Dungarvan observer 16 2 2018 edition by Dungarvan Observer

DUNGARVAN

Vol. 106

OBSERVER Friday, 16th February, 2018 07

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Megan Lennon from Dungarvan pictured with her winning work of art in the 18 years and over category at the annual Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) All-Ireland Art Competition which was announced on Monday at Croke Park. SEE PAGE 2

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CEO roundly defends corporate governance at local authority as Councillors scrutinise Audit Report on Council’s finances By Paul Mooney THE Chief Executive of Waterford Council, Michael Walsh, has roundly defended the corporate governance of the local authority and said he is satisfied there has been “no waste of money” in the Council’s finances, after one Councillor said there was “a shocking failure in governance and oversight in the Council” due to the unauthorised purchasing of 60 vans at a cost of €1.46m. An Audit Report for the year 2016, which was completed by Local Government Auditor, James Moran, was presented to the February Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County

Council last week. But senior management came under heavy criticism from Cllr. Joe Conway who noted a very “serious matter” in relation to an investigation into the purchase of 60 vans at a cost of €1.46m. The Audit Report stated that “a number of staff at middle management” engaged in activities, outside the tender process requirements which led to an order for the supply of 60 vans outside of the Council’s policies and procedures; entry into a lease agreement with a financial institution for an incorrectly calculated monthly payments of €24,436.60 for five years (€1.46m), resulting in the full upfront payment to the van supplier and delivery of the vans to Council premises.

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The Auditor said he was advised that the senior management team were not aware of these transactions until the matter was brought to their attention after the delivery of the vans. “It looks like a shocking failure in governance and oversight in the Council,” Cllr. Conway commented. “€1.46m for 60 vehicles which were delivered without senior management knowing - this wouldn’t be tolerated in any other organisation.” Mr. Walsh, in his response to the Auditor, said an investigation was carried out with appropriate disciplinary policies and procedures. Disciplinary measures taken now remain subject to an external appeal. c Continued on page 17

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Imagination Unleashed at National Art Competition Prizegiving Ceremony WINNER IN THE 18 YEARS AND OVER CATEGORY – MEGAN LENNON, DUNGARVAN THE winners of one of the nation’s largest and longest-running art competitions were announced on Monday at Croke Park. 30,000 entries were received for the annual Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) All Ireland Art Competition, now in its 34th year. The eleven category winners, from all age groups, attended the prize-giving ceremony accompanied by family and friends. They received cash prizes from broadcasting personality Marty Whelan. ‘Set Your Imagination Free’ was the theme of the 2017 All Ireland Credit Union Art Competition, designed to give a wide-ranging scope to entrants to express their creativity and individuality. In addition to the ten individual winners and one group winner, there were 22 runner-up and merit awards. Age categories encompassed 7-years-and-under to 18-yearsand-over, and a category for artists with learning difficulties. The competition is facilitated by credit unions in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Winning entries featured such imaginative interpretations of the theme as underwater

scenes, space oddities, mythical creatures and city skylines. The winners hailed from corners of Ireland stretching from Westport to Wexford and Irvinestown in Northern Ireland. Speaking at the awards ceremony, ILCU President, Charles Murphy said: “There is a thriving creative and artistic culture in local communities across the island of Ireland and the credit union movement is dedicated to supporting and developing this culture. Our annual art event is just one example of the great work credit unions do in their local communities to ensure that both young and old have an outlet for their creative skills.” Mr Murphy continued “I was greatly impressed by the depth of talent demonstrated in the beautiful artwork on display in Croke Park today. It was very interesting to see how uniquely each of the artists interpreted the theme. I extend a huge congratulations to each and every artist that participated in this competition and I look forward to seeing more artistic creations in the future.”

Megan Lennon with her winning work of art, along with MC and official prize-giver, RTE’s Marty Whelan, and Irish League of Credit Unions President, Charles Murphy.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

COUNCIL-FUNDED ROAD IN COMERAGH SAC IS NOT EXEMPTED DEVELOPMENT By Paul Mooney

Council, which outlined that around 0.4 hectares [nearly one acre] of heathland has been destroyed as a result. Mr. Davis noted in his report that the survey details of the impacts “are consistent with my observations”. Mr. Davis said that as the structure is in excess of two kilometres it would (under Schedule 5, Part 2 Class 10 (dd) private roads in excess of 2,000 metres) require screening, “and while I acknowledge some ambiguity about the nature of the structure, I would consider, having regard also to the provisions of Schedule 7 of the Regulations, that there is a reasonable likelihood that it would require an EIS, especially having regard to the likely environmental impact of the works and the cumulative impact with the hydroelectric scheme (which was granted permission in 2005 with an EIS)”. DESTRUCTION OF HABITAT He said there is also visible evidence of run-off to the stream, which includes floating river vegetation. “As such, there is the significant disruption / destruction of habitat identified as ‘dry heath’ and ‘wet heath’. There is a significant effect on a Natura 2000 site in view of the sites conservation objectives,” Mr. Davis said. “An NIS (Natura Impact Statement) would, therefore, have been required. As such, the works cannot be considered to be exempted development by virtue of Article 9 (i) (viiB) as it would have

THE construction of a roadway in excess of two kilometres, which goes through a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in the Comeragh Mountains, at Crough Wood, Coum Mahon, Furraleigh, near Mahon Bridge, has been declared a development by An Bord Pleanála and is not an exempted development, in a judgement last week. The matter had been referred to An Bord Pleanála in January, 2016 by Declan McGrath, of The Estuary, King’s Channel, Waterford, on whether the construction of the road through the SAC at Crough Wood by the Comeragh Community Development Group was a development or not, or is an exempted development or not. (Board reference: RL3448). HEATHLAND DESTROYED Inspector with the Board, Philip Davis, who inspected the site in July, 2016, concluded that the works to construct the road “have caused significant direct effect on heathland within the designated SAC by way of direct excavation and coverage by spoil”. Mr. Davis concurred with details of a survey ‘Assessment of Impacts on Comeragh Mountains SAC’, dated December, 2015 and completed by Wetland Surveys Ireland on behalf of the

required an NIS,” Mr. Davis said. In his referral to the Board, Declan McGrath wanted to establish that an EIS (Environmental Impact Statement) or AA (Appropriate Assessment) was required and, as such, no retention application can be granted; that the development is considered a ‘road’ under the Roads Act 1993 (Section 2 of the 2000 Act as amended) and, as such, is a development. Mr. McGrath argued that even if the development is considered ‘Local Authority works’ (which are exempted), it would be deexempted by requirements under various Articles under regulations, due to the length; and that the road does not constitute a ‘greenway’, but is laid out as a full road. Mr. McGrath noted that the planning authority considers the development to be ‘a road’. COMERAGH COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT GROUP RESPONSE In response, the Comeragh Community Development Group denied that the development is a ‘roadway’ or a ‘road’ under the meaning set out in the Regulations and described it as a ‘wood walk’. The group said the current situation is not a real reflection of what the final walk will look like once it is completed and landscaped – it is intended to blend into the landscape as with the present walk through Crough Woods.

In his report Mr. Davis noted the walkway stretches from Crough Woods to Mahon Falls. No section has been completed, but there are visible earthworks along almost the entire stretch. Mr. Davis concluded that the road is in excess of two kilo-metres and is a substantial excavation with related structures including probable culverts and drains. “As such I consider it unambiguously to be ‘development’ pursuant to Section 2 and 3 (1) of the 2000 Act, as amended,” Mr. Davis said. In regards to whether it is or is not exempted development, Mr. Davis noted that it appeared public funding was used for the works. “But, it seems clear to me that it was undertaken by a private body on privately-owned lands (which are not part of Coillte works), and the land is not part of the public highway, and is not part of an existing private street, road or way, and as such is not exempted under Schedule 2, Part 1, Class 13,” Mr. Davis said. “The land, while open and a mix of privately-owned land and (possibly) commonage, is not a park, open space or ornamental garden, or used for athletics or sports. It is open ground used seemingly for sheep grazing, or is untended heath/bog. As such, I do not consider that it is exempt under Schedule 2 Part 1 Class 33. As such, I do not consider that the development comes within these, or any other exemption class and so is not exempted development,” Mr.

Davis added. In its deliberations, the Board concurred with its Inspector’s findings, and in exercise of its powers, conferred under Section 5 of the 2000 Act, decided that the construction of the road through the Crough Wood / Comeragh SAC is a development and is not exempted development. FUNDING APPROVED BY COUNCIL TO DEVELOP WALKWAY It was at a Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council in June 2015, that Councillors approved €75,000 sought by Chief Executive, Michael Walsh for the Comeragh Community Development Group to develop the roadway linking Mahon Bridge to Mahon Falls. Councillors were told that the Comeragh Community Development Group had secured land and access to lands between the existing walkway and Mahon Falls, and the leasehold on the land was for 999 years, which will come into Council ownership. Mr. Walsh told Councillors that the €75,000 would be to specifically develop the walk with the longer term intention of linking it to Waterford Greenway. The contribution of €75,000 was proposed by Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan, seconded by former Councillor (now TD) Mary Butler and approved unanimously by the members of the Council.

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winning work pictured with her Irish League from Dungarvan annual Megan Lennon category at the which was years and over of art in the 18 (ILCU) All-Ireland Art Competition 2 SEE PAGE Park. of Credit Unions Monday at Croke announced on

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The Auditor team were not the senior management until the Council last week. came under of these transactions But senior management Conway aware was brought to their attention from Cllr. Joe in matter the vans. heavy criticism “serious matter” in the delivery of of Waterford who noted a very into the after looks like a shocking failure the “It an investigation €1.46m. THE Chief Executive oversight in Walsh, has roundly relation to vans at a cost of governance and Council, Michael commented. governance of purchase of 60 stated that “a Cllr. Conway defended the corporateand said he is The Audit Report management” Council,” for 60 vehicles which were the local authoritybeen “no waste of number of staff at middle the tender “€1.46m without senior management has in in activities, outside after satisfied there to an delivered - this wouldn’t be tolerated Council’s finances, “a engaged requirements which led knowing money” in the process of 60 vans outside said there was the other organisation.” one Councillor in governance and order for the supplypolicies and pro- any Walsh, in his response to was Mr. investigation to the of the Council’s a lease agreement shocking failure an due said Council” entry into appropriate an incor- Auditor, out with oversight in the 60 vans at cedures; institution for purchasing of and procedures. with a financial monthly payments of carried unauthorised now disciplinary policies a cost of €1.46m. for the year 2016, rectly calculated measures taken five years (€1.46m), for Disciplinary appeal. Report to external payment An Audit Local €24,436.60 to an in the full upfront of the vans remain subject on page 17 completed by which was Moran, resulting c Continued supplier and delivery Auditor, James Government Plenary the van to the February to Council premises. was presented and County City meeting of Waterford

By Paul Mooney

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SECTIONS .........................……………………………………... PAGES News .............................…………..………………………………. 1–27 Classifieds ..........................…..……………………………….. 28–31 Seventy years of Ministry at Mt. Melleray Abbey 32–33 County News ...........………….………………………………. 34-50 Schools ...................................................………………….. 51-57 Obituary .…….……………………………………………………. 58-59 Farming .....................………….……………………………….. 60-63 Déise Newsround ..............……………………………………….. 64 Includes your 24-page Sports pull-out

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

WEDNESDAY will be a wet and windy day with outbreaks of rain clearing to scattered showers with sunny spells developing. Very strong and gusty southerly winds at first will veer southwest and decrease fresh to strong but remain very strong near coasts. A milder day than recently with top temperatures reaching 9 to 11 or 12 degrees. Forecast for Thursday/Friday – Cold Thursday with scattered showers and sunny spells with the slight risk of a wintry in the afternoon. Top temperatures of 5 or 6 degrees in fresh to strong and gusty southwest winds. Cold Thursday night with lowest temperatures around 0 to +1 degrees with the risk of some frost, it will be mostly dry apart from an isolated shower. A few showers at first Friday, but it will become cloudier through the course of the day as showers merge into longer spells of rain. Highest temperatures of 8 Celsius with moderate to fresh southwest winds. Apart from a little patchy rain at first Friday night it will be dry and cold overnight with lowest temperatures of -2 Celsius with frost and icy patches. Forecast for Saturday/Sunday – Saturday will be largely dry with bright or sunny spells. Highest temperatures of 9 Celsius with moderate southwest winds. Mostly dry overnight with lowest temperatures of around 1 Celsius with light southwest breezes. Dry on Sunday with some bright or sunny spells. Highest temperatures of 10 or 11 Celsius with light variable or southwest breezes. It will continue dry overnight too. Cold with lowest temperatures of 0 to +1 Celsius with a slight frost possible. Outlook (Monday/Wednesday) – Current indications suggest the early day of next week will remain settled with high pressure dominating. Daytime temperatures generally around 9 or 10 Celsius but a degree or two cooler on Wednesday. Winds will be mostly light.

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THUR 6º

FRI 8º

SAT 9º

SUN 11º

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Council reiterates call on Justice Minister to set up Commission of Inquiry WATERFORD Council has again called on Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan to set up a Commission of Inquiry into the handling of complaints against convicted paedophile Bill Kenneally, after it was revealed that the Minister has so far not met with the victims. At the February Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Mary Roche said Councillors were under the impression at their previous monthly meeting that Minister Flanagan would meet with the victims of Bill Kenneally within two weeks. “No meeting has taken place nor has there been any communication from the Minister at this stage – confirmed as late as this afternoon,” Cllr. Roche told the meeting. She said the Council needs to reiterate its call to the Minister to set up the Commission of Inquiry - as per their Notice of Motion, which was unanimously passed at their January Plenary meeting. Cllr. John O’Leary said the Minister’s refusal to meet with the victims and to set up the inquiry is “unfair and reckless in the eyes of the victims of abuse”. “There is absolutely no reason why this Commission of Inquiry cannot be set up. It is pure neglect by the Minister,” Cllr.

O’Leary said, but was interrupted by Cllr. John Cummins who asked if Cllr. O’Leary was making a statement or asking a question. Cllr. O’Leary said Councillors met the victims of abuse at their last Council meeting and were given guarantees that the Minister of Justice would be contacted on this matter and urged to advance a Commission of Inquiry. “I am asking the Fine Gael Councillors here, when is the Minister going to set up a Commission of Inquiry?” Cllr. O’Leary asked. “They seemed to know plenty about it the last day – have they any further update on why a Commission of Inquiry hasn’t happened yet?” he added. Cllr. Cummins said if Cllr. O’Leary wants to talk to any of the other Councillors outside the Chamber, “we would be more than happy to do that”. “But we are here to question the executive - that is how the questions work,” Cllr. Cummins commented. But Cllr. O’Leary fired back: “I’m prepared to ask questions now - you had plenty of talk, Cllr. Cummins, on the last day in relation to this issue and the allegations you were also making – so we’ll have the answers in public now, while the media are

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present and while the officials are present”. However, Cllr. O’Leary’s queries to the Fine Gael Councillors went unanswered as the Mayor, Cllr. Pat Nugent, moved on with the business. Meanwhile, in response to a query from Cllr. Roche about whether at the January meeting of the Council, on whether the Fianna Fáil party have carried out their own internal investigation into the matter. Cllr. Adam Wyse read out a reply at the February meeting on behalf of the Fianna Fáil members. He stated: “I can confirm to you that Fianna Fáíl, as a voluntary organisation, does not have any statutory powers to investigate anyone in relation to issues with a possible criminal component”. “If Fianna Fáil were to make a judgement against anyone it could prejudice any future trial and thereby deny the survivors the fullest extent of justice to which they are entitled. “We stand firm with the survivors desired path forward, the creation of an independent Commission of Investigation as it will possess the autonomy and powers required to hopefully satisfactorily resolve this issue,” Cllr. Wyse added. West Waterford Festival of Food launch of Friends Circle 2018 in the Crow's Nest at the Lady Belle Bar (l. to r.): Ray Harty, Harty's Oysters, and Ray O'Brien, Anchor Bar, pictured at the launch of this year's Friends Circle.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Dungarvan Unites in “Song for Richard” ON Saturday, 3rd February, a group of 50 strong volunteers of all ages, descended upon ClayCastle Recording Studio in Youghal to record a charity single for a very special and moving cause. Richard Fitzgerald is a 12 year old Dungarvan native, who was diagnosed in Nov 2017 with a high grade aggressive glioma, a form DIPG, an extremely rare and inoperable brain tumour. Despite all medical advances, nothing has been done for children diagnosed with it, in the last 40 years. Unfortunately the diagnosis brings with it a median survival time of just 9 months. These are the harsh realities faced by Richard, his parents Paula and Wesley, and brother Cailum. Richard is your typical 12 year old boy, who loves his Star Wars, loves his family, school, drama, and all the things that 12 year old boys like. His Dad Wesley is a popular figure around Dungarvan and the town has rallied around him to raise much

needed funds so that the family can enjoy their last moments together and create memories that will last forever. Richard has had to re locate to Dublin with his Mam and brother to be close to treatments made available to him by his medical team. The money raised will go directly to the family to help support them in this most testing of times. Any surplus from donations or sales will be made available to create awareness and help fund medical research in the future. To date the family, including Richard and Cailum’s schools, have raised in excess of €10,000 for Irish Childrens Charity “Aiobheann’s Pink Tie”, an organisation that has been with the family, side by side since day one, and hope to continue this work. It is truly a heart wrenching story that no one would wish on anyone. With this in mind, the people of Dungarvan came together in a most unique way. It was brain child of local actor Kris

John Stack and Kris Cowming “Song For Richard” organisers.

Cowming, who sent a call to arms out on social media asking that people get involved in a charity music single. Kris recruited local musician John Stack as musical director and together they have brought a group of nearly 50 people from Dungarvan and its surrounding areas to one room to record Coldplay’s “Fix You”, a song chosen by Cailum as it holds special meaning for both he and Richard, especially given recent developments. The group, consisting of both accomplished singers and those who never stood in front of a mic before, came to ClayCastle Recording Studio in Youghal on Saturday and a very satisfactory but emotional day followed. For 5 hours the group went through each line meticulously to achieve a near perfect recording that the town can be proud of. “It was a fabulous day” said Kris. “We did something similar in 2014 raising funds for Pieta House in Waterford and that’s where the idea stemmed from” he added. “This one was very special though because of the local connection to the cause” Director John Stack spent hours mulling over the song to bring something different to the popular song. “It was challenging to say the least” he said. “The song despite its relative simplicity is complex enough when you add choral lines to it. All through the day, the cause was in the back of our minds which spurred us on but kept us firmly grounded. I hope the recording reflects that” he added. Richard’s Dad Wesley was there on the day to thank everyone and indeed contributed to the recording in a most special way.

“The way the people have reacted to this is very moving” said Wesley.“A town is defined by its people and over the last few months I’ve seen a different side to my local town. A side I never expected nor wanted to see but it is humbling to see what people have done for us lately.” In a very emotional finale, the group felt united in what was a

truly unique experience for everyone involved. The song is currently being mixed and mastered by recording gurus, John and Warren in ClayCastle Studio and the single will be available for sale in the coming weeks. A YouTube video will accompany the song and both will be available once the official launch has taken place.

Watch this space for more details on a very worthwhile venture for all involved. If anyone would like to donate to the fund, you can type in the link below to your browser Link: https://www.gofundme.com/4phd1fs For any more details, or if you'd like to help sell the single when available, please text 0868458509.

Some of the 50 strong Volunteer group recording “Song For Richard”.

Dawn Tutty and Michael Keane recording “Song For Richard”.

Lara Summers recording her line in “Song For Richard”.

Little girl from Sierra Leone features on Trócaire Box six months after narrowly escaping death in mudslide OVERSEAS development charity Trócaire is launching it’s annual Lenten campaign in Co. Waterford and across Ireland this week on Ash Wednesday (14th) which is the six month anniversary of the devastating mudslide that killed hundreds of people in Sierra Leone. A little girl and her family from the Matome area of Freetown, which was obliterated by the mudslide, feature on the Trócaire Box this year. Kumba (7) and her family were seconds away from death

last August 14th. The family woke in the early hours just before the mudslide came down and wiped out their house. The whole community was devastated and only 20% survived. Estimates put the number of dead at 500 but the true figure will never be known and could be over 1,000. Trócaire immediately responded to the disaster by providing emergency kits with essential supplies and counselling to help survivors. Over the coming months families

will also be supported to rebuild their business and their livelihoods. Eamonn Meehan, Trócaire’s executive director, said, “As the community continues to try to recover from losing everything, Trócaire is there to provide support. We are only able to do this because of the generosity of people in County Waterford. Last year people throughout the county helped to raise €154,919 to support Trócaire’s Lenten campaign through the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore allowing

us to support hundreds of thousands of people living in devastating poverty or affected by humanitarian crises across the developing world. By supporting Trócaire this Lent you can help people like Kumba and her family to rebuild their lives after disaster and tragedy strike. I would like to thank you for your continued support and generosity.” Trócaire boxes are available from parishes across County Waterford, by visiting www.trocaire.org or by phoning 1850 408 408.

Kumba (7) from Sierra Leone appears on this Lent's Trocaire Box. [Kipp Wettstein]

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

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Concerns over Ballinamult junction THE District Engineer for the Comeragh area said she would re-examine a dangerous junction at Ballinamult to see if there is any way to improve safety at it. Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan told the recent meeting of Comeragh Municipal District Council outlined his concerns about safety at the cross roads in Ballinamult. “How can we make it safer because it is blind for people crossing it and people coming from the Cappoquin side are in it before they know it,” Cllr. O’Ryan said. “For a tractor or car crossing from the Ballinamult Creamery side, it is dangerous,” Cllr. O’Ryan added. District Engineer, Maria Goff, pointed out that

some extra signage was erected and the junction was re-lined in recent times. “But, we’ll revisit it and see if there if there is anything we can do about speed or the sightlines at that junction,” Ms. Goff added. Meanwhile, Cllr. O’Ryan said he has similar concerns about junctions at Kilmanahan, near the Hidden Inn. He had previously highlighted that a serious collision took place there last November. Ms. Goff said the junction at Kilmanahan will require some design work because the sightlines are obscured by the bridge on both sides. She said that they would only be able to carry out a design on the Kilmanahan junction for this year.

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DWANE AUCTIONEER & VALUER www.nicholasdwane.com • info@nicholasdwane.com

(058) 42064 Bawnabraher, The Burgery, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Plan your dream manor house wedding with an afternoon of expert advice at picturesque Faithlegg House Hotel Sunday, 25th February – 2.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. JOIN RTE Today Show presenter Maura Derrane on Sunday, 25th February at Faithlegg House Hotel who will be hosting a special wedding afternoon of inspiration with experts from the wedding industry including make-up artists, florists and travel experts sharing their advice and top tips plus attendees will be in with a chance of winning a minimoon to Spain! Newly engaged couples won’t want to miss the

wedding afternoon at Faithlegg House Hotel on Sunday, 25th February from 2.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. Join the wonderful team at Faithlegg House Hotel on Sunday, 25th February for an exclusive wedding afternoon, set in idyllic surroundings and manicured lawns, Faithlegg House Hotel’s picturesque setting is a stunning location to celebrate your wedding.

On the afternoon, RTE Today Show host, Maura Derrane will lead a panel of industry experts to give invaluable advice to brides and grooms-to-be, travel expert Eoin Higgins of CARA magazine will be advising on honeymoon locations and those all-important saving tips, awardwinning make-up artist and beauty expert Yvonne Maher – Make-up by Yvonne – a familiar face on fashion photo-shoots,TV and radio will be offering expert advice for perfect bridal make-up and preparation with a demonstrations on the day, while the ladies of Lamber de Bie Flowers, the florist behind So Sue Me’s wedding will be sharing this year’s floral trends and brides-tobe will be able to swoon over the gorgeous gowns from Smart Brides bridal boutique who will be showcasing a selection of dreamy designs on the day. Taking place in the heart of the venue in the Minaun Ballroom, the gorgeous ballroom is built around a glass conservatory with plenty of natural light

Eoin Higgins

Yvonne Maher

Maura Derrane

flowing in from the manicured gardens, keeping with the traditional Georgian style of this room, and brides and grooms-tobe are sure to be swept away by its elegant and sophisticated look and for smaller celebrations, there is the newly refurbished Adelaide Blake Suite which is filled with natural light and ornate high ceilings and soft and subtle cream and grey furnishings, ideal for adding your own style. With Prosecco on arrival and the opportunity to sample canapés during a gourmet show-

case led by award-winning head chef Jenny Flynn who will also be sharing the delights of planning your wedding feast at Faithlegg House Hotel during the afternoon talks. With so much to experience on the day, the icing on the cake is a fantastic giveaway! Brides and grooms who attend the wedding afternoon will be included in a draw to win a trip to Spanish Resort La Cala or Sunset Beach Club which will be announced on the day– the perfect pre-or post-wedding treat!

Join the very lovely Maura Derrane and a panel of experts on Sunday, 25th February from 2.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m. for Faithlegg House Hotel’s Spring wedding afternoon - email weddings@faithlegg.com to register your interest. Visit www.faithlegg.com or call 051-380582 for further details and follow @Faithlegghouse (Twitter) and faithlegghouse (Instagram) #WeddingsatFaithlegg to keep up to date with all the preparations!

Waterford and Wexford ETB in the running for prestigious adult education award WATERFORD and Wexford ETB has been shortlisted for an AONTAS STAR Award. The STAR Awards (Showcasing Teamwork, Awarding Recognition) are an awards initiative organised by the national adult learning organisation, AONTAS, to recognise and celebrate the work undertaken by adult learning initiatives throughout Ireland. The Waterford and Wexford ETB has been shortlisted for its Local Training Initiative in Business

Administration. As well as being an academic course, it instils confidence into learners, and enables them to leave behind self-doubt and anxiety issues. The Business Administration programme has been shortlisted in the 'Adult Learning Initiatives that Promote Social Inclusion' category. Commenting on the shortlist, Niamh O’Reilly, CEO of AONTAS, said: “The STAR awards are an opportunity to celebrate the positive contri-

bution that adult education initiatives make to individual adult learners, local communities and wider society. The quality of nominations was exceptional, resulting in a highly competitive process, and the impact the Waterford and Wexford ETB has on the social, cultural and economic development of its local area was evident to see and we’re delighted to have such a wonderful initiative shortlisted for a STAR award.”

Judging of the STAR Awards will comprise two stages: In the first stage, nominated projects are shortlisted by an independent judging panel, whose membership is drawn from the education, business and technology sectors. The second stage gives staff and learners from the shortlisted projects the opportunity to meet with the judging panel before they make their final decision. Learners and staff from shortlisted

programmes will also be invited to the 12th AONTAS STAR Award ceremony on Monday, 5th March in Number 6 Kildare Street Dublin, where the STAR Award winners will be announced. The STAR Awards are now in their 12th year, and form part of the programme of events of AONTAS’ annual Adult Learners’ Festival. The theme of this year’s festival is #LoveLifelongLearning.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

NEWS

FOR SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY Congratulations to Anne Fielding who was the February Car Draw winner! Anne opted for the €10,000 cash, so happy spending! Pictured (l. to r.): Anne Fielding, winner, and Lucy Whelan, Dungarvan Credit Union. Remember, you can join the Car Draw anytime!

Councillors seek meeting with Consultant Cardiologist Council to write to Varadkar and Harris about commitments to hold regional review of each lab WATERFORD Council is to seek a meeting with the Consultant Cardiologist at University Hospital Waterford over the issue of 24/7 cardiac care services needed. The Council is also to write to both Health Minister Simon Harris and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to hold them to account on commitments given regarding a regional review of the cath lab. Cllr. Mary Roche proposed the Council write to Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Paddy Owens, at UHW seeking the meeting. Speaking at the February Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Roche also noted that on 27th June last year, Minister Harris agreed to a further review to assess the impact of the deployment of the mobile cath lab at UHW at the end of the 20 week period, which is due to finish on

15th February. She also pointed out that the Taoiseach, when opening the extension of Bausch and Lomb on 31st July last year, committed there would be a further regional review of cardiology services once the second cath lab had been in place. “That’s two promises for a regional cath lab - the word of two ministers. I think we should write to those two ministers and ask that they make good on their promises to hold a regional review of the cath lab, since the 20 week period is up next week,” Cllr. Roche said. Cllr. Cha O’Neill seconded the proposal to invite Dr. Owens to a meeting. Mayor Pat Nugent pointed out that the period of time for the mobile cath lab at UHW has been extended beyond 15th February, and will remain open for another 20 weeks.

Cllr. Roche said the regional review was committed to after the period of 20 weeks. “I believe that the number of people who attended the mobile cath lab will demonstrate that there is an absolute need for 24/7 cardiac care,” Cllr. Roche said. “The regional review was committed to and as a Council we need to write to both those ministers,” Cllr. Roche added. She said it was good news that the mobile cath lab at UHW will not close up on 15th February, and instead will continue for another 20 weeks. “That’s good news, but it doesn’t carry out any procedures, or alleviate the need for a second cath lab,” Cllr. Roche pointed out. Mayor Nugent confirmed the Council will write to Minister Harris and the Taoiseach about their commitment to a regional review of the cath lab.

SUBSTANTIAL COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AT SHANDON, DUNGARVAN CO. WATERFORD PRICE ON APPLICATION • Prime Industrial Unit – 26,000 sq.ft. on 5 acres approx. • Conveniently located just off the N25 Dungarvan Bypass • Easy commuting distance to Waterford, Cork and Dublin • Unit in excellent condition • Internal design suitable for numerous commercial activities • High quality security fencing and CCTV alarm system • Extensive car parking • Large automatic roller shutter and separate loading bay • Weighbridge capacity 60 ton • The former MRF is a unique opportunity to acquire a state of the art commercial property. VIEWING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Further details, maps, etc., available from David Reynolds

Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds Bridge Street Dungarvan Co. Waterford 058 23444 BER C2 | BER NO. 800614489

Licence No. 001468

EDITORIAL

Mary Lou inherits Sinn Féin mantle AFTER thirty-five years, many of them tumultuous in both jurisdictions on this island, Sinn Féin President, Gerry Adams finally stepped down from his position last Saturday. The transition of the office to Mary Lou McDonald has been signalled for years and, outside of the ritual cheering and applause, there was no sense of momentous change at the Annual Árd Fheis. It is clear that the new leader is intent on stamping her own mark and her own style of leadership on the party, which will come as no surprise to those who have followed her fortunes up the ranks of the party for the past decade. Mary Lou MacDonald has shown herself to be a strongwilled, capable politician, intelligent and articulate and, whether a supporter or not, people will regard her with respect. The new leader has an opportunity to work for the wider credibility and support for her party. Many people who remember the direction from which the party has come and its journey along the way, may wonder whether the move to democratic politics is complete. Coming in as a fresh face, fresh approach and voice to the leadership, many outside her party who believe in her desire to create a universal electoral base, will have been disappointed to see her resurrect the old, outdated slogan, ‘Tiochfaidh ár lá’ with the inappropriate raised arm salute. Many voters will have a rethink and wonder if anything really has changed. In an RTE Radio interview last Sunday, Ms. McDonald was quick to point out that almost all of the Irish political parties emerged in one way or another from a military background and reminded the listeners that as Fianna Fail entered the Dáil for the first time, they carried guns with them. Ultimately, it is up to the people to decide the future of the party at the ballot box and whether they will believe that Mary Lou McDonald does represent real change, modernisation and a genuine departure from armed conflict. With its new Leader, will the party move to precipitate a general election when the Dail numbers and justification are right? It will be interesting in time to see if this change will improve the party’s fortunes at the ballot box. Will the electorate see and accept that the old order has passed; that the war is indeed over and that Sinn Féin can be seen only as a stand-alone political party?

INCORP. MUNSTER INDUSTRIAL ADVOCATE Serving the community of County Waterford for over a century 1912–2018 With the left of politics all but vacant in Leinster House at the moment, there will be a major desire on the part of Sinn Fein to continue to fill that role and entice those who pursue such a policy to follow them. In her speech, the new Leader said that the first priority will be to ‘secure and win a Referendum on Irish unity’. Such a Referendum would have to be held on both sides of the border with a majority in each jurisdiction. Without that, any move to unite the island and restore a 32 County Ireland would amount to coercion of the dissenting population, mainly unionist protestant. There have been too many examples of this on our island not to know that such a course would be not just unworkable, but a political disaster. However, if Ms. McDonald can, and be seen to, copper-fasten an exclusive and genuine embrace of constitutional and democratic politics by her party and if Brexit were to prove very unfavourable to Northern Ireland, then a unification of the two jurisdictions by consent at the ballot box may be possible.

Internet for everyone? IS it practical to run a communications cable to every house in the country? Maybe the ESB did it in the ’Forties and ’Fifties, but it took a couple of decades to complete. The Minister for Communications Denis Naughton has pledged that every house in the country will have high speed internet via cable by 2020 which gives him almost three years to deliver on his promise. On the face of it, that would seem very optimistic. The question of whether this is a realistic target remains a mystery, but it is his claim that there will be ‘shovels in the ground’ very shortly. However, this is a claim which is not widely believed to be viable and, in the opinion of many, it will be a long time, if ever, that a

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

cable will run to every house in the country. This process has been fraught with difficulty in the political lifetime of three Ministers since first being promoted as a viable and very necessary undertaking in 2012. Four years later, three bidders were selected to vie for the contract to provide nationwide broadband, but two have since fallen out – Eir just last week citing commercial unviability - which leaves only Enet-SSE in the field and a potential monopoly situation. This signals the end of competitive tendering for the service and also an uncertain future for businesses outside the large urban districts who desperately need the service for the survival of their enterprises. The tendering process has been bedevilled by delays and, even now with only one interested company, may not be a speedy process. A call from Fianna fail for a review of the entire procedure does not seem excessive, but the Government sees this as merely another cause for delay. The Minister anticipates a start to the installation in a very short time and declares himself confident that anyone seeking high speed broadband will have it by 2020 It seems excessive that a cable system will have to be provided in order to fulfil the Minister’s commitment and deliver a viable service. While the principle that different areas of the country should not be treated in any lesser fashion to the towns and cities, or less equally in the provision of infrastructure, different methods could be used for different terrain. The SKY network does not use individual cabling for the distribution of their signals. Would it be so difficult or undesirable to reach remote rural areas in like manner in a much shorter time? At least until cabling arrives. Right now, the people living in rural Ireland, the area we purport to treasure and protect, would hardly be upset by whatever means the now essential service reaches them. If they can watch British, American and Japanese TV without a cable, they would probably be more than happy to have their broadband supplied in a similar manner. The fact that the bidders for the provision of the system have been reduced to just one creates a monopoly even before the service is provided. The Minister must, to discharge his public duty, accommodate other bidders, otherwise it may be necessary to start the process over again, which would be unthinkable. Whatever the selected method, the Minister needs to see a very early start on installation with the kind of commitment which made the ESB so successful. And excavators may just be quicker than shovels in the ground!

