Cup today Wednesday, January 13th in Kilmallock at 1.30 p.m. and on the same day Dungarvan CBS play Glanmire in the quarter-final of the Munster ‘B’ Hurling championship in Killeagh at 12.30 p.m.

Changes to rule on age grades A REMINDER to clubs that as of 1st January, 2016 the following changes to Rule 6.16 (Age Grades) apply: A player who wishes to play Adult Club must be over 17 years. A player who wishes to play Adult Inter-County must be over 18 years. A player who wishes to play Under 21 Club - must be under 21 and over 16 years. A player who wishes to play InterCounty Under 21 must be under 21 years and over 18 years. Please note: in order to play for a club adult team a player must have celebrated his 17th birthday prior to the 1st of January, 2016.

Patricia wins Granville Award PATRICIA Jackman was named the overall winner of the WLR FM Granville Hotel GAA awards 2015. The Gaultier player was a part of Waterford's AllIreland winning Intermediate camogie side. She also claimed the All-Ireland Poc Fada title for the seventh time. She was also part of the Ashbourne Cup winning team with WIT earlier in the year and amazingly maintained such high standards despite being based in the UK where she's studying for a PhD.

Murphy retires again TWO-TIME All-Ireland winner Brian Murphy has called time on his Cork career for a second time. Murphy stepped away from inter-county hurling in March 2014 but Jimmy Barry-Murphy coaxed the defender back in May of the following year. He started in the Rebels' All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Galway last summer. The 33-year-old Bride Rovers man, the last remaining player from the 2005 All-Ireland-winning panel, has now left the fold once again. Kieran Kingston took over from BarryMurphy in October. He served as a selector under the former manager from 2012 to 2014 and now must plan for life without the seasoned full-back.

The St. Anne’s Camogie Club girls pictured with the All-Ireland and National League Cups at the medal presentation ceremony in the Park Hotel. [Noel Browne]

Galvin gone too PAUL Galvin will not be returning to the Kerry football set-up for the season ahead, manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice has confirmed. The 36-year-old, who came out of retirement last March and was introduced as a second-half sub in the All-Ireland final defeat to Dublin, is the sole departure from the Kingdom panel. Fitzmaurice, speaking after the threepoint defeat at home to Clare in what was their first competitive outing of the New Year, confirmed that Marc Ó Sé and Aidan O’Mahony (both 35) would again be part of the group in 2016. It marks the second time Galvin’s retirement has been announced after he previously called it a day in February 2014. Galvin made a sensational return last March to the Kerry set-up, although injuries hampered his 2015 campaign. However, he did add an eighth Munster title to his collection, which includes four All-Irelands and three National Leagues. Galvin was also recognised with three All-Stars and the Player of the Year award in 2009.

Tipp’s start to the year TIPPERARY hurlers would likely have competed in this month’s Munster Senior Hurling League had they known it was going to be played on a roundrobin basis. A decision was taken by the board and Michael Ryan’s management not to enter before the Munster Council chose to give each of the five participating counties five games over the space of 22 days between last Sunday week and January 24. Tipperary began their season in the JK Brackens pitch in Templemore last Sunday when they played Offaly. Tipperary open their Division 1A against

Dublin in Thurles on Saturday, February 13th, while Tipperary native Eamonn Kelly’s first league game in charge of Offaly will come against Clare the following day in Ennis.

Scór na Seachtaine SHANE McNulty’s long range pointed free for De La Salle in the 47th minute of their Eastern under 21 ‘A’ hurling final against Mt. Sion in Carriganore.

Munster Colleges Quarter-Final Draws DR. HARTY CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW The Pairings for the Dr. Harty Cup Quarter-finals on the 13/1/2016 will be as follows; Fixture A Ard Scoil Rís V St. Francis College, Rochestown Fixture B CBC Cork V St. Colmans, Fermoy Fixture C Our Lady’s Templemore V Castletroy CC Fixture D Nenagh CBS V DLS, Waterford Please note that the winner of fixture A will meet the winner of fixture B in the semi-final of the competition and the winner of fixture C will meet the winner of fixture D in the semi-final. CORN UI MHUIRI QUARTER-FINAL DRAW The Pairings for the Corn Uí Mhuirí Quarter finals on the 20/1/2016 will be as follows; Fixture A PS SL Rathmore V St Flannans College Fixture B St Brendans V PS Chorca Dhuibhne Fixture C St Francis College Rochestown V Clonakilty CC Fixture D Col Cholim Ballincollig V HS Clonmel

Please note that the winner of fixture A will meet the winner of fixture B in the semi-final of the competition and the winner of fixture C will meet the winner of fixture D in the other semi-final.

Sympathy THE Observer extends its sincere sympathy to a number of families who suffered bereavements over the Christmas season. John Crotty was a key figure in the Rathgormack club and previously with Kilrossanty in his playing days. John played under 21 football for the county in 1970. Michael ‘Bonzo’ Tobin was yet another of his family who gave outstanding service to the GAA. A former officer and player with the Shamrocks, ‘Bonzo’ trained the club’s Intermediate hurlers to the 1972 County title and he was very much involved with the Midleton club for a number of years and a great supporter of Waterford teams. Patsy O’Brien was father of Mary Fahey who is very much involved in the Kilgobinet club with her husband Matty and family and the late Anthony Hayes was also a player with the club and, of course, proprietor of ‘Hayes the Pike’ with his wife Gertie where many a game was replayed in years gone by. Anthony’s sons won senior football championship medals with Kilrossanty in the 1980’s. Eamonn McCarthy played in senior football county final with Dungarvan in the 1950’s and he was a member of the Waterford football panel that defeated Kerry in the famous 1957 game in Walsh Park. The McCarthy family continues a long tradition with the club to this day. Sympathy is also extended to the families of Michael Hickey (Brickeys), Margaret Dee, Aglish and Billy O’Donoghue, Cappoquin.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

66 Main Street, Dungarvan (058) 45590 nicky@mckennacomputers.com

McKenna Computers Around the GAA Clubs Club Focus

FROM THE FILES OF THE DUNGARVAN OBSERVER TWENTY YEARS AGO Saturday, January 27th, 1996 McGRATH CUP SENIOR FOOTBALL

Spirited Waterford performance

Cork …………………………………… 3-9; Waterford …………………………….. 1-7. CORK senior footballers flew in from their sun holiday on Saturday and went straight into action at the Leamybrien venue on Sunday afternoon last when they lined out a strong XV against Waterford in the McGrath Cup competition. Straight away they made their intentions perfectly clear as after Joe Kavanagh had scored an early point, Waterford attacked and full back Mark O’Connor put in a no nonsense tackle on a Waterford forward who was endeavouring to be first to a breaking ball in front of the Cork goal. Peter Ferncombe pointed the resultant free and added two further points from frees in that opening half. Waterford, playing into the dressing room goal more than held their own. But some overall elaboration cost them vital scores during this period. Yet by the 21st minute Peter Ferncombe’s third point from a free left the score at 0-4 to 0-3 in Cork’s favour.

The Cork goal survived when a Liam Dalton surge up field saw a David Burke rasper saved by the Cork ’keeper Kevin O’Dwyer. Then it was Cork’s turn to put on the pressure as in the 25th minute big full forward Colin Corkery rattled the net with corner forward Mark O’Sullivan driving past stand-in ’keeper Brian Kirwan in the 30th minute to leave the half-time score at 2-5 to 0-3. On the turnover, Cork goaled in their first attack when substitute Paul McGrath’s shot ended in the net for a softish goal. Waterford quickly replied as their best forward Peter Ferncombe got in for a goal, 3-5 to 1-3. For the remainder of the half, both teams added four points each to leave the final score at 3-9 to 1-7 as Cork, noticeably tired in the final quarter, held out to defeat a very spirited Waterford performance. Cork scorers: C. Corkery 1-2, M. O’Sullivan and P. McGrath 1-1 each, J. Kavanagh 0-2, P. O’Mahony, M. Cronin and M. Moran 0-1 each. Waterford scorers: P. Ferncombe 1-3; M. Power 0-2, M. Kiely and T. Doonar 0-1 each. Cork: K. O’Dwyer; M. Farr, M. O’Connor, D. O’Callaghan; C. O’Sullivan, B. Corcoran, K. Cowhig; D. Culloty, L. Honohan; M. Cronin, S. O’Brien, P. O’Mahony; J. Kavanagh, C. Corkery, M. O’Sullivan. Subs: M. Moran for M. Cronin; P. McGrath for C. Corkery; D. Davis for P. O’Mahony. Waterford: B. Kirwan; D. Crotty, M. Fenton, B. Whelan; L. Dalton, N. Geary, M. Kiely; M. Power, R. Power; M. O’Brien, S. Bergin, S. Cunningham; P. Ferncombe, D. Burke, B. Kearney. Subs: T. Doonar for S. Bergin; G. Walsh for L. Dalton. Referee: T. Lonergan (Tipperary).

McGrath’s Newsagents MITCHEL STREET, DUNGARVAN 058-41661 Newspapers • Sweets • General Grocery

Teams of Times Gone By WATERFORD SENIOR HURLING TEAM TWENTY YEARS AGO Game: Challenge. Opposition: UCC. Venue: Gortroe. Referee: John Michael Kelly (Shamrocks). Date: Sunday, February 19th, 1996. Half Time Score: UCC 0-12; Waterford 03. Full Time Score: Waterford 3-12; UCC 1-16. R. Barry; D. Ryan, G. Harris, M. O’Sullivan; P. Power, S. Cullinane, T. Feeney; J. Brenner, G. O’Shea; A. Qualter, S. Daly, M. Mahony; D. Shanahan, J. Beresford, M. Hickey. Subs: R. Whitty for R. Barry, F. Hartley for M. Mahony, R. O’Sullivan for P. Power. Scorers: M. Hickey 1-3, J. Brenner 0-5, S. Daly and D. Shanahan 1-1 each, G. O’Shea and J. Beresford 0-1 each.

Forde’s

GAA

Youghal Road, Dungarvan, Co Waterford. 087 2674890 Dungarvanstatoil@cablesurf.com

FORDE’S DAYBREAK FORECAST CORNER McGrath Cup Senior Football: Cork v (Waterford), Limerick v (Waterford). Munster Senior Hurling League: Waterford v (Limerick), Waterford v (Cork), Waterford v (Clare). Harty Cup: Nenagh CBS V (De La Salle). Munster Senior ‘B’ Hurling QF: Dungarvan CBS V (Glanmire).

Taking part in the Kill GAA Long Puck were Richard and Christopher Mahoney with Brian Phelan, [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport] Butlerstown and De La Salle.

IT has been a busy time of late for clubs holding their AGM’s and selecting their officers for the coming year. Filling the full list of positions in a club can be a difficult task at the best of times with very few prepared to get involved while yet others aren’t slow during the year to criticise those who do the work on their behalf. Out Fourmilewater way, Muiris Walsh is the new club secretary succeeding Eimear Casey while Billy Walsh remains in the Chair and Thomas Kelly is treasurer. Their sister club, Nire will be led this year by Tom Guiry with David Nugent as secretary. Paudie Coffey is the chairman in Portlaw as the Tannery club return to senior hurling ranks and Dermot O’Callaghan returns as chairman of Dungarvan juveniles with Eleanor O’Dwyer coming in as the new secretary. They replace Megan Daly and Deirdre Daly respectively. On the other side of the bridge, Bernard Shields and Jonathon Donovan continue in their respective positions at adult level while Joe Cleary is the new Juvenile chairman following the retirement of Michael Ferncombe. Similarly, Tim Bourke, John Foley and Billy O’Halloran remain in the key positions in Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg. Liam Mulcahy continues as chairman in Tallow as does Tony Ryan in Dungarvan and Brendan Mooney in Kill. Joanne Daly and Diarmuid Curran fill the positions of secretary and treasurer in Dungarvan as do Emma Gallagher and Michelle Murphy in Kill. Lindsay Murphy and Mairead Sheehan will do the

Lindsay Murphy, Secretary Tallow GAA Club

Johnny Baldwin, Treasurer Shamrocks GAA Club.

Pat Fennell, Chairman Stradbally GAA Club.

needful for Tallow in these positions. Kilrossanty have Emmet Doherty, Pierce Connell and Noel P. Walsh in charge of their footballers again this year with Kevin Lonergan, Jason Dee and Liam Brazil leading the way in the committee room. The Comeragh club also make a return to the junior hurling championship in 2016. The Conway cup was in Stradbally for their AGM for the 9th time since the turn of the century and Pat Fennell once again leads the way for the Reds as chairman for 2016. Tourin will field in the Junior hurling ‘A’ grade and J. D. and Kevin Leahy continue as chairman and secretary. Noel Conway takes over the chair in Ardmore from Declan Hennessy who has been in this position in the club on four different occasions. Out Brickey way Mary McGrath is the new treasurer following the completion of Eoghan Drea’s term with John Harnedy and Matt Kiely continuing as chairman and secretary. Cian O’Halloran is the PRO for the Bushy Park club in 2016. Neighbours

Ballinameela had the Intermediate football cups in the club for their AGM last Sunday and they have a new chairman in James Maher and a new treasurer in Jason McGrath. They replace Declan Glavin and Finbarr Harrington repectively, who have successfully guided the club in recent years. Shane McGovern continues as club secretary. At the Shamrocks 63rd AGM, Johnny Baldwin presented his 46th treasurer’s report which covered three different currencies in his time. Chairman Liam Ahearne and secretary Ann O’Keeffe, along with Johnny continue in their roles as chairman and secretary respectively. Ned Heffernan heads into his third year as chairman in Cappoquin/ Affane with a Munster Intermediate hurling title under his belt with Maria Scanlan and Martin Power continuing as secretary and treasurer respectively. Fellow Parish club, Modeligo have a new chairman in J. P. Ryan, succeeding Tom Byrnes after his successful term as the former

Munster junior champions enter their 39th year. Katie Barry and John Fitzgerald complete the trio of main officers. Barry Hazlewood and Conor Prendergast will manage the club’s hurling and football teams respectively again this year. Colligan/ Emmetts have a new secretary in Kevin Casey as Gerry Quinlan completes a hard working four year stint with Patsy Coffey and Pa Drohan remaining as chairman and treasurer respectively. Kieran O’Gorman returns as team manager and trainer of both codes in the club. The Melleray/Glen Rovers AGM was held just before the new year and John O’Dwyer, Sharon Power and Michael Rawlings continue in the key officer positions. Marie McDonald is the new secretary for the Sliabh gCua /St. Mary’s Club replacing J. P. Fitzpatrick after his five year term. Chairman Brendan Tobin and treasurer Tom Condon are back at the helm again in 2016 as will Maurice Geary as hurling trainer. News on other clubs next week.