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

Rosary Crusade honoured St. Brigid – As the members of the Rosary Rally gathered in Grattan Square last Saturday afternoon for their monthly recitation of the Rosary in public, many still remembered celebrating the Feast of St. Brigid a few days earlier. They recalled that Brigid, Muire na nGael, Mary of the Gael was a particular friend to the poor, the sick, the helpless and the downtrodden. Among the helpless, St. Brigid would probably have numbered children still in the womb waiting to make their entrance into an uncertain world. For those who found loving parents, life would be good and for those whose parents were not as dedicated, or competent, or caring, life would be much more precarious. Today, those family circumstances still exist, but for some, the reality will be that they will enter the world with a very short future already decided. The reality of abortion would guarantee this, a reality which is already the fate of thousands of Irish babies each year. The protection which is afforded them in their own country will be removed if the 8th Amendment is repealed. No longer will they have a guaranteed right to life as provided for them by the people of this country. Among the aims of the Rosary Crusade is the protection of unborn children and the prevention of legal abortion being introduced into this country. You are invited to join in the prayers of the Rosary Crusade for a better and more equitable society in Ireland where the rights of adults, children and the unborn are guaranteed by the Constitution. Their prayer is that the people of Ireland should retain the 8th Amendment and protect the lives of the most vulnerable of our people.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Plan your Dream Manor House Wedding Join RTE Today Show presenter Maura Derrane as she hosts a panel of wedding industry experts giving invaluable advise with a gourmet showcase and a chance to win a mini-moon to Spain.

Sunday, 25th February from 2-5pm

Housing of Syrian refugees to conclude in April THE housing of 27 Syrian refugee families throughout Waterford City and County has been successful and is expected to conclude sometime around the end of March / start of April. Waterford Council was allocated 100 individual refugees (comprising of 27 family units) to house under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. The refugees spent a period of time residing at the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre (EROC) at the former Clonea Strand Hotel, before

being housed by the Council. Some families have been housed in various communities across the city and county, including Cappoquin, Dungarvan, Tramore and Waterford City. In deciding where to accommodate the Syrian families, the Council took into consideration a number of factors, including the availability of housing, access to services such as public transport, childcare, schools, healthcare, language and other training supports. Each local authority was given

an allocation of refugees to accommodate based on existing population and demand for social housing. It was in 2015 when the Government gave a commitment to accept up to 4,000 refugees from the conflict in Syria and to accommodate them under the Irish Refugee Protection Programme. At the February Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Siobhán Whelan sought an update on the housing of the Syrian families.

More information needed from Government for patients with diabetes after FreeStyle Libre reimbursement announcement New device could be a game changer for patients and families FIANNA Fáil TD for Waterford, Mary Butler has said the decision by the Government to start reimbursing children and young adults with diabetes who use FreeStyle Libre is a positive step but more clarity is needed on how the process will work, and who will be allowed benefit. Deputy Butler was commenting after the HSE announced that FreeStyle Libre which allows blood glucose levels to be monitored without invasive finger-prick testing would be reimbursed. “This week I raised this issue during a special Topical Debate in the Dáil where I challenged the Minister of State representing the Government to give patients with diabetes and their families the answers they need. “This is potentially a game changer for the 190,000 people living in Ireland with diabetes. I am aware of some patients in my own county who need to check their glucose levels up to 10 times per day. Using FreeStyle Libre will transform their lives.

“However, I have some concerns and questions. Will children and young adults using insulin pumps get the chance to use FreeStyle Libre? I cannot see a valid reason for them to be excluded. Equally, why are adults living with diabetes being excluded? “Importantly, we need to know how long it will take before patients and families start feeling the effect of this announcement in their pockets. The device costs €120 per month, and I have yet to hear of a timescale from the Minister or the HSE as to when they will be allowed to start claiming for reimbursement. “This is a positive step, but the announcement by the Government has left as many questions as before. “Ensuring better treatment of people living with diabetes in their home is better in the long run for them, their families, and ultimately for the State as more expensive hospital care will not be needed,” concluded Butler.

Director of Services, Ivan Grimes said the resettlement programme has been very successful. “We’ve had co-operation from across the Council, with residents groups and other statutory agencies,” Mr. Grimes said. “We expect to conclude the process no later than the beginning of April, at which point we will have allocated the full amount of families who were earmarked for Waterford,” Mr. Grimes added.

JOE COFFEY Blinds & Curtains 058 41506 | 087 0518333 27 GRATTAN SQUARE, DUNGARVAN Joe Coffey Blinds and Curtains are proud to offer an extensive selection of blinds, curtains and fabrics. • Roller Blinds • Venetians • Verticals • Roman Blinds • Ready made curtains • Custom made curtains • Fabrics • Curtain Poles • Plantation Shutters • Haberdashery • Oil cloth • Bedding To make way for new stock we are currently offering 30%–60% off bedding and oil cloth ALSO A LARGE SELECTION OF READY-MADE CURTAINS REDUCED TO CLEAR Call in store to talk to our staff and arrange a free consultation and measurement Or call us on 058 41506 or email joecoffeyblinds@gmail.com FIND US ON FACEBOOK

SCANLON’S YARD CARPARK, DUNGARVAN, CO. WATERFORD

WINTER MADNESS SALE Monday, 19th February 40kg Polish only €15.40 40kg Doubles only €13.80 Collection 40kg Superflame ovals €16.00 from 40kg Household only €12.00 Shop 40kg Singles only €12.40 40kg Slack only €12.40 O N LY ! Gas only €23.00 Te l . 0 5 8 4 1 9 5 3

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Volunteer as a host family CHERNOBYL CHILDREN’S TRUST CORK-WATERFORD By Tara McKeown

Primary Times South (Winter 2017)

Racecourse Entrance Building Visual.

White flag is raised for the construction of the Racecourse entrance building WORK has now commenced on the new entrance building, set down areas and offices at Waterford & Tramore Racecourse. The new building, costing €300,000 was designed by Waterford based architect, Pat Halley & Associates. Following a competitive tender process, David Flynn Ltd Building Contractors was appointed in January as the successful builder for the project. From a racegoers perspective, the new entrance will provide a canopy to the front to give visitors protection from the elements while waiting to enter and will also house the racecourse administration offices. The entrance building will be Wi-Fi enabled to facilitate the online e-ticketing system and turnstiles, which will ultimately lead to a more efficient entry process. Waterford & Tramore Racecourse Director, Karl Casey, said: “This is an

exciting time for Waterford & Tramore Racecourse, as we continue to roll out our million-euro capital development programme, part funded by Horse Racing Ireland. The new entrance building will ensure a superior sense of arrival, enhance racegoer’s comfort and they can also enjoy amazing views of Tramore Bay upon arrival at the racecourse.” HRI Chief Executive, Brian Kavanagh, said: “Visitors to Tramore Racecourse, both racegoers and industry professionals, will really see the benefits of the significant improvements planned and we are happy to provide grant aid to facilitate these worthwhile projects. Tramore is a very popular, well-run racetrack and it is great to see them committed to improving facilities for racegoers, jockeys, trainers, owners and stable staff.”

Reviewing the plans of the new entrance building at Tramore Racecourse (l. to r.): David Flynn, Sue Phelan (W&T Racecourse General Manager), Sean Kenny, David Flynn (Site Manager) and Karl Casey (W&T Racecourse Director).

THE accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in 1986 left large parts of Belarus contaminated. Chernobyl Children's Trust is a registered charity - set up and run by Irish volunteers committed to helping impoverished children living in contaminated and disadvantaged areas of Belarus. The Trust is a non-denominational, nonpolitical, humanitarian organisation. None of the Chernobyl Children’s Trust volunteers in Ireland - from the Chairperson of the board to any of the volunteers - are paid and all work is completely voluntary. The Cork Waterford group of the Chernobyl Children's Trust volunteers in Belarus; hosts children for rest and recuperation in the Summer; volunteers youth liaison teams and helps fundraise for this very worthy cause! Could you and your family open your home to a Belarusian child next Summer? If you have ever considered providing a recuperative holiday for children from Chernobylaffected and disadvantaged areas of Belarus - hosting these amazing children can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. To take a child out of a contaminated area even for a few weeks can boost their immune system and instil a sense of positivity, which can be lacking in many of their lives. The generosity of Irish families in hosting a visiting child from Belarus provides a boost to the health and spirits of not only the child, but also to their family, friends and their community. Visiting children are placed in pairs with families usually for a period of two or four weeks.The children’s average age is ten and the youngest are seven years old. Weekly activities are organised by local group committees and translators are available at all times throughout the children’s stay. It is not necessary to have your own children in order to be a host family, as long as you borrow some toys from friends and your house is child friendly, it need not be a problem at all. If you do have children, it is important that they are enthusiastic about the idea of hosting children from Belarus, and happy to share their home and toys. Most of the children will speak little or no English, however each group of children is accompanied by translators, and a phonetic phrase book is also provided for use. Download Google Translate free app for your smartphone for immediate spoken Russian /English and English/Russian translation! ‘Being a host parent is one of the most rewarding and satisfying things I have ever done. Our little three year old called the girls her sisters and loved having them. The weeks flew, and honestly for all of the love and memories we

gave them, they gave us more back by the bucket load. If you have room in a warm and friendly home, and can provide a loving environment for two weeks, I urge you to consider – we've never looked back’ – Emma Murphy, mum of three. It should not be expensive to host children, and in fact, CCT ask families not to spend a lot of money on visiting children with expensive gifts, as this puts pressure on other families to do the same. CCT volunteers provide a clothing bank ready to help host families free of charge, as well as weekly fruit allowances for each child. All families must receive Garda vetting and clearance in advance of hosting a child from Belarus. The 2017 Summer visits by the children from Belarus were a huge success; with good fun and good food had by all - and lifelong friendships made. The Irish registered Chernobyl Children’s Trust charity welcomed many new children this year and new Irish host families. The children

enjoyed action-packed days out at Perks Entertainment Centre, Trabolgan Holiday Village and Fota Wildlife Park. The final goodbye-party for all the host families, children and volunteers was held at Midleton Park Hotel, with lots of fun and games! OTHER WAYS TO HELP The most effective way to help is to get involved! • Donate or fundraise by planning an event in your area - even a small donation can make a big difference. • The annual Ballycotton cliff walk takes place on Sunday, 18th March, 2018 – sponsor cards available. • Help collect, sort & load humanitarian aid • Volunteer abroad at holidays camps in Belarus in respite centres • Nursing/medical volunteers welcome to assist in caring for children in Belarusian home care If you would like to know more about becoming a host family in 2018 or volunteering in any capacity, please contact Carol on 086 7961208 or email: carolmooney@mac.com for more information. Follow on Facebook/CCTCorkWaterford www.chernobylchildrenstrust.ie

Chernobyl Children's Trust Committee Team.

Visiting children from CCT in Youghal, Co. Cork - Summer 2017.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

NEWS

Councillors believe Comeragh missing out on potential tourism due to lack of signage THE Comeragh District is missing out on potential tourism and visitors due to a lack of signage at vital locations according to local Councillors. At the recent meeting of the District Council, Cllr. Ray Murphy said there are no ‘welcome to Waterford / welcome to the Greenway’ signs as you enter Waterford from Kilkenny at Fiddown Bridge. Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan noted that there was plenty of signage at the entrances of Dungarvan and Waterford City. “We are missing out on the whole Comeragh package,” Cllr. O’Ryan said. “Coming from Clonmel into County Waterford, there is no inclination that you are coming into Waterford, or into the home

of the Greenway,” he said. “I honestly think we need signage. It gives the tourist a bit more information on what’s around and what’s here. We are missing opportunities at places like Knocklofty Bridge and the Fingerpost Junction (R671 junction with Wood Road).” Cllr. Murphy said there is also a requirement for signage on the R680 (Waterford to Carrick-onSuir Road), particularly coming out of Carrick-on-Suir towards the hairpin bend on the main Dungarvan Road. He said the signage should be some type of branding to notify people they are entering the Comeragh District. He said that some existing signs near Carrick-on-Suir “have been desecrated”.

District Engineer, Maria Goff said the signage at the hairpin bend has been cleaned and the graffiti has been removed. However, Ms. Goff said that the erection of Comeraghbranded signage would not be in their budget to do. She pointed out that the Council’s Economic Development section is currently looking at ‘Welcome to Waterford’ signage to include a trails logo, at various entry points into the county. Cllr. Murphy asked if there would be a clean-up on the Waterford side of Fiddown Bridge. Ms. Goff replied that there are plans in the coming weeks to remove the sod and clean the bridge.

Minister Halligan confirms transfer of Mount Congreve to State THE State, through Waterford City and County Council, has officially taken over the future management and maintenance of Mount Congreve Estate, in a deal that will see the local authority receive an annual grant of €250,000 for the next seven years, Minister John Halligan T.D. has confirmed. Conclusion of the transfer of ownership will ensure vital capital investment in the landmark gardens and allow them to develop and flourish to their full potential, Minister Halligan said: “Through the generosity and benevolence of the late owner of Mount Congreve House and Gardens, Mr. Ambrose Congreve, legal ownership of the estate was transferred in 1979 to three Trustees, one of which was the Commissioners of Public Works as a corporate trustee. The two other trustees were nominees of Mr. Congreve. “My Independent Alliance colleague Kevin “Boxer” Moran,

Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW) and Flood Relief, has informed me that today’s transfer will see the Congreveappointed Trustees and the Commissioners of Public Works retire from the Trust and be replaced by Trustees nominated by Waterford City and County Council. This provides that the Council will now manage and maintain the Trust properties, on behalf of the State. “The OPW will provide an annual grant of €250,000 to Waterford City and County Council for the next seven years and this badly needed capital investment will be used to upgrade the visitor services at Mount Congreve in order to make it attractive to national and international visitors. This will include the provision of car parking and welfare facilities for tourists, as well as completing urgent health and safety works to the gardens themselves”.

Minister Boxer Moran added: “Mount Congreve is internationally famous for its extensive gardens and collection of shrubs, trees and exotic plants. It is widely recognised as being the home of one of “The great gardens of the World”. I am delighted that the Estate will now transfer to the State, through Waterford City and County Council, and that it will be opened up as a public visitor attraction. This development will have a clear positive benefit to the local community in the long term through the economic spin-off and opportunities from increased tourism revenues generally in the area. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Congreve-appointed trustees, Waterford City and County Council, The Office of the Attorney General, the Chief State Solicitors Office and the Commissioners of Public Works for bringing this transfer to a successful conclusion”.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Record demand for radio broadcasting course at Waterford Institute of Technology Part-time course gives participants the skills to start out in broadcasting as well as the skills to create their own content for Podcast or YouTube A WATERFORD Institute of Technology (WIT) certificate in radio broadcasting run in conjunction with regional radio station Beat 102-103 and local station WLR has experienced the strongest demand for its course to date. The 10 credit, level 6 course helps those who are eager to ‘get a foot in the door’ of the broadcast industry. Rob O’Connor, WIT lecturer says “2018 has seen the strongest demand for the radio course yet. We had a tough time choosing candidates and some of the people are very strong already. Hopefully this means we’ll see some exciting projects being made.” Over 12 weeks, students will build skills in on-air reading and presenting. As part of the course, they will be introduced to the operation of a commercial radio station and the role of broadcast journalists and presenters within it.They will also be introduced to and practice the skills required to work in the broadcast industry. One of the lecturers on the course is broadcaster Orla Rapple, presenter of The Sunday Grill on Beat. She explains what students can expect. “This course is a unique opportunity for learners to see the inner

West Waterford Festival of Food launch of Friends Circle 2018 in the Crow's Nest at the Lady Belle Bar (l. to r.): Kay Kelly and Maeve Morrissey pictured at the launch of this year's Friends Circle. [Dan McGrath]

The Wake-up Call By Mandy Tompkins

Yvonne Whelan, Bracken Grove, Waterford; Geraldine Guiry, Grantstown Waterford; Tyrone Power, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford; Orla Rapple, Radio Broadcaster, WLR/BEAT FM; Rob O'Connor, Lecturer & Broadcaster Waterford Institute of Technology. [George Goulding WIT] workings of two successful radio stations while also gaining hands on experience in recording, editing and presentation. It’s an invaluable 12 weeks for anyone interested in working in the broadcasting industry.” “We’re delighted to continue

the collaboration between WIT and WLR/Beat. Having students get a mix of academic theory and practical work is a winning combination,” adds O’Connor. “We’ve had a great success rate with students so far. Many have ended up on-air with either

WLR or Beat, whilst others have found roles on stations around the country.What’s really exciting though are the students who’ve taken what they’ve learned and are using their skills to create their own content via Podcasts or YouTube.”

Waterford Institute of Technology students at Broadcast House WLR/BEAT FM with Broadcasters Rob O'Connor and Orla Rapple (centre). [George Goulding WIT]

LATE Winter is typically wet and bitterly cold with more than its fair share of frost and ice, but early in the morning, across the silvered frost laden blades of grass on the lawn, it is possible to see Fox or Badger tracks as they visited the Wildlife garden the night before. Their footprints clear to see before the weak Winter sun emerges to melt away the evidence. They leave their scent by rubbing their fur against the bare bark of the trees bordering the forest, hoping to attract a mate before Spring arrives. An early morning chorus of Robins, Blackbirds and Chaffinch greet the day as the resident males and females increasingly take an interest in each other, as they noisily advertise for a mate before the breeding season gets fully underway. The female birds are more reliant upon the bird table, even on milder days as they build up their strength for breeding. A Peacock butterfly stretches its wings, disturbed from slumber as a small swarm of Midgets dance, warmed by the sun, whilst a Bullfinch gorges itself upon the bright yellow, almond scented, flowers of the Gorse.

In the forest Rooks climb among the branches, breaking off twigs and awkwardly holding them in their beaks as they fly upwards to repair the Rookery high in the trees. Catkins appear on the otherwise bare branches of Hazel and Alder. A gust of wind releasing a cloud of pollen to benefit the early foraging bees. The lamb’s tails gently reminding us a new seasonal cycle is slowly beginning. Beneath the trees, Celandines, Spring Crocus and Snowdrops are making a carpet of scent and colour, offering sustenance to emerging insects, and setting the scene for Spring.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Waterford All-Star hurling great, Michael "Brick" Walsh was on hand at the site of the South East Palliative Care Unit on the grounds of University Hospital Waterford which is under construction at the moment to launch the ‘BUY A BRICK – LET’S BUILD IT TOGETHER’ for Waterford Hospice. Also included were Danette Connolly, Chairperson, Waterford Hospice and Marie Dennehy, Board Member, Waterford Hospice. [Noel Browne]

‘BUY A BRICK – LET’S BUILD IT TOGETHER’

Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh helps Waterford Hospice launch their largest fundraising campaign to date WATERFORD Hospice has launched a ‘Buy a Brick’ appeal to help raise funds needed to reach its €6m target. The centrepiece of the Buy a Brick appeal is an innovative new website, giving donors the opportunity to buy a virtual ‘brick’ at a price of their choice, which they can personalise with their own message. The appeal will raise vital funds for the €6 million pledge by Waterford Hospice towards the construction of the new South East Palliative Care Unit on the grounds of University Hospital Waterford. Although €4.5 million has

already been secured, a further €1.5 million is needed to reach the target. The new South East Palliative Care Unit will be accommodated in the first two floors of the new five story €25 million build. This will include a 20 bed in patient unit, day services and a new base for the Waterford Hospice Home Care Team. Waterford Hospice is a registered charity, and has been providing a ‘Hospice Home Care’ service (free of charge) for 30 years, to the people of Waterford & South Kilkenny. In addition to the €6M pledge, annual running costs in excess of €700K are

needed to maintain this service into the future. Danette Connolly, Chairperson said: “We’re calling on as many people as possible to get behind us by supporting our Buy a Brick appeal. By doing so, you’re also paying for a little piece of the new Hospice, and your support will become a part of our history. Please visit our website at www.waterfordhospice.ie/buyab rick’’ Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh, Waterford hurler said: I’m delighted to lend my support to Waterford Hospice for their Buy a Brick Campaign. This charity

extended for another 20 weeks, Minister Halligan said: “Following numerous meetings with Waterford Oireachtas members, Minister Simon Harris has agreed that the mobile lab will remain at UHW to prevent another backlog of the waiting list”, Minister Halligan commented. “I should stress that this is an interim measure and is by no means a substitute for a second permanent cath lab in the long term. However, it is welcome news for the hundreds of patients who will require an angiogram at UHW this year.

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has been fundraising for the past 30 years to provide a free hospice service; I’m only too happy to oblige in giving a little of my time to help. I’d ask everyone to come on board for the final push to reach that €6m target.’

‘Mobile cath lab to remain at UHW’ – Minister John Halligan WATERFORD’S Minister of State John Halligan T.D. has confirmed that the mobile cath lab which has been operating at University Hospital Waterford since last October will not be removed this week, as originally scheduled. The mobile lab was brought in to address the historically stagnant waiting list for diagnostic cardiology procedures at UHW and almost 500 angiograms have taken place since its arrival. Its 20-week contract had been due to expire on 12th February but will now be

“Waterford Oireachtas members are committed to working together towards a permanent second cath lab and 24/7 cardiac care at UHW and we have a further meeting with Minister Harris today Wednesday to discuss the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services, which will include elective as well as urgent and emergency treatment of cardiac disease. Workings and data from the mobile lab will be fed into the National Review and I believe its impact on waiting lists already points to the demand for a second, permanent lab at UHW.”

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MOTORING Nissan LEAF named ‘Best Electric Car’ at 2018 What Car? Awards Nissan xStorage also “Commenced” in the “Technology Award” category THE all-new 2018 Nissan LEAF has been named "Best Electric Car" at the 2018 What Car? Awards, just as the world's best-selling, zero-emission vehicle is being launched to European media at the "Nissan Electric Ecosystem Experience" in Tenerife, Spain. What Car? are one of the most widely recognized and respected awards amongst car buyers in Europe. They are also one of the UK's biggest carbuying media brands, widely regarded as a trusted source for new car advice. Steve Huntingford, Editor of What Car?, praised the awardwinning model, saying: "The electric car market has never been more competitive, yet the LEAF saw off all its rivals because it makes the most sense to most buyers. It combines excellent performance with generous standard equipment and low running costs. And even in winter weather, its realworld range is good." The EV market in the UK is growing and now accounts for

around a fifth of LEAF sales in Europe. At the recent Nissan Electric Ecosystem Experience, Nissan also revealed that just three months since the new Nissan LEAF was announced, it has already received over 12,000 orders for the latest model. That is one sold every 12 minutes in Europe. Nissan's xStorage was also "Commended" in the "Technology Award" category, an accolade which recognizes innovative new technology developments. Nissan's xStorage system uses recycled batteries from electric vehicles, allowing you to store power when prices fall, and even sell excess power from your Leaf back to the energy grid. "The new Nissan LEAF is the most advanced and accessible 100% electric vehicle on the planet," said Philippe Saillard, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Nissan Europe. "We're delighted to receive such an accolade from the prestigious automotive brand, What Car? This is a car

that is more enjoyable, more connected and more exciting to drive than any other mainstream electric vehicle in history. It is simply amazing." The all-new LEAF offers a significant update over the previous model with dynamic new styling, advanced technologies and a higher capacity drivetrain that delivers significant increases in both range and power. The 2018 LEAF is also the first Nissan model in Europe to feature Nissan's autonomous ProPILOT technology as well as e-Pedal, which allows drivers to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop simply by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied to the accelerator. Customer deliveries of New Leaf will commence progressively across Europe from early February 2018. ABOUT NISSAN LEAF The new Nissan LEAF is the embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility a consumer proposition that encompasses three main pillars:

Intelligent Power, which is brought to life through the LEAF's advanced new 40kWh e-powertrain, with improved energy efficiency, increased torque and power output for more exciting driving. Intelligent Driving, which is

technology designed to improve driving confidence, enhance safety and reduce stress. Intelligent Integration, the linking of the car to wider society via connectivity and to energy grids via unique bi-directional charging tech-

nology. Much more than just a 100% electric vehicle, the LEAF is a whole new driving experience, designed to move people with greater exhilaration, confidence and connection to the world around them.

Is the end of the road in sight for the diesel car?

John Foley AutoSales SPRINGMOUNT, DUNGARVAN, CO. WATERFORD 086-2585922 | email: jfk@cablesurf.com 141 Skoda Fabia 1.2 Petrol 5-door 50k miles blue …………………….. €8,950 132 Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDi Estate 35k miles silver ………………………... €14,500 131 Dacia Duster Laureate 1.5 Diesel 24k miles blue ……………… €13,995 2010 VW Golf 1.6 TDi Bluemotion 5-door new NCT 70k miles ……… €9,650 2010 Toyota Yaris 1.3 Automatic new NCT 53,353 miles ……………… €7,995 2010 Toyota Yaris 1.0 5 door Automatic 89km new NCT ……………… €6,995 2009 Toyota Auris 1.3 Petrol only 31,567 mls. new NCT exceptional . €7,299 2009 VW Golf 1.4 Petrol 5-door new NCT 77k miles …………………... €7,250 2005 Peugeot 206 5 door 1.1 new NCT ………………………………… €1,250 2005 Toyota Yaris 1.3 5 door only 40k miles new NCT ……………… €3,895 2002 VW Golf 1.8 GTi 5 door black ……………………………………….. €1,375 1999 Nissan Micra Automatic ……………………………………………….. €650 • ALL CARS OVER €2,000 CARRY WARRANTY • FINANCE AVAILABLE ON CARS POST 2010 • ALL CARS FULLY SERVICED

WHEN I first got involved in petrol retailing in the mid sixties, petrol accounted for 90% of our total sales with diesel accounting for the remainder. When I retired recently the pendulum had swung completely with diesel accounting for 70% of total sales and petrol accounting for 30%. In the past few months that trend is changing dramatically with a huge swing back to petrol being experienced countrywide. This was clearly evident in the January 2018 new car sales figures with diesel cars down by 18%, petrol sales up by 18% and hybrid sales up a whopping 27%. This trend is just the start of a huge swing away from diesel. There are a few reasons for this, as first the environment is being polluted as diesel is not the cleanest of fuels. Plus people have discovered that diesel engines are more prone to expensive repairs, such as the malfunction of turbos, injectors, EGR valves, PDF valves, heater plugs. Added to this both new and secondhand diesel cars can be up to €2,000 to €3,000 more expensive to buy first day than the equivalent petrol model. Anybody not doing a yearly mileage of 30,000 miles shouldn’t even consider a diesel car and even allowing for the difference of 10 per litre – the payback just doesn’t add up. From 2002 approx. onwards with the general introduction of the common rail diesel engine which incorporated the above mentioned valves, resulted in lots of expensive problems. One of my mechanic friends expertly described it when he said “a diesel car can be an economical drive to a

very expensive repair” – that phrase is worth contemplating before you part with your hard earned cash for your next car. Petrol engines are far less complicated, much cleaner fuel and less likely to cause expensive repairs and while your weekly fuel bill will be slightly higher, your overall repairs and servicing bills will be much less. The motoring commentators tell us that within 10 years diesel will be history and it’s only a matter of time when it won’t be possible to buy a new diesel car. The way forward, of course, is electric and hybrid. It’s hard to see volume sales in electric cars until more strides are made in developing the performance of the battery – which should be able to adequately perform without charging up to at least 500km – not possible at the moment. Hybrid is without doubt the people’s favourite at the moment with huge demand for both new and secondhand models. Toyota seems to have invested more than anyone else giving customers the choice of at least 4 hybrid models from the range to choose from. But it’s only a matter of time until all the manufactures follow suit. All hybrids cars have very low C02 emissions – low road tax and return very impressive MPG – all are automatic transmission. Continental, the tyre company, are currently researching the development of a diesel hybrid engine – will it happen – only time will tell.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

‘No waste of money’ c FROM FRONT PAGE Mr. Walsh pointed out there was no loss to the Council and the contracts have now been concluded in full compliance and the vans are being brought into use. Speaking at the Council meeting, Mr. Walsh reiterated that the matter was dealt with. “We disciplined people and we made sure there was no loss of finance to the organisation as a consequence of it. I’m absolutely satisfied around our actions in that context,” Mr. Walsh said. He added that, in his opinion, there wasn’t wrongdoing per se, but it was rather non-adherence to Council procedures and policies which left them vulnerable in contract terms. “We engaged that and ensured the contract and the purchasing procedure was adhered to fully to the letter of the law, so that we eventually put the vans into use, with no loss of money to this Council. It represents very good value, as it happens, in the context of the services we need to deliver and we need those vans to deliver those services,” Mr. Walsh said. GREENWAY / URBAN RENEWAL WORKS Cllr. Mary Roche said two areas which have left a considerable deficit on the Council’s capital account are the Waterford

Greenway project and the Urban Renewal works in Dungarvan and Waterford City. According to the Audit Report, a deficit of over €11.5m was recorded on the Waterford Greenway project as cumulative expenditure increased to over €19.1m. The Auditor said that funding for the Greenway continues to present a significant challenge to the Council’s overall financial position, as the level of funding originally envisaged was not realised. Mr. Walsh replied to the Auditor that the end of contract reports are being prepared in relation to the completion of the Greenway and will be made available for the next audit. A deficit of €2.9m was recorded in the Smarter Travel / Town Public Realm works due to additional contractor claims. The contract was initially tendered at a cost of €1.23m, but expenditure of €3.3m was incurred. Mr. Walsh said the additional costs were due to unforeseen obstacles and delays encountered during construction. There was also a €6m deficit recorded in the Waterford City Centre Urban Renewal Schemes. Mr.Walsh said a system of approvals have been instigated to approve and recognise additional costs as they arise in work contracts.

In general, he said funding has been identified for these works and other ongoing projects from various sources including state grants, future planning contributions, loan funding and other third party sources. Mr. Walsh said it was always known that the Council would only get 50 percent of funding for the Urban Renewal schemes. “All that money has been spent on ‘good works’,” he said, which have given “absolute improvements on the ground as a consequence”. “The Auditor would always wish to see that there was an absolute tidy batch of money to pay for that, but we are not in that position, as I’ve already outlined to you,” Mr. Walsh told Councillors. He said the Council “will have to lighten down in terms of our investment for a couple of years” in order to get back to ‘an even keel’. “But, I wouldn’t regret any single one of those decisions in terms of expenditure because they’ve all made a significant difference,” Mr. Walsh added. Cllr. Joe Kelly expressed his surprise, saying it was “significant money, given that we are stretched in our budgets every single year”. “We end up carrying the can for significant debts that are not going to be met by government

grants. All I can see is we are getting into a bigger hole every year. It’s a worrying trend,” Cllr. Kelly said. ISSUING OF CREDIT CARDS The Audit Report highlighted that over 100 credit cards were issued to Council staff in 2016 for low value purchases. The total expenditure for these credit cards in 2016 came to more than €850,000. “That is nearly €1m!” Cllr. John Cummins commented. “The Auditor highlighted concerns about the manner of usage, direct management oversight and the absence of suitable controls for these cards,” Cllr. Cummins said. “I want a guarantee that this is being addressed, because over 100 credit cards seems excessive to me.” Mr. Walsh replied that the low value credit cards is a system that is used by all local authorities and across thousands of businesses. “We buy everything from a needle to an anchor right around the city and county - we buy thousands of items which cost under €100 or €200,” Mr. Walsh explained. “The low value credit cards are there for use in specific hardware purchases.” He explained that the system aggregates the low cost purchases into one payment so the Council

saves on administration. “There are supervisory procedures where everything bought has to be signed off by a supervisor, so there is always a second signature scenario,” he said. Head of Finance, John Murphy said a new online system for the cards is currently being implemented which should improve automated processing, controls and reporting. NO WASTE OF MONEY Responding in general to Councillors comments on the Audit Report, Mr. Walsh, said he was “satisfied that there’s been no waste of money of any consequence”.

He said it has been suggested by Councillors that there has been a waste of money in certain areas - “That is not the case,” Mr. Walsh said. “Going back over the last six or eight years, the Auditor will have eight or ten things annually that he will robustly stick into his report and ask questions and will, in many instances, want to see improvements in our procedures. We will take that on board and try and improve our procedures,” Mr. Walsh said. “I can absolutely assure you that there isn’t anything of consequence [in the report],” Mr. Walsh added.

Media under fire for breaching embargo on Council documents SOME sections of the media came under fire from Council officials last week for publishing details of Council documents before the monthly Plenary meeting had convened. As a matter of courtesy, the agenda and various departmental reports are circulated by the local authority to the various media outlets prior to the monthly Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council. The documents, which are sent by email also contains a large, bold embargo notifica-

tion that ‘Documents are not for publication prior to the Council meeting’. However, at the February meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Meetings Administrator, Honor Dunphy strongly reiterated the embargo warning, after she became aware that information from the documents circulated for the February Council meeting had been used in news reports earlier in the week. Two media outlets, WLR FM and the Dungarvan Leader had used the information in their news reports.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Evening of Appreciation ON Friday, 2nd February, the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford hosted an evening of appreciation for all Religious in the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore. Each Religious congregation in the Diocese was represented. [John Power Photography]

Deacon Brendan Gallagher, Fr. Shane O'Neill and Sr. Denise.

Sr. Mary Fitzgerald, Sr. Miranda Richards and Sr. Margaret Mortell, Dungarvan.

Sr. Lily, Sr. Ann, Fr. Seamus and Fr. Richard Purcell, Mount Melleray.

Assumpta and Hugh Nugent and Helen O'Grady. John Kelly, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan and Canon Edmond Cullinan.

Fr. Uinseann, Mount Melleray and Fr. Willie Ryan.

Mary Greene and Cathy Nyhan, Scoil Mhuire, Carrick-on-Suir.

Sr. John Catherine, Sr. Shawn and Sr. Colleen.

Br. Vincent and Bro. Hugh.

Fr. Brendan Crowley, Clonmel and Fr. Bill Carey, Kilsheelen.

Sr. Angela, Sr. Catherine, Sr. MairĂŠad, Sr. Una, Sr. Marie and Sr. Antoinette.

Sr. Josephine, Sr. Ann, Sr. Patricia, Mercy, Dungarvan, Sr. Ena, Mercy Dungarvan, Sr. Angela, Mercy Dungarvan and Sr. Teresa Fraser, Abbeyside, Dungarvan.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

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Happy snappers encouraged to get clicking as #LoveWaterfordGreenway campaign kicks off WATERFORD’S stunning Greenway is bidding to boost its global appeal through an innovative social media campaign as scores of romantics flock to the region to celebrate Valentine’s Day and the midterm break. Two specially-commissioned, giant, colourful #LoveWaterfordGreenway hearts have been erected at secret but strategic locations on the award-winning Greenway and couples, groups and individuals are being encouraged to get ‘selfies’ under the giant arches, share them with friends and post them to their own social media as well as the Waterford Greenway’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts. A number of service providers along the 46km, off-road route, which reaches from Dungarvan all the way to Waterford city along Ireland’s Ancient East, will also be using the #LoveWaterfordGreenway hashtag to inform visitors about special offers and incentives they’re running throughout the promotional period. The #LoveWaterfordGreenway social media campaign comes in the wake of the Greenway’s double award win in the Local Authorities Members Association (LAMA) Awards at Croke Park and is the perfect build-up to the Greenway’s 1st Birthday on March 25th. The newlyappointed Tourism Officer, Orna Holohan, is excited to see how people will interact with the campaign and hopes it will lead to even

more people falling for the Waterford Greenway. “The feedback from locals and visitors to the region who use the Waterford Greenway has been absolutely phenomenal. People walking, cycling or skating on it absolutely love it. Our recent independent survey from users shows well over 9 out of 10 (94%) of visitors rated it as either excellent or good. “We want to spread the word and the Greenway love globally. The Greenway attracted almost a quarter of a million visitors up to midDecember. We’re hoping this campaign and other initiatives we’ve planned will make it an even greater magnet for visitors from all over the world,” she said. The Waterford Greenway is Ireland’s longest greenway and the spectacular, 46km off-road cycling and walking trail stretches from the Viking City of Waterford to the picturesque coastal town of Dungarvan. Visitors are invited to travel along Waterford Greenway in Ireland’s Ancient East, from the City along the River Suir, by Mount Congreve Gardens, through Kilmacthomas, across eleven bridges, over three impressive viaducts and through a 400m long tunnel; with wonderful views of the Comeragh Mountains, the Copper Coast and Dungarvan Bay. For more, log on to www.visitwaterfordgreenway.com

Council praises All-Ireland winning Ardmore team CIVIC RECEPTION PLANNED THE All-Ireland success of the Ardmore Junior Hurlers was praised at the February Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council. Councillors voiced their congratulations to the team on their success in beating Wexford’s St. Mogues Fethard in the AIB All-Ireland Junior Hurling clash at Croke Park last Sunday week. The win is a noted historic occasion for Ardmore – as it is

the first Waterford club to achieve All-Ireland victory at Headquarters. A Civic Reception is due to be held by Waterford Council for the Ardmore team and management in the coming weeks. Cllr. John Pratt congratulated Ardmore on their performance. “To play at Croke Park at any level is great,” said Cllr. Pratt. “And to come out and win an

All-Ireland for your club is paramount.” “Declan and Seamus Prendergast have put many years into the county team, so it is great for them to come away with an All-Ireland.” Cllr. Pratt congratulated the team members and team management, including Team Manager, Cllr. Tom Cronin. Cllr. Eamon Quinlan extended his congratulations to

the Ardmore team and Cllr. Cronin. “It is right that we are offering them a Civic Reception,” Cllr. Quinlan said. Cllr. Seamus O’Donnell queried if the Civic Reception would be held in Dungarvan, rather than the city. Mayor Pat Nugent confirmed the Civic Reception would be held in Dungarvan, adding that it’s “a West Waterford matter”.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Judge dismisses case against local shed supplier THE District Judge in Dungarvan dismissed a case against a Waterford shed supplier last week. The case, involving an €11,000 farm shed ordered by two Tipperary brothers, was heard by Judge Terence Finn at a special sitting of Dungarvan District Court. The case was brought against Dungarvan-based shed supplier, Walter Murphy, who was charged under section four of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act, 2001. It related to a contract between Mr. Murphy, of Colligan, Dungarvan, trading as Stonebridge Steel Ltd., and Michael Morrissey of Farranamanagh House Stud, Cashel, County Tipperary. Mr. Morrissey and his brother Niall engaged Mr. Murphy to supply the materials for a general-purpose shed, having seen his advert on donedeal.ie, the court heard. Mr. Murphy visited the stud farm on 30th October, 2014. He and Niall Morrissey signed a contract, which was shown in court. On Stonebridge Steel headed paper, it detailed the shed materials, dimensions and total cost of €11,650 plus 23% VAT. Michael Morrissey paid the agreed €5,000 deposit by electronic bank transfer on the following Wednesday, 5th November 2014. Niall Morrissey told the court the shed materials were to be delivered within seven to 10 days. The Morrisseys had other people engaged to do the

groundworks and erect the shed. Niall Morrissey told the court “three weeks went by” without any materials being delivered. He made repeated phone calls to Walter Murphy, as well as calling to his premises at his home in Colligan, Dungarvan. Mr. Murphy intimated to him that he was under pressure, which Morrissey said was “fair enough”. Materials for the shed were delivered on Saturday, 6th December 2014. Giving evidence, Michael Morrissey said when Mr. Murphy delivered steel to the site, he said there was “some steel short, which would be delivered next week”. On the following Wednesday, 10th December 2014, Mr Murphy told Niall Morrissey he needed more money. On 12th December. 2014, Michael Morrissey made a further €2,000 bank transfer to Mr. Murphy, “against my better judgement”, bringing the total amount paid to €7,000. “The balance of the steel was to arrive the following week but it never arrived and it became self-evident that it wouldn’t arrive,” Michael Morrissey said in evidence. Repeated attempts to contact Mr Murphy by phone and by text message were unsuccessful, so Niall Morrissey called to Mr Murphy’s premises. During that visit, Mr. Murphy agreed to pay the Morrisseys €2,000 which they would use to order the outstanding shed material. He wrote a €2,000 cheque on the Stonebridge Steel

account, post-dated to 15th January 2015, and advised Niall Morrissey not to lodge it until that date. Mr. Murphy compiled a list of materials which the Morrisseys ordered from providers Heiton Buckley in Waterford. The Heiton Buckley bill amounted to €2,300. Further materials were sourced from Halcon Steel in Co. Galway to complete the shed. Michael Morrissey lodged the cheque on 13th January 2015, but it was returned to him by post from AIB in Dungarvan having been countermanded (stopped) by Mr Murphy at 10.00 a.m. on 15th January, 2015. Niall Morrissey visited Mr Murphy’s premises after the cheque was returned by the bank and told Mr. Murphy that if the matter was not sorted, “he would hear from the Gardaí or Revenue”. THE DEFENCE CASE Mr. Murphy, present in court, did not give evidence. Junior counsel Ms. Suzanne Gorey, instructed by solicitor David Burke, said her client was “pestered” by the Morrisseys. She said Mr. Murphy had been contacted by the Morrisseys at least 10 to 15 times following the first delivery and that Niall Morrissey visited his premises in December. Mr. Murphy had felt “under duress and intimidated” by the visit to his premises, which was also his home. Mr. Murphy had written the €2,000 cheque to the Morrisseys as an act of good faith, with a view to reaching a resolution.

The contract signed by Walter Murphy and Niall Morrissey did not include any reference to delivery date, she highlighted. THE GARDA INTERVIEW Garda Thomas Sheehy, who arrested Walter Murphy by appointment in October 2015 for the alleged theft of €2,000 from Michael Morrissey, provided a memo of Mr. Murphy’s interview to the court. The court heard that during the interview Mr. Murphy said he felt pressured by the Morrisseys and they had him “plagued”. Asked why he gave the €2,000 cheque to Niall Morrissey, Mr. Murphy said he did it “to get him out of the yard”. He rejected the suggestion that by stopping the post-dated cheque, he never intended to pay the €2,000. “I intended to pay,” he insisted. “It was never my intention to defraud.” Mr. Murphy told Gardaí he could not remember the details of emails from Michael Morrissey. “I tend to block out unpleasant people,” he said. Mr. Murphy told the gardaí that on the morning of his arrest, he had offered the Morrisseys €2,000 in full and final settlement. CLOSING ARGUMENT Solicitor Ms. Gorey said the matter should never have been brought to the court because it was a civil matter, a breach of contract, and did not fall into

Councillor wants 15c tax on fast food wrappers to deal with littering A WATERFORD Councillor has suggested imposing a 15c tax on all fast food wrappers, drinks cups and cans in a bid to tackle the increasing litter problem, after figures revealed that the local authority spent over €3m in 2016 dealing with litter and illegal dumping. According to the Council’s Litter Management Plan, a similar amount was spent on litter in 2015. Cllr. Seamus O’Donnell, who obtained the figures, described it as “a scandal”. “If other local authorities are spending that type of money on litter, it is a huge amount and money that could be looking after our hospitals!” Cllr. O’Donnell said. “That money could also be used elsewhere, like our roads, which need more funding. If that is the figure for 2016, you can be sure that 2017 will very likely be more.” He said that Council staff are cleaning litter from the sides of roads up and down the county

on a daily basis. “The time has come to put a tax on fast food businesses and other businesses to deal with their litter - wrappers and drink cups found on the sides of the road,” Cllr. O’Donnell said. “There should be at least 15c slapped on each wrapper and drink cups - that would raise money to deal with this problem. “We need to impose this tax because the Council can no longer afford to be cleaning up like that everyday,” Cllr. O’Donnell added. LITTER DUMPED AT SHANDON Meanwhile, a black sack of household rubbish was dumped outside the Observer offices last week, just days after our main headline ‘Tougher action sought on flytippers’. The matter was reported to Waterford Council and their environment section carried out an investigation. Cllr. O’Donnell said he also contacted the Council about the matter and was delighted to

the bracket of a Section 4 offence. She said there were “an awful lot of matters that Garda Sheehy did not investigate and made executive decisions about Walter Murphy” and that key documents were not disclosed to the defence. The Gardaí responded that the stopping of the post-dated cheque was a deliberate attempt to deprive the Morrisseys of their money, which was theft and a Section 4 offence. THE VERDICT Judge Terence Finn, in summarising the case, said the matter should never have been brought to the criminal court and that it should have gone through the civil court. He took exception to Michael Morrissey’s actions, saying: “Michael Morrissey believes the State should do his dirty work for him. Threatening the Gardaí and Revenue on Walter Murphy I find to be audacious in the extreme and Mr Morrissey does himself no credit. “The apparatus of the State, in the form of the Garda Síochána, has been abused in a fashion that I find outlandish,” Judge Finn said. He dismissed the case against Walter Murphy, repeating that it should never have been brought to the criminal court. The judge refused an application by Walter Murphy for legal aid. This story first appeared in the Irish Farmers Journal,Thursday, 8th February, 2018.

Garda information stall to provide advice to residents and businesses

Pictured above left: Cllr. Seamus O’Donnell. Main picture: A black sack of household waste was dumped on the road outside the Observer offices at Shandon last week. The matter was reported to Waterford Council and their Environmental officers are due to examine CCTV footage of the location. report that the Council are viewing CCTV from the area which should lead to the identification of the culprit(s). Those detected littering or

illegal dumping face a fine of €150. If they fail to pay that fine, the matter goes to court, where they can be publicly named and the fine increases.

A GARDA information stall will be held at Dungarvan Shopping Centre next Friday, 23rd February, to provide advice to people on setting up a Neighbourhood Watch in their area as well as tips for businesses on crime prevention. The Garda stall will be operational from 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. People living in the Dungarvan area and its environs who are interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch can come to the stall and chat to the Garda officers and obtain information leaflets. It is understood that Dungarvan Gardaí will assign a Garda officer to three or four estates throughout the

District to act as a liaison with the community and to provide advice to residents and deal with any ongoing issues in those estates. Each Garda will have responsibility for their designated areas. There will also be a Garda assigned to the town centre as a liaison with the business community and to address any ongoing issues. Business owners can also attend the stall next Friday and chat with the officers and obtain information and tips on security and crime prevention. There will be lots of crime prevention information for citizens and businesses, and the officers will be happy to answer any queries.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Further Education

Engineering Technology THIS QQI level 5 course is ideal for students who are considering pursuing a degree or an apprenticeship in the engineering field. Both the theoretical and practical aspects of engineering are studied along with the development of good work practices which includes adherence to health and safety regulations. Modules include Engineering Workshop Processes, Engineering Workshop Theory, Engineering Drawing and Safety and Health at Work. Additional qualifications to QQI include Manual Handling Training, Safe Pass Training, Abrasive Wheel Training and a Certificate in Welding. CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Graduates of this course would be suited to employment in many of the engineering fields and gives the graduates an excellent foundation for those wanting to pursue an apprenticeship. PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES Our 2016 Student of the Year, Lucy Cunningham graduated with full distinctions and went on to study Quantity Surveying at WIT. Successful graduates can also apply through the CAO for places on many of the other Degree courses in WIT including: BEng in Civil Engineering and BSc in Construction Management. COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN This course is designed to give students a firm foundation in Computer Aided Design (CAD). CAD is used in a variety of areas including aeronautical, automotive and maritime engineering, electronics and architecture. Students gain hands on experience of the latest technologies currently in use in these industries. This course blends design with physical engineering skills and opens options into either the engineering or design fields. As well as a module in CAD the course includes modules in Design Skills, Mathematics, Engineering Workshop Practices and Engineering Workshop Theory. Students also have the option of completing Safe Pass Training. PROGRESSION OPPORTUNITIES When students have gained a full QQI qualification they are able to progress onto Degree courses such as BEng in Sustainable Energy Engineering in WIT, BSc in Architectural Technology in WIT and BSc in Interior Architecture in CIT. Follow us on facebook at Coláiste Chathail Naofa – College of Further Education @ccnplc for the latest updates. OPEN DAY We look forward to seeing you at our open day on 14th March from 11.00 a.m. – 4.30 p.m.You will have the chance to talk to the co-ordinators of all courses, view the facilities and pick up a prospectus. Contact us by email at ccn@wwetb.ie.

Pictured at Network Ireland’s Waterford branch meeting at The Granville Hotel are Tracey Quinlan, Derbhile Graham, Aisling O'Neill President of Network Ireland Waterford branch and Natalie Garland/Cooke. [Patrick Browne]

Network Ireland’s Waterford Branch MEMBERS of Network Ireland’s Waterford branch conviened in The Granville Hotel for their first event of the year on Tuesday 30th of January for the Annual General Meeting and formation of the 2018 committee. On foot of a hugely successful first year the new committee members look forward to welcoming current & future members to what promises to be an engaging, collabora-

tive and supportive year for females in Waterford both professionally & personally. Following the AGM – Frances Roche, member of the Waterford branch and winner of Network Ireland’s ‘ Business Woman of the Year 2017’ facilitated a captivating and hugely beneficial training workshop entitled ‘ Release your Brakes’. Frances had members buzzing and daring to think above & beyond

the possibilities that 2018 can yield. www.trainingforsuccess.ie Our next event takes place on February 20th in The Edmund Rice Heritage Centre. If you are a professional woman in Waterford looking to Network – get in touch! W: www.networkireland.ie /waterford E: networkirelandwaterford@gmail.com T: @netirlwaterford

WIT and Lifesaving Foundation form drowning research partnership IRISH charity The Lifesaving Foundation has formed a drowning research partnership with Waterford Institute of Technology’s School of Health Sciences. The long-term aim of the partnership is to establish a permanent world class drowning research centre at WIT. The immediate aim is to reduce drowning death numbers through researching the concept of self-rescue in life threatening situations. This is being undertaken in co-operation with An Garda Síochána and An Garda Síochána Retired Members Association. Initial funding will be provided through the Doherty Police Research Fund, established in memory of the late Garda Commissioner Eamonn Doherty. Commissioner Doherty is best known for his successful recommendation to transfer air sea rescue services from the Air Corp to

The Irish Coast Guard. According to Lifesaving Foundation chairperson Brendan Donohoe for over 100 years the main focus of lifesaving organisations has been on teaching the public the Do’s and Don’ts of water safety, explaining how not to get into trouble, and on training lifesavers and lifeguards to rescue those in danger in water. This has been very successful. A hundred years ago, when Ireland’s population was two and a half million, the number of drowning deaths was over 200. Today, with a population close to five million, the number of drowning deaths is just over 100.The 21st century lifesaving challenge is to teach the public how not to drown if they find themselves in trouble in water – to self-rescue. Announcing the partnership WIT President Prof Willie Donnelly commended the work of The Lifesaving Foundation to date and added that the Institute

looks forward to developing world-class drowning research including priority areas such as self-rescue. Prof Donnelly said that the new partnership demonstrates the diversity and impact of research topics that WIT researchers work on with a wide variety of organisations. Professor John Wells, Dean of the School of Health Sciences, welcomed the new partnership saying that the Institute’s research capability combined with the Lifesaving Foundation’s drowning expertise would make for a symbiotic relationship benefitting all at risk from drowning worldwide.The Foundation presented a large number of drowning books to WIT Library as the start of a major drowning research resource. Lifesaving Foundation Secretary John Connolly explained that up to now drowning research has been conducted on an ad hoc one-off basis. The

Foundation board decided that it was time to put structure on its research and they were delighted to do this in partnership with Waterford Institute of Technology. The launch was attended by representatives from An Garda Síochána Water Unit, Garda Síochána Retired Members Association, Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, The Irish Naval Service, and Waterford Fire Service who listened to presentations by Foundation representatives Professor Joost Bierens (Editor of The Handbook on Drowning,The Netherlands) and Dr Stathis Avramidis (The Hellenic Centre for Disease Control, Athens). The Foundation welcomes public donations to the Garda Commissioner Eamonn Doherty Police Research Fund, Bank of Ireland, Lisduggan, Waterford City, IBAN: IE44 BOFI 9062 1664 7000 06.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

NEWS

Eir slammed for pulling out of rural broadband delivery TELECOMMUNICATIONS company ‘Eir’ was slammed last week by a Comeragh-based Councillor for pulling out of delivering broadband to rural Ireland, after having given a commitment the previous year that they would deliver broadband services to rural Waterford. At the end of January, 2018, Eir announced it was withdrawing its bid to deliver broadband under the Rural Broadband Plan. The company rolled out fibre broadband to around 70 percent of homes across the country, and having proceeded with its own rural broadband rollout, had taken 300,000 premises off the list for the State-subsidised National Broadband Plan, which aims to give 750,000 premises across the country access to a minimum download speed of 30 megabytes per second (mb/s) and covers businesses that currently don’t have access to broadband from other commercial operators. The government had placed a tender for the remainder of the broadband process and two companies had applied - Eir and Enet. However, Eir has withdrawn its bid ‘due to a number of factors’. The move led to Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan slamming the company at the February Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council. He noted the commitment given by the company the previous year – at the February 2017 meeting of the Council,

to deliver broadband services to rural Waterford. At that meeting, Paul Bradly, Director of Corporate Affairs had given a presentation to Councillors and stressed at the time that there was no other operator putting this type of network into rural Ireland - in excess of 30 mb/s and using two types of technologies, fibre-to-thecabinet (FTTC) and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH). At the time, Mr. Bradley said that while there are challenges at certain locations, he assured Eir “is not walking away from its commitment” to delivering high-speed broadband to rural areas and that people living within 1.5 km of a cabinet would benefit from high-speed broadband and those who live further out from a cabinet would benefit from direct FTTH connection. However, Cllr. O’Ryan said he was very sceptical of Eir’s plans at the time. “I was proved right,” Cllr. O’Ryan told the February, 2018 meeting of the Council. “I am very disappointed at Eir’s withdrawal. We weren’t looking for state-ofthe-art, all we wanted was broadband of a certain degree. We have places that are getting less than one megabyte per second,” Cllr. O’Ryan said. “I was proved right and all Eir’s plans have gone up in smoke. I was sceptical and I was right to be,” he said. He said the broadband plan was put together in 2011 to be enacted in 2016, but it was pushed out to 2023.

“Now it’s in jeopardy. I would ask the Council to support my call for a review of the entire process. The State must look after the rural customers and not just cherrypick the lucrative markets,” Cllr. O’Ryan said. “The rural market is being left behind - maybe it fits the government narrative to shut down rural Ireland outside of the M50 by not having broadband up to speed,” Cllr. O’Ryan accused. “Whatever happens from here on, I want the Council to use its muscle on this - that all State assets and infrastructure, such as poles and wires or whatever they may be, to be put to whomever’s disposal to crank up this process. After all, it is taxpayers’ money that put those things into the earth and they have been paid for many times over,” he said. He asked if the Council could look into giving grants to rural communities who come together to improve their lot in relation to broadband. “We have to give people the chance,” he said. “People need to be able to do their work, do their homework, run post offices and barracks and schools in rural areas,” he said. Director of Services, Ivan Grimes said he wasn’t aware of any community grants for broadband. “We’ll certainly think about it and see if there is anything,” Mr. Grimes said, adding he would come back to the Councillor with an answer at a later stage.

Engineer strives to rationalise €2.1m over-run for Smarter Travel project in Grattan Square By Christy Parker WATERFORD County Council Senior Engineer for Roads, Gabriel Hynes, says the €2.1m unanticipated cost of redeveloping Dungarvan Square “does not mean that it was a complete over-run.” The sentiment comes after the final bill for project came in at €3.3m rather than the €1.2m tendered. Last week Council CEO Michael Walsh said the extra cost was due to “unforeseen obstacles and delays encountered during construction”, along with “keeping the business centre of Dungarvan fully serviced and operational during the works.” In a point that nobody disputed, he added that the contractor had “underestimated” the work. At February’s Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District meeting, Cllr. Siobhán Whelan described the overrun “as “an extraordinary amount” that amounted to “bad housekeeping to say the least.” Mr. Hynes responded that “like any project, just because there was an additional spend doesn’t mean it’s a complete over-run.” He said there could be “a lot of reasons in any project” as to why the cost is higher than the original tender price. “Certainly there was additional works carried out in the Square”, he con-

tinued, “and additional works in Mary Street and on Main Street. There were significant additional works regarding a water main and the moving of services.” The engineer stressed that once underground work commenced and especially in an urban area, “you have a lot of unforeseen services, especially in the square, with underground ESB cables which caused delays”, along with health and safety considerations. He added that additional costs did not preclude “getting value.” Cllr. John Pratt said he understood that “some other projects that were supposed to be done under Smarter Travel were never carried out” and he wondered if this was a direct result of the underestimated bill. Mr. Hynes said he did not have such details at present but would revert back to him on the matter. Long-standing Square development critic Cllr. Séamus O’Donnell said he had prophesied that “the day Smarter Travel leave the Square is the day Waterford Council would have to pay!” He added that he still could not understand why the agency “went down as far as Ballinroad.” Nobody enlightened him. Meanwhile, in further response to Cllr. Whelan, Mr. Hynes said the Square audit would be complete once “some snags” were finalised.

ENTERTAINMENT Telephone: (058) 41205 / 42042 | e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | Website: www.dungarvanobserver.ie / Twitter: @DungarvanObserv | Find us on Facebook

DUNGARVAN RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB PRESENTS THE

WELSH CHOIR IN CONCERT

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NEWCASTLE EMLYN RUGBY CLUB MALE VOICE CHOIR

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ST. MARY’S CHURCH OF IRELAND, DUNGARVAN FRIDAY, 23rd FEBRUARY, at 7.30 p.m.

Saturday, 17th February DANCING TO TR DALLAS Coming Friday, 23rd February

BINGO Coming Saturday, 24th February DANCING TO BRENDAN LEE Crotty’s Inn available for Parties, Meetings and Functions.

Tel. (051) 291254 / (087) 6599126.

TICKETS ARE SELLING OUT FAST FOR THIS CONCERT, SO BE ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES AND GET YOUR TICKET AND DO NOT MISS OUT. Tickets will be on sale at €12.00 each from (Joe) Kelly’s Pharmacy, Abbeyside, and The Wine Buff, 17 Grattan Square, Dungarvan. All proceeds from the event will go to the St. Vincent De Paul. Also please see DRFC Facebook page.

Ballyduff Drama Group presents

Albertine in five times written by

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Telephone: (058) 41205 / 42042 | e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | Website: www.dungarvanobserver.ie / Twitter: @DungarvanObserv | Find us on Facebook

Friday 16th – Thursday 22nd

PADDY O’BRIEN’S This 24th Weekend Annual Get Together

FILM INFORMATION AND BOOKING LINE 058 45796 www.sgcdungarvan.ie U P C O M I N G E V E N T S – N OW B O O K I N G LA TRAVIATA

FEBRUARY 17th

OPERA AUSTRALIA FROM SYDNEY HARBOUR ON SALE! FEBRUARY 22nd

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF NT LIVE PRESENTATION

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ROMEO ET JULIETTE LIVE FROM TEATRE DEL LICEU, BARCELONA ON SALE!

FEBRUARY 28th

THE WINTER’S TALE BALLET LIVE FROM THE ROYAL BALLET, COVENT GARDEN ON SALE!

THE THREE SISTERS

MARCH 1st

A STAGE RUSSIA HD PRESENTATION ON SALE!

CARMEN

MARCH 6th

LIVE FROM ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON ON SALE! MARCH 10th

TURANDOT OPERA FROM SYDNEY HARBOUR ON SALE!

MARCH 13th

MACBETH NEW SPECTACULAR FILM VERSION ON SALE!

LA TRAVIATA OPERA AUSTRALIA FROM SYDNEY HARBOUR SATURDAY, 17th FEBRUARY, @ 3.00 p.m.

TAD, THE LOST EXPLORER (G) 85 mins. D I G I TA L ! FRI., SAT., SUN. 12.00, 2.25 (NOT SAT.)

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FEBRUARY 27th

ON SALE!

STATUS UPDATE (12A) 107 mins. D I G I TA L ! DAILY 4.40; ALSO FRI., SAT., SUN. 2.20

EARLY MAN (PG) 88 mins. D I G I TA L ! DAILY 4.00; ALSO FRI., SAT., SUN. 2.00

058-41122 • info@lawlorshotel.com

COCO (PG) 105 mins. D I G I TA L ! DAILY 4.20 (NOT SAT.); ALSO FRI., SAT., SUN. 11.30, 1.50

FERDINAND (G) 106 mins. D I G I TA L ! FRI., SAT., SUN. 11.50

Sunday, 18th February PADDY O’BRIEN & HIS BAND plus ROBERT MIZZELL & HIS BAND

S E V E N DAY DAYKIDS’ K I D SCLUB ’ C LU B SEVEN

First Band on Stage each night 9.30 p.m. sharp Doors open 8.30 p.m.

FRI., SAT., SUN. 11.30; MON. – THUR. 4.20

Saturday Afternoon, 17th February, 3.00–5.00 p.m. PAT DALY (Doors open 2.30 p.m.)

PADDINGTON 2 FRI., SAT., SUN. 11.40

NT LIVE PRESENTATION THURSDAY, 22nd FEBRUARY, @ 7.00 p.m.

FERDINAND

Sunday Afternoon, 18th February, 3.15–5.15 p.m. BARRY DOYLE & HIS BAND plus NEW WEST (Doors open 2.45 p.m.)

FRI., SAT., SUN. 11.50

BLACK PANTHER (12A) 134 mins.

TAD, LOST EXPLORER

D I G I TA L ! DAILY 4.10, 6.00, 9.00

FRI., SAT., SUN. 11.50

There will also be Nightly Sing-Song and Dance with your favourite PAT TOBIN

EARLY MAN MON. – THUR. 4.00

FATHER FIGURES (15A) 113 mins.

STATUS UPDATE

D I G I TA L ! DAILY 7.00, 9.25

For more go to www.paddyobriensinger.com

FEBRUARY20th 20th from from 11.00 11.00 a.m. a.m. FEBRUARY

FIFTY SHADES FREED (18) 105 mins.

ACTIVE AGE SCREENING:

D I G I TA L ! DAILY 9.20

REEL PARENTS SCREENING:

THREE BILLBOARDS 15:17 TO PARIS

15:17 TO PARIS (15A) 94 mins.

SPECIAL NEEDS SCREENING:

D I G I TA L ! DAILY 6.45 (NOT THUR.)

BLOG @ www.sgcdungarvan.com

Admission to Nightly Dances is just €20 and admission to Afternoon Dances is €10

TUESDAY ELEVENSES T U E S DAY E L EVENSES

D I G I TA L ! DAILY 6.55, 8.50 (NOT THUR.)

BOOK ONLINE @ www.sgcdungarvan.ie

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT DOOR FOR ALL DANCES

MON. – THUR. 4.40

THREE BILLBOARDS (15A) 115 mins.

Friday, 16th February PADDY O’BRIEN & HIS BAND plus GERRY GUTHRIE & HIS BAND Saturday, 17th February PADDY O’BRIEN & HIS BAND plus GJOHN McNICHOLL & HIS BAND

PADDINGTON 2 (G) 90 mins. D I G I TA L ! FRI., SAT., SUN. 11.40

COCO

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF

Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday, 18th February At LAWLORS HOTEL Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

TAD EXPLORER /SGCDungarvan @SGCDungarvan

J O H N PAU L’ S BA R O L D PA R I S H 058-46267

Spurling Group Cinemas

Observer Competition Winner Caravaggio @ SGC Dungarvan BERNADETTE BLANEY, Tinalira, Ballinamult, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Winner can collect prize at SGC Dungarvan.

Saturday, 17th February :–

OUT THE GAP CLLR. SEAMUS O’DONNELL 087-6859270

adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie ORGANISING AN EVENT? Make sure everyone reads about it …

058-41205/42042 (16-2)

FEATURE

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

The day Manchester United was decimated! By Frank Colbert (South Africa)

Despite the snow-covered pitch in freezing conditions in Belgrade the Babes dug deep in order to gain a 3-3 draw against Red Star, in no small way thanks to two more goals from the now free-scoring Charlton. Due to the resulting aggregate score of 5-4 there were now hoping for a revenge victory against Real Madrid in the final. MUNICH The following morning it was an extremely happy and relaxed group of players, officials and pressmen which settled down in their aeroplane seats at Belgrade airport. Both players and club officials were impatient to return to their homes and families in Manchester and to prepare for the home game against league leaders Wolves. However, in similar fashion to the outgoing flight, there would first be a brief stop-off in Munich in order to re-fuel their plane. The subsequent landing at Munich in the snow-filled skies was managed delicately but successfully by co-pilots Rayment and Thain. In Bobby Charlton’s own words: “There were six or seven inches of slush on the runway.” After the passengers spent about thirty minutes in the terminal building two unsuccessful attempts at take-off occurred on the slushcovered runway due a sudden drop in velocity when approaching the perimeter of the runway. After a second brief spell in the terminal building, some players decided to unfortunately move to the rear of the plane after boarding where they felt safer. A third attempt at take-off was then attempted at 15.04, as a deep sense of grim foreboding gripped the passengers. While the plane began to hurtle down the runway again both co-pilots once more noticed that the pressure gauge for the port engine was fluctuating wildly with the undercar-

riage struggling to leave the tarmac. As they passed the point of no return Captain Thain immediately shouted “Ch--st … we won’t make it.” United’s right winger Berry exclaimed “We are all going to be killed” and the devout Whelan calmly stated: “If the worst happens, I am ready for it. I hope we all are!” The plane ploughed through the perimeter fence and across a road. Shortly afterwards the right wing of the plane broke off after hitting an unoccupied house amid a deafening sound of grinding metal and the tail was torn off after embedding itself in a building. The starboard side of the

plane to find the lifeless bodies of some team-mates and Busby scattered in the snow and slush some 30 yards from the wreck. Immediately, he heroically returned into the smouldering plane at great personal risk on two successive occasions to rescue the motionless bodies of a woman and her crying baby. He then quickly proceeded to drag the lifeless bodies of Bobby Charlton and Dennis Viollett, who were lying in the slush, some 50 yards to safety away from the burning plane. For decades later, Bobby Charlton continued to be amazed that himself, Busby and Viollett were

Harry Gregg (left) and Billy Foulkes (right) survey the plane wreckage on the runway at Munich the following day after the crash. fuselage hit a wooden hut con- so lucky to have been catapulted taining a truck filled with tyres so far, while still in their seats, as and fuel, causing it to burst into the plane started to break up. flames. A large part of the plane Gregg then attended to his badly quickly came to rest some 230 injured manager, as well as his metres beyond the end of the former schoolboy pal from runway. Immediately after recov- Belfast Jackie Blanchflower. He ering from the impact, Harry then tried in vain to help his Gregg kicked his way out goalkeeping colleague Ray Wood through a hole in the shell of the only to discover that he was trapped under a wheel of the plane. A total of twenty-two passengers from forty-four had now instantly died from the results of the crash, including seven team members (Roger Byrne, Tommy Taylor, Eddie Coleman, Liam Whelan, David Pegg, Geoff Bent and Mark Jones), as well as three club officials. In addition, another eight players including Duncan Edwards, plus Busby, were quickly taken to the local Rechts der Isar Hospital due to resulting serious injuries which were in some cases fatal. In the words of the chief surgeon Professor Georg Maurer later that afternoon:“An army of 50 doctors are working without sleep to save A typical newspaper headline the day after Munich showing Matt Busby in their lives.” In a private ward Busby lay in an oxygen tent (bottom).

A still traumatised trio! Harry Gregg, Jimmy Murphy and Billy Foulkes on board their train home to Manchester. an oxygen tent while drifting between life and death and he would soon receive the last rights of the Catholic Church on two separate occasions from a Priest. In total, he would be detained for ten weeks. In those days there was still an anti-German feeling running high in Britain after Word War II and back in World War I his father and three uncles had been shot dead by the Germans. Now, in contrast, while he was hospitalised in the middle of West Germany, the wheel had turned full circle! In Busby’s own words many years later: “My life had been spared though it still hung on only a thread. Only unconsciousness relieved the pain of some appalling injuries. I wanted to die because my tortured mind kept saying: “Was I to blame?” I kept telling myself: “If I had not taken them into Europe those young players would still be with us. But who was I to tell an expert pilot how to do his job? I will never go back into football again. However, my wife Jean said to me some weeks later that: ‘You know Matt, the boys who are gone would have wanted you to go on.’ They were the greatest group of young footballers in one team ever gathered together. For me they will always be there on that green grass of Old Trafford.” With great difficulties the fatalities were kept from Busby for five weeks after the crash for fear of a resulting serious relapse in his critical condition. Survivor Bobby Charlton revealed many years later that: “He never got

over Munich. He felt responsible. Those were his kids that died that day.” POST MUNICH Shortly before four o’clock, the front pages of newspapers in Manchester quickly displayed stunning headlines such as: “Manchester United aircraft crashes on take-off – heavy loss of life feared!” and soon the whole sporting world stood still with soccer fans everywhere in Britain generally weeping for Manchester United. Amid a definite funeral atmosphere Manchunians of all ages both male and female, wept openly in the streets, shops and bus shelters for the team that had so lifted their lives. Many others were too shocked to cry. In many ways it was as if every family in Manchester had lost a personal

friend. There was a real sense of personal loss in every family in Manchester, including City supporters and people with no interest in football! The whole of the city was in mourning. Fortunately, however, for the eventual survival of United, assistant manager Murphy was spared the trauma of the crash due to his being detained at Cardiff the previous night as manager of the Welsh team who had just qualified for the 1958 World Cup finals. Teenager, and future United and England star Nobby Stiles, who had typically cleaned Eddie Coleman’s boots couldn’t believe the news of the crash. His immediate reaction was “Eddie can’t be dead!” Together with clubmate Wilf McGuinness he was totally shocked on hearing about the crash. They soon went into their local Catholic Church to pray and say a Novena for the victims and survivors. On Saturday, 9th February, flags at all grounds in the Football League were flown at half mast and all 990 players in the league, including ex-Busby Babe Eddie Lewis at West Ham United, wore black armbands. On Monday, 10th February, more than 200,000 mourners lined the streets of Manchester as the many coffins of the dead players wound their way through the city’s streets in the dark rainsoaked evening to Old Trafford where the coffins were temporarily laid in the gymnasium. Soon, at least eight top football league clubs offered to loan players to Murphy but without mentioning specific names. Not long after Munich the Yugoslavian FA suggested that the European Cup be re-named the Manchester United Cup and were supported by Real Madrid. Italian club Turin, who suffered a similar air disaster in 1949 stated that: “This is was one of the best teams in the world and the world will mourn their losses.” Continued next week.