COUNTY BOARD MEETING

Football Championship Proposals BACKGROUND At the Ard Chomhairle meeting of 23rd May, a number of delegates raised the issue of whether the current football championship structure ‘best meets the needs of less successful counties’. It was agreed to invite proposals from Counties and interested parties. 18 proposals were received and at the Ard Chomhairle meeting of 14 November, a discussion took place to try and agree broad principles. The meeting agreed broadly that: • the current Provincial championship structure be retained • any proposed alterations to the championship should not involve additional games to the current structure • the feasibility of a second championship for less successful counties be explored. Based on this and the proposals received, CCCC were asked to make recommendations to Coiste Bainisti’s December meeting with a view to selecting a reduced number of proposals to be put to Ard Chomhairle for their 16th January meeting. CCCC considered the various proposals at two lengthy meetings on November 26th and December 1st. SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSALS As mentioned in total 18 proposals were received. They did vary significantly but can be broadly summarised based on key principles: • The vast majority - 16 - sought to retain the Provincial Championships,

though many sought for them to be played over a shorter period of time • 11 suggested the need for a 2nd tier competition • Only 6 proposed a Round Robin element, with groups of four being the most common, although groups of 6 and 3 were also proposed. • Most of those that suggested Round Robin Groupings or a 2nd Tier competition - 11 in total - suggested that seeding for these should be via the Allianz Leagues. • 2 proposed the abolition of the Allianz Leagues to allow for the Provincial or All-Ireland Championships to be played as lengthy Round Robin competitions (i.e. 6 team groups etc.). In addition to the views expressed at Central Council, the CCCC considering the various proposals bore a number of additional practical considerations in mind. 1. Scheduling (to give an example - 9 proposals wouldn’t start the qualifiers/AllIreland championship until after the Provincial championships are completed). This would be entirely impractical and would lead to a longer intercounty championship season with most Counties being still involved well into August. The implications for clubs would be enormous. 2. The football championships do not exist on a stand alone basis and the practical implications of ‘Fixture Heavy’ proposals or ones which cold not be developed without impacting on the pro-

motion of hurling had to be considered as part of C.C.C.C.’s deliberations. Taking into account all of the above, the C.C.C.C. are recommending three specific proposals for further consideration of Ard Chomhairle. We feel these three represent a crosssection of those submitted and cover the three main types of proposals (i.e. ‘graded’ qualifiers, a round-robin system, and a second tier competition). The specific proposals are: 1. Proposal 8: This is a proposal that examines ‘graded’ entry to the qualifiers. Given how this discussion began - i.e. that the current system is not best serving the weaker counties - and given that more than one of the proposals looked at this, it is important we look at how a graded entry into the qualifiers might work 2. Proposal 17: This is a Round Robin proposal and was one of two thought provoking submissions in this regard (the other coming from Longford). This one C.C.C.C. felt was the more practical of the two. 3. Proposal 18: This outlines how a 2nd Tier Championship might work in conjunction with the existing qualifiers. It is important to reiterate that 11 of the 18 proposals did propose a 2nd Tier championship and C.C.C.C. felt this proposal represented the best way of doing this. It is our view that the above three proposals incorporate all of the key prin-ciples across the wider range of submissions.

GAA CLUB NOTES

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Sliabh Marys gCua/St. Mary's SliabhgCua/St. THE PLAYERS’ “BIG BREAKFAST” The Players would like to sincerely thank everyone who came along to Touraneena Community Centre on December 27th for their very own ‘unique’ fundraiser. The crowd that showed up on the day was overwhelming, neither players nor committee could have predicted such success. Approximately 250 breakfasts were served on the day. To each and everyone along with our sponsors who supported the day, we are most appreciative. Finally, we would like to thank the players who put in huge effort to the event, leaving no stone upturned, ensuring a fantastic morning. Thanks guys!! PAT WALSH TOPS THE TABLE Our 2015 GAA Sports Prediction draw came to a close in December. The Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s executive committee would like to congratulate Pat Walsh on winning the €1,000 top prize. Also, congratulation’s must go out to 2nd place Eamonn Power (€200), joint 3rd place Thomas Keane & Barry Curtin/Paul Breen (€50 each). The 4th to 10th place free entry winners are; Anthony Qualter, Colin O'Gorman, John Fahey, Aiden Fitzpatrick, Brian Long, Bobby & Eileen Power, Robert, Elma, Seamus & Grainne. Well done to all….. All entries and final standing league positions can be viewed our website. 2016 PREDICTION QUIZ LAUNCHED The 2016 Sports prediction quiz was launched during The Players ‘Big Breakfast’ recently. With some new ‘Intriguing’ questions in this year’s quiz, huge interest is already being expressed. Prediction sheets are available from Mush Keane (087 9634993), Brendan Tobin (087 2701947), J. P. Fitzpatrick (086 1909980) or from any executive committee member, player and alternatively can be downloaded from our website sliabhgcuastmarys.com “LITTLE BOB’S TRACTOR RUN” A HUGE SUCCESS No stone was left unturned by the organising committee of the “Little Bob’s Tractor Run”. As an appreciation to the late Robbie Power, who died in tragic circumstances in 2011, its obvious by the support shown, the effect that “Little Bob” had on people’s lives. The event seems to grow yearly. Leaving the community centre at 1pm in atrocious weather conditions, 110 tractors completed the Bleantis route and back to Touraneena. Other than the 110 tractors taken part, many people also donated to the cause. Congratulations to everyone involved and to anyone who contributed in any way to the day, you outdid yourselves once more. AN APPRECIATION FROM THE NAOMH BRID CLUB Naomh Brid had a fantastic response to their ‘Annual Quiz Night’ in Deckies Bar. A sincere appreciation to all those who supported the club on the night..... Now let’s look forward to what will hopefully be another successful year in 2016. PORT LAIRGE FOOTBALL LEAGUE CAMPAIGN Tom McGlinchy’s Waterford side begin their league campaign come the month’s end. We wish them the best of luck in the following fixtures. 31/01/16 - County Grounds, Aughrim at 14:00 Cill Mhantáin v Port Láirge. 07/02/16 - Fraher Field, Dungarvan at 14:00 Port Láirge v An Lú. 28/02/16 - Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow at 14:00 Ceatharlach v Port Láirge. 05/03/16 - Fraher Field, Dungarvan at 19:00 Port Láirge v Loch Garman. 13/03/16 - Corrigan Park, Belfast at 14:00 Aontroim v Port Láirge. 27/03/16 - Fraher Field, Dungarvan at 13:00 Port Láirge v Londain. 03/04/16 - Fraher Field, Dungarvan at 13:30 Port Láirge v Liatroim. CAN THE DEISE RETAIN HURLING’S LEAGUE TITLE? Derek McGrath’s Waterford side clinched the league title in 2015, and created exciting hype in the county. Not a easy task by any means, Can Waterford retain their title this year?? The following is the task in hand: 14/02/16 - Walsh Park, Waterford at 14:00 Port Láirge v Cill Chainnigh. 20/02/16 - Pairc Uí Rinn, Cork at 19:00 Corcaigh v Port Láirge. 06/03/16 - Semple Stadium, Thurles at 14:30 Tiobraid Árann v Port Láirge. 13/03/16 - Walsh Park, Waterford at 14:00 Port Láirge v Áth Cliath. 20/03/16 - Walsh Park, Waterford 14:00 Port Láirge v Gaillimh. 02+03/04/16 - Quarter Finals (A) Top Team 1A v 4th Team (B) 2nd Team 1A v 3rd Team 1B C) 3rd Team 1A v 2nd Team 1B (D) 4th Team 1A v Top Team 1B Relegation Play of 5th Team 1A v 6th Team 1A HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY The Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s GAA club would like to wish Alice Burke Touraneena, a very happy birthday as she turned 90 years of age during the Christmas period. Alice has done remarkable work within the parish over many decades, to wish we are genuinely appreciative. Alice cele-

Sliabh gCua/St. Mary’s GAA Club players who served up 250 breakfasts in Touraneena Community Centre on December 27th last in a very unique fundraiser.

brated with family & friends. SCOR NA nOG Extreme congratulations are expressed to the Sliabh gCua Instrumental Group of Ellen O’Gorman, Dearbhla Hallahan, Seamus O’Gorman, Joseph Mannion & Sean Walsh who were crowned Munster Champions at the recent Scor Na Nog held in Cappoquin on Sunday. Historically, it’s the first time a Waterford group have has such success. The group now go on to perform in the INEC Centre in Killarney on January 30th in the All-Ireland final. The club would like to wish them every success in the final, please give this fantastic young group your support. Also, our heartiest commiserations are extended to the Sliabh gCua Figure Dancers who were competing in the Munster Scór na nÓg final in Cappoquin but unfortunately failed to qualify for the All Ireland. Hard luck girls… TOURANEENA RUNNERS’ WINTER LEAGUE – A NEW & FITTER YOU FOR 2016 Touraneena Runner’s winter League continues each Monday at 7pm from Kirwan Park. Please note that newcomers are always welcome to come along and either run/walk with the group. The league is run on a handicap basis, so it may be won by a walker or runner, everyone has an equal opportunity. Also, should you not want to enter the league basis, you may come along for the fun. €2 per night which goes toward the development of the Kirwan Park track. Hi-Vis & head/hand torch essential. For any information, contact Mush Keane at 087 9634993. SLIABH gCUA/ST. MARY’S GAA CLUB 2016 President: Piery Butler Chairman: Brendan Tobin Vice Chairman: J. P. Fitzpatrick Secretary: Marie McDonald Vice Secretary: Stephen Coffey Treasurer: Tom Condon Vice Secretary: Tom Whelan P.R.O.: Mush Keane Culture & Language: Kay Ware Players Rep.: Kevin Sheehan Youth Officer: James Condon Development Officer: Mike Murray Child Protection Officer: Kay Tobin Deise Draw Co-ordinator: Sinead Condon Insurance Officer: JP Fitzpatrick Committee: Tom Power & Aiden Fitzpatrick Football Manager: Mike Murray Hurling Manager: John Hallinan Football Captain: Conor Tobin Vice Football Captain: Jason Sheehan Hurling Captain: Eoin Kearns Vice Hurling Captain: JJ Coffey.

TOTAL BODY FITNESS FOR BEGINNERS Trevor Connolly of “Total Body Fitness” is hoping to start up a beginner’s class, possibly on a Saturday morning in Touraneena Community Centre. Should you be interested, please book your spot with Trevor by ringing/texting 0873185833. Any enquiries will be totally confidential. Also, should you want to come along to the Tues/Thurs class at 7pm, everyone is welcome. €10 per class. All fitness levels catered for, beginner to advanced.

Kill Kill CLUB LOTTO Dunphy’s Bar was the venue for the latest draw in the club Lotto last Monday night, 4th January, where a jackpot worth €10,000 was up for grabs. Unfortunately, we had no winner, but

we had a couple of Match 3’s. Bernie O'Brien, Carrickphilip and Pat Hoare, Coel Na Mara, had 3 of the 4 numbers drawn and so both have the consolation of taking home €25 each. For the record the numbers drawn were 6, 8, 17, 27. Next week Kirwan’s host the draw. NATIONAL DRAW Just a reminder that the GAA National Draw tickets are currently in circulation and can be got from any committee member. Priced at €10, the club receives the full amount, with the draw taking place in March. MEMBERSHIP A reminder to all that membership for 2016 is due in the coming weeks. It’s €50 for adults and €20 for students and it can be paid to our membership Officer, Neil Mulcahy or Treasurer Michelle Murphy. For players their is a strict 'no pay no play’ policy in force this year.

Kilmacthomas Kilmacthomas UNDERAGE Kilmacthomas will be playing with St. Mary’s this coming year, underage. I think this will be great for all clubs going forward. Kilmacthomas was with Ballyduff for a few years and had a great time together. HURLING We are pleased to say we will be playing adult hurling this year after a lapse of a few years. We have some great hurlers coming through and it is only fair to give them a chance.