The Busby Babes line-up at Belgrade for the last time prior to their final game before the Munich crash (l. to r.): Duncan Edwards, Eddie Coleman, Mark Jones, Kenny Morgans, Bobby Charlton, Denis Viollet, Tommy Taylor, Billy Foulkes, Harry Gregg, Albert Scanlon and Roger Byrne.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Sean Kelly Tour to be changed not chopped By Christy Parker HEAD of Enterprise with Waterford Council Richie Walsh says there is no intention towards discontinuing the annual Seán Kelly tour but that the event needs to be significantly restructured. Cllr. James Tobin told February’s Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District meeting that he would “be sorry to see it go” and wondered if he was preempting the inevitable. Mr. Walsh said there was a review in progress at present and it was “telling us we need to restructure it fairly significantly for a number of reasons.” The enterprise official pointed to the loss of An Post’s sponsorship and the consequential €23,000 income loss and the increasing difficulty with recruit-

ing volunteers as considerable challenges. His address suggested a more general disorder however, as he reflected that after 10 years of “brilliant” community support, “it’s getting tired.” There was no intention of abandoning the event, he promised, but it needed to be different, with a change in date looking certain. “August doesn’t work anymore”, he informed explaining that last year there was a huge difficulty with accommodation because the greenway had filled every bed in the place. Mr. Walsh said there was “an opportunity to review, restructure, and do things for cycling and recreational tourism but as yet he did not know “how it will look.”The review was meantime taking input from the cycling clubs, cyclists, and the broader community as to how they’d like to see the tour in the future.

Dungarvan-Lismore Councillors want the constituency’s status quo retained By Christy Parker D U N G A RVA N - L i s m o r e Municipal District Councillors have pledged their unity against any proposed changes to the electoral divide in the constituency for the 2019 local elections. Prior to February’s monthly meeting the Councillors had feared a reduction from eight to seven seats, in lieu of a boundary commission review. Director of Services Ivan Grimes had subsequently sought clarification from the Department of Environment and Local Government. He reassured the meeting that while the terms of reference were vague the message was that the review applied largely to the country’s western seaboard, “where there are very large electoral districts.” However the Department had apparently also stipulated that electoral boundaries – Dungarvan and Lismore individually – would have “a maximum representation of seven and a minimum of four.” Presently Dungarvan electoral area has the minimum four municipal Councillors – with Ardmore included- while the Lismore electoral boundary area also has four. However the review and the

invitation to make submissions created apprehension and Cllr. Tobin called on colleagues to support a submission that the next local elections proceed without change to the system. It would seem that the Councillor’s main fear is that the commission might manipulate the numbers in a way that would deny the Dungarvan-Lismore District a total of eight Councillors. HANDS OFF In the background to this, as the meeting observed, lies the knowledge that the Comeragh municipal district would like to have an extra seat – and that would be at the expense of Dungarvan-Lismore. Conscious that the Comeragh is likely to make a submission to that effect, Dungarvan-Lismore was intent on addressing this element prior to the February 19th deadline. As Cllr. Pat Nugent remarked, “what’s the sense in changing it after just five years?” Cllr. John Pratt said both former town council areas had “already lost enough” within the local Government reforms. It was then unanimously agreed to submit that the electoral area continue to be numerically and proportionally represented “as it is”, following the 2019 elections.

NOTICES

PLANNING PERMISSION

NOTICE OF DEPOSIT OF RATE BOOKS FOR INSPECTION AND INTENTION TO MAKE RATE FOR 2018 NOTICE is hereby given that Waterford City & County Council is about to make the Municipal Rate on the property rateable thereto in the City & County of Waterford. The annual rate on valuation for the service of the year ending 31st December 2018 on all rateable property within the City is 0.2583. The Rate Books are deposited for inspection by any ratepayer in the Customer Care Ofﬁce, Baileys New Street, Waterford and in the Customer Care Ofﬁce, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford and will be there open for inspection between the hours of 9.30 a.m. – 4.00 p.m, excluding Saturdays and Sundays during the fourteen days following the date hereto. Susan Whelan Rates Department, Waterford City & County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford.

5th of February 2018

WCCC 17/607: The Establishment of a Single Participant Framework for Works Contractors to carry out pre-letting repairs on residential properties in Waterford County area comprising of Dungarvan/Lismore and Comeragh Waterford City and County Council are seeking to establish a Single Party Term Maintenance and Refurbishment Framework comprising suitably qualiﬁed building works contractor to carry out refurbishment, maintenance and minor construction work to residential units under the Council’s ownership in Waterford County area comprising Dungarvan/Lismore and Comeragh. All details in relation to this tender are now available on www.etenders.gov.ie Please note that Waterford City and County Council are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 2014.

WCCC 17/606: The Establishment of a Single Participant Framework for Works Contractors to carry out pre-letting repairs on residential properties in Waterford Metro Area Waterford City and County Council are seeking to establish a Single Party Term Maintenance and Refurbishment Framework comprising suitably qualiﬁed building works contractor to carry out refurbishment, maintenance and minor construction work to residential units under the Council’s ownership in Waterford Metro Area. All details in relation to this tender are now available on www.etenders.gov.ie Please note that Waterford City and County Council are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 2014.

WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – We, Michael and Sheila Cronin, wish to apply to the above Authority for full planning permission to construct a new two-storey flat roof extension to the rear of the existing dwelling together with alterations to the existing dwelling and ancillary site works at Old Road, Tallow, 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. WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL – We, Liam Carey Homes Limited, wish to apply for Planning Permission for change of house design to type A (5 no. two-storey, 4 bed detached housing units), type B (2 no. two-storey, 4 bed semi-detached housing units), type C (6 no. single-storey, 3 bed detached housing units), type D (16 no. two-storey, 3 bed semi-detached housing units), type E (8 no. single-storey, 2 bed semi-detached housing units) and type F (12 no. two-storey, 3 bed and 4 bed terraced housing units) – These changes will consist of new elevational treatments and revised floor plan layouts and in addition the construction of a conservatory to the rear of each house. All works will take place within the housing development (previously granted planning permission under 10/510024, 16/411 and 17/467). All the above works to be constructed on our site at “Abbey Gardens”, Whitestrand, Clonea Road/Tournore, Abbeyside, Dungravan, 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 (Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford), during its public opening hours (9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – I, Cormac O’Mahony, intend to apply for planning permission for the construction of a Kiosk for the purpose of Bicycle Rental at Causeway, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, 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 (Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford), during its public opening hours (9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.). A submission of 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 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL – We, Sarah Fitzgerald and Darren Rockett, wish to apply to the above Authority for planning permission to remove an existing dwelling and existing septic tank, and the construction of a new dwelling house, septic tank, percolation area, bore hole, and associated site works at Lahardan, Portlaw, 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 (Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford), during its public opening hours (9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – I, John Fitzgerald, intend to apply for planning permission to construct a cubicle house, slatted tank feed passage and associated site works at Kilmoyemoge West, Portlaw, 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 (Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford), during its public opening hours (9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – I, Maurice Cheasty, intend to apply for planning permission to remove an old building and to construct a cubicle house, slatted tank, feed passage, calf shed and associated site works at Ballyrobin, Kill, 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 (Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford), during its public opening hours (9.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application.

IN MEMORIAM FLEMING (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Mary Fleming (nee Kennedy), late of Tinnabinna, Youghal, whose Anniversary occurs on 14th February, 2018. R.I.P.

†

KENNEDY (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of James (Jim) Kennedy, late of Newtown, Kinsalebeg, whose Anniversary occurs on 7th March, 2018.

Like fallen leaves the years roll by, But memories of you will never die. Masses offered.

CAHILL (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of Jimmy Cahill, late of Dromana, Cappoquin, who died on 12th February, 2015. R.I.P. Some say as time goes by, The heartache will subside, But the feelings in our hearts today, Are the same as when you died. Will those who think of him today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

–Sadly missed by your son James; daughter-in-law Claire and grandsons Ryan, James, Sean and Harry.

CORBETT (16th anniversary) – Treasured memories of my dear husband William (Bill) Corbett, late of Woodhouse, Stradbally, who died on 16th February, 2002. My heart still aches with sadness, Secret tears still flow, Just how much I miss you, No one will ever know. No one sees the broken heart, That lies behind my smile, No one knows the lonliness, That’s with me all the while. Silent tears still gently fall, That others do not see, For a kind and loving husband, Who meant the world to me. It broke my heart to lose you, But you did not go alone, For part of me went with you, The day God called you home. Will those who think of Bill today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

FITZPATRICK (12th anniversary) – In loving memory of Mary Fitzpatrick, late of 4 Parklane Avenue, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, who died on 16th February, 2006. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside, at 10.00 a.m. on Friday, 16th February, 2017. Your resting place we visit, And flowers we place with care, But no one knows our heartache, As we turn and leave you there.

–Always in our thoughts, Ned, Sarah, Eddie, Mary-Therese and their families.

–Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving wife Breda.

CONDON (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Gerry Condon, late of Brenan, Stradbally, Co. Waterford, who died on Valentine's Day, 2014. LOOK FOR ME IN RAINBOWS Time for me to go now, I won’t say goodbye, Look for me in rainbows, Way up in the sky. In the morning sunrise, When all the world is new, Just look for me and love me, As you know I loved you. Time for me to leave you, I won’t say goodbye, Look for me in rainbows, High up in the sky. In the evening sunset, When all the world is through, Just look for me and love me, And I’ll be close to you. It won’t be forever, The day will come and then, My loving arms will hold you, When we meet again. Time for us to part now, We won’t say goodbye, Look for me in rainbows, Shining in the sky, Every waking moment, And all your whole life through, Just look for me and love me, As you know I loved you. Just wish me to be near you, And I’ll be there with you.

–Always in our hearts from Elaine, Katie, your mother Nora, brothers and sisters and extended families.

Dungarvan Observer 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

CORBETT (16th anniversary) – In loving memory of our dear father William (Bill) Corbett, late of Woodhouse, Stradbally, who died on 16th February, 2002. Nothing can dim the face we love, The memory of your smile, The countless things you did, To make our lives worthwhile. Missed in the morning of every day, Missed in the evening as night slips away, Missed in a thousand and one little things, Around every corner a memory clings. A father, a friend, a grandfather too, We all thought the world of you. Precious memories, tears unseen, Wishing your absence was only a dream You always had a smile to share Time to give And time to care Years may pass and tears may dry But memories of you Will never die.

–Forever in our hearts, your sons Liam, Kieran, Brian, David and Eoin; daughters Siobhan and Martina; daughters-in-law Rosie, Siobhan, Nicola and grandchildren.

DUNFORD (2nd anniversary) – In loving memory of John Dunford, late of Lacken, Dungarvan, who died on 15th February, 2016. R.I.P. Will those who think of John today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

–Sadly missed by your loving family.

–Forever in our thoughts – Mary, Eddie and family.

GIBLIN (1st anniversary) – In loving memory of Liam Giblin, late of Springmount, Dungarvan, who died on Valentine’s Day, 14th February, 2017. 1st Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 17th February, 2018, at 7.30 p.m. in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan. REST IN PEACE Most merciful Father, We commend our departed into Your hands, We are filled with the sure hope, That our departed will rise again on the last day, With all who have died in Christ. We thank you for all the things you have given, During our departed’s earthly life.

FLYNN (48th anniversary) – In loving memory of John Flynn, late of Tourin, Cappoquin, who died on 16th February, 1970. R.I.P. Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day.

–Sadly missed by his loving wife Maura; daughter Lola; son Liam; son-in-law Tom and grandchildren Lucy and Ian and sisters Theresa, Mary and Rita.

–Loved and missed by Val, Ollie, Michael, Mary and Bernie.

MEANEY (17th anniversary) – In loving memory of Eddie Meaney, late of Friars Walk, Abbeyside, who died on 12th February, 2001. This day is remembered and quietly kept, No words needed, we shall never forget, For those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, So loved, so missed and so very dear.

–Always remembered by your daughters Fidelma and Tanya; son-in-law Noel and grandson Steven. MEANEY (17th anniversary) – In loving memory of Eddie Meaney, late of Friars Walk, Abbeyside, who died on 12th February, 2001. We think of you often, And thank God for the wonderful life you had, Miss your gentle presence, Wisdom and smile.

–Your loving son Eddie and daughter-in-law Caroline and grandchildren Barry, Dean, Joshua and Jade.

MANSFIELD (17th anniversary) – In loving memory of John Mansfield, late of Duffcarrick, Ardmore, who died on 18th February, 2001. May he rest in peace. GEE (6th anniversary) – Cherished memories of a husband, father and grandfather Christy Gee, late of ‘Scintillas,’ Ballintaylor, Dungarvan, whose Anniversary occurs on 12th February. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Parish Curch, Dungarvan, on Sunday, 18th February, at 10.00 a.m. Though absent, You are very near, Still loved, still missed, And very dear.

–Always loved and remembered by your wife Eileen; daughter Genevieve; son-inlaw Pat and grandchildren Freya and Fiachra.

Time may close the book of grief, But memories turn back every leaf, One year comes and another one goes, But the gates of memories never close.

–Always remembered, Nellie and family.

The Samaritans Beau Street, Waterford Tel. (051) 872114. Freephone 116 123. Lonely – Suicidal – Despairing? Talk to us any time, any day in complete confidence Phone – write – visit

O’DWYER (5th anniversary) – In loving memory of Killian O’Dwyer, late of 11 Caseyville, Dungarvan, whose Anniversary occurs on 18th February. The moment that you died, My heart was torn in two, One side filled with heartache, The other died with you. I often lie awake at night, When the world is fast asleep, And take a walk down memory lane, With tears upon my cheeks. Remembering you is easy, I do it every day, But missing you is heartache, That never goes away. I hold you tightly within my heart, And there you will remain, Until the joyous day arrives, That we will meet again.

–Always loved and remembered by your heartbroken Mother and Franny, X. Anniversary Masses will be celebrated in Mount Melleray Abbey on Saturday, 17th February, at 7.45 a.m.

O’DWYER (5th anniversary) – In loving memory of my dear brother Killian O’Dwyer, late of 11 Caseyville, Dungarvan, who died on 18th February, 2013. R.I.P. Masses offered. If tears could build a stairway, And memories a lane, I would walk right up to Heaven, And bring you back again. No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye, You were gone before we knew it, And only God knows why. My heart still aches with sadness, And secret tears still flow, What it meant to lose you, No one can ever know. Since you will never be forgotten, I pledge to you today, A hollowed place within my heart, Is where you will always stay. Love you forever Killian. Heartbroken.

–From your loving sister Margaret, Ger, Jason, Kevin, Sophie and Dervla, XX. O’DOWD (17th anniversary) – In loving memory of Helen O’Dowd, late of West Street, Lismore, Co. Waterford, who died on 16th February, 2001. It was a sudden parting, too bitter to forget, Those who loved you dearly, Are the ones who will never forget, For every thought there is a tear, For a daughter and sister we lost and loved so dear.

–Remembered always by your loving Mam Rose; daughter Clara and family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Friday, 23rd February, in St. Carthage’s Church, Lismore, at 10.00 a.m.

Dungarvan Observer

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

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My new My new ne ew n numb number umb u mber m b r iiss 058 05 0 58 8 73140 73 7 31 3140 14 1 40 4 0

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BRIDGE ABBEY BRIDGE CLUB (6/2/018) – 1st Theresa Ryan & Kathleen McNamara; 2nd Rita Harnedy & Angela Freyne; 3rd Margaret Foley & Walter Murphy; 4th Mary M. Dee & Agatha O’Connor. KILMACTHOMAS BRIDGE CLUB (7/2/2018) – 1st Anne Marie Brown & Anna Ryan; 2nd Oonagh Kelly & Nan Murphy; 3rd Anna Harney & Mary Flahavan; 4th Shane Prendergast & Bridget Aherne; 5th Catherine M. Power & Mary Cummins. HARBOUR BRIDGE CLUB (Charity Night: 8/2/2018) – 1st Kitty Power & Teresa Queally; 2nd Marie Fives & Kay Dillon; 3rd Mary Ashe & Colette Power; 4th Carmel O'Brien & Ann M. Fitzgerald; 5th Mary Phelan & Joan Colbert. CUNNIGAR BRIDGE CLUB (7/2/2018) – 1st Walter Murphy & Margaret Curran; 2nd Margaret Foley & Cait Christopher; 3rd Kay Kirwan, Betty Prendergast, Aida O'Neill & Ella Whelan; 5th Tom & Margaret Power. DUNGARVAN BRIDGE CLUB (Club Pairs 2nd Session: 8/2/2018) – 1st Justin Spratt & Des Cleary; 2nd Kay Barry & Claire Meaney; 3rd Ann Heffernan & Tom Prendergast; 4th Helen McCarthy & Helen Russell. AFFANE BRIDGE CLUB (29/1/2018) – 1st Nellie Moloney & Pat Murphy; 2nd Eileen O’Driscoll & Kathleen McGrath; 3rd Mary Fletcher & Kathleen O’Mahoney; 4th Claire Meaney & Laboure Cliffe. (6/2/2018) – 1st Margaret Clancy & Mary Navin; 2nd Andrew McGrath & Betty Kelleher; 3rd Maureen Morrisey & Paddy McGrath; 4th Monica O’Sullivan & Una Mason. DEISE BRIDGE CLUB (12/2/2018) – Joint 1st June James & John Mansfield, Helen Russell & Kathleen Phelan; 3rd Maureen O'Neill & Sadie Ui Mhiachain; 4th Mary Casey & Maureen Power.

THE GOLDEN YEARS ! WIN

Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan WIN!

The Golden Years featuring Frank Ryan (Tenor) – “the songs that we love to sing” – Sarah O’Mahony (Soprano) with BEhtan Lee (Piano). Produced and Directed by Cathal McCabe (RTE). A nostalgic evening of the world’s best-loved melodies at the Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan, on Saturday, 24th February, at 8.00 p.m. (doors open at 7.30 p.m.). Tickets €15: The Wine Buff or 086-1577610. The Dungarvan Observer 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 The Golden Years Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 20th February. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

✄ Question: Where will The Golden Years be performed?

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

! WIN

CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF @ SGC Dungarvan

WIN

NT Live: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (Captured Live) Thursday, 22nd February, at 7.00 p.m. Tennessee Williams’ twentieth century masterpiece Cat on a Hot Tin Roof played a strictly limited season in London’s West End in 2017. Following his smash hit production of A Streetcar Named Desire, Benedict Andrews’ ‘thrilling revival’ (New York Times) stars Sienna Miller alongside, Jack O’Connell and Colm Meaney. On a steamy night in Mississippi, a Southern family gather at their cotton plantation to celebrate Big Daddy’s birthday. The scorching heat is almost as oppressive as the lies they tell. Brick and Maggie dance round the secrets and sexual tensions that threaten to destroy their marriage. With the future of the family at stake, which version of the truth is real – and which will win out? ★★★★ "A bold reimagining…innovative and powerfully acted" Sunday Times ★★★★ "A brilliant, lacerating account of the play… unforgettable" The Independent. 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 NTL Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 20th February. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

✄ Question: What date is the “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” on in the cinema?

✄

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AND MUCH MORE

✄

EXPERIENCED CHILDMINDER WANTED – Ballinamult / Ballymacarbry area for 6 month old baby. Starting mid-March. 2-3 days per week. Reply in writing only to Box No. 6070.

32 & 33

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Fr. Bonaventure celebrates seventy years of Ministry at Mount Melleray Abbey

Fr. Bonaventure (left) is pictured with the Abbot of Mount Melleray, Dom Richard Purcell and Fr. Bonaventure’s friend, Sr. Bonaventure. [Tom Keith]

A VERY pleasant and rare celebration took place at Mount Melleray Abbey last Saturday when Fr. Bonaventure, OCSO, celebrated seventy years of the Priesthood since his Ordination in 1948. Central to the afternoon of remembrance was the Celebration of a Mass of Thanksgiving for the long life of Fr. Bonaventure and his service to God and the Cistercian Community. Welcoming the congregation of family and friends of Fr. Bonaventure, the Abbot, Dom Richard Purcell, OCSO, said that it was not the seventieth anniversary of his birth which was being honoured, but of his Ordination to the Priesthood. “It is not often that we get to celebrate seventy years of somebody’s Priesthood,” he said,“and it is a great honour to be here today at such a significant celebration.” “We gather today as God’s Family,” he continued, “but we gather in another way as different families, the Monastic family here in the Monastery and the wider family of neighbours and friends. “We gather because each of us has been called to respond to God in our lives in different ways. For Fr. Bonaventure, he was called to

Fr. Bonaventure, OCSO, is congratulated on his seventy years of Priesthood by Sr. Stephen, Glencairn Abbey. serve in the priesthood and to live his life as a Monk. But all of us are called in different ways to respond to God in our lives and – at times, we fail. But we know that the Lord is always there, with his mercy, his love and his help to pick us up.” Throughout the Mass, beautiful

The Abbot of Mount Melleray Abbey, Dom Richard Purcell with the members of the Choir who sang at the Mass of Thanksgiving on the occasion of the Platinum (70 years) Jubilee of Fr. Bonaventure, OCSO. [Tom Keith]

Hymns were sung by a choir drawn from the local community for the special occasion with Organist, Tim Fouhy. Also present were some of the Sisters from the Cistercian Monastery, Glencairn and Fr. Robert Arthure who had served for many years as Parish Priest in Cappoquin. MONASTIC COMMUNITY In his homily, Abbot Richard said that all of the readings which they had heard, speak of the different aspects of what it is to be a priest. “For us in the Monastery,” he said, “while Priesthood is very important, equally important is the fact that we are called to be priests within a Monastic Community. “That very much colours how we live out our priesthood in a Monastery. For many years, since Fr. Bonaventure entered, the monastery was supposedly a quieter place. We were known as the Silent Order, though I wonder how much the silence actually existed. “Certainly there was a sense of being still, or joining the Monastery to allow God to speak to us through the Liturgy; through the Mass, but perhaps more importantly through the lives of those we lived with. “That is exactly what St. John says in the Gospel: that if we can love one another, if we can live in peace then, he says, my joy will be within you and your joy will be complete. “All of us in our lives have times of joy and times that are more difficult but they are made easier because we have the support and the love of those around us. A VARIED MINISTRY Addressing Fr. Bonaventure, the

[Tom Keith]

Abbot said that throughout his long ministry as a Priest, he ministered in different aspects of the life of this community. “I know the time you spent in the College was a very significant time as a priest,” he said. “Your Ministry at Glencairn was one which marked many lives and which marked yours as well. “Your Ministry in the Confessional was one that helped many people, but perhaps your Ministry with your family is one that many of us won’t know about and certain members of your family will not know about the Ministry you had with others.” “The life of a priest in a family is very important. When I spoke to your family some time ago about holding this celebration, you did not think that many people would want to come. But it turned out that everyone wanted to be here to mark your seventy years as a priest and show their appreciation for what you mean to them in their lives. “You have been a shepherd to the flock who have been placed in your care,” he continued. “Not as a shepherd who drives the sheep but rather one who gently leads them. And in your Ministry as a Priest, you have been a shepherd with your gentle, quiet presence giving constant support for your brother Monks in the Community; to all those to whom you have ministered here in Mount Melleray and Glencairn. We give thanks to God for the lives of all those in this Community who shaped your life and we thank you for how you shaped ours. Most importantly, we say with you: Thanks be to God.” DEO GRATIAS At the conclusion of the Mass, Fr. Bonaventure thanked Abbot Richard for celebrating the Mass

and for facilitating all who had come to join in the celebration. “Finally, Deo Gratias to the Heavenly Father who has enabled me to live seventy years as a priest. The Mass is at the centre of our religion and, apart from a few omissions due to illness, over the seventy years I have celebrated twenty-five thousand, five hundred and fifty masses.” Concluding, Abbot Richard thanked the Choir for their beautiful singing, the organist Tim Fouhy and all who had contributed so much to the Liturgy to make it a beautiful celebration. After the Mass of Thanksgiving, Fr. Bonaventure and the members of the Cistercian Community were joined by some of the Sisters of Glencairn Abbey and Fr. Bonaventure’s family and friends at a Reception in his honour in the historic Monastery Refectory, which was once the dining place for over 140 Monks. All who were in the congregation must have been aware of the historic nature of the gathering and the sense of occasion for, as Abbot Richard had said at the outset “It is not often that we get to celebrate seventy years of someone’s Priesthood.”

Fr. Bonaventure with some of the many members of his family who attended the Platinum Jubilee Celebration of his Ordination at Mount Melleray Abbey last Saturday. [Tom Keith]

Pictured above at the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee of Fr. Bonaventure Comiskey which was held in Mount Melleray Abbey last Saturday are from left front: Fr. Patrick Ryan, Dom Augustine McGregor, Fr. Uinseann O Maidin, Fr. Bonaventure Comiskey, Fr. Columban Heaney and Br. Edmond Costin. Middle row: Sr. Máiréad, Sr. Gertrude, Sr. Stephen and Sr. Agnes. Back from left: Br. Seamus [Tom Keith] Corrigan, Fr. Donal Davis, Dom. Richard Purcell, Fr. Denis Luke O’Hanlon and Fr. Robert Arthure

COUNTY NEWS 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 7.30 p.m. Helpline: 1800 804 848. You are not alone! Please note change in time.

Villierstown National School Music Bingo Table Quiz VILLIERSTOWN National School Parents Association will host a Music Table Quiz on Friday, 2nd March, 2018 in An Cruiscin Lan,Villierstown. Table of 4 €20. Registration on the night at 8.30 p.m. to begin 9.00 p.m. sharp. So if you fancy something different on a Friday night come along for a trip down Music Memory Lane. All are welcome and it's sure to be a very entertaining night Raffle on the night. Looking forward to a great night.

St. Michael’s Hall Ballyduff Upper Card Results 1st Larry & Finbarr Byrnes; 2nd Rita Leamy & Ann Geary, PJ McInerney & Sean Higgins. Lucky Tables: Stephen Cunningham & Ann Geary, John Conway, Mary Fennessey, Pat Ryan, Sheila Lonergan. Raffle: PJ McInerney, Ann Geary, Stephen Cunningham, Delia Cashell, Pat Noonan, Joan Hannon, Pat Kirby, Hugh Geary, Sean Higgins.

Ballyduff Upper St. Michael’s National School Parents’ Association THANK YOU: Ballyduff Upper National School Parents’ Association express appreciation for making our recent Clothes Collection so successful. We are very grateful for all your time and effort. Our next Clothes Collection will take place at the Millennium Sports Hall on Thursday evening, June 21st and also on Friday morning, June 22nd, 2018.

Waterford Humanists THE February meeting of the Waterford Humanist Group will be held upstairs in the Cove Bar, Dunmore Road, Waterford on Monday, 19th February, 2018 at 7.30 p.m. All are welcome. For further information call Teresa at 086-8776307.

Brewery Lane Theatre BREWERY Lane Theatre will hold a Concert in aid of the Homeless on Friday, March 2nd. All monies collected on the night will be forwarded to the Peter McVerry Trust. Concert commences 8.15 p.m. Admission €10. Refreshments. Performers on the night include - The Windgap Players, Phila Grace, Mala Raggett and Suzanne Rowe, Paney Bartley, Jane McLoughlin and Marie Walsh, Ellen Foley, Moylan Brunnock, Kevin and Aine Power. Booking 087-6739218.

Ballinroad ICA BALLINROAD ICA will hold their monthly meeting tonight, Wednesday, 14th February at 8.00 p.m. in St. Laurence’s Hall, Ballinroad. We will have a guest speaker on the night. Please bring a friend, all are welcome. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month.

Members of the Bonmahon Lifeboat crew accepting funds raised at a recent Dúnaill - Folk Group concert at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre. The concert was organised by WCFE sound engineering students Katie Walsh, Victoria Hamersley, and Emmet Glascott. Pictured at the Lifeboat Station in Bonmahon are Victoria Hamersley, Aoife Mooney, Katie Walsh, PJ O'Shea, Pam O'Reilly, Billy Crowley, John Crowley and Brendan O'Connor.

BONMAHON KILL & BONMAHON CARDIAC FIRST RESPONSE GROUP Cardiac First Response Courses are scheduled to take place on 5th March from 6.00 p.m. in Clodiagh House, Portlaw and also on Saturday, 10th March in Kill Community Centre. We would urge anyone with an interest to get in contact for more information. More responders in the team means better coverage and the more hands for an emergency situation, the better. The commitment is not as big as you may think and full training will be provided so please consider joining the response group and ensure that the service is continued. Call or text 087-4133522 for more information or to express an interest. BONMAHON COMMUNITY SOCIETY LOTTO The numbers drawn recently were 14, 10, 26 and 19. We had

no Jackpot winner but one match 3 winner, Sean Veale who collects the €100. Our next jackpot is now at €9,900. Make sure you're in with a chance to win! COPPER COAST GEOPARK VISITOR CENTRE On February 3rd, 2018, we ran our first Copper Coast Geopark Skills Day.We sampled a selection of crafts including crochet, embroidery, naalbinding, spinning, finger loop braiding and, appropriate for February, St. Bridget’s Cross weaving. Thank you to our team of tutors, Katherine Walsh, Orlaith Hamersley, Shirley Walsh, Helen Walsh and Liz O’Connor. A special thank you to Serenella from the Copper Coast Cafe who supplied the delicious food. We hope to run similar events in the future see Facebook or our website www.coppercoastgeopark.com for announcements.

Visitors learning to spin wool on a wooden drop spindle at the Copper Coast Geopark skills taster day recently.

KILL MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS SWIM The presentation of the proceeds of the 2017 swim to Touching Hearts will now take place this Saturday, 17th February in Dunphy's Pub. Join us for finger food and a good night out to celebrate another successful swim. KILL GAA LOTTO At last week's Lotto draw in Kirwan's Bar, there was no winner of the €10,000 Lotto jackpot.There were no match 3 winners on the night either, so it was down to the Lucky Dip draw to decide the winners.The two names drawn out were Ger Guiry and Marie Whelan.The numbers drawn were 4, 16, 21 and 22. The Lotto draw was sponsored by Curran Foods. KILL ACTION & ALERT GROUP AGM The Annual General Meeting of Kill Action & Alert Group has been set for Tuesday 20th February at 7.30pm in Kill Community Centre. All are welcome to attend to express an interest in a position on the committee which will be elected on the night, to voice opinions or to just hear what we were up to and what we are planning for this year.

BIRTHDAY WISHES A very happy birthday to Tom Power who celebrates a year wiser this week. Have a great year ahead and keep giving us all these wonderful poems and stories! KILL & BONMAHON CARDIAC FIRST RESPONSE GROUP Cardiac First Response Courses are scheduled to take place on 5th March from 6pm in Clodiagh House, Portlaw and also on Saturday 10th March in Kill Community Centre. We would urge anyone with an interest to get in contact for more information. More responders in the team means better coverage and the more hands for an emergency situation, the better. The commitment is not as big as you may think and full training will be provided so please consider joining the response group and ensure that the service is continued. Call or text 087 4133 522 for more information or to express an interest. IT'S YOUR COLUMN! If you have any news, announcements or pictures you would like to see in this column, please submit to mareikerembold@eircom.net or contact 087 4133 522 for inclusion.

Portlaw Cardiac First Response Group CARDIAC First Response Courses are scheduled to take place on 5th March from 6pm in Clodiagh House, Portlaw and also on Saturday 10th March in Kill Community Centre. We would urge anyone with an interest to get in contact for more information. More responders in the team means better coverage and the more hands for an emergency situation, the better. The commitment is not as big as you may think and full training will be provided so please consider joining the response group and ensure that the service is continued. Call or text 087-4133522 for more information or to express an interest.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

THE PERSONALITY OF A COASTLINE An Illustrated Talk by Liam Suipéil If you love exploring the local rocky coastlines then you will certainly be interested in this talk. Liam’s talk will cover the coastline from Ring to Ardmore and certainly promises to be of great interest. The talk will take place at the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club Wednesday 21st February 8.00 p.m. and as always all are welcome. Admission is €5. RECENT PUBLICATIONS The Museum supplied photographs to two recently launched publications. ‘A History of the Dungarvan GAA Club from 1885-2017’ by Tony Ryan, and ‘Dunmore East A Living History’ by Maria Walsh. Both books come highly recommended and are available

in local outlets. DVDS FOR SALE IN THE MUSEUM Dungarvan’s Hospitals A Walking History and Grattan Square – Social History Documentary of Dungarvan ‘Dungarvan’s Hospitals - A Walking History’ is a wonderful documentary film made by Eddie Cantwell and Fionn Mac Giolla Chuda, starring Michael Brennan for the Christmas Market. This was shown to two packed houses at the SGC Cinema in Dungarvan, and for all those people who requested copies a DVD is now on sale for €12 at Waterford County Museum in Friary Street. Eddie has decided to use the income from the sales to advance further research at Gallows Hill. Apart from dealing with St. Joseph’s, the documentary which

OBJECT OF THE WEEK

Engraving titles: ‘Lace-making in an Irish cottage’ 1890 THIS engraving is based on a drawing by the artist Marianne Stokes (1855-1927). She was born Preindisberger in Austria. She settled in England on marrying Adrian Stokes. She became one of the leading artists of Victorian England. It and others were used to illustrate an article on Lismore/Cappoquin in the English Illustrated Magazine.

was produced by Eddie and filmed and edited by Fionn, also deals with St.Vincent’s which was standing at the time of filming. Michael Brennan, who Eddie says ‘is the real star of this documentary’, was born at the Gate Lodge back in the 1930s, and his memories of growing up there have now been recorded for prosperity. Eddie continued ‘Michael is clinical, humorous and displays an almost photographic memory about life there. I hardly had to ask him a question he just took off with me in tow. Fionn and I spent some four hours filming and I don’t even want to think about the number of hours that I sat and watched Fionn edit it with clinical precision’. Also ‘Grattan Square - Social History Documentary of Dungarvan’ is available on DVD for €10 at the Museum. This is an extremely popular film which was also shown to full houses at the SGC Cinema in Dungarvan. Along with the DVDs we also have a great selection of books for sale with local connections. AN EXHIBITION OF WATERFORD INTEREST An Exhibition which is of a County Waterford interest is currently running at Crawford Art Gallery in Cork until 24th February 2018. It is called ‘Stones, Slabs and Seascapes - George Victor Du Noyer’s Images of Ireland’. Du Noyer was employed by the Geological Society of Ireland which was established in 1845 to map all of Ireland, documenting geological, archaeological and historical sites. While his main work involved recording geological features, he also sketched anything of interest he saw, people, ruined churches, castles and towns. He was not a trained artist but produced drawing of a very high standard. While in County Waterford Du Noyer sketched and mapped areas of the Copper Coast and beyond, the Comeragh Mountains etc. A number of his Waterford drawings are included in the exhibition. This is an impressive exhibition which should not be missed. There is also an attractive hardback book available on the exhibition. YOUR CHANCE TO SUPPORT THE MUSEUM Museum membership is available for an annual fee of €15 if you would like to support the work of the Museum. The Museum relies heavily on membership fees, donations and fundraising activities, so we would be delighted if you would join us as a member. As a mem-

The Personality of a Coastline An Illustrated talk by Liam Suipéil

Ballymacart

ber you will benefit from knowing that you are supporting the important work of the Museum in County Waterford, plus being informed of various talks, new exhibitions and activities taking place throughout the year. There is also a member’s annual trip and Christmas meal. Please do consider joining us as a member. You can see the very varied and interesting work of the Museum on our website www.waterfordmuseum.ie including volunteers taking part in local archaeological digs. Call in to see us in Friary Street, or ring us on 058 45960 for more information. DONATION OF OBJECTS AND OLD PHOTOGRAPHS The Museum relies on donations of objects from members of the public. We do not have funds to purchase objects, so we would be very grateful for any objects of local historic interest which you may have in your possession which you would be willing to kindly donate to us. Also if you have any old photographs of people, places, ships, sports events etc. with a County Waterford connection we are very happy to accept them. We can scan them to add to our extensive photographic archive and give you back the originals. By donating items to us you will be playing your part in helping to preserve local history for future generations. You can drop items into us in Friary Street, or call us on 058 45960 to discuss any items you are thinking of donating. VISITING THE MUSEUM We welcome visits from schools, community groups, and local history societies. Please contact us at 058-45960 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 WEEK ENDING 14th FEBRUARY, 2018 Surname First Name Age Service No. Rank Service Wills William Henry 35 200149 Sailmaker R. Navy

Unit H.M.S. Rinaldo

Where Born Ardmore

Death Category N.S.

Date of Death 2/3/18

NOW there’s a lecture title to set you wondering and pique your interest. If you love exploring the local rocky coastlines then you will certainly be interested in this talk. Liam’s talk is not so much centred on rock formations, stones, etc but rather how they came to be named. Rock formations are defined by the labels that they carry and how they acquired their names is historically significant. The talk will cover the coastline from Ring to Ardmore and certainly promises to be of great interest. Most of the rock formations viewed from the coastline carry Irish names such as Gleann Naugairt, Carraig Bhréan, Carraig na Croise, Carraig Breáig, etc and behind each named rock and stone lies a forgotten history. This is not the first time that Liam has delivered a talk for the Museum Society and he has also taken the society on tours of great interest in and around the cliffs of Ardmore. Members were treated to a history of Ardo House by him last year in one of their annual outings. The talk will take place at the Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club Wednesday, 21st February 8.00 p.m. and as always all are welcome. Admission is €5. The Sailing Club has proved to be a big hit with members and non members alike. There is a lift to the top floor and guests can enjoy a drink prior to the talk and indeed after.

Historical Talk

THE Barony of Gaultier Historical Society’s February Lecture is on a topic that will be of interest to a lot of Gaultier natives and any individual who has an interest in this era in Irish History. The title of the lecture is ‘The Blueshirts, Political Mayhem and Nine Gaultier Farmers’. The lecture will consider some of the most turbulent years in Irish politics, 1932-1934, when the Blueshirts, led by General Eoin O'Duffy, made a short, but dramatic appearance in Irish life. It was a time of bitter political divisions and violence. The histories of the Blueshirts, at local and national level, and how nine farmers from Gaultier were caught up in the events, are described. Eugene Broderick who has previously given a lecture to the Society is returning again to give this lecture which will take place on Wednesday, 21st February with a starting time of 8pm. The venue for the talk is The Three Sisters Inn, Dunmore East. The admission fee is €5 and members of the Society are free. All are welcome and a large attendance is anticipated.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

ARDMORE Ardmore Tidy Towns ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS I wrote last week’s notes at 7.00 a.m. on Monday morning. The adrenalin was still pumping through the veins because only a few hours before we had won in Croke Park and then the unforgettable home coming. Getting coherent thoughts in order wasn’t easy at that hour of the morning but you could almost feel the satisfaction, or was it relief, in the cold early morning air. Ever since our 12 man heroics in the Munster Final there has been a certain unmentioned tension in the air. No one talked about it. We felt we should handle Setanta but feared a banana skin. Then Croke Park became a reality. None of the ticket problems associated with the All Ireland. Just travel logistics. We had often spoken about winning a Munster Club but no one ever mentioned an All Ireland Club. Then the under 11 game was added. (What a wonderful thought by the GAA).Then if we won what would happen? A couple of people whispered bonfires and secretly got them ready in hope! A couple more stole into the hall and got it ready for a homecoming and kept it quiet too. Our hearts, prayers and nerves were with the players and their families, because the pressure on

all of them was enormous. Talk about a monkey on their backs ... ‘twas a giant gorilla! For some ‘twas a first visit to the holy grail, for others a return to attend to some unfinished business – for all a huge occasion. All the boxes are ticked now. But this week has been about a well deserved and exemplarily well behaved celebration. The Round Tower Hotel, The Cliff House Hotel, Keevers Bar and An Tobar, Kiely’s Cross and Flemings all rolled out the red carpet. The favourite haunts in Dungarvan played their part too and for survivors a trip to Youghal as well. We got a chance to tell these guys what we really thought of them. Shyness, bashfulness were put aside as tributes and tears flowed and hugs were the order of the day. Wonderful to see so many local lads achieve so much and all of them and all of us will view Croke Park from an entirely different perspective for the rest of our lives. No longer will it be the Deise graveyard, but rather the scene of Ardmore and its wonderful players greatest ever day. Tributes and congratulations came from all over the country and from the huge number of our overseas supporters. They were all tuned in. The sense of pride too was felt by everyone, none more so than the parents

and families of the players and the backroom team. Pride also ran through the veins of all the former players, former officers, former teachers and team-mates and the dozens of volunteers who coached and looked after all these lads since they were toddlers. A proud community united now in achievement. SUMMER CONCERT The first Summer Concert of 2018 is announced and we are in for a treat as Patrick Feeney and his band will perform in St. Declan’s Church, Ardmore on July 13th at 8.00 p.m. in what should be a concert to remember. Patrick's new single ‘I Believe’ is getting great reviews and couple this with songs like ‘Red Haired Mary’, ‘Caledonia’, ‘Boulavogue’. Tickets went on sale two weeks ago and going on initial interest this is no doubt going to be a sell out long before the performance. So people who are interested should pick up your tickets priced at €25 at either Ardmore or Grange Post Offices or by ringing John on 086-2330810 or Maurice on 085-1741614 BIRD SURVEY Devoted bird watcher, Sean Hogan visited Ardmore National School recently and gave a really informative talk to the children and the following week he visited the senior citizens of

A colourful display at Ardmore National School for the visit of the All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling Cup.

Déuglán Fáilte in St Declan’s Hall and addressed them as well. It’s amazing the knowledge he was able to impart to us about our little feathered friends and their strengths and weaknesses, threats and opportunities. He also asked both to complete a survey of their garden birds and the data will be included in the National Survey of garden birds. 45 AT KEEVERS Cards at Keevers this week were cancelled as a mark of respect for the late Hugh O’Reilly R.I.P. Hugh was a great supporter of the 45 and played with us right through his bravely borne illness. POKER AT ROUND TOWER HOTEL Redmond Foley really rubbed our noses in it on Wednesday night because just after collecting his league winners prize he comes along and wins again.This time Mary Ann Troy was his closest rival and Jerome Curran was third. Catherine Mansfield won at the stragglers table from James Bryan. SYMPATHY Ardmore Tidy Towns Association offer their sincere sympathy to Nora O’Reilly and her children Amy, Hughie and Declan and to the extended O’Reilly family on the death of Hugh O’Reilly who died during the week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Terri McGrath, Secretary, Ardmore N.S. and Marie O’Sullivan, S.N.A. with the All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling cup after it visited the school recently.

Ardmore/Grange Community Alert MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 8th FEBRUARY 2018 GARDA REPORT Garda Colm O’Callaghan reported that there had been no break-ins in the Area since our last meeting. However, there had been a significant increase in recent weeks in the number of people calling to houses trying to sell items such as power washers and generators etc. The movements of these people had been easily tracked by the text alert system operating throughout the Dungarvan Garda District.The text alert has been extremely useful to An Garda Siochana as a means of gathering information. There had been a significant number of break-ins reported in the neighbouring Midleton/Fermoy Garda District, so vigilance continued to be required. The special Garda check points unit that had been set up over the Christmas period was now again operational at entry points to the Area. This operation has been successful in gathering a lot of information. He concluded his report by congratulating Ardmore on their historic win in the All Ireland Club Junior Hurling and said that those who did not travel to the match were also to be congratulated on keeping an eye on the safety of the area during the exodus to Croke Park. The meeting was then addressed by Garda Christine Keniry who was recently appointed as the full-time Community Alert Garda for the District. Her talk focussed in particular on crime prevention, internet safety for children, fraud, personal safety and a household property register. She distributed leaflets on the various topics she covered in her talk. She particularly stressed the dangers relating to the unsupervised use of the internet by children and recommended a visit to the web site “webwise” would provide useful information for parents. She also spoke about the Vulnerable/elderly person’s register which is being operated in the Dungarvan Garda Station. This provides for the secure storing of information for persons who feel that they may be vulnerable. The information stored includes Eircode, key holders names and emergency contacts. She also promoted the “Message in a bottle” concept, whereby details of medication being used by a person is stored securely in a sealed bottle in their house and is then available to the ambulance service, when required. OPERATION OF TEXT ALERT The Secretary informed the meeting that a refund had been given by our text alert facilitator in lieu of the recent duplication of text alerts.The meeting agreed that the system was operating satisfactorily. A total of 146 people in the Area are currently receiving the text alerts. PERSONAL PANIC ALARMS Elsie Hickey reported that a further personal panic alarm had been installed. Three recycled panic alarms had been purchased. Maurice Power continues to generously offer his services in repairing and installing the panic alarms. A total of 45 clients now have panic alarms. Four panic alarms are currently in stock and a further one is expected to be returned shortly. She reported that she had checked on the use of the organisation known as Pobal, but recommended that we should continue to carry on using the current system for providing the panic alarms. Review of list of elderly living alone: The updated list was circulated and approved.The Secretary is to contact any of the Committee who were not at the Meeting. A.O.B. It was agreed that the defaced “Mind your valuables signs at Ardmore and Whiting Bay car parks should be replaced. The A/Chairman congratulated the Ardmore Junior Hurlers on winning the All Ireland Junior Hurling Championship. Date of Next Meeting: Thursday, 31st May, 2018 at 8.30 p.m.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

TOURANEENA

A Stradbally GAA function c1982 – From left to right: James Keane, Bridget Clancy, P.J. Coleman (Secretary), Anne Fennell (Halpin) Fr. W. Phelan. P.P, Alo Curran (Chairman), Anna Power, Tom Landy (Treasurer), Fr. Pat Gear, Robin Ahearne, Harold Smith. An impressive area of Cups including the “Conway Cup” and the “Anne Halpin Cup” which was presented to the club by Anne Fennell. We will have this photo in the Stradbally Photo Archive, if you have more details please contact Tom 087-9386209 or brianjcorry@yahoo.ie. [picture courtesy of Dick Clancy]

STRADBALLY ASH WEDNESDAY The season of Lent begins on Wednesday, 14th February. Ash Wednesday, a day of fast and abstinence. Mass at Holy Cross Church, Stradbally at 9.30 a.m. with the blessing and signing of Ashes. TIDY TOWNS NEWS The Stradbally Tidy Towns committee would like to acknowledge some of our local unsung heroes in the community. One of those is Richard Cutbill who over the last couple of years has volunteered his time to beach cleaning at Stradbally and Ballyvooney Coves. Huge amounts of littler such as plastic bottles, containers and packaging constantly comes in with the tide depending on the wind direction. Richard has, and is working with the local Tidy Towns committee to make sure that the beaches are kept clean for both locals and visitors alike. This has been an all season job not just at time of competition. Another volunteer quietly helping out is Joe O’Brien who has helped to clean-off and paint the railing at Ballyvooney last season and recently picked no less than six bags of litter and plastic from the river bank on the left of Ballyvooney Cove. We appreciate the help in keeping litter under control, and would be delighted if anyone else with an hour to spare would get involved in the preparations for the 2018 competition. LOCAL SOCCER NEWS There was no jackpot winners in the Lotto draw held on Sunday night. The numbers drawn were: 2, 8, 10, 17.The €25

winners were Gerry Walsh, Kathleen Connors, Ann Navin. The promoter’s prizewinner was Gerry Dunne. The next draw will take place at O’Mahony’s Bar, Durrow on Sunday, 18th February and the jackpot on offer will be €1,500.Thanks to all who continue to support our lotto. Academy and Little Dribblers continues each Saturday at 10.30 a.m. at the Soccer grounds. This is a great way to introduce ones to group play and football fundamentals in a safe and welcoming environment. CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM The proceeds of the Christmas Day Swim were presented to the Irish Wheelchair Association campaign to purchase a new bus at a pleasant function at Whelan’s Bar, Stradbally recently. A cheque for €1,802 was presented. Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way and we hope that the new bus will be on the roads very soon. ACTIVE RETIREMENT Tay and Mahon Valley ARA next gathering on Monday, 19th February in Barron Hall from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.We expect some special guests to visit on Monday.You are welcome to join us. JULIUS PAIMAL COMMEMORATION 100 years ago this month, the body of a sailor came ashore in a small boat in a cove at Island, Stradbally. The sailor was 31-year-old Able Seaman Julius Paimal, originally from Estonia, and he was killed when his ship, the SS Pinewood, was sunk by a

German submarine fifteen miles south of Mine Head on 17th February 1918. A group of local men recovered the body, and eventually succeeded in getting it to the top of the cliff. They were: Sergeant O’Connor and Constable Brown, RIC; James Cummins; William Clancy; Michael Cummins; Philip Cummins; Michael Kiely; Patrick Fitzgerald senior and Patrick Fitzgerald junior. Paimal's remains were interred in the Church of Ireland graveyard in Stradbally on 20th February. This was organised by the

Julius Paimal.

local dispensary doctor, Bryan Foley, and the burial was performed by Canon Burkitt. On Saturday, 17th February, at 3.00 p.m. there will be a short commemoration ceremony at Paimal's grave, to honour him a century after his death. All are invited to attend, and it would be particularly fitting if relatives of any of those involved in recovering Paimal's body 100 years ago were able to be there. There will be refreshments afterwards. For more information contact Cian on 086-8961747 or email cianflaherty96@gmail.com

[courtesy of Aarne Koppel]

SLIABH gCUA LOTTO The winning numbers drawn in Dunne's Bar last Sunday night for the €3,000 jackpot were 15, 18, 23 and for the €200 jackpot they were 18, 20, 24. There was no winner of either jackpots, so next week’s first jackpot draw will be for €3,000 and the second draw for €300. As there was no winner of the jackpot, the 5 x €20 were drawn: Geraldine Hallinan, Johnny & Dauly, Mary E Boyle, Mary Flavin, Una Power. The Promoter’s prize of €20 was won by Thomas Keane. Next week’s draw will be in Hanrahan's Bar on Sunday night, 18th February.Tickets on sale from local shops, committee members and designated promoters. TOURANEENA RUNNERS Well done to all runners who participated in the recent John Tracey 10 mile run and especially to our local stalwart Tom Condon, Boolavounteen. Tom representing West Waterford A.C ran a fine race. One of the next big races coming up will be the 2018 5 Mile Bunny Fun Run/Walk which will be held on Easter Sunday starting at 11.00 a.m. at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre. The Bunny Fun Run/Walk which is being supported by Waterford hurling manager Derek McGrath, is in aid of Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin and the Crumlin Children's Medical and Research Foundation. It is a great day out for all the family with a free post run BBQ, bouncy castle and face painting, free chocolate eggs for children of all ages and the first 200 runners get a free technical high quality running top. Fancy Dress can also be worn. If you can't run or walk, donations would be really appreciated as your donation will make the difference to the life of a sick child. Every sick child deserves every chance. For information on participating or to simply donate, please go to www.bunny-fun-run.com IRISH DANCING If you are interested in Irish dancing classes, Monnie holds a weekly class on Thursday nights at the Community Centre,Touraneena. Classes start at 6 pm and include both figure and set dancing. All are welcome. Also training is now ongoing for the first round of Scor na bPaisti which will be held in Touraneena, Melleray and Modeligo on the 13th, 14th and 15th April. SLIABH gCUA/ST. MARY'S VICTORY SOCIAL Reminder that Sliabh gCua/St. Mary's are holding a Victory Social in celebration of the junior football team winning the Junior A County Final last year. The social will be held in Lawlor's Hotel, Dungarvan, on Saturday night, 24th February, starting at 8 pm sharp. Tickets cost €25 each and can be purchased from any committee member. Don't miss out, book early to ensure you have your ticket for a great night out. SENIOR LADIES FOOTBALL Despite the bad weather some of the national league games went ahead at the weekend. In the Lidl national football league, division 2, round 3, in miserable weather conditions Waterford played away to Laois last Sunday. Laois registered the opening score of the game with a point taken from a free and Laois after 20 minutes struck the opening goal of the game,Waterford 0-4, Laois 1-3. Waterford's Liz Devine, sister of senior hurler Tom, responded with a fine goal for Waterford and it was pretty much neck and neck up to half time with a scoreline of Waterford 1-6 to Laois 1-3. In the second half Waterford had two players yellow carded in a short space of time and just before the sin binned players returned, Laois capitalised with a second goal and were within a point of Waterford with 15 minutes to go. However,Waterford stepped up the pressure and a fabulous hat trick of goals in the space of 15 minutes from Eimear Fennell, Abbeyside, who scored two of the goals in two minutes, one in the 59th minute and the other in the 61st minute, ensured a great victory for the Deise with a double scoreline of Waterford 4-10; Laois 2-5. Many congratulations to the team and management. On Sunday, 25th February Waterford will play round 4 in a home game against Sligo. SENIOR FOOTBALLERS Unfortunately, it was not going to be two out of two wins last weekend when in division 4, round 3 of the Allianz league, the Waterford men were unlucky to lose out in an away game also to Laois in O'Moore Park. Strong crosswinds on the night made playing conditions tough for both sides. Waterford held tough in the first half and at the interval there was only a point in it, Laois 0-8, Waterford 1-4. Both sides were evenly matched and in the 43rd minute the score was level again, Laois 0-10; Waterford 1-7. The sides were level on six occasions and despite Waterford's full forward J. J. Hutchinson, Gaultier, scoring a superb 1-4 (0-1 from frees), in the last quarter Laois scored six unanswered points to maintain their winning start to the league with a 4 point win over Waterford. Final score Laois 0-18, Waterford 1-11. Waterford will play again on Saturday, 24th February in a home game against Carlow. CLOTHING COLLECTION If you want to put your unwanted clothing to a good cause, a Clothing Collection event will be held at Ballymacarby Community Centre starting on February 24th at 9.00 a.m. to February 25th at 2.00 p.m.The clothing collection is being hosted by the Ballymacarbry Ladies Football Club.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Community Alert comes to Ballinroad A WELL-attended meeting was held in St. Laurence’s Hall, Ballinroad last week to establish a Community Text Alert System in the area and places surrounding it. Among those in attendance were Seamus Kearney, Chairman, Ballinroad Community Group, Seamus Norris, Secretary and other members of the group; Supt. Michael Leacy, Insp. Larry Sheehan and Garda Christine Keniry, Garda Síochána, Dungarvan and Margaret Quinn, Community Alert Development Officer, Muintir na Tíre. Opening the meeting, the Chairman welcomed the guest speakers and the people of Ballinroad and district and outlined the purpose of the meeting which was to set up the Text Alert system for the better protection of the community. “Ballinroad is now the size of a town,” he said, “larger than some of the traditional towns in the County and, with the everpresent danger of burglary or theft, false door to door sales people, we must take all possible precautions to protect our people, our homes and our community. This system is particularly beneficial to people with disability as well. Addressing the meeting, Superintendent Michael Leacy

welcomed the setting up of the Text Alert system in Ballinroad and the wider community. “This is about what help and assistance we can give to one another and how we can extend that in the years ahead,” he said. “Text alert has proved to be very successful for us in other communities,” he continued. “It has been instrumental in solving a number of serious crimes in local communities and has been effective in our developing better relationships in local communities and in maintaining those relationships over the years. “What we are trying to develop is really good neighbourliness in communities, keeping an eye out for one another, watching what’s going on and if people see something suspicious, to contact the Gardaí. We will circulate that information and hopefully through that co-operation and collaboration we will maintain good community spirit in the area and good engagement with the local Gardaí. “We are here to work for you,” he continued, “we do not work for anyone else. We work for the local communities and that is the most important thing for the Gardaí. It is only through that collaboration between the community and ourselves will

we be able to maintain that.” He wished the community well in the initiative and reiterated the Garda commitment to working with them. Inspector Larry Sheehan endorsed what the Superintendent had said. “Text alert has been very helpful to us over the last twelve months,” he said. “We had a number of burglaries around the area. Text alert was being set up in a number of

communities and, within a couple of weeks, we managed to solve a good many of those burglaries and it also curtailed the activities of the criminals operating in those areas.” “We are not asking anyone to snoop or be nosey,” he continued. “If you see anything suspicious in the neighbourhood, if there is a car coming around, or people calling to your door, call Dungarvan Garda Station on 058 48600 and we will check it out for you. There is no need to give your details.” “The Text Alert signs can be very effective.When the roaming gangs come into an area and see those signs, they tend to think twice about operating in the area, wondering if their activities would be noticed.” “We have found that not too long after Text Alert is set up in a community, the people talk to other communities where they have Text Alert also. Before long, all those communities will be working together.” Garda Christine Keniry then

gave a very comprehensive outline to the audience on community safety and how the Text Alert system can be of assistance. She outlined how the community and Gardaí liaise on a practical basis and what happens when they get a text alert. She advised people to use common sense in preventing an incident at their home and spoke particularly about the value of the system to vulnerable people, not only in protecting themselves, but also in relation to seeking a response to a medical emergency which they may suffer. She advised on dealing with prank phone calls and callers; door to door sales; front and back door safety; collecting pensions and debit card safety; maintaining a property register and the secret UV marking of expensive items. Margaret Quinn, who is Community Alert Development Officer for Muintir na Tíre, also gave a detailed explanation of how the system works. “It is all about community,” she said, “and the effectiveness of that commu-

nity in any initiative.” Appealing to the members of the public at the meeting, she asked for their support for the organising group. “This initiative does not belong to any one person or group,” she said, “it is yours. You are the people who will take ownership of this and take pride in the initiative. In so far as you can, you will have a say in what is acceptable and what is not in your community.” The number of people signing up to the initiative is growing daily as people realise the benefits it gives and its role it can play in the safety, welfare and reassurance it can give to a sometimes worried public. Anyone in Ballinroad or the surrounding rural areas who is interested in joining the text alert service can obtain a form from Ballinroad Shop and they can be returned there for collection by a member of the Ballinroad Community Group committee, which can also be contact by email at BallinroadCommunityGroup@g mail.com

Brideview Drama, Tallow

‘Stolen Child’ returns to Tallow BRIDEVIEW Drama’s festival play ‘The Stolen Child’ returns to Tallow Community Centre for only four more performances. The play has been received very well so far and audiences have been emotionally moved by the topics presented in the

The cast of 'Stolen Child'. From left to right: Liam Roche, Sean Ahern, Helen Aherne and Emer Peet

play. Although much of the content deals with sensitive issues, audiences become fully engaged with this story which is based on true events. Directed by the ever-diligent Jack Aherne, the play has moments of light and shade, smiles and tears, love and loss and Peggy’s story really pulls at the heartstrings. Brideview will be taking this play around the country on the Amateur Drama circuit and will perform in 8 venues over the course of four weeks. Their festival journey begins in Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo at the Western Drama Festival on March 3rd and ends in Rathangan, Co. Kildare on March 23rd. The Brideview gang are full of excitement to get on the road and would really appreciate all the support they can get both locally and on the road. There are only four more showings of ‘The Stolen Child’ in the locality and it would be a pity for anyone to miss this true-to-life drama. Brideview will perform in Tallow Community on Friday, February 16th, Friday, February 23rd, Saturday, February 24th and Wednesday, February 28th. Curtain at 8.15 p.m. N.B. Not suitable for children.

Stradbally Country Market Photographer Donates €200 from Sales of 2018 Calendar to Vincent de Paul (Waterford Branch) – Photographer Colette Lenihan donated €200 to Vincent de Paul from sales of her very popular 2018 calendar. This calendar features local views and is sent to friends and relatives all over Ireland, also to the UK and USA and we are informed that one goes as far as Australia. This lady should be congratulated for her yearly donations and promoting our beautiful county. Stradbally Country Market is open every Saturday morning from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in the Cove Bar, Stradbally, and is noted for its local farm produce, home baking, jams & marmalade, cards, novelties, etc. The Bar becomes a Tea Room for the morning serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, home-made scones and cakes, etc. Ideal for meeting friends, old and new. Your host is the proprietor Richard Hickey. Notes By Richard Cutbill / Image by Brian Corry. Photograph shows (l. to r.): Tessie Begley (Country Market), Photographer Colette Linehan and Joan Corry (representing Vincent de Paul, Waterford).

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

COUNTY NEWS

BALLINAMEELA CURRENT EVENTS ON IN THE HALL AND LOCAL COMMUNITY By Donal Buckley

Talk is Cheap Johnny Sexton has raised the roof With another mighty last minute hoof, Young Footballer Liam Miller dies of cancer And Marty Morrissey is still a dancer Gerry Adams tells us all to this day He was never, ever a member of IRA Of course he thinks that he's believed Though Marylou looks mightily relieved. Ireland’s Got Talent was quite a battle 'Til Evelyn (81) gave them a rattle Olympians came down from north Pyongyang To compete as Korea in south Pyeongchang Winning medals may be too optimistic But Kim Jong Un is always egotistic He sent his sister with their delegation Is he getting rid of yet another relation?

BALLINAMEELA AGLISH DRAMATICS Tickets are now on sales for B.A.D. latest play Second Honeymoon on February 23rd to 25th in Carriglea Hall. To book your tickets for this hilarious play, text your name and number of tickets to 0874447013. AGLISH OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Aglish Operation Transformation continues every Tuesday evening in Aglish Community Hall at 6.30 p.m. Walk at 6.50 p.m. Everyone welcome. BODY CONDITIONING AND CIRCUIT TRAINING CLASSES Body Conditioning and Circuit Training Classes on in Ballinameela Community Centre ever Monday Night between 7.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. Classes cost €5. All levels of fitness catered for. Enquiries text or call 0878229762. LADIES INDOOR SOCCER Ladies indoor soccer on every Tuesday night at 7.00 p.m. in the

Community Centre. Contact Noirin Kelly on (086) 836 2695 if interested. BALLINAMEELA ADULT & TODDLER GROUP The Ballinameela Toddler Group meets every Thursday from 9.30 to 11.30 in the Halla of Whitechurch National School. New parents, childminders, grandparents with toddlers very welcome. For more information contact Janice on 087 9718945 FINISK VALLEY AC NOTES Any children in our community who are interested in running, jumping or throwing and would like to get involved in athletics, call down to Ballinameela Community pitch/hall, training times are Monday & Wednesday evenings from 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., Minimum age limit is 5 years old (Child needs to be School going). Full program of events can be obtained at our training session BADMINTON If you fancy a sociable game of badminton come along to Ballinameela Community Centre

on Tuesday nights from 8.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Contact Mairead on 087-7681975 if interested. 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.com munityalert.ie BOOKING THE HALL If you would like to start your own indoor soccer game for the Winter or other activity you can book the hall through our booking officer Alison Curran on 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, contact Alison Curran also. Maureen Culloo is responsible for the month of February for opening and closing the Community Centre and can be contacted on 086-3428621. LOTTO RESULTS 12/2/’18 – Numbers drawn were 18, 27 and 28.There was no Jackpot winner. €20 winners were Brendan Mernin, Villierstown; Pat Walsh, Aglish; John Stack, Canty; Mary Cummins, Woodstock; Kate and Ella McGrath, Ballinameela. Next week’s Jackpot is €6,550 and the draw will take place in Maureens. NOTES FOR INCLUSION If you have something you would like included in the Ballinameela notes you can email Brigid Byrne on brigidmhallahan@gmail.com or phone 0879194287. You can also Follow and like us on our Facebook Page Ballinameela Community Centre.

Ballinameela Aglish Dramatics

Brexit continues on its blundering way Does anyone know the role of Mrs May Nobody wants to see a hard border Apart from Trump and his Mexican order Still no sign of a government up in Ulster As the DUP and Sinn Fein continue their bluster Maybe there's grounds for building a fence Then both sides might eventually see sense. With constant news in the world of good and of bad Only one thing is stopping us all from going mad Whether we argue with an official, a friend, or a foe The best way to sort things out is "Talking to Joe" For the price of a phone call, Duffy is your man If any one can fix your problems, Joe Duffy can Why he's not running the country, I'll never know It worries me greatly, maybe I should talk to Joe In a capitalist world, they say, talk is cheap Anyone can do it, even when they are asleep But Joe's words can sooth the savage beast He is everyone's confessor, though not a priest We all know that Joe is our national treasure And posing this question gives me no pleasure When he has his problems what could we do? If Joe Duffy has troubles, who does Joe talk to? Ballinameela Creatives would love to see a world in harmony. Did someone put something in my tea? A slightly confused caller to Joe Duffy's Liveline once said," Widows today are in no-mans land, Joe"

Cast of Second Honeymoon. ROLL up roll up for the cast and crew of Ballinameela Aglish Dramatics' latest production are roaring their way to Carriglea Hall with a show full of laughs which will have you cheering for more. "Second Honeymoon" by Sam Cree is a laugh a minute show where everything that can happen...DOES happen!! Dan Fenton (pictured) has been a busy bee whipping the cast into gear to get the best out of a real motley crew. "It's been tough" said Dan who directs for B.A.D. for the first time, "But we have a great show with a superb cast. I just hope we get bums on seats!" That won't be a problem Dan as a good laugh is always a good crowd pleaser.

[Missing from photo is Austin Halley]

The story centres around a couple who relive their honeymoon by visiting the same place they stayed during the early days of married bliss. Maybe it's the years together, or maybe it's the changing times but it's clear that some things will just never be the same! As per usual, BAD will be donating to three local charities so do come along to show your support. Details on these will feature next week. "Second Honeymoon" runs in Carriglea from Friday, 23rd February to Sunday 25th inclusive and be sure to book early as it will sell out. To book your ticket, text 087-4447013 with your name and the amount of tickets you wish to book.

Dan Fenton, Director.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Parish of Lismore & Ballysaggart

Members of the No Limits Club Lismore attending the final of four workshops on composting as part of the Stop Food Waste Challenge. From left Rita Varley, Heather Teap, Eileen Singleton, Donal O’Leary facilitator, Lorraine Reaney, Diane Kiersey, Patricia Clarke and Anne Devine. Missing from photo are Gwen Roe, Iris Steane and Mary O'Brien.

LISMORE Lismore Tidy Towns IRELAND is facing a waste management crisis as China placed a ban at the start of last month on the import of waste from Ireland and other European countries. China has banned twenty four categories of solid waste including certain types of plastics, paper and textiles.The Irish government is going to have to make some tough decisions about how we as a country deal with the piles of waste that are only likely to mount up as the population grows and consumption increases. Up to twenty years ago over 126 local dumps/landfills were used to bury waste across the country but now there are just a handful. In recent years Irish recycling operators have come to depend on exporting recyclable materials to China where there was a ready demand for them.Then, they became China's problem rather than ours.

Now that the Chinese has shut the door to waste from Ireland and other countries paper and plastics are already building up across Europe. Is there anything that you can do to reduce such waste in your home or business? Even with the cold weather of late our two CES workers Gordon and Jim got out to work nearly every day. All of the planted areas at the Tallow/Glencairn Rd. junction were tidied up as was the raised bed adjacent to Hornibrook's. Mid week the tree gravelled beds at South Mall were weeded and swept, the border at Ferry Lane raked and weeds removed from the cobbled area at the Spout. All business premises/ property owners are reminded especially those who do not do this that it is your responsibility to keep your footpath space litter free. ECO TIP OF THE WEEK Ways to go green in your garden this year:

RELAX - adopt a more relaxed approach to what you might otherwise think of as weeds eg nettles are a wonderful breeding ground for the larvae of butterflies so are thistles, docks, sorrel weed and meadow grasses. So consider leaving part of your garden uncultivated which the weeds will quickly colonise ATTRACT NATURAL PREDATORS - Creatures such as ladybirds will hoover up aphids. They like herbs such as mint, chives, coriander, fennel and dill and flat topped flowers such as calendula, statice, alyssum and cosmos. Ladybirds like hedgehogs need places to hibernate in winter preferring crevices of bark on trees and piles of leaf litter. You can create your own ladybird house by using a simple wooden box and adding bits of bark and leaves or make a log pile using a few branches, logs and twigs in an area where they won't be disturbed.

RELATIONSHIPS are at the heart of what it means to be human. Lent is our special time to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus, Christ, our Lord and Saviour. You may well be asking as to how to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ will be one with you when you take his Word to heart, allow his Spirit be one with your Spirit and seek what Jesus seeks. Begin everything you do in the day with a short prayer asking the Lord to be with you. From that personal realisation you will have peace of soul, be less worried about outcomes.You will be less worried about success or failure. Some undertaking will bring joy while others may be learning moments. Use each day of Lent as your good and generous spirit moves you. Be aware it is the joyful season of Lent, the Springtime in your life no matter what chronological age you may be. That does not matter. Your spirituality that is Christian will motivate you to reach out to others.You are most familiar with the family fast Trocaire Box. The new logo says ‘love drives out fear’. So many humanitarian projects depend on the success of the Lenten family fast commitment. Have courage and make the sharing of Faith matters part of family talk time. Each member will have their own particular insight. Start with life not with religion for Jesus always spoke

about life. If you are blessed with a copy of ‘Youcat’ in your home or the Irish Catechism both are wonderful resources. Likewise should you be blessed with access to the internet there are many wonderful sites worth visiting. You could link into the talks by Pope Francis. You could link into the site dealing with the forthcoming World Meeting of Families in Dublin, August 22nd - 26th.You might even consider becoming a volunteer helper, or seeking to book your ticket to some of family events. As you read this paper, keep in mind that the Diocesan Pilgrim Bell and Icon of the Holy Family are in St. Carthage’s and will be in St. Mary’s Ballysaggart on Sunday morning. On Monday a good Samaritan will take them over the hills into County Tipperary, Ballyporeen who will be waiting anxiously for their coming. We will have our Lenten morning Mass at 10.00 a.m. and on Fridays of Lent at 7.00 p.m. in Ballysaggart. MASS TIMETABLE Weekday Mass at 10.00 a.m. Saturday, 17th February - Vigil Mass in Lismore at 6.15 p.m. Sunday, 18th February 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

BALLYSAGGART BALLYSAGGART COMMUNITY COUNCIL 45 CARD RESULTS 1st: Fionuala Hynes and Dan Howard. 2nd: Sheila Lonergan and Pat Ryan, Tom O'Grady and Tom Hannon. Lucky Tables: Bill Leady and Christy Higgins, Eddie Byrne and Kathleen Coleman. Tickets: Stephen Cunningham, Pat Ryan,Tess Hale, Helen Morrissey and Bill Leady.

Ballyduff Comhaltas BIG NIGHT OF MUSIC IN BALLYSAGGART There will be a "mega" night of music, song and dance in Meaghers on Saturday, March 3rd at 9.00 p.m. in aid of the Caroline Foundation. The Caroline Foundation in a charitable group that raises money for the Cancer Clinical Research Trust. The mission and purpose of The Caroline Foundation is to raise money to fully fund additional post-doctoral scientific researchers on the Cancer Clinical Research Trust (CCRT) team. The evening of March 3rd in Ballysaggart should be a most entertaining event and will be providing valuable funds for this worthy cause. Please come out that night and support the Caroline Foundation.