Tramore EASTERN U-21 HURLING FINAL At the moment there is no definite fixture for this game. However, the club expects it to go ahead next Sunday, 17th January subject to weather conditions and the availability of a pitch. JUVENILE AGM We are holding our Juvenile AGM on Friday, 22nd January at 7 pm in the Club Meeting Room. JUVENILE AWARDS NIGHT Our Juvenile Awards Night will be held on Saturday, 30th January at 6 pm. LOTTO The next draw takes place on Wednesday, 13 January, when the Jackpot will be a whopping €6,400. Tickets €2 each are on sale in the usual outlets. There was no winner of the €6,300 Jackpot in last Wednesday week's draw. The numbers drawn were 1, 6, 11 and 23. Lucky Dip Winners of €40 each were Cathy Dunphy, Crobally; Mary Dalton, c/o Padraig Woods and Danielle Power, Cluain Mhor. Thanks to all who support the Lotto. SOCIAL DANCE NIGHT Social Dancing continues again in Tramore GAA Club Centre this Friday night, 15th January with Pat Hayes & Band. Dancing from 9.30 pm till late. SOCIAL DANCE CLASSES Learn to Waltz and many more dances. Get fit and have fun while you learn to dance. Classes will be held every Tuesday night and starting this Tuesday night 12th January in Tramore GAA Centre from 7.30 pm to 9.00 pm. For more information contact Yvonne 0872448535. CLUB NOTES If any person in the club wants to be included in the mailing list for the weekly notes please send an email to Club Pro. The email address is

pro.tramore.waterford@gaa.ie. ASTROTURF AND HALL Open to Clubs and Children's Parties, for further information, contact our Sports and Social Manager, Charlie Ryan at 086-8232021. BINGO In the Club every Monday at 8 pm. All are welcome. CARDS Mary Halley, Nicky Power and Liz Halley beat Jack O'Brien, Greg Tobin and Noel Cullen in last week's final. Cards every Friday, at 9.30 pm and all are welcome. Friday draw winners were Gerry Lynch and Tom Flynn. Recent Bonus Ball winners were Frankie Walsh and Kathleen Byrne.

Modeligo GAA NATIONAL CLUB DRAW 2016 All committee members now have tickets available for this year's draw. The draw takes place on Friday, March 11th, with 14 absolutely fantastic prizes on offer, including the top prize of a new Opel Corsa! Tickets priced €10 each, available from all committee members of Modeligo GAA Club, or for further details contact Micheal Power, (P.R.O.) on 0872892116 or John Fitzgerald (Treasurer) on 0877696510. INDOOR HURLING Indoor Hurling sessions for the kids attending Modeligo Primary School have recommenced after the Christmas break and will continue on Friday evenings in the Community Centre from 6:30 pm onwards, with each group starting at all their usual times. NAOMH BRÍD TABLE QUIZ The committee of our Juvenile Club, Naomh Bríd, wish to thank everyone for their generous support for their Annual Fundraising Table Quiz which was held recently in Deckies. Once again, this event proved to be a great success for the club, which is only made possible by the continued support given each year.

Stradbally AGM: There was a huge turn-out for the AGM which was held on Sunday, January 3rd. There was much lively debate with a lot of valid points being made. The following officers were elected for 2016 at the AGM and at a subsequent Committee meeting held on Tuesday, January 5th: Chairman: Pat Fennell. Vice Chair: Robin Aherne Secretary: Ann Navin Assistant secretary: Joe Curran Treasurer: John Dunphy Asst. Treasurer: Breda Kiely Regristrar: Breda Kiely Pro: Aoife Kiely Membership officer: Shane Aherne Child Welfare officer: Paul Heffernan Cultural Officer: John Coffey Field and Bookings Manager: Maurice Lannon Committee: All of the above together with Ger Power, Anthony Morrissey, Tom Cunningham, Kevin Coffey, John Halpin, John Kiely, John Condon, Kieran Heffernan.

SCÓR Congratulations to Katie Condon, Roan Keane, Polly Rogers, Tom Rogers, Alice Ketch, Eva Davis, Ellie Skehan, Niamh Kavanagh and Molly Kate Hearne who won the Munster Final in Leiriú on Sunday, 10th January. Well done to them and to their mentor, Liz Murphy. Next stop,

Killarney on January 30th where they will take part in the All-Ireland finals. SOCIAL Our social will take place on Saturday, 30th January at 8.30 p.m. in the Park Hotel. Music is by John O’Shea. Tickets are €25 and are available from any member of the committee. With 40 players to receive County Football Medals a big turn-out is expected so come along and support the players. UNDERAGE MEDAL PRESENTATION: Our 12, 13 and 14 boys will receive their medals at a function in the Clubhouse on Saturday, 16th January at 8.15 pm. These young boys are the future of our Club so your support on the night would be very much appreciated. STRADBALLY OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Starts this week with walks on Monday and Wednesday nights starting at 7.30 p.m. Pilates with MK fitness on Wednesday mornings at 9.30 a.m. in the clubhouse and Circuit Training at Sallyfort Farm on Friday nights. There will be two classes light intensity 6.30-7.30 and higher intensity from 7.30-8.30. This year Helen Byrne of Help 2 Health nutrition has come on board and will be available on Monday nights to give advice. This year we are keen to promote the social side of this event. We want everyone to be included and we are keen that nobody is left behind. We ask that you encourage your family and neighbours to get involved. 50/50 DRAW Next draw is Sunday, 17th January in Clubhouse. Please support, envelopes will be collected from Durrow and FRS on Saturday at 12, from the shop in village on Sunday at 6 pm, from Cove Bar and Whelans on Sunday at 9 pm. Envelopes also available from any Committee member, price €2 each or 3 for €5. CONGRATULATIONS To Michael Walsh and Shane Lannon who were monthly award winners in the Granville Hotel Awards. Well done to you both. SYMPATHY Sincere sympathy is extended to the family of the late Dick McKeon who passed away on January 7th. Dick was a former player and a lifelong supporter of Stradbally GAA Club. May he rest in peace.

Naomh Chartaigh Juveniles Naomh Juveniles (Lismore / Ballysaggart Juvenile GAA) AGM 2016 DATE FOR DIARY Naomh Chartaigh Juvenile GAA Club are holding their AGM on Thursday night, January 14th in the Club House at 7.30 p.m. Parents / Guardians are requested to attend this very important meeting. Have a say in the running of the club and put any ideas that would help to the floor for discussion.

Melleray Glen Glen Melleray Rovers WEEKLY LOTTO RESULTS Week ending 10/1/2016, numbers drawn on the night were as follows: 1, 7, 10 & 12, there was no winner and next week’s jackpot will be €1,650.00. Consolation prizes went to the following: Paddy Nugent, Dana Platt and Joe Reidy. Many thanks to all those who continue to support our weekly Lotto.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Kilgobinet Kilgobinet SOCIAL The Club Social will be held on Saturday, 16th January in The Park Hotel Dungarvan, music by "The Bottle Brothers". Tickets available from any committee member. AGM The club held their AGM last Friday night. There was a good turn-out of players and members on the night. Mass was celebrated by Fr. Kennedy. Mattie then got proceedings underway with his opening address, followed by the treasurer’s report which as usual was a very fine and detailed report form Mick Dunford. Our reliance on the Christmas and Deise draws is very apparent, we would like to thank all supporters of these draws. We then had the Secretary's Report from Claire. This was her last report for the moment as due to work commitments she stood down from her role as secretary. The club would like thank Claire for all her hard work and dedication over the past couple of years having taken over the job following the untimely death of her dad Jim. So now it's over to another Claire, ie Claire Cullinane to keep us up to date with all the emails and the day-to-day running of the club which is no easy task and we wish her the best of luck in her new role. Matty then gave his Chairman’s Report. He was happy with the year gone by but expressed some disappointment in not achieving back-toback County Final victories!! We then moved on to the election of officers. Elected officers for 2016: Honorary Life President: Martin Curran President: John Nugent Snr Honorary Life Member: Michael Ryan Chairman: Matty Fahey Vice Chairman: John Byrne Secretary: Claire Cullinane Assistant Secretary: Helen Walsh Treasurer: Mick Dunford P.R.O.: Liam Dalton Membership Officer: J. J. Fitzgerald Draw Co-ordinator: Breda Dee Insurance Officer: Claire Cullinane First Aid: Mary Fahey Drug Awareness Officer: Breda Dee Youth Liaison Officer: Tomás Fahey Child Welfare Officer: Mary Fahey Oifigeach Teanga: Matty Fahey Field Manager: Paddy Lynch The committee members: All the elected officers above plus the following: Paul Byrne, John Nugent Jnr, Marty Kiely, Paddy Cummins, Alan Fitzgerald, Pa Flynn, Eamon Curran, Brian Dunford, Eamon Byrne, Tom Power, Kevin Walsh, Tommy Cullinane, Nicky Dwane.

GAA NATIONAL CLUB DRAW The GAA have launched an initiative to raise much needed funds for local clubs. All prizes are sponsored by Croke Park and all proceeds from the draw stay in the club. Tickets are €10 each and are available from all committee members. The draw will take place on St. Patrick’s Day, please support this draw if you can as it will be a great source of income for the club. The prizes are all substantial and are as follows; MEMBERSHIP We would ask all players to please make an effort to get their membership fees paid as soon as possible as any player who suffers an injury in training or matches will not be covered by insurance. This is a ruling from Croke Park who are the administrators of the Players Injury Fund. Your Membership officer is J.J. FItzgerald.

Lismore Lismore Camogie Camogie Club AGM The AGM of Lismore Camogie Club will take place on Saturday next January 16th at 7 pm (after 6.15 p.m. Mass) in the GAA Club House. All members and friends of Lismore camogie club are invited to attend. CONDOLENCES All in Lismore Camogie Club would like to extend their condolences to the family of the late Sheamus Walsh of Ballyysaggart. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh sé A REVIEW OF LISMORE CAMOGIE 2015 Lismore Senior Camogie Team: Lismore were through to the All Ireland Intermediate club final foe a second year in a row after a thrilling 1-14 to 1-12 win over Oranmore Maree of Galway on Sunday, February 1st. Lismore lose out agonisingly to Piltown in All Ireland Final in Croke Park on March 1st Lismore 1-09 Piltown 1-10 The Premium Butchers Senior League Lismore 1-10; Cappoquin 0-9: Lismore and Cappoquin served up a very entertaining game in local Derby as both sides played in Tallow GAA Field on Saturday, May 16th in The Premium Butcher Senior League final. Lismore who were all out to recapture The Denny Buckley Cup after a years absence as St. Anne’s had claimed it from them in 2014. Lismore Camogie welcomed on board Michael O’Leary of the Red House Lismore their new sponsor for the Lismore senior Camogie team. The club had their official presentation of the new jersey sporting "The Red House" on Sunday evening August 23rd. The Senior Camogie Team won the Non County Palyer League as they topped the table

having won all games in the League. Lismore do three in a row; Lismore 0-15 St. Annes 1-7. Sunday, October 3rd, 2015 was County Final Day for the clubs Senior Camogie Team and they were going for a three in a row of County Finals against arch rivals St. Anne's. This game was played in Fraher Field Dungarvan in perfect weather conditions for a good game of camogie and indeed both teams served up a very entertaining game for all who attended. It was not to be for Lismore in the Munster Intermediate Club Final 2015 which was played in the Mallow GAA Complex on Saturday November 28th. Lismore who were going for their three in a row of Munster Finals came up against a young and very determined Cahir side who stamped their authority from the start and subsequently out ran Lismore on a scoreline of Lismore 0-08 Cahir 2-10. Junior and U-16 Teams: The club also fielded a Junior and U-16 team, both who were not successful in 2015. Lismore U-14: Congratulations to the U-14 camogie team who took part in the Co. Féile Qualifiers on Saturday, April 25th. The girls took on De La Salle in the first semi-final of the day and indeed great determination and defending was displayed by the girls and some great improvement in their skill since they played them in the first round of the Championship. Final score De La Salle 4-1; Lismore 1-0. The girls were knocked out of the Féile competition but qualified for the Féile Plate final which was against Butlerstown. The girls played even better in this match and kept Butlerstown scoreless winning on a scoreline of 2-0 to 0-0. Well done to Faye Curley and Kelly Ryan who took 3rd and 4th respectively in the U-16 long puck in Tramore race course. Well done to Izabela Markiwich and Ciara Meagher who represented the club in the Feile skills competition in Abbeyside, both girls came in joint 3rd. U-8, U-10 and U-12: The Clubs U-8, U-10 and U-12's took part in the varous Blitzes organised for them in the 2015 season and great enjoyment was had by the children and their mentors as improvement could be seen in every game that they played. Following the Blitzes the clubs U-12's took part in the U-12 League held in June. The U-12 league was completed and the following were the teams that Lismore played; Dungarvan, Portlaw, Abbeyside, Tramore and De La Salle. The girls had victories over Dungarvan and Portlaw and were defeated by Abbeyside, Tramore and De La Salle. U-13 League: The clubs U-13 team fielded in September and played well in this competition and were narrowly beaten in the semi final stage of his compettion by Gall Tir who went on to win the County Final on a comprehensive score. Inter-County Success: The Club was very proud to have girls involved on the victorious County Teams. Caithriona McGlone (Captain), Nicola Morrissey and Shona Curran were members of the victorious Waterford Team who captured the Intermediate All Ireland title in Croke Park in September. Caithriona McGlone and Nicola Morrissey were members of the Waterford team who won the All Ireland Intermediate League Title in May. Faye Curley was a member of the Waterford U-16 Team who won the U16B title while her father Philly Curley was a mentor. Congrats to the girls namely Leann Landers, Katie Meagher, Kelly Ryan, Izzabella Markiech and Orla Ni Mhiachain on the Co. U-14 development squad who were also very successful in their endeavours throughout the 2015 season. Our own Martina Landers was a selector on this squad. Club Fundraisers: The club held various fundraising initiatives such as 45 Card Drive, Clothes collection, Church gate collection Bag Pack and Guess The Score all which was very well supported by the Community of Lismore and surrounding areas, which the club are very grateful for to help in the running costs of the club. Thanks to all our sponsors who helped immensley with the costs of the All Ireland Final last year.