SUCCESS FOR CCÉ BALLYDUFF IN CEOL AN GHEIMHRIDH The finals of the Ceol an Gheimhridh were held in Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick on Sunday, February 11th. Our branch had great success with the sets. Congratulations to all who took part and well done. 1st place went to the girls 11-14 years. 2nd place went to the Mixed Set 11-14yrs and there were 3rd places for the Polka Mixed set 11-14 yrs and the Girls Under 11. CONGRATULATIONS TO ARAGLIN Congratulations to the Araglin Set Team who have qualified for the Scór na bPaistí County Final which will take in Ovens on March 3rd. This is a fantastic achievement and well done to all.

The Araglin Set Dancers who have qualified for the County Final of Scór with musicians Éanna Hyland and Rachel Lynch.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

CAPPOQUIN Cappoquin Community Centre Phone (058) 52746 – email ocappdev@eircom.net – Facebook – Cappoquin Community Centre VALENTINE DANCE 2018 All in the Melleray Committee take a bow as the hall was packed to the rafters on Friday night last. Michael O’Rourke first warmed up the dancers to fill the floor and the Michael Collins took over for the rest of a brilliant night. Throughout West Waterford and beyond people were praising all the Melleray Committee involved for as great a dance as seen for years. Even the excellent Michael Collins remarked “where in Ireland would you have hundreds waltzing to Country music, in Cappoquin!” Here’s looking forward to Valentine 2019. HALL BOOKINGS With 2018 here, all users of the Community Centre individuals, clubs, groups are reminded to book their preferred time for using our facilities. Demand this year is higher than ever with the great success of the Waterford/Wexford ETB classes. GYM The new Table Cross Multifunctional Machine is proving very popular. Fancy doing your training session before you go to Work/School or College well now you can as our ultra-modern Gym. Our Gym is equipped with Ireland’s most ultra-modern equipment which can cater from all Cardiovascular equipment to all Resistance training machines and loose weights. You can pay as you go or join up as a member. Our prices are most competitive with yearly membership is €200, 6 months €100, 3 months €60 and monthly €25. WEEKLY EVENTS IN HALL Gym opening times are 8.00

Community Centre opening 2007 Jeannie Fraher and Mary Foley, Mill Street. a.m. to 10.00 p.m., Gym Instructor Conor Prendergast available to offer every assistance on (087) 1247025. Ladies Exercise Classes 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. with Paul Murray, Monday Affane Bridge. Quiddlers from 10.00 a.m. - 12.00 noon on Wednesdays Thursday morning 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Ladies Exercises with Paul Murray, Community Soccer 8.30 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. Friday evenings Gymnastics 5.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. MARY BUTLER TD Mrs. Mary Butler TD Fianna Fail will hold a Clinic on the first Saturday of every month at 12.30 p.m. in the Community Centre, all are welcome. WATERFORD WEXFORD ETB Just a reminder, anyone interested in doing a wide range of courses contact Edel Walsh (058)

52570 First Floor of the Community Centre. COMMUNITY CENTRE LOTTO JACKPOT HITS €5,400 Lotto draw 12th of February, 2018 - Jackpot €5,300. Numbers drawn 8,16,25,28 Winner: No Winner. Consolation Prize winners: Noel Cummins, Main Street; Jennifer Hickey, Melleray Road; Thomas Burke Jnr., Church Street; Margaret O’Shea, Shanbally; Jack Purcell, Glenribbeen. Next week’s draw is on the 12th of February, 2018, with a jackpot of €5,400. Remember anyone looking to buy our Lotto tickets, call to any of the local shops in Cappoquin, the Community Centre, Miriam Coughlan or Carmel Prendergast will look after you. If you wish you can also buy the popular annual tickets, if you’re not in you can’t win!

10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Cappoquin PREPARATIONS for the 10th annual Cappoquin St. Patrick's Day Parade are now well underway. Entry forms for the event will be available this week in the following outlets: Cappoquin Post Office; Cappoquin Credit Union office and Mary Murray's Food/Hardware Store. They can also be obtained by emailing cappoquinparade@gmail.com Organisers are appealing to local clubs, groups and other organisations across the rural West Waterford area

to come along and make the tenth year anniversary that bit extra special. The parade is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all that is on offer across rural towns and villages in the area given the growing number of spectators attending the parade year on year. Those participating in the parade are asked to please provide as much detail as possible about your entry to ensure it gets plenty publicity from the stage on the day.

MODELIGO LOTTO RESULTS 10th FEBRUARY Numbers drawn were 20, 21, 27. No winner €25 winners, Catriona Fenton, Padraig Denn, Mickey Dalton Snr, Michael Morrissey 15 Kyne Park. Next week’s Jackpot €1100 LOURDES INVALID FUND A Coffee Morning will be held on Friday, 23rd February in the Parochial hall Cappoquinn at 10.00 a.m. in aid of the Cappoquin/Affane/Modeligo Lourdes invalid fund. Please come along and support this worthy fund raiser. BALLINAMEELA AGLISH DRAMATICS SECOND HONEYMOON This year’s offering from BAD is a 3 act play from the pen of Sam Cree. It’s set in Ardnalee guesthouse which is run by a fussy tight fisted landlady if ever there was one.The cast of 12 (6 men & 6 women) have been busy preparing for a number of weeks now. It will be staged at Carriglea hall on the weekend of the 23rd to

the 25th of February .So you know what to do if you want a good night’s laughter. See elsewhere for booking details. LATE MICHAEL COLLENDER The death has occurred in Phoenix, Arizona of Michael Collender whose father Hugh was a member of the Collender family, Brooklodge and a Garda based in Kilkenny. Incidentally, the late Michael (aged 88) lined out at Croke Park for Kilkenny in the 1948 All Ireland Minor Hurling final, when the cats were defeated by a Waterford team that was backboned by Cappoquin youngsters. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. NOTES Anyone wishing to include items in the Parish notes, please contact Monica before 8.00 p.m. on Mondays on 087-4112798 or email them to marymonicaobyrne@gmail.com. BOOKINGS Anyone looking to book the Astro turf or Hall Please contact John Power on 087-2834600.

TALLOW Tallow Community Centre TALLOW Community Centre is a hive of activity at present with the hall booked most nights. Brideview Drama are currently rehearsing and performing their full length entry “Stolen Child” for the three Act Drama Circuit to standing ovations each night. This is a very moving play and seems to hold the attention of every audience. Don’t miss this fantastic performance, on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th and Friday 23rd and Saturday, 24th February. Tae-Kwon-do – Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7.00 p.m. Bingo – Regular Bingo session on Sunday evenings at 8.30 p.m., Jackpot now standing at €1,400. Social Dancing – Continues on March 2nd dancing to Brendan and Patricia Lee, this is a fantastic way to make new friends and learn the dance steps in a fun, friendly environment. There’s even a cuppa and cake at half time. Dancing Lessons – Lessons will resume in Tallow Community Centre on March 5th, this is your chance to learn all the steps for the Social Dances.

Senior Citizens – Tallow Senior Citizens have been invited to a social evening in Conna Hall on Friday, 16th February. Transport will leave the square at 7.48 p.m. for anyone interested in attending.

Tallow Community Council AGM THE AGM of Tallow Community Council was held on Wednesday, January 30th the following officers were elected:Chairperson - John Pratt Assistant Chairpersons - Denis Cunningham, Michael Delaney Secretary - Nuala Rohan Acting Vice - Siobhan Hubbard Treasurer - James Clancy Assistant Treasurer - Angela O’Hara PRO - John Hennessy Assistant PRO - Michael Delaney The newly reformed Community Council have proposed some new projects to get as many locals involved in the town, and to help to keep the town and surrounding areas looking their best. It was also proposed to hold a fundraising event in the coming year and the Community Council welcome

any new novel ideas for this. Contact any of the above Community Council members. Next meeting on Wednesday, 21st February at 8.00 p.m. in St. Patricks Hall.

Tallow Enterprise Centre BRING A BOOK – TAKE A BOOK DAY At Tallow Enterprise Centre, on Thursday 15th from 2.00 p.m. - 4.30 p.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to pick up some new reading material. Children and adults welcome, refreshments provided. Active Retired, Group resumed for the New Year on Tuesday, February 13th in Tallow Enterprise Centre, The Group meet from 2.00 p.m. - 4.00 p.m. and new members are always welcome Spring Classes, are now in full swing with most classes full. Tallow Enterprise Centre are also holding Fast Track Classes (Everyday Internet Use) (Email Fundamentals) and (Office Basics) These courses are tailored to the specific title and will run for one morning each for 3 hours at a cost of €40. Contact 05856445 for further details.

VILLIERSTOWN JACK THE JOKER Congratulations to Paul Hallihan, last week’s winner who chose card number 6, the Two of Hearts and won €50. Tonight’s Jackpot is €4,500…… Whoooooooooo. Remember if you are not in you can’t win. “I bet you thought about spending that money possibly booking a holiday somewhere sunny. Or be sensible and think about a rainy day and stash the cash all away. Me, I’ve thought about it quite a lot, I’d be up to Dundrum Town Centre in a shot … Shoes and tops, boots and dresses. A 2.30 p.m. appointment for my tresses… At the end of the day I’d sit somewhere posh and pretend I still had lots of dosh… A nod to the waiter, only wine of the best, I’d sit quietly and have a rest. All around me are bags of great style, I haven’t shopped like that in a while. I’ll keep on playing Jack the Joker and hope that one day my name will be picked and he’ll have to pay……” VILLIERSTOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL The Parents’ Association of Villierstown National School are hosting a Music Table Bingo Quiz on Friday, 2nd March, in An Cruiscín Lan,Villierstown.Table of 4, €20. Registration at 8:30 for prompt 9:00 start. A fun night can be guaranteed.

VILLIERSTOWN LADYBIRDS Girls aged 5 – 7; meet every Thursday at Villierstown Church Hall for fun activities. Contact Pauline – 085-1380366. VILLIERSTOWN GARDENING CLUB February Tips: Remove any faded flowers from your Winter pansies to stop them setting seed. Plant Lilies and Allium bulbs. Plant new rhubarb crowns now. Start sowing vegetable seeds such as leeks, onions and celeriac under cover now. Plant bare root roses in a sunny position for spectacular Summer colour. Prune apple trees and pear trees whilst they're still dormant. More next week. SHOP LOCAL The Shop – Main Street, Villierstown. Remember rbkfresh@gmail.com Healthy tasty ready-made meals. Also Tory’s, Sweet Treats – just delicious cakes and breads made fresh daily. What more could a village need. BAD Ballinameela/Aglish Dramatics are treading the boards again in a production of “Second Honeymoon” being staged in Carriglea Hall from February 23rd – 25th. As always this group puts on a fantastic evenings entertainment. Book early, text – 0874447013. BACK TO EDUCATION Coláiste Chathail Naofa,

Dungarvan, is now accepting applications for their very wide subject choice of courses for next September. This is a fantastic opportunity for all age groups to get back into education or to continue their education. Check out their Facebook page or www.ccndungarvan.com PARISH OF AGLISH Ash Wednesday (February 14th) marks the beginning of Lent. Mass for Ash Wednesday will be celebrated in Aglish Church at 7:30 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. ROSE OF TRALEE All you local, handsome, Villierstown young men out there … Rose of Tralee organisers are looking for male escorts for the 2018 festival and need you to apply before the end of the month. You must be Irish, unmarried, over 21 and be available from August 15th–21st. Check out – www.roseoftralee.ie/apply HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY TO ALL Why did the bee get married? Because he found his honey…. NEWS FOR INCLUSION This is a community notice page and we need your help to keep it topical and of interest locally. If you have any photos, announcements, stories you would like included in the notes, please contact – virtue.pc@hotmail.com

COUNTY NEWS

KNOCKANORE KNOCKANORE GLENDINE KILWATERMOY MUINTIR COMMUNITY COUNCIL At the recent meeting of the Community Council, Chairperson Mary Herlihy congratulated everyone associated with the Children’s Christmas Party and the Senior Citizen’s Party, both which turned out to be a great success. She also praised the organisers of the two fund raisers for Baby Emily Byrne and sent the good wishes of the Council to the Byrne family. The Annual Festival was confirmed for the weekend of Sunday, July 1st, 2018. Garda Vetting for all members

and volunteers is been arranged at the moment. The next meeting will be the AGM on Tuesday, February 6th, 2018. HERITAGE SOCIETY A talk and slide show on the subject of “FARMING SINCE THE FAMINE” will be given at our next meeting in the KGK Sports Hall on Thursday, March 1st, at 8.00 p.m. Follow the progress of farming in Ireland from the mid 1800s to the present day. Packed with stories and anecdotes and supported by photographs of the time, this talk describes the developments in farming from the days of small enterprises where everything was achieved by people and horses, to The Railway Bridge at Cappoquin

the highly mechanised operations of the present age. The result of years of research, John’s presentation gives a brilliant insight into the life and times of the rural dwellers of the period. Not to be missed. All are welcome. GOOD NEWS ON THE LOCAL TELEPHONE PROBLEMS Thanks to Eir phone company, the faulty lines to the O’Byrne household and the school have been replaced and are now working fine. Hopefully this is only the beginning as there are still many areas in the Parish without a proper telephone service. Of course, the lack of proper broadband and mobile phone services in our area is ludicrous in this day and age. Compare this to the effort in the 1940s and 1950s when the ESB brought electricity to nearly every home in the country, (a lot of the poles were erected by hand). Without this scheme, we would all be still using candles and oil lamps. It’s time that the powers that be got up off their behinds and gave the rural areas the services that they deserve. We don’t want plans and promises, we want the proper services that we are entitled to.

Molana Abbey from the river.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

St. Gobnait's Festival, Game & Country Fair ST. Gobnait's Festival was well attended, with the talks and exhibitions proving very popular, including Ciaran and Eoin Hickey's metalwork demonstration. Marie Swaby gave an illuminating talk at the Holy Well, describing the history of St. Gobnait and her Medieval Church. The Bee Keeping talk and Honey Tasting was given by Pat Deasey and PJ Curran. This was popular and well enjoyed by attenders. Best Dressed Lady was won jointly by Ann Marie Howard, and Breda Hickey. Best Dressed Man was won by Joe. Special mentions of thanks to our very generous Dog Show Judge, Elizabeth Alderton from Comeragh Canine Classes. Elizabeth gave a great talk following the Dog Show regarding her work with Comeragh Community Search Dogs, a service she is involved to find missing persons using highly trained dogs. She stressed that this call can be made immediately the person is found to be missing. For more information see www.dogbootsactive.com/CCC /searchdogs.htm. And, a special thanks to Martin O'Riordan from Dromana. A special thanks to Marie, Evelyn, Patricia, Declan, Johnny, and especially Vincent for all their work to arrange and run the day. Thanks to Kathryn, and to Siobhan and Jack the lovely Scottish Couple for their beautiful bread and soup on offer. A mention of thanks to members of the local community for their support in this lovely event and also to Peggy Slattery and her family. KILGOBINET CELEBRATES ST. GOBNAIT AND THE HONEYBEE The residents of Kilgobinet were treated to a talk on the importance of the Irish honey bee on St. Gobnait’s feast day the 11th February by members of the Déise Beekeeping and Conservation Association. PJ Curran gave a great account of

Enjoying the stunning weather at the St. Gobnaits Talk. the honey bee and its importance for pollination of both agricultural crops and wild Flora of the country side. He explained why there has been a great decline of the honeybee population and the almost complete eradication of the feral bee population due to the illegal importation of bees almost 20 years ago who had the dreaded Varroa mite. He explained all the benefits of honey and the many other products of the hive. Pat Deasy spoke of the ground-breaking research which is being carried out in Dungarvan on finding disease resistant native honey bees who can co exist with Varroa.The initial study was funded by the

Dept. of Agriculture under Genetic resources funding. The study is being overseen by Prof. Grace McCormac NUI, Galway. The initial results are being seen as very promising and the association are now part of a European study called EurBeST in conjunction with ten other European countries. The association hope to run a beekeeping course and welcome new members who wish to learn the art of beekeeping or would like to further the aims with preserving this great honey bee which has been here since the last Ice age. Further information can be obtained by contacting Pat Deasy 024-20910.

Ciaran Hickey giving demonstation.

Scór na bPáistí 2018

Templemichael Church

THE arrangements for Scór na bPáistí 2018 are as follows: 1. There will be 3 qualifying rounds this year. These will be held over the one weekend. 2. Dates for qualifying rounds: i. Friday, 13th April, Melleray 7.00 p.m. ii. Saturday, 14th April, Touraneena 7.00 p.m. iii. Sunday, 15th April, Modeligo 2.30 p.m. (Venues subject to confirmation) 3. The County Final will be held on Sunday, 22nd April at 2.00 p.m. in the Cappoquin Community Centre. 4. All competitors will have to be registered by

an adult by Wednesday, 4th April. Application forms will be distributed in early March. No entries will be accepted on the night. 5. A meeting will be held on Thursday, 5th April with a member from each club invited to attend. Entries will be sorted to ensure each qualifying round has an equal programme of competitors. 6. Please note that for 2018: The Ballad Group competition will only require ONE song. This can be a fast or slow ballad, up to each group to decide. The Léiriú competition can include humour as part of the presentation.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

KILMACTHOMAS LATE NORMA McKEEVER It is with sadness we record the death of Norma McKeever, (nee Kirwan), Kilmainhamwood, Kells, Co. Meath and formerly Main Street, Kilmacthomas which sad event occurred on Friday, February 2nd in Beaufort Nursing Home, Navan surrounded by her loving husband and family. Reposing at her home in Meath on Saturday with removal on Sunday morning to Church of the Immaculate Conception, Kingscourt for 12.00 o'clock Requiem Mass, followed by burial immediately afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. Sincere sympathy to her husband Michael; her father Danny; brother Peter; sisters Dolores, Louise, Jenny and Lorene; nieces, nephews and all relatives and friends. May she rest in peace. LATE TOM CONNORS It is with sadness we record the passing of Tom Connors, Faha, Kilmacthomas which sad event occurred on Tuesday the 6th February at Killure Nursing

Home, Waterford. Tom lay in repose at Killure Nursing Home on Wednesday evening and following rosary, removal took place to Faha Church at 7.00 p.m. Requiem Mass on Thursday was celebrated by Fr. Enright and Fr. Condon and burial took place in the adjoining cemetery in the presence of a very large gathering of family, relatives, friends and neighbours who came to pay their respects to Tom and to support his family on their sad loss. May he rest in peace. FUN CIRCUIT TRAINING Fun Circuit Training in The Rainbow Community Hall on Monday mornings from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. These circuits provide an opportunity for people to meet once a week and enjoy light physical activity in a social gathering. Helps develop strength, joint mobility, flexibility, co-ordination, fitness, memory retention and most importantly to have some craic. LOTTO DRAW Kilmacthomas AFC Lotto draw results for Saturday,

February 10th. Letters drawn were I, J, X and Y. No jackpot winner. Five winners of €20 each to Ian Kirwan, Cooltubrid; Marie Dee, Clonea; A Hart, c/o Soccer Club; Whelan family, Ballyboy and Tom Mulhearne, Kilmacthomas. Next week’s jackpot is €700. Be in to win. HOLY LAND PILGRIMAGE 14th - 22nd OCTOBER, 2018 Follow in the footsteps of Jesus, visit Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Via Dolorosa, Garden of Gethsemane, Dead Sea, Qumran, Jericho, Sea of Galilee, Cana, Nazareth, Mt. Tabor, etc. Cost €1,420 pps. More information Fr. Conor Kelly on 051-852069 or Fr. Martin Keogh on 051 294261. €200 deposit per person required to book. KILMACTHOMAS PRIMARY SCHOOL Enrolment forms are now available from the school office for September 2018 for children who will be attending Kilmacthomas Primary School.

KILROSSANTY DEATH Sympathy is extended to Moira O’Donovan, Glendalligan on the sudden death of her husband Christy over the weekend. Sympathy also to his son Darragh; daughters Niamh and Eadaoin; son-in-law Jon; daughter-inlaw Cath; grandchildren Polly, George, Aisling, Lily Evie and Piper; brothers Murty, John and Eddie and all other relatives on their sad loss. May he rest in peace. I.C.A. The February meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather. The next meeting will be held

on March 12th. Federation meeting in Crotty’s on February 28th at 7.30 p.m. BINGO Bingo will be held on 23rd February in Crotty’s Inn at 8.30 p.m. sharp. HALL Annual General Meeting in the hall on Monday, 19th February at 8.30 p.m. sharp. TEXT ALERT Kilrossanty and Fews Text Alert Information meeting on Thursday, 22nd February at 7.30 p.m. in the hall.

Waterford musician Clara Mannion who was competing in the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal final recently. Concertina player Clara Mannion is from Knockenpower. Clara loved the concertina from a very young age. She became the All-Ireland Under 18 Concertina Champion in 2013, and in 2014 she went on to win the Under 18 Duet and Trio competition. Clara is currently studying a BA Music and Irish Degree at UCC, and teaches extensively around Ireland. She is heavily involved with Comhaltas, and is the current concertina teacher with Cill Shléibhe CCÉ in Tipperary.

Abbeyside Scouts

11th Waterford (Dungarvan) Scout Group BEAVER SCOUTS DUNGARVAN We are back after Christmas and have been very busy working on our badges (air and First Aid). We are also preparing for the camping season that is up and coming. We started our last Beaver meeting with our promise. Morgan gave his presentation for his

special interest badge on the environment. Luka, Evan and Finlay did theirs the previous week, very yummy biscuits and a dance performance from Annie. Beavers then got busy cooking sausages, fried eggs and noodles with bread and butter. They were all very tasty. After they had eaten it was time for wash up before home time.

WE had no meeting last week as the den was booked up. This however has not deterred our Scouts as most of them headed up to Melleray, for the Scout fun weekend. Once a year scouts from all over the county converge (usually Melleray) for an action packed fun weekend, and every year it is a resounding success. We have 13 scouts at the event, and there are 350 attending in all. Rover scouts (18-25 year old) were doing the catering for the weekend, that will have been a big job! As part of the event each group runs a base (short activity), ours involved catapults and wet sponges, to hilarious effect. Well done Michael and Packie, the bases was a great success. This year’s theme is "Back to the 80s". The time of Mullets, Pokémon, leg warmers, and the ghetto blaster, E.T., Back to the future, Ghostbusters, Hill Street Blues, Miami Vice, The A Team, and of coarse Dallas. Plenty of fashion (or lack of) to choose from!! Below are a few of last years photos. No meeting on the 14th as it is mid-term.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Ann Mulqueen, Mac Dara Mac Donnacha agus Caoimhín Ó Fearghail a tháinig ar cuairt go dtí S.N. Bhaile Mhic Airt chun cúpla port a sheint mar cheiliúradh ar Thionóil Nicolás Tóibín.

NOTAI NA GAELTACHTA RANGANNA GAEILGE Beidh ranganna Gaeilge do dhaoine fásta ag tosnú i nGaeltacht na nDéise Dé Céadaoin 21 Feabhra. Beidh clárúcháin ar siúl i Meánscoil San Nioclás, 6.30 in agus beidh an céad rang ag tosnú ag 7 in. Beidh na ranganna ar fáil ar ceithre leibhéil, Glantosaitheoirí, Bunrang, Meánrang agus Ardrang. Sraith deich rang a bheidh ann. Is é an táille ná €50. Tuilleadh eolais: 058 46664 nó cuir r-phost ‘dtí cfdeise@gmail.com Irish classes will begin in the Waterford Gaeltacht on Wednesday, 21st February. Registration will take place in Meánscoil San Nioclás in An Rinn, at 6.30 p.m. and the first class will begin at 7.00 p.m.The classes will be available at four levels, absolute beginners, beginners, intermediate and advanced. This will be a ten-week course, which will be held on Wednesday nights from 7.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.The fee is €50. Further information available from 058-46664 or email cfdeise@gmail.com COISTE TUISMITHEOIRÍ MHEÁNSCOIL SAN NIOCLÁS – BAG2SCHOOL Cé go bhfuil Meánscoil San Nioclás dúnta an tseachtain seo (12-16 Feabhra) don mbriseadh meántéarma, tá am fós éadaí a thabhairt isteach don mBailiúchán Éadaí atá á reachtáil ag Coiste na dTuismitheoirí ar mhaithe na Meánscoile ar an gCéadaoin, 21 Feabhra 2018. Glacfar le héadaí, bróga, málaí láimhe agus bréagáin bhoga (ach cuma maith a bheith orthu) sa scoil ar an Luan 19ú, Máirt 20ú agus suas dtí 10.00r.n. ar an gCéadaoin, 21 Feabhra. Rachaidh pé airgead a bhaileomid ar mhaithe leis an Meánscoil agus tugann lucht Bag2School céatadán eile chuig Lauralynn House, an chéad oispís in Éirinn do pháistí. Má tá Glantachán an Earraigh ar siúl agat agus tú ag iarraidh éadaí srl a chaitheamh amach, anois an t-am len iad a thabhairt dúinn don

mbailiúchán seo. Go raibh míle maith agaibh as ucht bhur gcuid tacaíochta. Bags of clothes will be accepted into Meánscoil San Nioclás from Monday, 19th February to 10am on Wednesday, 21st February for the Bag2School collection being organised by Coiste na dTuismitheoirí. Go raibh míle maith agaibh. TIONÓIL NICOLÁS TÓIBÍN Á CHEILIÚRADH AGAINN SA SCOIL Gabhaimid buíochas ó chroí do Ann Mulqueen, Mac Dara Mac Donnacha agus do Chaoimhín Ó Fearghaill as ucht teacht ar cuairt chugainn chun cúpla port a sheint dúinn mar cheiliúradh ar Thionóil Nioclás Tóibín an Aoine seo chaite. D'fhreagair na páistí le cúpla port álainn iad féin. COISTE LOURDES - AN RINN AGUS AN SEAN PHOBAL Tá Maidin Caife ar siúl í Mooneys Tigh Tábhairne, An Rinn ar an Satharn, 24ú Feabhra, ó 11rn go dtí 2in. Rachaidh an t-airgead a bheidh bailithe i dtreo duine atá tinn ón bparóiste a chur ar oilithreacht Dheoise Phort Láirge is an Leasa Mhóir go Lourdes i Meitheamh, 2018. Bígí linn. A tuilleadh eolais ó Siobhán De Faoite 058 46191 nó Seosaimhthín Uí Mhuiríosa 058-46262. Please support Maidin Caife in Mooneys Tigh Tábhairne, An Rinn, on Saturday, 24th February, 2018 from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. Monies raised will go towards sending a sick person(s) from the Parish on the Waterford & Lismore Dioceson Pilgrimage to Lourdes in June, 2018. A tuilleadh eolais ó Siobhán De Faoite 058-46191 nó Seosaimhthín Uí Mhuiríosa 05846262. DEIREADH SEACHTAINE DO THEAGHLAIGH I nGAELTACHT NA nDÉISE Beidh deireadh seachtaine trí Ghaeilge do theaghlaigh gur fogh-

laimeoirí Gaeilge iad ón 16ú go dtí an 18ú Feabhra. Tá an deireadh seachtaine á eagrú ag Coláiste na Rinne i bpáirt le Glór na nGael chun deis a thabhairt do theaghlaigh saoire a bheith acu i gceantar Gaeltachta. Beidh lóistín, béilí agus imeachtaí ar fad eagraithe don deireadh seachtaine ar chostas ag tosnú ó €140 an duine fásta & €80 an páiste. Páistí faoi 3 saor in aisce. Is gá áirithint a dhéanamh go luath tríd ríomhphoist a sheoladh go cabrini@glornangael.ie. Tá gach eolas faoin deireadh seachtaine ar fáil ó Cabríní de Barra, Glór na nGael ar 083-4455914 nó Coláiste na Rinne ar 058-46128. AN GHAELTACHT CLG TREALLAMH DARA LÁIMHE Tá An Ghaeltacht ag lorg treallamh CLG dara láimhe atá agat sa mbaile! Camáin, clogaid, buataisí, láimhíní srl. Is féidir linn an treallamh seo a úsáid sna scoileanna agus bheadh sé thar a bheith úsáideach. Labhair le coach do pháiste má tá aon rud agat. Is féidir treallamh a fhágaint leis na coaches ag Halla Pobail Na Rinne aon oíche Aoine. SPRAOI – GRÚPA SÚGARTHA NA RINNE Tiocfaidh Spraoi, Grúpa Súgartha do thuismitheoirí agus páistí, le chéile i Halla Pobail na Rinne ar an Aoine beag seo ón 10 r.n. go 12 i.n. Beidh comhrá deas agus cupán tae/caifé ar fáil. Tuilleadh eolais: tar i dteagmháil le Bríd: 087-7470428. GRÚPA SÚGARTHA I nDÚN GARBHÁN Beidh grúpa súgartha do leanaí agus tuismitheoirí ag teacht le chéile Dé Máirt i nDún Garbhán. Tá an grúpa lonnaithe i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán gach Máirt ón 10.30 r.n. go 12 i.n. Beidh scéalaíocht, rannta, ealaíon agus cluichí. Tuilleadh eolais: téigh i dteagmháil le Cabríní 083-4455914 nó cuir r-phost ag cabrini@glornangael.ie.

An Irish language playgroup will meet in Dungarvan Library from 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon on Tuesday. Further information: contact Cabríní on 083-4455914 or email cabrini@glornangael.ie SCÉIM TÚS An bhfaigheann tú an Liúntas Cuardaitheora Poist? An bhfuil tú dífhostaithe agus ag iarraidh obair a dhéanamh ar tograí pobail? Bíonn deiseanna ar fáil faoin scéim TÚS do dhaoine dífhostaithe sa Rinn agus sa Sean Phobal. Más rud é go bhfuil tú faoi 25 bliain d’aois, tá buntáiste mór ar fáil. Déan teagmháil le cigire TÚS Cian O hAileasa ag 087-3770256 nó Bainisteoir Comhlacht Forbartha na nDéise, Críostóir Ó Faoláin ag 058-46664 nó cfdeise@gmail.com Are you on job seekers allowance? Are you Unemployed and interested in working in Local Community Projects? Tús provides work opportunities for all unemployed people in the An Rinn/An Sean Phobal area. If you are less than 25 years of age there will be a major financial incentive for participating. Contact the Tús supervisor Cian O hAileasa at 087-3770256 or the manager of Comhlacht Forbartha na nDeise, Críostóir Ó Faoláin 058-46664. CAIRDE NA GAELTACHTA Buaileann Cairde na Gaeltachta, Cumann Gníomhaíochta Lucht Scoir i nGaeltacht na nDéise, le chéile an céad Máirt den mhí ag 3 i.n. in Ionad Pobail na Rinne. Tá fáilte is fiche roimh cách. SEIRBHÍS DOCHTÚRA Bíonn an Dr Gráinne Ní Fhoghlú ar fáil i gcomhair coinne in Ionad Pobail na Rinne, Dé Máirt agus Déardaoin ach é a chur in áirithe roimh ré. Déan teagmháil le Strandside Medical i gcomhair tuilleadh eolais, 058-41227. Dr. Gráinne Ní Fhoghlú is available on appointment in the Health Centre in Ionad Pobail na Rinne on Tuesday and Thursday. Contact Strandside Medical for further

information, 058-41227. CUMANN NAOMH UINSEANN DE PÓL Má theastaíonn ó éinne teagmháil a dhéanamh le Cumann Naomh Uinseann de Pól sa cheantar, is féidir teacht orthu ag (058) 46125 nó 085-1422902. The contact numbers for the An Rinn / An tSean Phobail branch of St Vincent de Paul are (058) 46125 or 085-1422902. SCÉIM FOLÁIREAMH DO SHEANÓIRÍ Más maith leat cnaipe práinne agus siogairlín a fháil faoin Scéim Foláireamh do Sheanóirí, tar i dteagmháil linn – 058-46664, cfdeise@gmail.com.

If you think you could benefit from a panic button and pendant under the Seniors Alert Scheme, contact us on 058 46664, cfdeise@gmail.com. MEÁIN SHÓISIALTA / TEAGMHÁIL / CONTACT Is féidir an nuacht is déanaí agus eolas faoi imeachtaí a bheidh ar siúl sa Rinn agus sa Seanphobal a fháil ar an leathanach Facebook atá ag an gComhlucht Forbartha agus táimid ar fáil ar Twitter anois chomh maith – @cfdeise. If anybody has events / news to be included in Nótaí na Gaeltachta, send them to cfdeise@gmail.com or 058-46664.

Muintir Devereux ón Rinn ag éisteacht le Húlaí na nDéise ag seinnt mar chuid de Thionól na nDéise sa Rinn ag an deireadh seachtaine. Pat, Leon and Olan Devereux from An Rinn listening to Húlaí na nDéise play at Tionól na nDéise in Ring College on Saturday last. This latest event in Waterford City & County Council’s Tionól na nDéise lecture series took place as part of the very successful Tionól Niocláis Tóibín festival, which was held in the Co. Waterford Gaeltacht at the weekend. [David Clynch Photography]

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

COUNTY NEWS

Chan Cór Fear na nDéise amhráin de chuid an fhile Piaras Mac Gearailt ag Tionól na nDéise, a reachtáil Oifig na Gaeilge de chuid Chomhairle Phort Láirge i gColáiste na Rinne ag an deireadh seachtaine. Cór Fear na nDéise who performed at Tionól na nDéise in Ring College on Saturday last. This latest event in Waterford City & County Council’s Tionól na nDéise lecture series took place as part of the very successful Tionól Niocláis Tóibín festival, which was held in the Co. Waterford Gaeltacht at the weekend. [David Clynch Photography] Mary Rafferty ón Rinn agus Rachel Holstead ó Ealaíon na Gaeltachta ag Tionól na nDéise a reachtáil Oifig na Gaeilge de chuid Chomhairle Phort Láirge i gColáiste na Rinne ag an deireadh seachtaine. Mary Rafferty from An Rinn and Rachel Holstead from Kerry, who is Arts Development Executive with Ealaíon na Gaeltachta (which promotes the development of the contemporary and traditional arts in the Gaeltacht) at Tionól na nDéise in Ring College on Saturday last. [David Clynch Photography]

Páistí ó Húlaí na nDéise ag seinnt ag Tionól na nDéise i gColáiste na Rinne ag an deireadh seachtaine. Children from the Húlaí na nDéise music group, who played at Tionól na nDéise in Ring College, An Rinn. This latest event in Waterford City & County Council’s Tionól na nDéise lecture series took place as part of the very successful Tionól Niocláis Tóibín festival, which was held in the Co. Waterford Gaeltacht at the weekend. [David Clynch Photography]

Eilís agus Caitríona Breathnach ón Seanaphobal ag Tionól na nDéise i gColáiste na Rinne ag an deireadh seachtaine. Alice and Caitríona Breathnach from An Sean Phobal at Tionól na nDéise in Ring College on Saturday last. [David Clynch Photography]

Guest speaker Dr Breandán Ó Cróinín, from Mary Immaculate College, Limerick speaking at Tionól na nDéise in Ring College, An Rinn on Saturday last. [David Clynch Photography]

Páistí ó Húlaí na nDéise ag seinnt ag Tionól na nDéise de chuid Oifig na Gaeilge, Comhairle Phort Láirge i gColáiste na Rinne ag an deireadh seachtaine. Children from the Húlaí na nDéise music group, who played at Tionól na nDéise in Ring College, An Rinn. This latest event in Waterford City & County Council’s Tionól na nDéise lecture series took place as part of the very successful Tionól Niocláis Tóibín festival, which was held in the Co. Waterford Gaeltacht at the weekend. [David Clynch Photography]

Pádraig Mac Mathúna, Irene Ní Fhlanagáin, Áine Ní Fhiannúsa agus Liam Mac Cionnaith ó choiste eagraithe Dhaonscoil na Mumhan ag freastal ar Thionól na nDéise sa Rinn ag an deireadh seachtaine. Pádraig Mac Mathúna from Clare, Irene Ní Fhlanagáin from New Ross, Áine Ní Fhiannúsa from Cappoquin and Liam Mac Cionnaith from Limerick – all members of the Daonscoil na Mumhan summer school organising committee - at Tionól na nDéise in Ring College on Saturday last. [David Clynch Photography]

Niall, Clodagh, Aaron and James Fitzgerald all from Tipperary listening to Húlaí na nDéise play at Tionól na nDéise in Ring College on Saturday last. [David Clynch Photography]

Ag Tionól na nDéise sa Rinn an deireadh seachtaine seo caite bhí Liam Mac Gearailt, MacDara MacDonnacha agus Sinéad Breathnach ó Choiste Thionól Niocláis Tóibín; aoi-chainteoir, An Dr Breandán Ó Cróinín, Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál; Máire Seó Breathnach, Oifigeach Gaeilge Chomhairle Phort Láirge agus eagraí na hócáide; agus Mícheál Ó [David Clynch Photography] Drisleáin, Leas-Bhainisteoir Choláiste na Rinne.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

A traquil of the snow covered Comeragh Drive image captured on Sunday morning.