St.Patrick’s Patricks St. AGM Our AGM took place last Monday, 4th January. A large crowd attended which was great to see and all groups were discussed over. There is great progress been made with all teams and hopefully everybody will have an enjoyable year. We hope to run our Poc Fada again this year. It was a great success last year and we hope to build on that this year and make it an annual event. The following were the officers who were elected for the coming year. Chairman: Michael Walsh Vice Chairman: Stephen Ryan Secretary: Shane Hallahan Assistant Secretary: Marian Dennehy Treasurer: Garvan O’Riordan Membership Officer: Don Nix & Mairead Fleming Deise Draw Co-ordinator: Marian Dennehy PRO: Michael Tobin Irish Cultural Officer: Mary Fahy

Training will recommence for the U-7 – U-9 age groups on the 18th January in the Kilgobinet

GAA CLUB NOTES

The Stradbally Leiri of Niamh Kavanagh, Molly Kate Hearne, Ellie Skehan, Eva Davis, Katie Condon, Alice Ketch, Roan Keane, and Tom Rogers winners in the Munster Scór na nÓg Final pictured with Robert Frost, Chairman, Munster GAA Council and Tom Herlihy, Chairman, Munster Scór in Cappoquin. [John Tarrant] Sports Centre at 6.30 p.m. All players are asked to make a big effort to attend these sessions please. Finally, the club would like to wish all members and families a Happy New Year and best wishes for the coming year.

Brickey Rangers Rangers Brickey CLUB LOTTO Last week’s draw was held in The Enterprise. Numbers drawn were 2-7-19-20. There was no winner on the night so next week's jackpot now stands at €4,300. €25 to each of the following Katie Kiely, Jim and Mary Murray,Carthach Shalloe and Lily Sheehan Next week’s draw will be held in The Tudor House. SYMPATHY The club would like to extend its sincere sympathy to the following families who suffered bereavements recently: to the Coffey family, Springmount on the death of Tom in the last week. To Elma Ronayne and the Fleming family on death of their father David during the week. Elma’s son Jack is one of our promising dual players. Finally, we would like to convey the sympathy of the club to the McCarthy family on the death of Eamon recently. Aidan is one of our juvenile coaches and Aidan's children Hannah and Paddy wear the colours. Eamon himself played for Dungarvan, however, he was always a great supporter of the Black and Amber since his grandchildren started wearing the colours. Ar dheis De go raibh a ainmacha. LOCK UP Are you the last person out of bushy? Did you turn off all the light? Did you lock all doors? Did you lock the gate? Take responsibility and lock up don’t presume someone else will. JUVENILE NOTES AGM: The rescheduled juvenile AGM will take place this Friday night, 15th January at 7.30. We would appeal to all parents and guardians to come along. There is some great work being done at underage level but we need more hands on the deck. We do not expect everyone to have an active role but there is so much going on behind the scene that one might be able to assist with. Merchandise: There is a a few jerseys, shorts, half zips and helmets for sale. For sizes etc contact Joanie. 087 2310220. CAMOGIE NOTES Training: Training for the Under 14 girls will take place on Wednesday night at 6.30. Please bring your runners and boots. Dust off the cobwebs and come along and have some fun. New members always welcome. Camogie Registration: All players who are intending to play in 2016 will need to come along to the registration morning on Saturday, 16th January in Bushy Park between 11.30 and 1 p.m. Unregistered players will not be covered to play any games, challenges or otherwise. The registration is especially important for those who will be playing in the feile as we need to have all the names in by the month end. Any queries contact 087 2310220.

Fourmilewater WEEKLY LOTTO RESULT Numbers drawn: 6, 8,15. Jackpot winner €2,400 Ann Joy. Next week’s jackpot €300. The weekly Lotto draw takes place every Saturday in

Doocey’s Bar at 9.30 p.m. Tickets are always available and who knows, you may be a winner. As well as having a chance of winning the top prize you are also contributing funds to your club. FOURMILEWATER 45 CARD RESULTS 1st Martin Moore & Christy Skehan; 2nd Tom Brazil & Jimmy Quinn. Lucky Tables: Tony Doocey & Alice Ryan; Seamus & Ollie O’Neill. NIRE/ FOURMILEWATER JUVENILES Garda Vetting - Reminder to all coaches: Could all coaches who have received confirmation of their Garda vetting application please return the letter received to Declan Spelman. The children and vulnerable persons act 2012 will pass all stages by November 2015, this act makes Garda vetting MANDATORY. Coaches will be liable under law if found not to be vetted. Clubs should ensure that all underage players are registered before playing, as there has been increasing numbers of injury claims from non registered players. The new code of behaviour in now in place and can be viewed on GAA and County websites. Replica Jerseys: Anybody interested in buying a Nire replica jersey, they are available now from Declan Spelman (087) 763 7616. Support: We are always very grateful for the support we receive from everyone in the community. We would love to see more people come along to our games and really get behind the team, the various teams and mentors put a lot of hard work into the teams and come match day, it would be great if more supporters came along to the games. That support could be and often is the difference between winning and losing. We would also like to ask parents to please respond to texts about your children's availability for matches. It's important for the coaches to know exactly who can or can't attend a match. Thank you again for your support and cooperation Reminder: We would ask all parents to respond to texts received from club mentors when asked if your child will or will not be attending games training etc. Gum Shields: Just a reminder to all parents that Gum Shields are obligatory for Gaelic Football when playing or training for Gaelic Football. None of us want to prevent any child from participating in our teams but we cannot allow any child play hurling without a helmet or football without a Gum Shield. Training – U-13: Our U-13 will return to Training on Tuesday, January 26th at 7 p.m. in the Community Centre, hurling €3. U-11/12: Our U-11/12 teams will resume training on Monday, January 25th between 6-7 p.m. Our U-10/11's training continues every Thursday between 5/6 p.m. in Community Centre. U-8/U-9: Our U-8/9's training continues on Friday between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Community Centre. Club Notes: If you would like anything included in the Club notes, Facebook or Twitter updates, please contact Muiris Walsh at 0868159136 or at baronpark20@gmail.com Respect: Respect your team-mates, Respect your opponents, Respect your coaches, Respect officials and Respect the games. Ar agaidh an Uidhir agus An Caislean Cuanach.

Tourin HAPPY NEW YEAR I would like to wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year. Hopefully it will be successful year both on and off the field.

SCÓR NA nÓG Well done to all who took part in the Munster finals of the Scór na nÓg in the Community Centre in Cappoquin on Sunday. BADMINTON The mixed knockout cups are underway with two teams involved. Tourin 1 have to overturn a 5-1 deficit against Lismore on Thursday 14th. The second team were more successful against Ballyduff, where they won 4-2. The return leg is on Wednesday 13th in Tourin. Well done to Daithì and Cathal Wilkinson on winning the plate final of Ballyduff’s annual badminton tournament. Also a massive well done to Marie Walsh who won the Ladies doubles with Ber O’Keeffe, and the mixed plate with Philip Heskin. The Kiersey Cup in Kilmacthomas is on the weekend of 23rd and 24th January. All grades from novice to A are catered for across the two days. Contact Rachel 086 3980067 to enter.

Comeragh Rangers Ladies Comeragh Ladies AGM REPORT Comeragh Rangers Ladies GAA Club would like to take this opportunity to wish all of its members, supporters, players and their families, a Happy New Year and all the best for 2016. We are all excited and really looking forward to another successful year. The Club's AGM was held on Sunday, 3rd January, 2016, where outgoing Club Chairman, Joe Murray, welcomed everyone to the meeting and gave a summary of the previous year’s achievements. Thanking mentors, players, supporters, workers and all our generous sponsors and fundraisers. Club Secretary, Sean Curry, was complimented on his comprehensive report covering all aspects of club's activities. Finally, Club Treasurer, Katie O'Hanlon, outlined a very positive financial report, in which she thanked everyone who helped and supported the club throughout the year, giving the club a very positive start to 2016. The election of officers begun with Edel Curry being elected as the new Chairperson, accepting the role from outgoing chairperson Joe Murray. Edel gave a short speech in which she praised Joe's efforts and hard work over the past 2 years. Also welcomed was the appointment of Maisie Dunphy as the new Vice-Chairperson. Secretary Sean Curry and Treasurer Katie O'Hanlon were reinstated for the coming year. 2016 List of Officers: Chairperson: Edel Curry Vice Chairperson: Maisie Dunphy Secretary: Sean Curry Assistant Secretary: Katie O'Hanlon Treasurer: Katie O'Hanlon Assistant Treasurer: Belinda O'Neill Registrar: Marian O'Hanlon PRO: Stephen Fitzgerald Development Officer: Joe Murray Child Welfare Officer: Marguerite Hassett Fixtures: Joe Murray Cultural & Language Officer: Marguerite Hassett

MANAGERS FOR 2016 Under 10: Katie O'Hanlon;Under 12/13: TBC; Under 14/15: Sean Foley; Under 16: Kevin Barry; Minor: Joe Murray; Intermediate: Ryan Roche; Senior: Joe Murray.

Geraldines Geraldines AGM Just a reminder that our Annual General Meeting takes place this Friday, 15th January at 8.00 p.m. at the club house. All are welcome to attend.

GAA CLUB NOTES

Dungarvan UNDER 21 COUNTY FINAL The County Under 21 Hurling Final was postponed last Sunday due to an unplayable pitch in Kill. It seems that it will now be played around the time of the early stages of the Senior hurling championship. Thanks to all the players and team management for the preparations they put in since the Western final and to Michael Kiely, Glen Power and Kieran Power who delayed their emigration to America to stay back and play the final. SCHOOL’S GAME Dungarvan CBS play Glanmire in the quarter final of the Munster Senior ‘B’ Hurling championship in Killeagh at 12.30 p,m. today Wednesday, January 13th. CLUB MEMBERSHIP Club membership for 2016 is now open and it can be paid to our membership officers, Eileen Murphy and Mary Fitzgerald. The cost of membership remains the same and it is very reasonable. Players are reminded that membership needs to be paid before the championship commences. The first 2016 championship game in the club is likely to be the under 21 football in February. LOTTO This week's numbers are 4, 11, 26, and 28. There was no winner. The Jackpot next week will be worth €3,100. The winner of the €100 is Emily and Rian Crotty. Thanks to everybody who buys and who sells the Lotto. Remember, you can do the lotto on your phone now, which is proving very popular at the moment. Lotto tickets can be purchased in the Country Store, Hallahan’s Chemist, Quealy’s Bar, John Walsh Spar, Paddy Foley’s Bar, Johnny Lynch Fruit and Veg and Graham Nagle’s Golf Shop. NEW LOOK LOTTO IN 2016 Replacing the €100 winner each week for 2016 will be the ‘Match 3’, which will be won or shared by anybody with three of the numbers drawn. This will begin on Monday, January 18th starting at €300 and if there is no ‘Match 3’, €100 will be added each week. The Lotto Jackpot will remain as usual. NEW RULES FOR 2016 A player who wishes to play Adult Club must be over 17 years. A player who wishes to play Adult Inter-County must be over 18 years. A player who wishes to play Under 21 Club - must be under 21 and over 16 years. A players who wishes to play Inter-County Under 21 must be under 21 years and over 18 years. In order to play for a club adult team a player must have celebrated his 17th birthday prior to the 1st January, 2016. SYMPATHY The club extends its sincere sympathy to the McCarthy family, Springfield on the regretted death of Eamonn last week. Eamonn was a member of one of the oldest families connected with the club and he will be sadly missed at our games during the year. FORDE’S DAYBREAK FORECASTS CORNER McGrath Cup Senior Football: Cork v (Waterford), Limerick v (Waterford). Munster Senior Hurling League: Waterford v (Limerick), Waterford v (Cork), Waterford v (Clare). Harty Cup: Nenagh CBS V (De La Salle). Munster Senior ‘B’ Hurling QF: Dungarvan CBS V (Glanmire). DUNGARVAN CAMOGIE CLUB Congratulations to Patricia Jackman on receiving the WLR FM/Granville Hotel GAA Award for 2015, the first ever individual female recipient, well done Trish. It was a very proud night for Dungarvan Camogie Club in the Park Hotel on the 2nd January, as 4 players from the club received their All-Ireland medals, well done Dawn, Clodagh, Aisling and Kaiesha-fantastic ambassadors for our club! Training continues every Tuesday, 5 p.m. to 6p.m., in the Sports Centre for U-10s and U-12s-new players are always welcome. A meeting will be held next Wednesday, 20th January, at 7.30 p.m. for parents and players from the U-14 panel who will be entering the Féile competition in June this year. A gentle reminder to former and of course any intending members to dust off those boots; as we will be entering an adult team this year, the first in a few years. If you are interested in playing please contact the club secretary on 087-2393924. We extend our sincere sympathy to the families of Eamonn McCarthy and Danny Bowe; both of whom passed away recently.

Kilrossanty Kilrossanty CLOTTO SPONSORED BY KILL AGRICULTURAL LTD Clotto Results No winner of a Jackpot of €6,200 in Crotty’s Inn, Leamybrien, on Sunday night 10/1/16. Numbers were 1, 3, 15, 17. €30 to the following people: Steve Mahony C/O Monica’s; Sean & Maura Lennon, Leamybrien. €30 seller’s prize Mary Walsh, Furraleigh. Next Clotto held in Micilins Bar, Kilrossanty, on Sunday night 17/1/16

for a Jackpot of €6,300. On duty on the night Harry Quinn and Jason Dee. MEMBERSHIP 2016 Membership for 2016 can now be paid online. This will be a great advantage to everyone as it will take all the hassle out of bringing the money to the membership officer. The major benefit is for all those who may be living away from home. This is the only way to go. The link to pay online is available on our social media pages. MONSTER BINGO Our next Monster Bingo will take place in Crotty’s Inn on Friday, 22nd January this venture is certainly proving a big hit with all age groups. It’s a most enjoyable social occasion with the chance to win a few euro. CLUB SEASON TICKETS 2016 Club season tickets are currently on sale. These are great value for money as they will allow you admission to any adult club match in the county. Both hurling and football. Tickets are on sale in Ger Wyley’s and cost €100.

Abbeyside/Ballinacourty Abbeyside/Ballinacourty JACK THE JOKER Our ever popular Jack the Joker fundraiser continues this Sunday night in Minnies Bar where the jackpot is €8,600 as on Sunday night last Mai Donnelly was drawn out of the drum and chose card number 13 which wasn’t the Joker although he did win €50. Pat and Kiera and Ray Spratt won €25 each. As well as our group of ticket sellers tickets can be purchased from Convenience Store Ballinroad, Village Flowers, Spar, Mousies Takeaway, Minnies Bar and Crottys Corner Bar. NATIONAL DRAW Once again this year the GAA are holding a National Draw with tickets costing €10 each. There are some fantastic prizes on offer. Tickets are now available from Committee members and team managers. CLUB TEXT If any member of the club would like to receive texts from club secretary Jonathon O’Donovan informing them of the death of club members or other items of club information they should contact Jonathon over the next two weeks. MEMBERSHIP We would like to remind intending members and especially players that membership fees are now due and can be paid to Kevin Tobin or any team manager. We would ask players to make a special effort to pay their membership before returning to training to ensure they are covered by insurance. CLUB BINGO Our club bingo will continue this Sunday night in the CBS Hall with a jackpot of €650. JUVENILE NOTES Under 11: Under eleven training gets underway this Friday night between 6 and 7 p.m. New members are always welcome and membership forms will be handed out on the night. Underage outdoor hurling: Our underage outdoor hurling season is nearly upon us again. The season starts on February 20th, 2016 for anyone between the ages of 5 and 10. New members are always welcome and hurleys and helmets will be available on this date for new members. These sessions will be weekly on a Saturday morning between 10.30 am and 11.30. The next two Saturdays after this date which are February 27th and March 5th will be allocated as membership days where we hope to collect all the membership for the relevant age groups.

Lismore (Kindly sponsored by EAMONN'S PLACE) SYMPATHY Lismore GAA Club extends its sympathy to the O'Neill family, Deerpark, on the death of Pat O'Neill, and to the Walsh Family, Ballysaggart on the death of Seamus. May they both rest in peace. AGM 2016 As the song goes 'What a difference a day makes' but in this case it was' What a difference a few weeks makes.' This been in reference to the new date for our AGM. A fine crowd of up to 50 people turned up for this crucial meeting of our club which was held in the clubhouse on Sunday, 3rd January at 4 p.m. Chairman Jimmy O'Gorman welcomed all present to the meeting. Secretary Joe Pollard read the minutes of last year's AGM and were signed on the proposal of Donie Coughlan and seconded by Aaron Doocey. He then read the Secretary's report for 2015. Within these notes Joe gave a run down on the different teams that fielded for the club during the year. Our minors fielded but failed to make it to the qualifing rounds. The U-21s got to the Western final but lost to Dungarvan. Juniors struggled with making numbers to play their matches. And our seniors did not make it out of their group for the qualifing rounds so were in the relegation play-off instead. They were beaten by De La Salle and so we are now in the Intermediate Division of the County Hurling Championship for 2016. Joe thanked Will Cunningham for his work with the gym, Eddie on

his work for the field, and he thanked all members for their support over the past twelve months. The report was signed on thev proposal of Liam Buckley, seconded by Dom O’Connell. TREASURER'S REPORT The Treasurer's report was given by Colin Kearney. A detailed account of finances was given to all present, mainly stating that the Lotto is the main fundraiser for the upkeep of the club thanks to those who sell and purchase tickets on a weekly basis. The National Draw also was benificial to the club. Colin was thanked by Chairman Jimmy O’Gorman. The report was then signed. CHAIRMAN'S REPORT The Chairman Jimmy O' Gorman then gave his report to all present. To start with Jimmy made a point of fou items that stood out for the club in 2015. 1. Winning the Sargent Cup & League in Lismore. 2. The club supplied two players to the County team that won the National Hurling League, they namely being Maurice Shanahan and P. Prendergast. Along with fellow club man Dan Shanahan as manager. 3. Maurice Shanahan receiving his All - Star. 4. No senior hurling for Lismore GAA Club in 2016. Jimmy then thanked the Lotto committee under Aaron Doocey for their help during the year. Special thanks to Will Cunningham for his work with the gym, Eddie Nugent, Jimmy Walsh and Michael Coughlan with their work in the field. He also congratulated the soccer club on the building of their fine dressing rooms during the year. He complimented the camogie on their great achievements during the year. And finally our Chairman stated that this is the first year since 1970 that our club is back at Intermediate level. It was noted that there is plenty of passion and skill within the club to get back to the senior level status of county hurling for the coming year. SINCERE THANKS Our Chairman sent on behalf of the club sincere thanks to our sponsor Eamonn Walsh of EAMONN'S PLACE for his sponsorship to the club over the year. ELECTION OF OFFICERS As our President the late Jack O'Donoghue passed away during the year the vacancy for President had arose. Our outgoing Chairman put the name of Mae Lawton to the floor and was excepted by those present, Vice Presidents List already there with the addition of Christy Brien. Chairman: Re - Elected Jimmy O’Gorman Vice Chairman Re Elected Patsy Buckley Secretary: Re Elected Joe Pollard Treasurer: Re Elected Colin Kearney PRO: Martina O'Keeffe Membership Officer: M. O’Keeffe and A/N other Insurance Officer: John Landers Health & Safety Officer: Joe Pollard Irish Officer: Emer Barry Wellbeing Officer: Tom O’Grady Scor: Becky O'Keeffe Our Club will be affiliated for the following: Intermediate Hurling, Junior Hurling, U-21 Hurling, Minor, & Junior B Football. Intermediate management team will be in place soon, so keep reading the notes for Club. LISMORE CLUB LOTTO Please note that from next Tuesday January 19th our Club Lotto will be taking place instead of Monday night's. This week's lotto was held in the Community Centre on Monday evening January 11th at 7.30 p.m. Numbers drawn on the evening for Jackpot of €20,000 were as follows: 13, 14, 15, 29. No winner. Consolation prizes of €20 went to M. Ormonde, Joe Foley, Henry O’Sullivan, Carmel O'Neill. Next week's jackpot will be €20,000. Tickets €2 each or 3 for €5. FINAL DATE FOR DONATION Closing date for donations to the Annette Keane Medical Fun is January 26th. CLUB MEMBERSHIP Membership is now due for renewal.

Affane/Cappoquin CLUB LOTTO This week’s draw took place on Monday, January 11th th for the jackpot prize of €10,900 and there was no winner. The numbers drawn were 3, 11, 24, 25. The five consolation prize winners were: Maria Scanlon, Ballyhane; Paddy O’Leary, Conna; Noreen Kiely, Ballyhane; Anthony Prendergast, Main St. and Aidan Mansfield, Cappagh. HAPPY NEW YEAR The Affane/Cappoquin GAA Club wish all "Quinners" and Affane folk at home and overseas a Happy and a Prosperous New Year. HAMPER DRAW The draw for the hamper generously donated by Milo and Bridget Murray took place recently and was won by Paula Cullen, Shanbally. Thanks again to Bridget and Milo for their kind donation, also thanks again to all those who sold tickets and supported the draw U-14 HURLING MEDAL PRESENTATION Cappoquin U-14 hurlers who won the County

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

The Sliabh gCua Instrumental Music Group of Dearbhla Hallahan, Joseph Mannion, Ellen O'Gorman, Séamus O’Gorman and Sean Walsh winners in the Munster Scór na nÓg Final pictured with Robert Frost, Chairman, Munster GAA Council and Tom Herlihy, Chairman, Munster Scór in Cappoquin. [John Tarrant]

title last year were presented with their medals last Friday in the Parish hall by young hurler of the year and All Star Tadgh De Burca, an enjoyable evening was had by the great support the lads got and a big thanks to the ladies committee for providing refrehments for all SYMPATHY The Affane/Cappoquin extend sincere sympathy to Billy Tobin and the Tobin family on the death of his brother Michael (Bonzo) who was a great GAA man with his native Shamrocks and Midleton which occurred recently. May he rest in peace. THREE TO ANSWER 1, Name the year former Cappoquin hurler

Mick Bracket won the U-14 long jump, Tony won the U-16 marathon and John Treacy won the 15,000 metres at the All-Ireland Community Games at the Morton Stadium, Santry, Dublin? 2, Who became the first Waterford man in over 46 years to lift the Fitzgibbon cup in 2008? 3, What year did Waterford defeat Kerry in a Munster U-21 football final? LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS 1, J. J. Delaney captained WIT to win the Fitzgibbon cup in 2004. 2, Brian McEniff was the Donegal manager when they won the Senior Football All-Ireland for the first time. 3, Ollie Crinnigan was Kildare’s first All-Star.

Dungarvan United FC CHALLENGE TIME Dungarvan United U-11 team had a friendly challenge against Railway on Saturday last. Both teams were well matched and it was a real cobweb blowing exercise for the lads. Great effort and play from all our players in the day and a special mention to Railway’s keeper who was very good and their fast No. 7 who is one to watch for the future. Thanks to Railway for travelling and we look forward to returning the challenge in the near future. ACADEMY UPDATE The showers held off on Saturday last and the academy got back into the swing of things, it was great once a gain to see a few more girls joining in our sessions. We will now start to prepare for the coming season & ask all registration forms to be returned asap. Academy Times: Saturday: U-7 & U-8 (2008/9), 12.30 1.30 p.m. U-9 & U-10 (2006/7), 1.30 - 2.30 p.m. U-9 & U-10 (2006/7), Wednesday 5-6 p.m. All that you need to be part of our Academy is, Runners, Shin Pads, Drink, €2 and a good attitude. U-14 WATERFORD DEVELOPMENT SQUAD The cold weather didn't deter U-14 players Cameron Maguire, Kacper Zajac and Tadgh Murray from hitting the road to Kildare on Sunday morning last where the Waterford Squad faced Kildare in a challenge game, the Deise boys did well with a 2-0 win over the competition. It’s been a long road for these lads as they battled weekly for a place on the county team each showing determination and spirit, after each cut was made thus far. However, on Sunday the final selection was made and unfortunately for Cameron and Tadgh it was the end of the road for

this season anyway. It was the U-14 managers who brought the talent of Tadgh as a goalkeeper to the attention of the county team manager, and even though the selection had been made, after seeing this young lad in action they felt he deserved a shot. There was a lot of competition for keepers in the squad and Tadgh achieved a great deal by making it through to the final stages and was extremely pleased to have been given the opportunity. Cameron Maguire, son of Tonya O'Shea and Stephen Maguire is an unassuming lad whose talent is often unsung, but anyone who has seen him in action for his team over the last year where he has found his niche in a midfield position can see that his call up was justified. Being part of this process was a dream come true for Cameron and his mother Tonya said all his family and friends are extremely proud. Team manager Chris O'Donnell said that all involved in the club are very proud of all the lads as well as Dylan Cliffe, Jack O Flionn and Jack Donnelly who all were up for trials this season and said it was always going to be difficult to break into a team that has been together for three years. Coach Steve O'Donnell said he has every faith that if the lads in the U-14 squad continue to put in the work and commitment that they have so far there is no reason more Dungarvan players could be knocking on the door of the county teams. Well done of course to our very own Kacper Zajac for once again having the talent to get through this season as well as our own players who have made county squads in other teams and we will have full details of these achievements in next weeks notes. CLUB LOTTO This week our jackpot is €7,150. Be in it to win it!

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Cunnigar Pitch & Putt Club A.G.M.

Photograph includes WRGC Secretary Gerard Burns and WRGC Chairman Tomas O Curraoin presenting Club of the Year award to "Cuman Ghunna Na Gaeltacht" Chairman Michael Manahan with club members Liam Walsh and Criostoir O Chionnfhaola.