[Dan McGrath]

WEST WATERFORD CLASHMORE AND KINSALEBEG COMMUNITY COUNCIL Coffee Morning – The coffee mornings continue in the Heritage Centre on Wednesdays from 10 am. Come along for the chat. Village Dance – On Thursday, 15th February at 8 pm in the Heritage Centre, Clashmore we are having a Village Dance. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, you can have a go at set dancing, line dancing or pick up some social dancing. Entry is €5 with all proceeds going to the maintenance of the Heritage Centre. THE ANNUAL FISHERMAN’S MASS It’s that time of year again when we remember the sailors and fishermen we knew when we were young and particularly those who lost their lives at sea. The Mass will be said in the Youghal Parish Church on Saturday morning, February the 17th at 10 am. Members of the Irish Navy, R.N.L.I. and Coastguards will attend, as well, of course, as the families of the sailors and fishermen from Youghal, Ardmore, Knockadoon and the Blackwater Valley. Redmond and the Ansbro family will again kindly provide the music and singing for the occasion and no doubt it will be another impressive, nostalgic and emotional ceremony.

We hope that Fr. Bernard Cotter, S.M.A. can be with us again from Cork as he is the last living connection with the ‘Nellie Fleming’ schooner. Please be with us on Saturday morning, February 17th at 10.00 a.m. in the Youghal Parish Church. CLASHMORE TIDY TOWNS ASSOCIATION Table Quiz – A date for your diary please note the Annual Clashmore Tidy Towns Fundraising Table Quiz takes place at The Rising Sun Bar, Clashmore at 8.30 pm on Friday, March 2nd and will cost €40 per table of four. There will be some fantastic prizes up for grabs for the lucky winners along with some great raffle prizes to be had on the night, so we hope to see you all coming along for what should a great night of fun. See you all there! Spring Clean – Watch this space for dates and details of our annual Spring Clean in and around the village in the coming weeks your help will be very much appreciated. FIT UP THEATRE FESTIVAL END OF THE DAY The final week of the “Fit Ups” festival is already in progress and features the work of Samuel Beckett – “End of the Day” – on Saturday, February 17th at 8.00 pm at the unusual venue of St. Mary’s Collegiate Church Youghal on (wear warm clothes)

also just €15. The festival’s artistic director Geoff Gould, Clashmore tells us this will be a very special treat for all drama lovers – and not to be missed. NATIONAL SCHOOL QUIZ The Annual Villierstown National School Quiz dates are 17th April and 24th April. More details will follow in the coming weeks. AGLISH OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Aglish Operation Transformation continues on Tuesday night in Aglish Community Hall. Weigh-in at 6.30 p.m., which will be private. Walk will commence at 6.50 p.m. Only €2 per night with all proceeds to Children’s Hospital Crumlin. Everyone welcome. CLASHMORE RAMBLERS Our weekly Clashmore Ramblers Alpha Lotto draw took place on Sunday night last, February 12th. Our letters drawn were B, Z, O,V. We had no winner of our Jackpot, so next week it will be €3,850. The following were our lucky weekly prizewinners of €20 each: Mike Byrne, Jimmy Ormond, Eithne, c/o Eithne. Well done to all our winners and thanks for all your support. CLASHMORE / KINSALEBEG GAA LOTTO Our Clashmore/Kinsalebeg GAA club weekly Lotto draw

took place last Monday night, February 12th and the following were the numbers out of the drum 3, 6, 25, 30. We had no jackpot winner. Our next draw takes place on Monday night at the Rising Sun and our Jackpot will be €2,600. Our weekly lucky draw ticket winners of €20 each were: Mary O’Halloran, Ferrypoint; Podge & Kaite Daly, Mary Connery, Roger O’Halloran, Rosari O’Brien. Thanks to everyone for supporting our draw. CLASHMORE 45 DRIVE Top prize winners of our Clashmore 45 Drive on Monday night, February 12th at the Decies Bar, again this week were Paddy Kelleher and Edmond Og Ledingham on eight games. In second place on seven games were Gabriel Hynes and Tony Keane. In joint third on six games were Tom Osborne and John Motherway, Liam and Aine Curran, Pad O’Halloran and Martin Lynch. Best of the last five this week were Noel Nugent. Well done to all our winners and thanks to everyone for your support. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to one of our popular weekly players Tess Mansfield who is recovering from hip surgery, hope to have you back with us soon Tess. SYMPATHY Our deepest sympathy is extended to Edel, Dan and Liam and all the Noonan family,

Youghal on the death of their dearly loved mother Kay, predeceased by her husband Liam. Together Kay, Liam and their family ran the very popular “Noonan’s” local Shop, in North Main Street, Youghal. We fondly remember them both at this sad

time for their family. May she rest in peace. BIRTHDAY Congratulations to Mr. Francis Barron, Dromore, Aglish, Cappoquin who celebrated his birthday on Sunday last, February 11th from his sister Catriona.

Clashmore & Piltown Parish MASS TIMES Vigil Mass of Sunday in Piltown at 6.00 p.m. Sunday: Mass in Clashmore at 9.00 a.m.

Parish of Aglish, Ballinameela and Mount Stuart ASH WEDNESDAY Today February 14th - Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of lent – Masses for Ash Wednesday will be celebrated in the churches as follows: Aglish Church at 7.30 am and 7.15 pm Ballinameela 9.30 am. Ashes will be distributed in the schools during the morning. Trocaire Boxes are now available in all three churches. FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONS The dates for First Holy Communions in the Parish are: Ballinameela Sunday, May 6th at 11.30 am Aglish Sunday, May 13th at 11.30 am The date for Confirmation in the Parish is Tuesday, April 10th at 11.00 am in Aglish Church. FEASTS OF ST. CATHALDUS & ST. DECLAN Mass to celebrate the feast of St. Cathaldus will be celebrated at St. Cathaldus Well, Canty on Thursday, May 10th at 7.30 pm Mass to celebrate the feast of St. Declan will be celebrated at St. Declan’s Well, Toor on Thursday, July 26th.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Waterford Scholarship Award winners pictured at the WIT Sport Scholarship Awards held in the WIT Arena.

[Maurice Hennebry]

Bee aware and pollination sensitive DÉISE beekeeping and conservation association will be hosting a series of both lectures and workshops for anybody who may have an interest in beekeeping and bee conservation starting the beginning of March. The association is responsible for research

in Ireland to find bees that are tolerant to varroa. This work is well under way and we are now involved with a European project EurBest which is being run with 10 other European countries. The aim of this projects is; to find varroa tolerant bees.

The Déise group will be dealing exclusively with The Native Irish Honey bee. If you are interested in furthering our aims whether from a beekeeping or conservation point why not join this dynamic group. For further information contact Pat Deasy 024-20910.

Finisk River Riders S.O.C. and RDAI CONGRATULATIONS to athletes from Finisk River Riders S.O.C. and RDAI who completed the second phase of the proficiency tests. These test took place during the month of December 2017. It included preforming certain riding exercises and showing a knowledge in the care of the horse both out in the field and in the stable.

David, Eileen Hayes, Eileen O’Donnell, Liam, Desmond and Imelda.

Elaine Martin and Katie Wright.

Claire Brown.

Michael Keating, Aine, Patrick, Kenneth, Michael Horgan and Stephen.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

The cast of Some Girl(s).

[Martin Landers]

Some Girl(s) a great success!

WELL that’s a wrap… for now! And what a week we had with Some Girl(s)! On Thursday, 8th February, the cast and crew gathered backstage for their first public performance. After months of rehearsals in an empty hall, having such a wonderful, attentive and appreciative audience on opening night was a great boost for the cast. Given that this was the first time performing it in front of more than two or three people (and a dog, at times!) during rehearsals, we were all blown away by the reaction, and the standing ovation at the end of each performance was really lovely. And the feedback received via the various social media, by phone, by text message and in person the nights and days after each performance made all the work we have all put into this more than worthwhile. A HUGE TEAM EFFORT Putting on any production involves a small army, and we are blessed to have a veritable battalion of

support! What audiences see on stage is really just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the effort that goes into the entire process over a number of months. So a huge thanks to all who helped in any way to bring this production to Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre. After months of hard work, the talented cast gave brilliant performances every night. Kris Cowming played a blinder as the cad Guy. At times lovable rogue, at times cocky bast**d, Kris kept the audience guessing right to the end, and when Guy’s reason for meeting up with his exes was revealed in the final scene, the animosity coming from the audience was palpable! Ah but we love him really! Catherine Whelan’s Sam, the highschool sweetheart, still harboured feelings for her first love, and Catherine portrayed both the regret and the anger of Sam beautifully in the first scene. As for that slap – Go Sam!!

Meg Marriott’s Tyler, the sexy, sexually adventurous ex-girlfriend, flirted her way through her meeting with Guy, and Meg was brilliant as Tyler, seductively hiding her true feelings of heartache and loneliness. Vanessa Hyde’s Lindsay, the jilted older woman, was hilarious and had the audience firmly on her side as she exacted her revenge on Guy – you just know that scene is going to make it into his next book!! Emma Walsh’s Bobbi, the college girlfriend, revealed a chink in her carefully built armour, but kept her nerve despite Guy’s declarations of love and regret after she finally caught him out. Brian Sheehan made his CCPD stage debut as the hilarious, overworked hotel porter, who spends his life cleaning up after other people. He had the audience in stitches each night as he bitched and moaned his way through the scene changes. Director Fidelma Meaney was in “awesome form,” as Liam Murphy of the Munster Express said, and her drive and vision shone through once again. Fidelma doesn’t just direct… she takes care of every minute detail, working with the actors to develop the characters, designing the set (and the programmes), building the set, working on sound & lighting, coordinating the costumes… she even does hair and make-up! Another brilliantly directed production from Fidelma!

Conna Dramatic Society ALL roads lead to Conna this weekend, for the opening night of Conna Dramatic Society’s “Caught in the net” on Saturday, 17th February. Months of rehearsals, late nights and learning lines have culminated in this hilarious, fast paced comedy from the pen of Ray Cooney, and directed by none other than Anne Barry. No stranger to the stage herself Anne has been directing for the past number of years and this year is spreading her wings and taking on the three Act Festival Circuit. So if you are looking for a good night’s entertainment, a good laugh, and many familiar faces on stage. Make your way to Conna for opening night on Saturday

with another performance on Sunday 18th. Further performances will take place on 23rd,

24th, 25th and 28th so plenty of opportunities to catch this side splitting production.

A DEBT OF GRATITUDE Huge thanks to everyone who helped build the beautiful set: Dirk Baumann, Michael Cowming, Maggie Cullinane, Vanessa Hyde, Mary Kelly, Martin Landers, Meg Marriott, Fidelma Meaney, Brian Sheehan and Catherine Whelan. Front of House, we had a great crew, organised and co-ordinated by CCPD Chairperson Mary Kelly. Thank you to one and all for your help with hospitality, tickets, raffle, MC etc: Deirdre Collender, Teresa Fennell, Blathnaid Foley, Samantha Hayes, Aileen Hogan, Gilly Houlihan, James Hyde, Martin Landers, Michael O’Mahony, Sharon O’Sullivan, Gina McGrath, Gráinne Ní Mhurchú, Trish Sheehan,Tina Wall, Lena Walsh, Michael Walsh, Orla White. Thanks to all who helped promote Some Girl(s), especially our PRO Emma Walsh for all her work with the local papers, radio stations, and on social media, etc.; to all the local businesses who displayed our posters; to everyone who shared our posts on Facebook etc; to Sacha Bulfin Design & Print for printing the posters & programs; to Martin Landers for photography; to the Dungarvan Leader and the Dungarvan Observer, WLR and Community Radio Youghal for your help in promoting our production; to Liam Murphy of The Munster Express and Pat McEvoy of The Waterford News & Star for taking the time to come see our produc-

tion and for your lovely feedback afterwards. Special thanks to Joe Kelly (Kelly’s Pharmacy, Abbeyside) and Michael Sheehan (The Wine Buff) who once again took on the task of ticket sales for this production. Thanks also to our friends in all the local businesses that donated prizes for our raffle – your generosity is very much appreciated: Dorothy Perkins Dungarvan, Dungarvan Encore Stage Academy, Flynn Hotels, Iona Crystal,The Interlude,The Wine Buff and Willow & Oak. Special thanks to the Pettit Family for their very kind donation of a 360 Cookhouse voucher for our Facebook Like & Share competition. Thank you to all our friends and families. Being involved in a production always means less time to spend with our loved ones, so we are very grateful to you all for your patience and support. A huge thank you to the Curtain Call Productions Dungarvan team – Mary Kelly (Chairperson), Vanessa Leary-Hyde (Vice Chairperson), Kris Cowming (Secretary), Fidelma Meaney (Treasurer), Emma Walsh (PRO), Samantha Hayes, Martin Landers, Meg Marriott, Sharon O’Sullivan, Brian Sheehan and Catherine Whelan for all the hard work they have put in over the last few months, and especially in the weeks running up to and during the

production. And last, but certainly not least, a special thank you to our audiences who came out in large numbers to support us during our three-night Dungarvan run. The lovely messages after each production certainly made all the hard work worthwhile! Thank you! 2018 All-Ireland Festival Circuit Here We Come! No rest for the wicked! Fidelma, Kris, Catherine, Meg, Vanessa & Emma will be straight back to work this week, rehearsing in preparation for their first performance in the 2018 ADCI festival circuit in Rush, Co. Dublin on Thursday, 22nd February. Rush Drama Festival is the first of around 40 drama festivals to be held throughout the country between 22nd February and 25th March, and Curtain Call once again has the honour of opening the Rush Drama Festival, meaning Some Girl(s) will be the very first production performed on the 2018 festival circuit, a great honour indeed! We are competing in eight different festivals – fingers crossed we will be one of the lucky nine drama groups (out of a total of 22 competing in the confined section) to secure a spot in the All-Ireland finals, which will be held this year in Carnew, Co. Wicklow, from 13th – 21st April. We’ll keep everyone updated in these pages and on Facebook over the next few weeks!

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Paddy O’Brien’s 24th Annual Get-Together This

Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • Tel. 058-41122 • info@lawlorshotel.com Weekend FRIDAY 16th, SATURDAY 17th & SUNDAY, 18th FEBRUARY

PADDY O’Brien is one of Ireland’s most successful Country Music singers and continues touring with his band all over Ireland and many countries around the world. He has recorded a succession of number one hit songs and received many awards down through the years. For his 24th Annual Get-Together, Paddy will once again be joined by many of his friends from the Country Music scene. On Friday night 16th, Paddy O’Brien and his band will be joined by G erry Guthrie and his band. Gerry Guthrie is one of the great newer stars of Country Music. Since he hit the scene only a short few years ago, he has built up a huge following and is extremely busy travelling with his band to

Paddy O’Brien

Gerry Guthrie

Patrick Feeney performs in St. Declan’s Church, Ardmore

ANOTHER year and already the legendary country star Patrick Feeney is drumming up great excitement since the announcement that he will perform in St. Declan’s Church Ardmore on July 13th at 8.00 p.m. in what should be a concert to remember in the lovely seaside village. Patrick's new single I Believe is getting great reviews and couple this with songs like Red Haired Mary, Caladonia, boulovogue and Someone to love me we know concert goers are in for a treat. Tickets went on sale two weeks ago and going on initial interest this is no doubt going to be a sell out long before the performance so people who are interested pick up your tickets priced at €25 at either Ardmore or Grange Post Offices or by ringing John on 086-2330810 or Maurice on 085-1741614.

venues all over Ireland and the UK. If you like to dance or sit and listen, then you’re certainly in for a super show with this great artist. Gerry and his band will perform on a top class double bill with Paddy O’Brien and his band at Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan, on this Friday 16th as part of Paddy’s 24th Annual Get-Together. On Saturday night 17th, Paddy O’Brien and his band will be joined by John McNicholl and his band.. John McNicholl is extremely busy with regular tours around Ireland and many other countries throughout Europe. Down through the years he has recorded many really top class songs which were hits on both CD and DVD. Backed by some of Ireland’s finest musicians and with a great

John McNicholl

Robert Mizzell

dance show, you’re sure to enjoy a brilliant night’s entertainment when John and his band play a super double bill with Paddy O’Brien and his band at Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan, on this Saturday 17th as part of Paddy’s 24th Annual Get-Together. On Sunday night 18th, Paddy O’Brien and his band will be joined by R obert Mizzell and his band. Since moving to Ireland from Louisiana over 25 years ago, Robert Mizzell has carved out a great career in Country Music. He regularly performs to sell-out audiences all over Ireland, the UK and further afield. He has recorded a string of hit songs which will have you singing and dancing along. For a night to remember, make sure you join Robert and his band when they perform a great double bill

Pat Daly

Barry Doyle

with Paddy OBrien and his band at Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan, on this Sunday 18th as part of Paddy’s 24th Annual Get-Together.. Dance starting each night at 9.30 p.m. sharp with doors opening at 8.45 p.m. There will also be a Dance on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Saturday afternoon 17th, it’s Pat Daly (3–5 p.m.). Sunday afternoon 18th, it’s a Great Double Bill with Barry Doyle and his band, plus New West (3.15–5.15 p.m.). You will also have a Nightly Sing-Song and Dance with Ireland’s favourite Pat Tobin. Tickets for all Dances will be available at the door with nightly admission €20 and afternoon admission €10.

New West

Pat Tobin

Movie Reviews In association with SGC Dungarvan

15:17 To Paris

By Bill Tubbritt CLINT Eastwood is back in the director’s chair for this unique retelling of the attempted 2015 Thalys terrorist train attack. Eastwood certainly goes a different direction when it came to cast selection for this movie as we have no big name actors taking the lead roles here, instead we see the actual real life stars of that day playing themselves. Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler and Alek Skarlatos are the three American soldiers who boarded the 15:17 train from Amsterdam Central station to Paris on the 21st of August 2015 and became heroes. The movie starts off by showing us some of the events of that day before flashing back at different intervals to focus on the individual back stories of the soldiers. Bringing us closer to the events we see some of the guys exploits during their back packing holiday around Europe which of course is what lead them to being on the train in the first place. The acting here was never going to be award winning and that can be forgiving as not many would be expecting Oscar winning performances from these newbies to the acting world. The trade-off seems worth it thought as what we are left with is what feels like a really detailed and accurate retelling of this story. The actual event itself only lasted 5 minutes so of course the story was going to need lots of padding and that’s where the back stories came in. Unfortunately these back stories were very weak which is a takes from the movie a lot but never the less doesn’t stop it still being a story that deserved to be told. Rating 2.5/5

“Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” by Tennessee Williams from NT Live Thursday, February 22nd at 7.00 p.m. In November 1972, I attended my first performance of a Tennessee Williams play, “A Streetcar Named Desire”: presented by Clonmel Theatre Guild and directed by Brendan Long, a poet of the theatre. It was for me a riveting experience, with what is still considered one of the twentieth century’s greatest plays. (Brendan and the Guild in those years gave us production after production, such as GB Shaw’s “Arms and the Man” and O’Casey’s “The Silver Tassie”, which in the near half-century since have never been bettered – priceless memories!) I have a feeling that at that time, Arthur Miller and Williams (two of the three great pillars of American Theatre – along with Eugene O’Neill), were more or less on a parity in terms of how frequently their plays were performed; today, there can be little doubt that Miller’s star shines much more brightly in world theatre. While I rate Miller as being one of the world’s great playwrights, I also feel that Williams’ eclipse is to be regretted.“Streetcar” is one of the great plays and “The Glass Menagerie” is one of the most tender and poignant I’ve ever attended. “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ” which we saw here in Dungarvan in 2014 from Dungarvan Dramatic club, in a wonderful production Directed by Fidelma Meaney is also a powerful drama – some standout acting performances in that production (it would be invidious to give names) illustrated the power and the passion in this play.

The highly-rated 1958 film, with Elizabeth Taylor, the excellent Paul Newman and the singer famed for singing “A Little Bit of Tear Left me Down”, Burl Ives, (displaying unexpected Thespian skills) gives us a fair of the power of this play. Thomas Lanier (Tennessee) Williams was born in 1914 in Columbus, Ohio, a clergyman’s son. At twelve his family moved to St. Louis, Missouri. He went to college but left after a few years to work in a shoe company. In 1938 he graduated from The University of Iowa. He won a Theatre Guild Prize for Four One-Act plays in 1939. His life was shadowed by a brutal Prefrontal Lobotomy undergone in 1937 by his sensitive and fragile beloved sister, Rose, who, in disguise, appears in many of his plays – young women who are unable to confront reality or flee into illusion. She is given a beautiful alter ego in Williams, first ‘hit’ “The Glass Menagerie” (1945), a beautiful and poignant play. He wrote prolifically till the end – he died in 1983 - choked to death on the plastic cap of a bottle for nasal spray or eye solution. He was a much-decorated playwright, including The Pulitzer Prize for “Streetcar” (1947) and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof ” (1955). For decades, he bestrode American Theatre and perhaps ‘the whirligig of time’ will restore his reputation to its rightful place. Big Daddy Pollitt, a rich cotton plantation owner, is celebrating his sixty-fifth birthday with his family. Only he and his wife are unaware that he is dying. One son has five children while the other, Brick, a

former football hero, is childless and has taken to liquor. His wife, Margaret, has suspicions about a relationship he had with a now-dead male friend – was it homosexual? When Big Daddy confronts Brick, the latter accuses him of avoiding the truth of his own fatal illness.Themes of mendacity, hypocrisy, homosexuality and hatred all come together in this powerful and sometimes brutal play. Williams once wrote:- “People are always asking me which is my favourite among my plays … and when I succumb to my instinct for the truth, I say “it must be “Cat”. That play comes closest to being a work of Art and a work of Craft”; he went on to add that Big Daddy was his most satisfying character in terms of Artistic Creation. With Siena Miller and Colm Meaney, this performance filmed Live in 2017 should be a treat – “The Independent” described it as “a brilliant, lacerating account of the play”. Not to be missed” FOGRA: Gounod’s Opera, “Romeo et Juliette”, Live from Barcelona on Tuesday, February 27that 7.00 p.m.,brings us a welcome revival of a lovely opera and genuine lovers of the genre won’t want to miss it. From Jim Ryan

COUNTY NEWS

The Golden Years - “The Songs We Love To Sing” ON Saturday 24th February Gumbleton Productions presents their exciting new show The Golden Years ~ The Songs we Love to Sing. The show will take place in Dungarvan Town Theatre at 8.00pm. Ireland's most popular tenor, Tallow native Frank Ryan, will be joined by thrilling young soprano Sarah O'Mahony and accompanied by the very talented pianist Bethan Lee in a melody filled presentation that will take you back to a more gracious time. Everyone loves to sing, whether it is Dad singing his favourite tune away in the shower while we queue outside, or little Katie soothing her dolls to sleep in the evening, singing comes naturally to us in Ireland. We like to listen... but we like to take part too! "The Golden Years" is about singing! We have searched back over the decades to find the songs that have that special "Singalong" ingredient. Who doesn't know "The Candy Store on the Corner"? and for good measure we have included "The Whistling Gypsy", Josef Locke's "Hear my Song,

REHEARSALS IN FULL SWING FOR “GOD OF CARNAGE” REHEARSALS are well underway for our March production of Yasmina Reza’s black comedy, “God of Carnage” with Siobhan Buckley in the director’s chair on this occasion. Originally written in French, Christopher Hampton’s translation of the play was first presented in London’s West end in March 2008. This production was directed by Matthew Warchus and starred Ralph Fiennes, Tamasin Greig, Janet McTeer, and Ken Stott and was widely acclaimed, receiving the Olivier Award for Best New Play of the year. The play was subsequently produced worldwide including at the Gate Theatre in Dublin in 2011. The Broadway production won Best Play in the 2009 Tony Awards and was adapted for the screen in 2011 under the director Roman Polanski. The cast for the Dramatic Club production, includes Con O’Sullivan, Ruaidhri De Paor, Margaret Dennehy and we are delighted to welcome Carol Elstead, who is performing with us for the first time. Welcome aboard Carol! So mark the dates 22nd to 24th of March in your diaries for

Frank Ryan Violetta" and Danny Doyle's "Whiskey on a Sunday" among a host of other Golden hits. Please don't worry if you have forgotten the words as they will be up there on the screen so you can relax and enjoy the fun. Brighten up your Saturday evening by coming along to enjoy a nostalgic evening of the world's best loved melodies .... and bring your voices with you! Tickets are €15 and on sale through The Wine Buff Dungarvan or please contact 086 1577 610.

Dungarvan Dramatic Cub’s production of what has been aptly described as “a comedy of manners without the manners”,“God of Carnage” by Yasmina Reza. Watch this space for further updates.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Portrait of an artist … By Donal Buckley

Nicola Chestnutt I DON'T think I have ever met anyone more in tune with the rhythms of the world than Nicola Chestnutt. Her quiet demeanour belies a creative imagination based on observing humanity's many faceted connections to nature. Her paintings are thoughtful representations of our progress as a species and our endless possibilities. Nicola has a generosity of spirit that can be seen in her previous incarnations (employment, people. Nothing sinister here) working in social care and complementary therapy. Some years ago, Nicola was a volunteer working in an orphanage on the Indian sub continent. Currently she runs a Love Art Kids Club in her home on the Dunmore road in Waterford. I invited Nicola to meet me for some conversation at Sip n' Surf cafe on Davitts quay. She accepted and we both fought our way through the Friday morning blizzards and snowdrifts to arrive in a Dungarvan bathed in sunshine. Usually I order coffees at this stage, but Nicola went for the exotic beverage, mint tea. Being ever adventurous, I decided to join her and ordered Barry's. While the steam wafted from our drinks I asked her some questions. Who is your favourite artist? Some people would consider the paintings of Pierre Auguste Renoir (18411919) to be a little bit like chocolate box covers. I think they are beautiful pictures in soft pastel colours whose prints have, subsequently, been used to sell other merchandise. The work of Gustav Klimt (1862-1918) is unparalleled for its vibrancy and use of different media. But the artist that I like the most is Andy Goldsworthy (b.1956). He is unusual in that much of his work doesn't survive because it is made of natural materials in natural settings. As an environmentalist, Andy uses stone, twigs, leaves and real water features to create something beautiful that comes from and blends back in to its surroundings. Do you have a particular book or author that you like? Rachel Joyce published a book in 2012 called "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry". It tells the story of a man

who decides to walk the length of England to bring comfort and support to a friend, Queenie Hennessey, who is dying of cancer in a hospice on the Scottish border. His journey brings him into contact with all sorts of people, situations and emotions.This road trip causes him to reflect on his relationships and his life choices. The book was nominated for the Mann Booker prize of 2012 and Rachel Joyce published a follow up in 2014 called " The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessey". Both books are thought provoking and well worth a read. What colour do you like most? I've always liked the special quality of Magenta. Different people see their own shade of this vibrant colour. It’s been variously described as purplish-red, pinkish-purple and even mauvish-crimson. Whichever it is, there's always drama combined with light and emotion mixed with subtlety. I wouldn't be without it. Do you like music? I don't really go in for mainstream or commercial music. I like soft, delicate, relaxing sounds. I prefer music to be in the background rather than a distraction. Its the sort of tunes listened to during yoga workouts or just when you want to chill out. Where is your favourite place? I like to walk on the beach at Passage East or Woodstown Lower on the Suir estuary. Further inland, I like strolling through the woods at Crough near Mahon Bridge. Its good for fresh air, exercise and just clearing out cobwebs from the brain. Nicola Chestnutt returned to education and did an Art and Design Portfolio at Waterford College of Further Education in 2009. She went to the Waterford Institute of Technology to study Visual Art. She completed her degree in 2015 and has been painting ever since. She says that the greatest thing about painting is the element of surprise. Even when she has a plan it can change due to physical consequences or a tangential thought that takes flight and brings her to an apogee of creative fulfilment. (sorry, those were my words, I gets carried

away sometimes). Nicola's first show was called "Fragments of Dreams" and was exhibited at the Garter Lane Gallery in Waterford city. You can check it out, and hear Nicola's thoughts on Vimeo. Her web page is nicolachestnutt.ie or you can find her on Facebook at Nicola Chestnutt Art or on Instagram @nicolachestnutt The Market House Art Centre in Dungarvan has shown the work of Nicola Chestnutt on many occasions and their unique beauty has always drawn "oohs" and "aahs" from the public and fellow artists. On top of all that, she writes poetry and verses for her Guardian Angels series of prints and has continued that personal touch to all of her prints. It cannot be stressed enough what a unique talent Nicola is. She has an eclectic output, from illustrations for children to dreamlike caricatures and earthy realism with a hint of a hippy vibe. I can honestly say that I could look at her work, all day, every day and be secure in the knowledge that all is right with the world. Nicola Chestnutt, you are a wonder. Long may you continue to bring us in to your wondrous world. It truly is "Art from the Heart".

Dreams Come True

And In This Moment

A Heart As Sweet

Everything That We Are

Ruaidhri De Paor who plays Alain Reille in THE GOD OF CARNAGE.

Carol Elstead who plays Annette Reille in THE GOD OF GARNAGE.

SCHOOL NEWS

Parents of Students in Colaiste Chathail Naofa, St. Joseph’s and St. Mary’s who completed courses in Family Communications and Self Esteem, Digital Skills for Citizens, Story Sacks and Christmas Cookery pictured with Tutors and Teachers at the presentation of Certificates recently. Seated from left: Rafal Staskczak, Jillian Connors, Jennifer Maher, Gemma Power, Susie Healy, Karen Hally and Rose Hearne, Tutor. Standing from left: Nicola Hanlon-McCarthy, WWetb; Tamsin Jay, Tutor; Danny Cunningham, Principal Colaiste Chathail Naofa; Antoinette Organ, Aidan Murray, Lisa Marks, Aine Whelan, WWetb; Margaret Curran, HSCL; Fiona Fitzgerald, Principal St. Mary’s and Kathleen Dobbyn, HSCL. [Sean Byrne]

Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2018 STUDENTS from Ard Scoil na Mara Waterford announced as regional finalists In Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2018 Bank of Ireland were announced as the regional finalists for Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2018. Now in its eight year Ireland’s leading fashion and art competition for secondary schools challenges students to create unique, original and innovative outfits from recycled materials and junk. Pictured at the announcement is Rachael O'Connor Transition Year from Ard Scoil na Mara Waterford who created Lys Calla Noirs. The thrifty students collected a vast array of unwanted “junk” to fashion their entry which sees them go forward to compete in the Southern regional final of the competition on the 9th of March in the University Concert Hall, Limerick. For the full list of 400 silver ticket winners who have made it through to the regional finals for Bank of Ireland Junk Kouture 2018 visit https://www.facebook.com/BOIstudents. Included are Sandra Kelly, BOI, Rachael O'Connor and Ciara O'Sullivan, teacher. [John Power]

Dungarvan

5th Birthday 24th February 2018 - 12 pm to 1.30pm Fusion Centre, Dungarvan

Inviting all past members, volunteers and ninjas to join in our celebration Inspiational talk by Executive Director of the CoderDojo Foundation - Giustina Mizzoni Demos, 3D Priniting, Drones, Soldaring, 80’s & 90’s Retro Technology Display, Music, Magic Tricks & Refreshments

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Transition Year students photographed with Cllr. Damian Geoghegan and teacher Ms. O’Dwyer.

DUNGARVAN C.B.S.

Damien Geoghegan visits CBS Transition Years ON Monday and Thursday, February 5th and 8th, Damien Geoghegan of Waterford City and County Council gave a fascinating talk to Transition Year students. Cllr Geoghegan explained the role and function of the thirty-two elected members of Waterford local Government. County Councils are responsible for roads, planning, parks and housing. He also explained about the five year Waterford County Development Plan and about capital projects such as The Greenway. Cllr. Geoghegan informed the students about sources of revenue such as commercial rates and local property tax for the day-today budgets. Students were most engaged and asked many questions. The talk broadened out to encompass more general political issues such as the upcoming Presidential Election. Transition Year students are now considerably better informed about local and national politics. EAST MUNSTER CROSS COUNTRY On Thursday, 8th February, twenty-three students from C.B.S travelled to Carriganore, W.I.T Sports Campus to take part in the East Munster Cross Country. The minor boys ran a distance of 2,000m.The team consisted of Kieran Cosgrave, Gearóid Coffey, Cian O’Regan, Dónal O Faolán, Darragh Vincent, Tom Gardner, Darragh Cosgrave and Fionn Nagle. The junior boys ran 3,000m. The junior team consisted of

Mark Blackwell, Tym Niedwiedz, Kevin Butler, James Fennell, Jack McCarthy, Ronan Power and Joe Booth. Both teams ran very well from beginning to end. The inter boys race was 4,500m. The inter boys running on the day were Oisín O’Riordan, Finn Robertson and Eoin McGrath. Oisín O’Riordan finished in fifth place, securing his place in the Munster final. Patrick Power, Niall Blackwell, Michael Kiely and Luke Ryan ran the last race of the day which was the senior boys 5,000m race. Niall Blackwell crossed the line in third place and will join Oisín in the Munster final. The Munster finals will take place on the 23rd February in Carriganore, W.I.T Sports Campus. Well done to all those involved and best of luck to all the students in the Munster Final. UNDER 14 HURLING Our U-14 hurlers began their County championship campaign against Ard Scoil na Mara from Tramore on Wednesday last. The game was played in very heavy ground conditions at Bushy Park. A tight first half saw CBS trail by a point at half-time after soaking up a lot of pressure from the physically stronger Tramore boys. Mark Loftus contributed a pointed free and one from play. Another long-range free was batted down in the box and Jack McGrath reacted quickest to finish it neatly to the net. Sean Condon scored a classy point on the run which left the score at 1-

04 to 1-03 in favour of Tramore. In the second half, Tramore took control in mid-field and tagged on four good points. Dungarvan struggling for good quality possession in the forward line managed a solitary Loftus pointed free. A late goal put a gloss on the score-line for Tramore who were the stronger team on the day but struggled to make it count against a solid Dungarvan full-back line. While the entire team battled well the stand out performer on the day was Brian Curran in goals. He dealt very well with everything that Tramore threw at him. Team: Brian Curran; Michael Walsh, Eoin O’Callaghan, James Fennell; Domhnall O Faoláin, Peter Cummins, Seanie Flavin; Michael Casey, Mark Loftus (0-3, 0-2 frees); Conor Fennell, Mikey Flavin, Jack McGrath (1-0); Cian O’Regan, Sean Condon (0-1), Justin Whelan. Subs used: Mikey Sheehan, Thomas Byrne, Ben McCloskey. GET UP & GO SCHOOL JOURNALS On Wednesday, members of the Student Council met to brainstorm ideas and a format for a new Student Journal for all schools in the entire country.This was in conjunction with “Get Up And Go” diaries. Present were John Power, Hugh Lenihan, Adam Bumster, Josh Browne, Brian Curran, JJ Mahony, Ms Grace Gleeson, Eoin O’Callaghan, Eileen Forrestal (Get Up and Go), and Mr Anthony Kelly. Meetings will take place every week until May.