Waterford Regional Game Council (WRGC) AGM THE WRGC which is affiliated to the “National Association of the Regional Game Council” (NARGC) held its AGM in Lawlors Hotel recently. A minutes silence was observed for all deceased members and supporters. In his address the Chairman thanked the farming community along with all the various land owners and their respective organisations for their continued cooperation and support in 2015 and on into 2016 throughout Co. Waterford. He urged members to continue to be cooperative with land owners and to carry their respective Compensation fund insurance / membership cards when hunting, which is

annually renewed through the local clubs and not every three years as is the case with the firearms licenses. A successful clay shoot was held during the year with the compliments of Ballinatray Estate whereby a team was picked to represent the County in the National Clay Shoot Competition. Congratulations were extended to Gerard Burns who was re-elected on to the National Executive of the NARGC, Brian Upton NARGC Standing Orders Committee and Matt Cunningham NARGC disciplinary panel Club of the year awards were presented as follows; 1st Cuman Ghunna Na Gaeltacht

2nd Ballyduff / Butlerstown Gun Club 3rd Tallow / Ballynoe and District Gub Club 4th East Waterford Gun Club The officer board elected for 2015 – 2016 term is as follows; Chairman: Tomas O’Curraoin (Cuman Ghunna Na Gaeltacht) Vice Chairman: Richard Hickey (Sliabh Gua) Honorary Secretary & Compensation Fund officer: Gerard Burns Treasurer: Keith Barry Safety Officer: Bertie Hickey Game Development Officer: Jimmy Quinn PRO: Brian Upton Wishing all a safe season for 2016.

Tried & Tested Triathlon Club

Club Training 2016 CLUB training is back for 2016 with all levels catered for from the complete beginner to those training for Ironman Triathlons. SWIMMING Monday: Swim Club 8 p.m. & 9 p.m. Clonea Strand Leisure Centre. Wednesday: Swim Club 7 a.m. Clonea Strand Leisure Centre. Wednesday: 10:50 a.m. Swim Club Gold Coast Leisure Centre. Thursday: Swim Club (Beginners/Improvers) 6.30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Clonea Strand Leisure Centre. Contact Natalie on 086851209 if you have any enquiries about swimming lessons or swim club. CYCLING We have two cycling groups catering for all levels from complete beginners to advanced. These leave from the bus stop outside St. Augustine’s College every Sunday at 8:30 a.m. sharp. Come along and try it out. Group 1: Average distance of 60km. Group 2: Average distance of 30km.

WATERFORD HALF MARATHON Congratulations to all our members who ran the half marathon in Waterford on Saturday last. Eleven club members ran in reasonably good conditions. Alan Ryan was the first club member home in a time of 1:24:23 followed by Niall Barry in a time of 1:29:28. TRIATHLON TALK & PRESENTATION Date: Sunday, January 24th at the Gold Coast Conference Room 9.30 a.m.12.30 p.m. To get members motivated for the New Year Martin Kirwan from Focus on Fitness will be coming to the club to present a talk on everything related to triathlon training, from base training, how to train, how to prepare for a race, etc. This talk will be beneficial to all levels, from beginners who have never completed a sprint triathlon to those are looking to going into longer distance triathlons. Training plans specifically related to our Tried & Tested Club training sessions will be made available to members of Tried & Tested Triathlon

Club. These will include the following: 8-10wks Base Training plan (All Levels) Beginner Sprint Distance Training Plan Advanced Sprint Distance Training Plan Beginner Olympic Distance Training Plan Advanced Olympic Distance Training Plan This is free of charge to all members; places are limited so if you are interested in attending please email us at info@dungarvantri.com If you are thinking of joining the club or are interested in finding out more about triathlons and would like to attend please email us and check out our Facebook page. JOHN TREACY 10 MILE Many of our club members are running in the John Treacy 10 mile road race on Sunday, January 31st. An event of this scale requires a huge amount of voluntary help to ensure its success. If you have any time to spare on Sunday, January 31st please contact Karen Ryan at West Waterford AC on 0868245683.

OUR A.G.M. was held in the clubhouse on the 10th January, 2016, at 2.30 p.m. It was a very good A.G.M. with a great turnout of members. The following committee was elected. Chairperson: Corinne McGee; Vice-Chairperson: Michael Delaney; President: Michael Ahearne; Secretary: Michelle O'Connell; Treasurer: Cait Mulcahy; Gents Captain: Liam Simms; Ladies Captain: Marie Forde; P.R.O.: Patsy Hackett; Registrar: Mary O'Neill; Juvenile Officer: Paddy Lawlor; Committee members: John O'Shea, Oliviere Walsh, Jacinta O'Mahoney, Paul O'Riordan, John Carroll, Paddy Noonan, Michael Havens, Mary Walsh. We would like to say a big thank you to the committee of 2015 who did a great job, and the best of luck for the committee of 2016. Next committee meeting will be held on the 4th February, 2016, at 7.00 p.m. HOLE IN ONE The hole in one winners of 2015 were :– Gents: Paddy Noonan; Ladies: Breda O'Donnell. Their prizes were presented before the A.G.M. began, well done Paddy and Breda. This competition will begin again once the compe-

Paddy Noonan being presented with his Hole in One prize from Chairperson Corinne McGee. titions start for 2016. Unfortunately, due to the bad weather we have had, our course has been closed, and will be closed until further notice. We hope this will be sooner rather than later, so fingers crossed for better weather coming our way. The following competitions will take place as soon as possible, when the course is playable again. MEN'S FOURSOMES COMPETITION After three competitive preliminary rounds, the following four teams have emerged to contest the semi-finals of this

competition: Team C: Eoin Simms and Aidan O'Rourke. Team D: Michael Ahearne and Liam Simms. Team E: Paddy Noonan and Liam Hansbury. Team F: Eddie Lenihan and Paul Healy. LADIES MATCHPLAY The following ladies to reach the semi-finals are: Corinne McGee v. Kathleen Foran; Mary Walsh v. Breda O'Donnell. WEDNESDAY TOURNAMENTS Cancelled due to the weather.

SATURDAY TURKEY TOURNAMENTS Cancelled due to weather. FROM NOW ON WITH ALL GAMES PLEASE NOTE The inexperienced player on each team will now mark the card (this is to get used to marking cards). BONUS NUMBER This week’s winner of the bonus number is Breda Foley with number 37. PITCH MARKS Leaving Pitch Marks when playing destroys the greens, it takes a lot of care and attention to keep them in pristine condition. So all members and green fees are asked to repair them and use the correct repairer when doing so. Do not use club heads to repair a pitch mark as this damages the green. Always use a pitch repairer. Also do not use the club head to take balls out of holes on greens as this damages the hole. If anyone has an hour or two Mondays to Fridays to spare to give a hand helping on the course you would be very welcome. DID YOU KNOW? New Membership Fees are now: Adults €85; Family €155; Over 60s €55; Juveniles €50; Life Members €35.

Dungarvan Rugby Club

Under 16's beat Sunday's Well LAST Saturday the under 16's travelled to Mahon to meet Sundays Well in the plate competition. After our away win at Abbeyfeale, we were hoping to make it two from two away from home. This would be a great start to our new year and a good start in the campaign. With the weather having been so bad recently, we hadn’t done much since before Christmas so we were lucky to have blown away some cobwebs at Bohadoon on Wednesday evening. On arriving in Cork, it was really busy with three games going ahead on pitches, which were wet, but playable. No sooner had the game kicked-off and the skies darkened, it wasn’t long before the rain started, this made it very difficult for the lads as it was also very cold. Both teams tried to make every effort to play running rugby, which was a credit to both clubs. Dungarvan started the better and looked stronger with ball in hand especially in the middle of the field. We created a few good chances failing to score, due to a dropped pass or try saving tackles. Having missed a kickable penalty after about 15 minutes, we soon made up for it with a fine try scored by Tomas, converted by Eoin. We created one or two more very good chances before halftime but failed to score. Sunday’s. Well did have one very good patch before halftime with about 10-12 phases but good resolute defence kept them at bay. So Dungarvan 7; Sunday’s Well nil, at half-time. The second half started, the rain still falling, the game continued much the same with Dungarvan applying most of the pressure, but failing to score. We were now becoming a little desperate playing some

very loose rugby throwing some bad passes, not a great idea in deteriorating conditions. It was from a very loose bit of play and a wild pass that gave Sunday’s Well possession from which they scored after running from their own 22 to score under the posts. It was now 7 all and it was anybody’s game. So maybe all the missed chances would come back to haunt us. As has become the way with this team, they dug deep and responded with a great try from about 50 metre’s out, finished beautifully by full back Sean Lennon. Eoin hit the post with his conversion score now 12-7. That is the way the game ended and all in all, it was a just result. A good determined game, played in difficult conditions and all 19 who travelled got game time. Thanks to all the supporters’ parents for driving and finally a big thanks to Sunday’s Well for their hospitality and great food afterwards. Training on Wednesday at 7.30 pm before our match next Saturday in Kinsale. UNDER 14's The Under 14's played Carrick on Sunday. Underfoot conditions made it difficult for both teams. Dungarvan got the better start and it was to prove vital at the final whistle as we ran out winners in a keenly contested game. All the squad played well and there were some excellent scores from both teams. Thanks to all the parents who supplied the soup and sandwiches for the players after the game, and all who came to support the team. UNDER 18's It was a bad day on the pitch for the Under 18's as they went down to Dolphin in their Pan Munster Cup – Elite level game at the weekend. Played at the

Mahon Complex, the final score read 29-3 to Dolphin RFC. Having started well, Dungarvan set the pace, rumbled to the host’s 22 and forced a penalty which Maurice Daly converted. From the restart, we failed to clear the danger and Dolphin took advantage to score an unconverted try. The weather turned bad and the remainder of the game was played in driving rain and chilling conditions. This favoured the hosts, who used a strong pack to gain territory. Dungarvan were down a few players in our pack, definitely sluggish, possibly following the Christmas break, but still were holding their own. It looked as if it were heading for a 5-3 half-time score, when Dolphin broke through the defence just before the break to score a try which they converted to increase this lead to 12-3. The score line was not reflective of the game and Dungarvan enjoyed equal territory and possession. Our lineout was not functioning and we did not convert several good positions. However, Liam O’Connell and Jamie McKelvie almost broke though for the critical try. After the break, Dolphin got a fortunate break when a ground ball skidded away from a defender and they hacked through to score under the post. Despite the scoreline, Dungarvan were matching Dolphin in most facets of play. Conditions deteriorated and handling errors dominated the game. Dungarvan were throwing caution to the wind, taking quick penalties and this allowed Dolphin to score on the stroke of full-time. Finn Rees-Thomas at 9

played a captain's part, Pat Carroll for his defence, Jack Mullany for his powerful runs with ball in hand, Larry Brazil for his tackling and Liam O’Connell for some exciting line breaks are all deserving a mention for their performances. Squad: Doug Pettit, Cathal Dee, Conor Scanlon, Jack Mullany, Thomas Hannigan, Eoin Ryan, Jamie McKelvie, Larry Brazel, Jack Kiely, Blake Blakely, Finn-Rees Thomas, Maurice Daly, Pat Connors, Paul Lannen, Liam O’Connell, Jordan Corby, Mick Devine, Brendan Cullinan, Dylan McCarthy and James Kiely.

Our next Pan Munster match is fixed for Sunday, January 17th at 12.00 noon in Dungarvan. Kinsale are the opponents and a win is vital to keep our momentum. Thereafter, we have home games versus Charleville and Shannon. These are games we can win if we produce our best and get in the last 8 and knock-out phase. Therefore, we need all squad players to train next Wednesday (7.15 pm) and Friday (6.45 pm). FIRST XV The first team's cup game against Midleton at the weekend in the Munster Junior Cup fell foul of the weather. No news yet on the refixture. DATABASE The club is putting together a database of emails of club members, former members and players, plus anyone else who would like to be kept updated on what's happening in respect of the club. If you'd like to be included, just send an email to: danmcgrathmedia@gmail.com Our 50th celebrations are not far away and we want as many people to be part of this milestone in the club's history as possible.

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Stradbally FC GAMES OFF Well suprise, suprise, the weather once more was the winner and all local games were off last weekend. ACADEMY & LITTLE DRIBBLERS Academy & Little Dribblers will return on next Saturday morning, January 16th, at 10.30 a.m. This is an ideal way to introduce little ones to group play and to learn the basics of soccer. All children are welcome and so are their parents. For further details contact KerryAnn or Aine. LOTTO There was no Jackpot winner in the Lotto Draw in The Bally Inn on Sunday night.

Numbers drawn were 6, 17, 19, 22. €25 to: Jack Navin, Peggy Carey, Minnie Leahy. Promoters prizewinner: Cunningham’s XL Shop. Next draw is in O'Mahony's, Durrow, on Sunday night, January 24th. Jackpot prize on offer will be €3,700. Thanks to all who continue to support our Lotto. KEEPING IN TOUCH As well as this weekly column dedicated to Stradbally FC in the local papers, you can find us in the Stradbally Notes in the same publications. We're also on Facebook at 'Stradbally AFC'. ASTROTURF AstroTurf Pitch is available to hire. Contact Tadhg for

time slot availability at 087 2306841. CLUB KITS There are some club kits for children still available. Ideal birthday presents. Contact Aine at 087 7618127. FIXTURES Saturday: Under 12 Schoolboys League: Stradbally v Bohemians 10.30 a.m. Waterford Junior League Div 2: Red Star v Stradbally 2 p.m. Sunday: Waterford Youths League: Stradbally v Portlaw 11 a.m. (Games subject to the vagaries of the weather. Check with the team managers for updates).

Cappoquin Snooker and Billiards Club MASON MORTGAGES & FINANCIAL SERVICES DOUBLES FINAL We will have our first final of the season on tonight Wednesday when we will see the final of our doubles tournament take place at 7.30 p.m. The golden oldies of the two John's (Walsh & McGrath) will face the younger pairing of Michael Casey & Martin Reddy in what should be a well contested final. The John's will bring a huge amount of experience to the table but the two younger lads will not be found wanting and will surely give a good account of themselves. McCONNELL FITNESS LEAGUE We made the draw for out league last week and we have two very exciting groups that will all be played on Monday evening next. In group 1 we will see Martin Reddy, Ben O’Keeffe, Brendan Walsh and Pat Fitzgerald battle it out for a top two finish and a place in the semi-final. In group 2 we will see

Brendan Walshe, John McGrath, Michael Casey and Rhiney Walsh battle it out in what should be an exciting group. All games will be played on Monday evening next, so there will be plenty of action to be enjoyed in the hall with all these games. RED BRIDGE BILLIARDS LEAGUE We only had five players enter into our billiards league this season but still we should have some very good games played on Wednesday, 20th. The five lads who will battle it out for the title are Martin Reddy, Rhiney Walsh, John McGrath, Pat Fitzgerald and Michael Casey. KILLARNEY 2016 The lads are currently practising for the 2016 Munster championships which will again take place in Killarney this weekend. We wish the two Brendans, Martin Mac, Ben O’Keeffe and Pat Fitzgerald the very best of luck. The last few seasons we have competed very well and we will again be hoping to

give a good account of ourselves this season. ARE YOU RETIRED AND FANCY A GAME? For all the retired people of the area we now have a very good group of retired lads who meet every week for a game of snooker. These lads have started only two weeks ago and have 8/9 meeting each week to play a few games. They are having a great bit of craic every week and it is great to see them making use of the hall. EVERYBODY WELCOME FOR A GAME This season we have decided that you don't have to be a member to come in for a few games of snooker or billiards. For the past number of seasons there has been a presumption that you had to be a member of the club to play games in the hall. Well, we can now confirm to everyone that the hall is there for anyone who wants to play games any night its open. We hope to see people of the area avail of this opportunity and make use of these fantastic tables and facilities.

Ballinroad FC BALLINROAD AFC PITCH DEVELOPMENT LOTTO DRAW RESULTS 10th JANUARY, 2016 Jackpot €10,000. Numbers drawn were: 1, 12, 16, 18. No winner. Winners of €20 each: Mary Ann McCarthy, John O’Connell, Thomas Fitzgerald. Next draw on Sunday, 24th January, 2016 in Maguires Pub, Ballinroad. Thank you for your support.

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HANDBALL NEWS

Munster Primary Schools Competition 2015 THE Munster Primary Schools Competition was played off on November 29th in St. Augustine’s College 40 X 20 court. In total five counties took part, Cork, Clare, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford. This was the A Grade. B Grade was held in Liscarroll, Co. Cork on the same day. Play off: Kerry V Cork. All doubles. Cork won this game after a great battle. It went

down to the last game winning on the score of 85 aces to 79 aces. SEMI-FINALS WATERFORD V TIPPERARY Another great battle. Waterford team: William Beresford, Charlie Treen, Rian Hayes, Sean Callaghan, Con Williams & Edmund Spratt. Subs: Jack McGrath & Brian Callaghan. Tipperary came to town

with great expectation in wining this competition but the Waterford boys had other ideas. From the off Waterford were up for the game. In total our first Doubles lost by one ace, 30 – 29. The second game Waterford came out with ten aces to spare, up by nine aces. The final doubles we held our own and came out with a two aces victory winning the semi-final by twelve Aces.

THE SECOND SEMIFINAL: CLARE V CORK After a good battle Clare won on the score 90 aces to 70 aces. FINAL: WATERFORD V CLARE Another good battle with all the players giving of their very best. This final went down to the last game of the last doubles. Clare came out on top by a total of 8 aces, 80 aces to 72 for Waterford.

Waterford Badminton Association KNOCK-OUT CUP The knock-out cup is now underway with many of the semi-finals taking place over the coming weeks. Cup finals night will be held in the Abbey Community College in Ferrybank on Thursday, January 28th. Best of luck to all teams competing. BALLYDUFF TOURNAMENT Well done to Ballyduff badminton club on running a very successful doubles and mixed doubles competition for grades G, H and novice on Sunday last. Full results available next week. ULSTER GRADE A Waterford players were in action in the Ulster Grade A competition on Saturday last in Lisburn. Three of the five finals were contested by

Waterford players, with Lismore's Gemma Tobin reaching the Ladies Singles final and Doubles final with Ciara O'Connor. Kilmac's Eoin Walsh playing with Neil O'Flaherty contested the mens doubles final. Unfortunately, on the day our players had to settle for second place. Well done to all! U-13 JUVENILE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS Kilmacthomas hosted the annual U-13 juvenile county championships on Saturday last. There was a good entry with over forty children taking part, from clubs around the county (Waterford, Kilmac, Lismore, Ballyduff and Blackwater). Many thanks to Rachel, Michael and Pat for running the competition on the day. The results are as

follows:

and Waterford).

Girls Singles – Winner: Lucy Fox (Waterford). Runner-Up: Caitlin Gallagher (Waterford). Plate Winner: Naoise Murtagh (Kilmac); Plate Runner-Up Gráinne O'Donnell (Blackwater). Boys Singles – Winner: Cathal Murphy (Ballyduff); Runner-Up: Patrick McCarthy (Ballyduff). Plate Winner: Adam Hornibrook (Lismore); Plate Runner-Up: Cian Nolan (Blackwater). Girls Doubles – Winners: Caitlin Gallagher and Molly Kenny (Waterford and Ballyduff); Runners-Up: Lucy Fox and Chloe Power (Waterford). Boys Doubles – Winners: Cathal Murphy and Patrick McCarthy (Ballyduff); RunnersUp: Dylan Conway and Adam Hornibrook (Lismore). Mixed Doubles – Winners: Mark Ormonde and Lucy Fox (Blackwater and Waterford); Runners-Up: Patrick McCarthy and Caitlin Gallagher (Ballyduff

KIERSEY CUP Kilmacthomas Badminton Club will hold their annual Kiersey Cup mixed doubles tournament on the weekend of 23rd and 24th of January. This competition is open to all players. Saturday will see grade G, H and Novice battle it out, while on Sunday grade F and above will compete for the Kiersey Cup. Please send your entries to Rachel 0863980067 as soon as possible. INTER-COUNTY COMPETITIONS A reminder that February will be a busy month on the inter-county scene, a reminder to clubs to submit their players interested in being part of the squads to Trudy as soon as possible.

Kilmacthomas Badminton Association

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Park Hotel Sportstar Award December 2015. Declan Moriarty, General Manager, Park Hotel presents the December Sportstar Award to Sinead Deegan, Waterford Wildcats. Included are John Hayes, Waterford Wildcats and Kieran O'Connor, Adjudicator. Sinead captained the Wildcats to back-to-back victories in December and helped them secured a place at the National Cup Semi-finals against UL Huskies. Sinead was also selected for the Irish Basketball Squad. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Calum Tutty with his Clonea Strand Hotel swim awards for November/December. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

KNOCK-OUT CUP We had two Kilmac teams in action this week in their respective cup campaigns. Kilmac 5 travelled to Rathgormack on Tuesday last for their away leg. The team have left themselves with an uphill battle for the second leg having suffered a 5-1 defeat on the night. Team: Michael Brown, Cian Fahy, Ian Gourlay, Niamh Flavin, Celine Tierney and Imelda Murphy. Kilmac will face Rathgormack again on Friday, 15th January. Kilmac 4 played their first game at home to Ballyduff 1 on Friday last. After a number of very close games it is Ballyduff who will have the upperhand in the second leg

leading 5-1. Team: Pat Lenane, Padraig Lenane, Michael Brown, Carol Walsh, Ann Halley, Fionnuala Hayes. Kilmac will travel to Ballyduff on Wednesday, 13th January. BALLYDUFF TOURNAMENT Well done to our club members who travelled to Ballyduff on Sunday last for their annual doubles and mixed tournament. There was success on the day for Carol Walsh, who partnered Vicky from Rathgormack in the plate of the ladies doubles in which they went on to take the title. Those who competed on the day were: Pat Lenane, Dave Kiely, Michael Brown, Cian Fahy, Carol Walsh,

Celine Tierney and Melissa Keith. Well done to Ballyduff badminton club on running a very successful tournament. JUVENILE COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS The U-13 Juvenile County championships were held in Kilmac on Saturday last. Well done to Naoise Murtagh who was the winner of the girls plate singles and to all those who took part from the club on the day; Patrick Power, Rohan Kiely, Dan Halley, Tómas Flynn, Muiris Boyle McConnell, Naoise Murtagh and Milly Molumphy. Many thanks to Rachel, Michael and Pat who organised the competition on the day.

ULSTER GRADE A Well done to Eoin Walsh who competed in the Ulster Grade A competition at the weekend. Eoin was runner-up in the mens doubles event with his partner Neil O'Flaherty. In the ladies doubles event Ciara O'Connor and her partner Gemma Tobin were also finalists and finished the event as runners-up. Well done to all. JUVENILE BADMINTON Badminton has now returned for our juvenile members on Wednesday and Friday evenings. The supervision rota for January is available on our club website www.kilmacthomasbadmintonclub.com

WEEKEND SPINS At last we got a break from all the high winds and rain but the downside of this is much colder weather with the risk of ice. However, this weekend wasn't too bad with all groups getting out on the road. The Saturday morning group were delighted to welcome back regular captain Frank who seems to have lost very little fitness over the short break. The group headed out the coast road at a brisk pace however a mechanical resulted in a couple of riders having to abandon. The rest continued making good progress up and down the roads around Bunmahon, Kilmeaden and Kilmac. A puncture was expertly dealt with and all were back on the road in minutes and home safely just before the rain. The Saturday coffee spin had 10 out and had a lovely dry spin with a few challenging hills after our coffee stop in Kilmacthomas. There was one puncture which just gave us a short breather and the pace picked up afterwards. At the finish they had 52km done at an average of 20kmph. Well done everyone. Group 1 had 5 to start and then met George from group 2 and he tagged on from the bottom of the sweep. Due to the risk of icy roads the group stayed on the main road to Midelton and back with 3 punctures along the way. Group 2 had 23 out and changed the route slightly due to the risk of ice, sticking to the main road for the early part of the spin to Carrick. They came back the planned route though via Kill and Bunmahon. Group 3's numbers swelled this morning on a lovely seasonal start to the new year resolutions. Lovely to welcome new and old friends back in the saddle. A nice climb up the sweep warmed up cold hands and feet. Left to Ardmore where the first of two punctures triggered a mini pile up on an icy stretch of road. We regrouped and a smart spin to Clashmore, Millstreet and

Colligan followed in splendid winter sunshine. There was 22 in group,with a pace of 27kmph Group 23k had a brilliant spin starting out with 12 heading for Cappoquin, Lismore, Tallow, Campfire, Cappoquin and home. There was a few newcomers today, welcome Linda, Judith, Paul, Chris and a guest appearance from Castleisland Paraig!! One was lost at the start with an early puncture, hope you're ok Joe, and two returned home from Cappoquin. The Coffee stop at The Latch in Tallow allowed us to defrost before the journey home where two more were lost. One to cold and one to a "niggly knee". Coldest cycle yet but great to see the sun. As Group 5 had 2 “Tryout” cyclists they left the regulars go ahead and minded the two new people for a short but sweet spin that we hope will encourage them back. Our 3 regulars became 2 when one had to turn back because of illness. These 2 joined up with Group 23k and enjoyed a fast spin to Lismore. They then had to cope with a puncture, flood and fog, but made it home. The remaining 2 had a fast spin trying to catch the other two, but with a 20 minute start, it was a bit of a task. Still a creditable average of 23kmph up to Lismore made for a good day out. Seems like there were a lot of splinter groups on the roads today! ROBERT POWER ‘I supported the guys I rode against but knew something wasn’t right with Lance.’ – Former Olympic cyclist Robert Power on the crash which all but ended his career, doping in the sport and why he couldn’t encourage any kid to go into professional cycling. Growing up in Dungarvan, cycling was Robert Power’s life. It was all he knew. Everything he did from a young age revolved around the sport. Through his teenage years, he cycled – and won. His potential was prodigious. It was such that he enjoyed instant suc-

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

cess during the 80s on the Irish amateur circuit. He won national titles at both junior and senior level and fell in love with a sport which was enjoying years of unprecedented popularity. A close family friend first brought him out on the bike and introduced him to the Cidona Carrick Wheelers Club. It was there his talent was honed and nurtured. He was the best rider in the country in his pomp. Hailing from a town steeped in cycling history, Power was destined to follow close friend Sean Kelly to the top. He had all the attributes to cut it at the highest level, the results to back it up and structure to sustain his tilt. Fast forward four decades and Power’s relationship with cycling has changed. His love remains but he also loathes it. Not resentment or bitterness. Nor is it a vendetta against the sport he once worshiped. But it’s a feeling driven from first-hand experience of the cheating and double-crossing which has blighted and damaged the sport of cycling beyond repair. Paul Kimmage described the bizarre relationship as a ‘love affair that will always make me unhappy.’ Power, although he didn’t reach the heights Kimmage achieved in his career, is in the same boat. He remains emotionally invested in the sport even if the overriding emotion is anger. “I look back now and say thanks be to god I was ten per cent short,” Power tells The42. “Because if you wanted to make it you needed to dope and they got away with it for so long. “I would say it’s more frustration. If you set out at anything, whatever sport, you want to be the next Henry Shefflin or Lionel Messi. I was the same, I wanted to be the next Sean Kelly and there’s only a tiny fraction who make it and to think guys were cheating to get there is hard to take.” Power’s career hit a stumbling block before he could realise his full promise. His first win came in Clonmel as a 15-year-old and he then progressed through the

Robert Power winning one of two Rás stage victories in Midleton in 1991.

ranks, participating in amateur events on the continent. It was at the World Championships in Moscow in 1989 where he first came across a talented American by the name of Lance Armstrong. The next time the pair would cross paths was three years later at the Olympic Games in Barcelona. It was from that point their respective careers took contrasting journeys. Armstrong, already an international prodigy, produced a disappointing performance in the road, finishing 14th. Undeterred, he immediately turned pro. The rest, as they say, is history. For Power, it was the beginning of the end. He had just ridden the team time trial on the opening Sunday of the Games, finishing 17th. Wearing the green of Ireland, he was in a position to establish himself on the biggest stage. With such a platform, the opportunities were boundless. But the day before his main event, the road race, he was involved in a crash which would have physical and physiological effects. “We went to watch a bit of the track cycling,” he recalls. “The lads decided they wanted to go off for a cycle and I didn’t want to. I remember saying ‘no, no’ but eventually they persuaded me. “We ended up going up a climb in Barcelona and on the descent coming down, I was at the back of the group and one of the lads went around the bend and shouted ‘car’. “I automatically swung to the left to swing into the ditch after seeing the car and trying to avoid it but I just couldn’t react in time and went head first into it. I don’t remember anything from there. I was unconscious for an hour or so. “The lads managed to get me in the back of a car and brought me into hospital. For two days I couldn’t feel my legs, I’ll never forget it. It knocked an awful lot out of me and I never really recovered my confidence.” Power spent seven weeks in hospital before returning home to continue his rehab in Waterford and then Blackrock Clinic. A broken collar bone and internal bleeding on his kidneys were the two major injuries he sustained. “I remember when I was in hospital, I kept asking would I walk again. I knew the doctors were worried. When I made that recovery, I said ‘f**k it’, I’m lucky. It could have been a lot worse. I had no helmet on, nothing. “When I got home, I had no interest in the bike. I wasn’t able to cycle for a few months anyway but I just didn’t get back into it at all. Looking back, it had a bigger effect on me than I originally thought. “There was a nervousness there. Flash backs, coming down that hill at speed. Mark Cain, one of my team-mates, totally panicked as his sister, Debbie, was

Robert Power leading John Hearn at Mahon Falls. involved in a similar accident a couple of weeks previous. She is in a wheelchair since.” Time can act as a good healer and as the weeks progressed, the physical scars alleviated but mentally Power didn’t carry the same determination or undiluted appetite for success. When cycling wasn’t there to fill the void, he looked for relief and comfort from another source. “I would go down for a few pints with the lads, a few frames of snooker. That went on for three months,” he admits. “I was in bits, physically and mentally. “One day I called my cousin and he said ‘no we’re not going down for pints today, we’re going for a cycle’. He didn’t do any cycling but saw what was happening to me. We went out for 20 miles and after that I promised myself I’d get back into it. “After two weeks training, I won the race in Blarney and I had that buzz back but I wasn’t the same. The crash was always on the back of mind. If I led at the top of a climb, I’d always be last at the bottom. “There was nothing there. My back was giving me trouble. It just felt like my left leg was completely numb, like it wasn’t pedalling. I went everywhere, doctors in the UK, but nobody could figure it out.” Power was scheduled to ride in the 1995 An Post Rás, but it reached a point where he simply couldn’t continue. He was practically lifted off the bike in Kerry the week before and he knew, in his heart of hearts, it was the final straw. It all became too much. At the age of 24, his career, both professional and amateur, had been cut short. “There was disappointment, of course. I was still young,” Power continues. “I thought I would recover and had the next Olympics to look forward to.” From there, he didn’t go near cycling for another decade. He separated himself from the sport, went trav-

elling, worked part-time in a clothes shop, represented Ireland at fishing and took up photography. But cycling was always there, at the back of his mind. He would watch the guys he had competed against forge successful careers for themselves, achieve sweeping success. It was difficult to completely switch off. “I shouted and watched the guys I raced against and even though I wasn’t racing, I was still absolutely mad about it. But there came I point when I knew something wasn’t right, I knew. “Lance Armstrong’s first Tour win and I switched off. I didn’t watch it anymore, flicked in and out of different events, but didn’t watch another Tour until a few years ago.” Before he retired, Power had spent a short time in France, riding as an amateur in the pro-am events. He experienced the cut-throat nature of the existence for himself. “When you look at the guys I raced against at junior level and then around 1992, after the Olympics, it all went bananas. All the books and recent developments show that. It was blatantly obvious – but it was still a bit of shock when it came out. “Stephen Spratt, one of my team-mates, was completely disillusioned by it all. He couldn’t handle it but the only thing he ever said to me was: ‘I’m here to race and make some money, you’re young and have the talent, you will be offered drugs, turn pro on your own steam then make your decision’. “It’s an extremely difficult life. Very few make it and I did make some money from it so I don’t regret anything, apart from hitting that car. There are great memories but I’m just glad I didn’t get to that level. “I’m not bitter or don’t hold a grudge. Some people say Paul Kimmage does. I understand where he’s coming from. He could have made it, he was a serious

cyclist. He’s fighting for the good of the sport and I thank him and admire the work he’s done.” Now with three young kids, Power, who works in GSK’s consumer healthcare manufacturing site in Dungarvan, was keen to give something back to the community. He established an underage league in Dungarvan to encourage teenagers to get active and ride their bikes – but it was designed for nothing more. Naturally, however, there have been those who’ve showed promise. “I started the club for fun,” he explains. “To get young boys and girls out in the fresh air, learning how to ride their bike safely. There are a few guys who are beginning to race now. That’s fine but I can’t push them, it’s not right. “There’s one young lad who is U-12 time trial champion. I know his father well, we went to school together. I was over at his house recently and I just told his parents to make sure Mark keeps playing all his other sports. I didn’t say much more.“When he’s old enough he’ll make his own decision but I couldn’t encourage anybody to pursue a career in professional cycling. It’s a horrible life, there’s nothing fancy about it.“I started doing the league to get guys out in the bike. Ten lads go for a cycle that’s what I want.“If Mark wants to race I’ll give him whatever help or advice I can but I could not encourage anyone to go into the sport of cycling.” Article reproduced by kind permission of Ryan Bailey and first appeared in THE42.ie on December 27th, 2015. CONTACT US Our Facebook page has plenty of updates and photos so feel free to have a look. We are also on Twitter and have a club webpage www.dungarvancc.com or email at kenealyp@yahoo.ie

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 15 January, 2016

Talking Horses Upcoming Fixtures Thurles – Thursday, 14th January (First Race 12.35) Dundalk – Friday, 15th January (First Race 6.00) Naas – Saturday, 16th January (First Race 12.45) Leopardstown – Sunday, 17th January (First Race 1.00)

‘Go Racing Student Society’ launched by Horse Racing Ireland HORSE Racing Ireland’s ‘Go Racing Student Society’ was launched last week at Gordon Elliott’s Cullentra House Stables in Longwood, County Meath. Jockey Bryan Cooper joined students from UCD, DIT and Smurfit Graduate Business School to welcome the initiative and invite students to join up for 2016. The ‘Go Racing Student Society’ will build on the growing interest in horse racing among students and create opportunities to experience the sport in greater depth, going behind the scenes at racecourses and breeding and training establishments. Members of the ‘Go Racing Student Society’ will get an opportunity to experience racehorse ownership as the society has been made a member of the Gordon Elliott Racing Club which has four horses in training. The first ‘Go Racing Student Society’ event will take place on February 6th at the Irish Gold Cup meeting in Leopardstown, where student members will have a chance to win a trip to day three of the Cheltenham Festival. There will be at least one society outing per quarter which will include both educational and social events. These will include trips to trainers’ yards, studs, Irish bloodstock sales and race meetings around the country. Horse Racing Ireland will also partner with the ITBA Next Generation and arrange joint events for members of both. The society is open to anyone currently in third level education. Joining the society is free and trips will be discounted. Students who are interested in joining can do so at www.goracing.ie.

Jockeys line up for The Kube Fundraiser for Robbie McNamara CHAMPION National Hunt and Flat Jockeys Ruby Walsh and Pat Smullen along with Davy Russell, Bryan Cooper, Katie Walsh and Patrick Mullins are just some of the many racing stars taking part in The Kube fundraiser for the Robbie McNamara Fund at Killashee Hotel on Saturday, January 30th at 7:30pm. The fundraiser is based on the television game show The Cube, which offers contestants the chance to win a top prize by completing challenges from within a 4m x 4m x 4m perspex cube. There will be 36 contestants divided into six teams of six. The fastest two will go through in each heat. At The Races presenter, Matt Chapman will act as MC. There will also be a charity auction on the night.

Gowran Park to donate €5 from admissions on Goffs Thyestes Day to Irish Injured Jockeys GOWRAN Park Racecourse will donate €5 from all fullpriced admissions at their most highly-attended race meeting of the year, Goffs Thyestes Chase day, to Irish Injured Jockeys. On Thursday, January 21st, the 63rd running of the Goffs Thyestes Chase will see over 8,000 racegoers and many of the stars of Irish National Hunt racing descend on Gowran Park for another thrilling renewal of this prestigious race. The Thyestes Chase has been long-established as one of the highlights of the Irish National Hunt racing calendar and a key guide to the English and Irish Grand Nationals, with stars such as Hedgehunter and Numbersixvalverde completing the big race double. In more recent times, the Goffs Thyestes Chase has become a trial for the Cheltenham Gold Cup, with the last two Goffs Thyestes winners, On His Own and Djakadam, finishing runner-up in the big race.

Min (Ruby Walsh) clears the second the last when winning the Grade 2 Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on Saturday.

[Patrick McCann]

Min Impresses again in Punchestown Grade 2 BOOKMAKERS offering ante-post prices on the Supreme Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham next March were running for cover after the Willie Mullins-trained Min recorded a facile success in the Grade 2 Sky Bet Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle at Punchestown on Saturday. A 1/7 favourite, he ran very freely under Ruby Walsh but was in a class of his own and raced clear in the straight to

win as he liked. He was cut to 7/4 favourite for the Cheltenham Festival opener, one of seven favourites his trainer currently has for the four-day extravaganza. Mullins had earlier taken the beginners’ chase with the Bryan Cooper-ridden 11/8 chance Measureofmydreams and another winning favourite over fences at the meeting was 3/1 shot Flemenstorm

who won the 2m4f handicap chase for Batterstown, County Meathtrainer Edward Cawley and Chris Timmons. Favourite backers suffered a reversal when 1/1 chance Court Frontier flopped in the Conyngham Cup Handicap Chase which was won by Baie Des Iles who was ridden for local trainer Ross O’Sullivan by Derek O’Connor.

Lift The Latch ran out an easy winner of the 2m maiden hurdle for Tony Martin and Mark Walsh while Gavin Cromwell continued his good run when Elusive Ivy took the 2m4f handicap hurdle under Brien Kane. Gordon Elliott left it late to get among the winners but he took the closing rated hurdle with Diamond King who ran out a ready winner under Jack Kennedy.

Cromwell’s Policy a winner again at Dundalk POLITICAL Policy continued on his remarkable run of success at Dundalk when winning for the eighth time at the County Louth venue on Friday. Trained in Navan, County Meath by Gavin Cromwell, the five-year-old got up in the closing stages in the 12f handicap under Sean Corby to win by a neck from Saga Bolton. It was his sixth success at Dundalk since

last September and a race at the Good Friday meeting at Lingfield is now the target. Another winner to come from the Royal County was Ishebayorgrey who landed the 7f rated race for trainer Pat Martin and Kevin Manning. And Stamullen-based Peter Casey was also on the mark as the Robbie Downey-ridden Hello

Humpfrey took the second division of the 10f handicap. It was also a good night for Curragh trainers with four winners originating from County Kildare. Tracey Collins’ Chiclet was first up when taking the opening five furlong handicap under Gary Halpin. Michael Halford’s Roman Impero ran out the easiest winner of the night when landing the 7f maiden with

Conor Hoban in the saddle while Excelli defied top weight under Michael Hussey to win the 8f handicap. Shukhov completed the Curragh haul when winning the second division of the 10f handicap for Johnny Levins and Ronan Whelan. It was a second winner for Whelan who had earlier taken the 10f maiden on the Adrian Joyce-trained Rock On Rosie.

More big Fairyhouse success for Sandra Hughes THERE is little doubt that Fairyhouse is trainer Sandra Hughes’ favourite racecourse and the Curragh trainer recorded another high-profile success at the County Meath venue when Nearly Nama’d won the €100,000 Underwriting Exchange Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase on Sunday. A winner at 40/1 at the course late last year, the eight-year-old was only a 4/1 chance on this occasion and had little difficulty in winning under Barry Geraghty. Gordon Elliott saddled three winners on the day and he had given Geraghty an earlier winner when taking the 2m2f mares’ maiden hurdle on Myztique. Bryan Cooper was another to ride two winners at the meeting and he gave

Elliott his first winner when taking the three-year-old maiden hurdle on Tocororo. The young Kerryman partnered the Willie Mullins-trained McKinley to a comfortable win in the 2m1f beginners’ chase and conditional rider Jonathan Moore completed Elliott’s treble when taking the bumper on 4/9 favourite Sutton Place. Shannak was another winning market leader to score and he won the 2m4f handicap hurdle for the father and son team of Tony and Danny Mullins. Gorey, County Wexford-trainer Colm Murphy was back in the winners’ enclosure after Marlbrook and Mark Walsh took the rated novice chase.