SPONSORED CYCLE – CBS Students will be out and about looking for sponsorship for our Kilmac N Back cycle. The cycle will take place on Wednesday, 21st March as part of our Well Being week. We are very grateful to Michael Hart 5th year for designing our sponsorship card. Thanking you in advance for your kind support of the school.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan CBS U-14 Hurling Team.

East Munster Cross Country – Senior Boys Team. East Munster Cross Country – Junior Boys Team.

East Munster Cross Country – Inter Boys Team.

East Munster Cross Country – Minor Boys Team.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

ÁRD SCOIL NA nDÉISE

Safer Internet Day in Árd Scoil na nDéise ON Tuesday, 6th February Ard Scoil na nDéise got hugely involved as a school in Safer Internet Day. The safer internet day committee included Gráinne McGrath, Rebecca Hanna and Kate Hickey and, with over a month of preparation beforehand, they had a very successful day! Their goal was to promote safety on the internet and bring the school together as a community and they certainly achieved that goal! Throughout the day the committee had loads of events organised for mainly the First and Second Year students. They put together a power point presentation based on internet safety. Some of the topics on the presentation included, the danger of sharing personal information online, the effects cyber bullying can have on a person and advice from famous people such as

Suzanne Jackson and James Kavanagh. At the end of the presentation they gave the #Up2Us wristbands to the students, these wristbands were sponsored by WebWise Ireland for any group participating in Safer Internet Day 2018. Once everyone had a wristband a group selfie was taken to promote #SafeSelfies. The presentations went very smoothly with both groups of First and Second Years and the girls were very pleased with the positive feedback from the students and teachers. It was wonderful to see our students showing such leadership in terms of educating their peers on internet safety. In preparing for Safer Internet Day the girls on the committee spent a lot of their free time working on putting together competitions and activities such as poster competitions, anti-cyber

A group photo taken during one of our Internet Safety activities.

Safe Selfies!

bullying campaigns and waking debates. The anti-cyber bullying campaign was put in the TY hall. It was bright in colour to catch the attention of students passing by. A #BeInCtrl poster competition was held within the school and the winners received great prizes such as vouchers and sweets. The committee got very artistic and imaginative with their cardboard cut outs, they made huge cardboard signs for their walking debate, they painted both signs white and painted on ‘agree’ and ‘disagree’ to each cut out. All the Transition Year students got involved for the debate and the signs were used to show a very clear image when discussing the topics on the walking debate. Another cut-out was made of an Instagram page, this was one of the hardest tasks for the girls as there was a lot of detail to be replicated, the centre was cut out

so people could take pictures and make it look as if it was on Instagram, the finished product looked very effective and was definitely a favourite with the students. During small break all First and Second Year students were invited to come to the First Year classrooms for face painting, this got loads more people involved and also helped promote Safer Internet day.The students got #BeInCtrl, #Up2Us and SID painted across their faces in all different colours which they really enjoyed. Overall, the Ard Scoil had a really enjoyable day promoting Safer Internet Day and raising awareness of the dangers of the internet. We would like to thank Grainne, Rebecca and Kate for all their hard work at committee level and we would like to thank the staff and students for getting so involved in Safer Internet Day activities at Ard Scoil na nDéise.

Our wonderful committee. Kate Hickey, Rebecca Hanna, and Grainne McGrath.

Face Painting for Junior Students.

Walking debates in TransitionYear debating issues around Internet Safety.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Teachers in Waterford urged to take the Engineers Week Challenge Excite and inspire Ireland’s future engineers in the classroom Engineering Transition Year programme now open for applications ENGINEERS Ireland is calling on primary and secondary school teachers in Waterford to take the Engineers Week Challenge and bring the world of engineering alive in their classroom during Engineers Week, a seven day programme of nationwide events celebrating the world of engineering in Ireland. Taking place from 24th February – 2nd March, the annual event is coordinated on a national basis by Engineers Ireland's STEPS programme - funded under Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme Call. As part of the Engineers Week 2018 campaign, Engineers Ireland has made multiple copies of the Dream Big: Engineering Our World movie available to secondary school teachers and event organisers around the country. Narrated by Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges, Dream Big showcases engineering’s impressive impact on our world and our lives, from the Great Wall of China and the world’s tallest buildings, to underwater robots, solar cars and smart, sustainable cities. To register your interest in screening the movie, visit www.engineersweek.ie A selection of hands-on engineering activities suitable for primary school students are also available to download for free on the Engineers Week website. These include an easy to use ‘Primary School Challenge’ pack which contains lots of ideas to help primary school teachers organise fun, hands-on and engaging challenges that will help get students involved in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

By registering a classroom activity and taking part, both primary and secondary school teachers will have access to an Engineers Week participation certificate and will also have the opportunity to win a fun, engaging STEM show or workshop for their school. Transition Year students are also being encouraged to take part in the Engineering Your Future programme - a week long immersive programme which is designed to introduce 4th year students to the exciting and diverse world of engineering. Hosted by a number of colleges and companies around the country, the Engineering Your Future programme provides a week of exposure to the various engineering disciplines. Future engineers can apply for the programme by visiting www.steps.ie. Commenting in advance of Engineers Week, Caroline Spillane, Director General of Engineers Ireland, said: “I would like to congratulate the increasing number of primary and secondary school teachers getting involved in Engineers Week and would encourage other schools to join us in helping school children to discover the fascinating world of engineering. I hope that as many schools as possible will take the Engineers Week Challenge, by downloading activity packs for their students or by inviting a local engineer to speak to students during this exciting week. “Engineers Week is a chance for teachers and young people to find out more about the many career opportunities available within the engineering sector and encourage more

students to pursue engineering at third-level because Ireland and the world needs more engineers. The Week also highlights how a career in engineering is accessible to all those who have an interest in the sector. There are many misconceptions about the ‘type of person’ who should pursue engineering and during Engineers Week we can show people that the world of engineering is open to everyone - girls, boys, creative thinkers, curious minds, problem-solvers and leaders,” she continued. Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Strategy and Communications at Science Foundation Ireland, said: “Science Foundation Ireland is delighted to support Engineers Week 2018 through the SFI Discover Programme, and to call on schools and teachers nationwide to get involved. Many of the careers that are available to teenagers today did not exist 10 years ago, and I’m sure there will be an even greater array of science and engineering-related roles in the future. People working in STEM in Ireland are already changing the face of the world; whether it is by making life-saving medicines and devices, developing clean energy solutions or creating other innovative technologies. STEM outreach initiatives like Engineers Week help to inspire young people to consider STEM career paths; however, encouragement in the classroom in these early years is critical to spark and support their curiosity.” To download activity resources or to submit the details of any activities you and your class plan to complete, visit: www.engineersweek.ie.

SEAFIELD NATIONAL SCHOOL

Competition Time at Seafield National School 1st and 2nd class were given the task to write a letter to a local newspaper describing what they have enjoyed in school since January. The winner was Mia Byrne in 2nd class and she was chosen to send her entry to the Dungarvan Observer. 9th February 2018 Dear Readers, I am writing to you to tell you what my friends and I have gotten up to since we returned to school in January. We have a Green School Policy and we are working hard on the theme of Global Citizenship. The 6th class have taught us a lot about marine life and developed a slogan. Ms. O’Connell, our teacher, let 6th class teach us the slogan, ’Fish are dying because plastic is lying, be a green team and do a beach clean.’ We have a really fun school and I have a very kind teacher. We do maths in the morning and I am getting really good. Muireann is my best friend and we love to help each other. She is really nice. I am sure you would agree. I really enjoy science experiments. My favourite experiment was the Egg Drop Project. We worked in groups to create a protective shell for an egg. Then, we dropped our egg from a good height. Muireann’s group won in the end as their egg didn’t break. My group congratulated her group and we recorded what we would do differently next time. Muireann’s cousin Aoife started helping out in the school. She is a very nice girl and helps us when we are doing Literacy Stations every Wednesday. Yours Sincerely, Mia (2nd Class)

1st, 2nd and 3rd Class receiving their Food Dude certificates fort eating lots of fruit and vegetables.

GARRANBANE NATIONAL SCHOOL

Science Experiment.

Junior and senior Infants enjoying Aistear.

Well done to Elliot Henley who took part in the Munster Open Championship Taekwando in Cork last weekend. Congratulations to Ella Power who received gymnast of the month. Both are in 3rd class in Garranbane N.S.

Jamie Mulcahy 6th class competed in the Interprovincial Angling Championship last weekend. This competition was on in Benowen, Co. Down. Jamie is the youngest member on the Munster team. We congratulate Jamie on making the team and wish him the best of luck.

Reading Buddies.

SCHOOLS

Scoil Mhuire Parents’ Association Valentine’s Cake Sale

“IF you like the colours pink and red, then you needed to be at the Scoil Mhuire Halla on Friday morning, as the Parents’ Association held a Valentines themed cake sale. There was great excitement as all the students streamed into the Halla, class by class, to carefully decide which cakes to pick – and with such a fantastic selection, it was not an easy choice. We were also delighted to welcome parents and the wider community who stopped by to enjoy some cake and a coffee. The Cake Sale once again was a huge success and raised a great sum for the benefit of all the pupils in the school. Many thanks to everyone who spent the time and money to very kindly donate so many beautiful cakes, biscuits and other

baked goodies – we’re very pleased to say everything was

snapped up and not a thing went to waste. “

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Modeligo NS G ra n d p a r e n t s D ay

SCHOOLS

OBITUARY

St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan FIRST Sunday of Lent – Genesis 9:8-15: God’s covenant with Noah after he had saved him from the waters of the flood. 1 Peter 3:18-22: That water is a type of the baptism which saves you now. Mark 1:12-15: Jesus was tempted by Satan, and the angels looked after him. Ash Wednesday – This Wednesday, February 14th is Ash Wednesday the beginning of Lent and a Day of Fast and Abstinence. Blessing and Distribution of Ashes in St. Mary’s at 9.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. Masses. Friary Church: 7.30 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. Please take a Trócaire Box and give it a prominent place in your home and contribute what you can over the weeks of Lent. Sacrament of the Sick – The celebration of the Sacrament of the Sick which had to be deferred last week will now be celebrated in St. Mary’s Parish Church on Saturday next, February 17th, during the 11.00 a.m. Mass. If possible, please arrange a lift for someone who might otherwise be unable to be present to celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick. Thinking about Priesthood – Come and See. Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. An Overnight Vocations’ event will take place in the Pallotine House, Thurles on Friday and Saturday, February 23rd and 24th, 2018, beginning on Friday, February 23rd, at 6.00 p.m. and concluding on Saturday, February 24th, at 3.00 p.m. See poster in the church porch. Let’s Talk Family – An

important part of the preparation for the WMOF next August will take place during Lent in Parishes throughout Ireland when people will be invited to come together to talk about family, using a programme called: Let’s Talk family. Diocesan Listening Process – Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan will conduct a Listening Process in 6 Pastoral Areas over the next few weeks for the development of the new Pastoral Plan for the Diocese. Each session will begin at 7.00 p.m. and finish at 9.30 p.m. Parishioners and Members of Parish Pastoral Councils are invited to attend. The meeting for the Pastoral Areas of Mid-Waterford & Croí na nDéise will take place in the Park Hotel on Wednesday, 28th February, 2018, 7.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. Pope Francis Tweet – ‘May we never look at the screen of our cellphone more than the eyes of our brothers and sisters or focus more on our own software than on the Lord’. 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 058-42374. 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: 0862334282. St. Vincent de Paul Helpline No.: 087-7747870.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

WILLIAM (Willie) O’BRIEN Kilmore, Tallow It is with profound sadness and deep regret we record the passing of William (Willie) O’Brien, Kilmore, Tallow, Co. Waterford, loving brother of the late Mollie, Helen and Margaret, which sad event occurred peacefully on 5th January, 2018. Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Home, Tallow, funeral prayers was recited on Thursday evening by Rev. Fr. M. Melican, I.C., in the presence of his loving family, relatives, neighbours and friends. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday morning by Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P. Readings were recited by nephew Kieran O’Brien and grandniece Aoibhe O’Brien. Prayers of the Faithful were read by niece Caroline O’Brien, brother James, grandnephews Riley Larken and Gearóid O’Brien, grandniece Darcy Larken. A lovely selection of music and hymns was provided by soloist Sarah Barry and organist Marjorie Moran. The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by grandniece Darcy Larken and grandnephew Riley Larken. Communion reflection was recited by nephew Aidan O’Brien. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Rev Fr. G. McNamara, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers where Willie was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace. We extend our deepest sympathy to his loving brothers Michael A., James and Patrick; sisters Betty Mills, Bridget (Bridie) Gallagher and Nora Ryan; brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandnephews, grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

TOM (Tomo) O’RIORDAN Shandon Street, Dungarvan The community learned with feelings of deep sorrow and regret of the passing of Tom O’Riordan on Thursday, 8th February, peacefully at home. We express our heartfelt sympathy to Tom’s loving wife Josephine (nee Whelan); sons Martin, Kevin and Tom; daughters Denise and Thea; daughter-in-law Caroline; sons-in-law Mitchell and Paul; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother Oliver; sisters Peggy and Joan; sisters-in-law Margaret, Marie, Siobhán, Chris, Áine, Kay and Eileen; brothers-in-law Donie and Mike; nephews, nieces, extended family especially Rose. Tom lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on Saturday evening, 10th February. Huge numbers of people came to console his bereaved family and pay their respects to a greatly respected member of the community. The recitation of the Rosary was led by Sr. Angela Kiely (Sisters of Mercy). Removal took place on Sunday, 11th February, to St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan. On arrival Requiem Mass in thanksgiving for Tom’s life was celebrated by Canon W. Ryan, P.P., and afterwards in the presence of a huge concourse of mourners Tom was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Suaimhneas síoraí dá anam uasal. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

Just think of it! BLESSED John Henry Newman once said that to change was a sign of being alive. There are people who assert that nothing in the Catholic religion and its practice should ever change: they think it should stay exactly the same as it was when they were young. This frame of mind leads to what might be described as the museum mentality, holding on to some idea or practice merely because it’s been there a long time. Of course, the fundamental truths of the Catholic religion are not for changing: they are truths make known to us by God; that is why they are described as being divinely revealed. But sometimes one aspect of such a truth can receive a new emphasis, be seen as meaning more to the people of a particular time in history than it meant to earlier generations. I think that the way we show devotion to the Blessed Eucharist nowadays is different from the way our grandparents revered the same sacrament.The basic truth, that the Lord Jesus is really present in the Eucharist, has not changed, but I suggest our way of showing our belief and love is changing. The point I am trying to make is, to resist all change, to say that the Church must not be seen to change, that that can be a very dangerous attitude, especially if it were to become prevalent among those in position of authority. If those who can authorise change are opposed to change, then stagnation is going to be the end result. For one thing, this attitude will inhibit the action of the Holy Spirit, who acts through the general body of believers as well as through the decisions of the “high ups.” We need to believe in the activity of the Holy Spirit, and we need to pray for the grace to discern correctly the presence and the message of the Holy Spirit. Fr. Robert Arthure, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

Diocesan Listening Process

TIME 7.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m.

Monday, 19th February – Granville Hotel ST. OTTERAN PASTORAL AREA - Holy Family, Ballybricken, St Paul’s, Butlerstown, St Saviour’s, Tramore, Dunhill & Fenor. Monday, 26th February – Woodlands Hotel ST. LAWRENCE PASTORAL AREA – Ss Joseph and Benildus, Sacred Heart, Killea, Cathedral, St John’s. Monday 12th March – Manella Hotel CARRICK--SUIR & CLONMEL PASTORAL AREAS – Carrick-on-Suir, Carrickbeg, Ballyneale, Rathgormack, Ss Peter and Paul, St Mary’s, St Oliver’s, Powerstown, Kilsheelan. Wednesday, 14th March – Cappoquin Community Centre WEST-WATERFORD & ST. DECLAN’S PASTORAL AREA – Lismore, Cappoquin, Modeligo,Tallow, Knockanore, Ballyduff Upper, Ardmore, Clashmore, Aglish. Thursday, 15th March – Park Hotel Dungarvan MID-WATERFORD & CROI NA N DEISE PASTORAL AREA – Newtown, Kilrossanty, Stradbally, Portlaw/Ballyduff, Dungarvan, Abbeyside, Ring, Kilgobinet. Wednesday 21st March – Cahir House Hotel CAHIR & TOURANEENA & FOURMILEWATER PASTORAL AREA – Cahir, Ballylooby, Clogheen, Ballyporeen, Ardfinnan, Touraneena/The Nire, Newcastle and Fourmilewater.

MARIA FENNESSY (nee Duggan) 13 Abbeyglen, Cappoquin The passing of Maria Fennessy on January 24th, 2018, has evoked feelings of deep sadness amongst her family and friends. This regretful event occurred at her home in Abbeyglen, where she died very peacefully in the presence of members of her loving family. Maria Louise Duggan was born on Sunday, 21st June, 1959, at 9.10 a.m. in Middlesex in the UK. She attended her first school, the Catholic National School in Twickenham, and later at Hampton Hill where the family lived at the time. Her first job was a Care Assistant in a Children’s Nursery. Maria’s dad Eddo died and the family moved back to Ireland, with Audrey, Maria’s mother, and settled for a time in Fermoy. Maria worked as a Classroom Assistant for nine years, much of that in a voluntary capacity, in the Cope Foundation in Montenotte in Cork, while Audrey, also volunteering her time and skills taught sewing and knitting there. They eventually moved back to their Dungarvan roots where Maria’s dad Eddo Duggan was born, and it was in 2000 that she met Paudie and they became inseparable since then. She accompanied him many times on the long journeys up and down the country in the lorry which she enjoyed as a change of scenery especially in the Summer months. Maria worked for a time in St Carthage’s Residential Home in Lismore but her weak back did not allow her to continue long term in this role. Maria did not enjoy the best of health over many years, but she never complained and never spoiled any occasion for others despite her pain and discomfort. She loved being a home maker, and loved her house and her kitchen was always alive with smells of wonderful coffee and Paudie’s dinner being slow cooked in her latest kitchen gadget. Despite her poor health, and a number of hospitalisations, she always closely followed the progress of her own family as they grew up. She enjoyed the company of Paudie’s family and friends. She loved a party and sat quietly in the background and enjoyed joining in the singing and the fun. Maria was kind and quiet spoken and generous, had a lovely way with animals and with people, and especially the children next door on both sides. We will miss her gentle nature and kindness. Maria lay in respose at Walsh’s Funeral Home, on Thursday, 25th January, where Rosary was recited by Joan Mason and Fr. Pat Gear, P.P., and attended by Maria’s mother and family, and many neighbours and friends came to pay their respects. Removal took place on Friday, 26th January, supported by a large number of colleagues and friends and neighbours who travelled long distances to attend and extend their condolences. Maria’s remains, carried by her sons Jamie and Peter, amongst the pall bearers, were blessed and welcomed into St. Mary’s Church by Father Robert Arthure, P.E., who also celebrated her Requiem Mass on Saturday 27th. The reading from the Old Testament was read by Brid Roche (sister-in-law) and the New Testament by Paul Savage (nephew). Psalm was sung by Aine Ni Fhiannusa (sister-in-law) and the Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Jamie and Peter Mullins (sons) and James Roche (husband of Brid). The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by Fionnuala Savage (sister-in-law) and Marie Kelly (loving friend of Maria’s mother Audrey). Beautiful music was provided by Donal Kennefick (organist) and singing was by Aine Ni Fhiannusa, who was accompanied by her sister Brid and brother-in-law Michael Savage for the final hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Maria was buried in St. Declan’s Cemetery Cappoquin, in the family plot, where Fr. Arthure, P.E., officiated, blessed the grave and recited the graveside prayers. Aine and Brid sang a harmonious version of “Ave Maria” to end the proceedings. May the Gates of Heaven open to welcome her and may she rest in peace. Our deepest sympathy is extended to her loving husband Paudie; mother Audrey Duggan; sons Peter, Jamie and Luke and daughters Nina and Laura; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, uncle, aunts, neighbours and friends. Maria’s only sister Cecilia died in 2012. R.I.P. Month’s Mind Mass for Maria will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, Cappoquin, on Saturday, 24th February, at 10.00 a.m. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin and Tallow).

WILLIAM (Willie) LENANE Monfaun, Old Parish With sadness we record the passing of Willie Lenane which sad event occurred on Thursday, 8th February, 2018. Removal took place on Saturday morning from Drohan’s Funeral Home to Old Parish Church. Following Funeral Mass on arrival, celebrated by Fr. O’Connor, P.P., burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Director, Dungarvan).

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

FRANCIS (Fran) HYSLOP 2 McCarthyville, Abbeyside, and formerly of 21 Caseyville, Dungarvan We record with feelings of deep sorrow and regret the passing of Francis (Fran) Hyslop which occurred peacefully on Wednesday, 31st January, at St. Vincent’s Palliative Care Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents Hugh and Joan, his sister-in-law Nora, nephew Tyrone and nieces Elizabeth and Mary. Francis was the seventh of eight children born to Hugh and Joan Hyslop at 21 Caseyville where the family resided until they moved to McCarthyville in Abbeyside in 1969. He attended the Mercy Convent and Christian Brothers Schools and finished his education at Abbeyside National School. Francis began working at Waterford Foods at an early age and enjoyed his work and the banter with his workmates in “The Creamery” so much that he remained working in the factory right up until its closure in 1997. Fran enjoyed the quiet life. He had a keen interest in birds and nature and enjoyed his walks with his friends along the sea wall overlooking the bay from Abbeyside. He also had a great enthusiasm for watching and following sports of all descriptions from field games such as rugby, soccer, football and hurling to darts, snooker and horse-racing in which he had a particular interest. He was also an avid reader and particularly enjoyed reading biographies. He got the travelling bug relatively late in life when he visited the USA just a couple of years ago and travelled to Spain last June where he enjoyed every minute of his holiday in spite of his illness. Francis bore his illness with great patience and fortitude. He had a deep faith in God and this remained with him right up until the end of his life. He was an easygoing, pleasant, laid back man who took life easy and never judged anyone and it was this pleasant nature and attitude that enabled him to make friends from all walks of life. He was greatly respected by family and friends and will be sadly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace. Francis’ family gathered at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on Wednesday, 31st January, where the Rosary was recited. On Thursday evening, 1st February, huge numbers of people came to pay their respects, share their memories of Fran and console his bereaved family. Following Funeral Prayers recited by Fr. Ned Hassett, P.P., the removal took place to St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan, the large cortege pausing in prayerful remembrance at Caseyville. On arrival Fr. Hassett led the Service of Reception.The Funeral Pall was placed on Francis’ coffin by Louise Hyslop, Kim O’Mahony and Siobhán Egan (nieces) and Jake Hyslop (grandnephew).The First Reading was read by Colin O’Mahony (nephew) and the Psalm was recited by Cliona Hyslop (niece). Requiem Mass in thanksgiving for Francis’ life was celebrated by Fr. Hassett at 11.00 a.m. on Friday, 2nd February. The Liturgy of the Word was shared with the congregation by Jason Hyslop and Timmy Hyslop (nephews).The Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Sadhbh Keating (grandniece), Abbie Hyslop (grandniece), Louise Hyslop (niece), Seán Hyslop (nephew) and Tommy Hyslop (grandnephew). The Offertory Gifts of Bread and Wine were presented at the Altar by Anthony Whelan (nephew) and Siobhán Egan (niece).Throughout the Mass beautiful, sacred hymns were played and sung by Dina Walshe. Afterwards Fran was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery in the presence of a huge concourse of mourners, a testament to the esteem in which he was held. Fr. Hassett led the Rite of Committal and imparted the graveside blessing. We express our deepest sympathy to Francis’ brothers Danny, Hubert and Pat Hyslop; sisters May, Breda, Margaret and Marion; brothers-in-law Denis Egan, Tom O’Mahony and Tom Whelan; sisters-in-law Geraldine and Maria; nieces, nephews and extended family. The Hyslop family wish to express their appreciation to all who gave their help, friendship and support to the family throughout this difficult time; we thank all those who attended Fran’s repose and interment; we express our grateful thanks to Fr. Ned Hassett, P.P., for celebrating Fran’s Requiem Mass; to Dina Walshe for her beautiful music and singing and James Kiely and Sons, Funeral Directors, for their help and support; we also thank the Sacristan, Altar servers and gravediggers. We express heartfelt thanks to Dr. Anne Horgan and her team in University Hospital Waterford, Dr. Sasiadek Wojciech and his team in Whitfield Cancer Centre and the Hospice Nurses and the Home Team for the excellent care that Fran received. We are so grateful to Joe Kelly and his staff at Kelly’s Pharmacy, Abbeyside, for all their help and kindness to Francis during his illness; Dr. O’Mahony and the kind, compassionate Nurses and Carers at St. Vincent’s Palliative Care Unit, Dungarvan.

OBITUARY As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we hope that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our sincere appreciation and gratitude.The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions. Francis’ Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in Abbeyside Church at 10.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 28th February. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

KATHLEEN MARKLEY Clogheen, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford It is with deep regret we record the passing of Kathleen Markley, Clogheen, Ballymacarbry, which sad event occurred on Monday, 29th January, 2018, at Waterford Regional Hospital. Kathleen worked hard on the home farm all of her life. She was a woman of tradition, spoke her mind and loved talking to people. She was a great woman to trace family history and if you wanted to trace your family tree, Kathleen was the woman to ask. She possessed a great faith and valued family. She was predeceased by her parents James and Jane Markley and her brother Willie and sister Mai. Her passing is much regretted. May she rest in peace. Prayers were recited by Very Rev. G. Desmond, P.P., on Wednesday before removal to St. Laurence’s Church, Fourmilewater. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Thursday morning by Very Rev. Fr. Desmond, P.P., after which interment took place in the adjoining cemetery in the presence of a large gathering of mourners. The lessons were read by John Mullarkey and Sharon MaherCooney. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Paul Mullarkey, David Moynihan, Shannon McGovern and Fran McGovern. Offertory Gifts were brought by Margaret Cooney. Appropriate music and hymns by Mary Daly. The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and Carers in CareChoice. The chief mourners were – Margaret Cooney (sister); Jimmy Cooney (brother-in-law); John Cooney and James Cooney (nephews); Jane Cooney-McGovern, Joanne Mullarkey, Patricia Moynihan and Margaret Cooney Jnr. (nieces); grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Director, Dungarvan).

MICHAEL FEENEY Ballinahown, Fermoy, Co. Cork With sadness and regret we record the passing Michael Feeney, Ballinahown, Fermoy, Co. Cork, son of the late Tom and Kathleen and brother of late Kathleen and Johnny, which sad event occurred unexpectedly on 11th February, 2018, at University Hospital Cork. Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Home, Tallow, on Tuesday evening from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. where Funeral Prayers was recited in the presence of his family, relatives and friends. Funeral Mass will be celebrated this on Wednesday at 12.00 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Fermoy, followed by Private Cremation Service. We extend our deepest sympathy to his son Paul; brothers Tom, Jim, David, Donal, Billy and Paddy; sisters Helen Killigrew, Margaret McGuire, Breda Collins and Mary Sheldon Ann Leahy; daughter-inlaw Caroline; grandchildren Dylan, Ryan and Holly; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

CHRISTY O’DONOVAN Glendalligan, Leamybrien We record with feelings of deep sorrow and regret the passing of Christy O’Donovan on Friday, 9th February. Christy is sadly missed by his wife Moira; son Darragh; daughters Niamh and Éadaoin; sonin-law Jon; daughter-in-law Cath; grandchildren Polly, George, Aisling, Lily, Evie and Piper; brothers Murty, Eddie and John; extended family and friends. Service to celebrate the life of Christy on Wednesday, 14th February, at 11.00 a.m. at The Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork. All are welcome. No flowers or wreaths please, donations if desired to Bóthar. May Christy rest in peace. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

59 JIM FITZGERALD Melleray Road, Cappoquin With profound sorrow and regret we mourn the passing of Jim Fitzgerald, Melleray Road, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, loving husband of Hannah, which sad event occurred unexpectedly on the 10th January, 2018, surrounded by his loving family at University Hospital Waterford. Jim was preceded by his parents, Jack and Kate Fitzgerald (nee Power), Marjorie Fitzgerald (nee Hale), daughter Marian and son James. Jim was born in Redgate, on the 8th November, 1929, as an only child to Jack and Kate Fitzgerald. He and his family moved to Cappoquin where he spent many years as a young boy prior to settling in Melleray Road. Jim began his working life for the local Creamery, before taking up his lifelong trade as a carpenter. He served several years as a member of the Cappoquin Fire Brigade. Jim had numerous interests in his life. He was avid G.A.A. supporter, attending many hurling and football matches. He had a keen interest in horse racing and loved to watch Cheltenham and the Grand National. In his early days, he had a great love for bowling and darts. On a Thursday night he would hop on his Honda 50 and hit the Cats Bar to enjoy a game of 45 with his friends and neighbours. Jim, a passionate fisherman, was a regular at the Kitchen Hole throughout his life. Here he made lifelong friends and many a fish was caught and story shared. When fishing season was over, Jim and Hannah loved their trips to Killarney and Cobh. They also adored their visits to the Marine Bar on a Saturday night where the company and music always drew him and he would look forward to the night immensely. Jim had 12 children, 29 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren and was immensely proud of each one of them. He lived life to the full; touching the hearts of all he met along the way. As one family member said, He was a mighty man and his gentle manner and warm sense of humour will be missed but never forgotten. We have lost our chieftain (Taoiseach), who has left behind a legacy of love and leadership as a father, husband and friends.” Jim’s faith remained with him throughout his life and was always a great source of comfort. May he rest in peace. Lying in repose at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, on Saturday evening, where Rosary were recited by Rev. Fr. Pat Gear, P.P., in the presence of his loving family, relatives and friends. On Sunday evening Rev. Fr. P. Gear, P.P., recited Funeral Prayers in the presence of his loving family, relatives and friends before removal took place to St. Mary’s Church, Cappoquin. On arrival his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. P. Gear, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday morning by Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E. Symbols representing Jim’s life were presented to the Altar by his children Ellen, Moll, Catherine, Josephine and Timmy. Readings were recited by sons Danny and John. Prayers of the Faithful were read by grandchildren Killian O’Sullivan, Grace Creegan, Brendan and Luke Creegan, Laura Fitzgerald and Lorraine Begley. A lovely selection of music and hymns were provided throughout the Mass by Dina Walshe and was accompanied by grandson Keith O’Sullivan who sang “Jealous of the Angels”.The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by Jim’s wife Hannah and son John. After Communion Jim’s daughters Breda and Siobhan read prayers. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in St. Declan’s Cemetery, Cappoquin. Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E., officiated the graveside prayers where Jim was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, relatives, neighbours and many friends. Jim’s family would like to thank Rev. Fr. Gear, P.P.; Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E., and Dr. Murphy, our many friends and neighbours for all their help, kindness and support. They would also like to extend a sincere thank you Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors. We extend our deepest sympathy to by his loving wife Hannah (nee Hogan); his family John, Josephine Kearns, Catherine Begley, Siobhan O’Sullivan, Molly Creegan, Ellen, Patrick, Breda O’Sullivan, Timmy and Danny; daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, brothers-in-law Jerry and Seamus Hogan; sister-in-law Mary Walsh; grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Church, Cappoquin, on Monday morning, 19th February, 2018, at 10.00 a.m. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

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FARMING Round-up … Proposal to increase 2018 ANC payment rates must be made to Brussels shortly IFA Rural Development Committee Chairman Joe Brady has said that the proposal to increase ANC payment rates must be made to the EU Commission in Brussels shortly so that this year’s scheme contains the new payment system. The proposal follows on from the recent Budget decision to increase the allocation for this year’s scheme by €25m. This will bring the total allocation for the 2018 scheme to €227m. At the recent IFA AGM, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed confirmed that a proposal must be made to the EU Commission as part of an amendment to the 2014-2020 Rural Development Plan. “The increase in funding is a welcome development and long overdue as payment cuts that were imposed in 2009 have to be reversed. The additional €25m partly restores the cuts but the restoration of the allocation to its original level of €250m must be a priority.” Joe Brady stressed. Joe Brady has already told Minister Creed that new ANC payment rates must reflect the natural handicap and also take account of the many farmers who lost out to cuts imposed in 2009. Currently, 95,000 farmers benefit from ANC payments and they play a vital role in supporting farmers on the most difficult land where farm incomes are lowest.

Online BPS applications open - Department must provide support to farmers IFA Deputy President Richard Kennedy has urged farmers to make their BPS online applications as early as possible, and if they experience any difficulties in completing the application online to make direct contact with the Department of Agriculture. Richard Kennedy pointed out that in 2017, around 114,000 farmers made their applications online, meaning 13% made paper applications. From this year, EU regulations require that all BPS applications must be made online. Richard Kennedy said it is important that the Department of Agriculture provides assistance to farmers who have difficulty in making online applications. This can be done through clinics throughout the country. He said it is important to note that other area-based schemes linked to the BPS application will now effectively be made online. These include ANCs, National Reserve,Young Farmer Scheme, and the transfer of entitlements. The IFA Deputy President also highlighted the advantages of online application, including preliminary checks, which can identify over-claims and dual claims that can then be rectified without penalty. The closing date for BPS applications in 2018 is Tuesday 15th May.

GDT lifts and Ornua stability must help Co-ops hold January milk prices IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan recently said that Co-op Boards, meeting in coming days to set the January milk price, could, despite more challenging times for dairy markets, take comfort from 3 consecutive positive GDT auctions, and from the stability shown by the Ornua January PPI. He said this would allow Co-op Boards to hold the January milk price and give Irish dairy farmers a strong supportive message as the calving season begins in earnest. “While dairy returns have come back in recent months, the seasonality of Irish milk production means co-ops can comfortably hold milk prices, and they must do so for as long as possible into Spring to support their suppliers,” Mr. Phelan said. “The first three GDT auctions of 2018 have resulted in an 18% butter price increase, a 17% lift in WMP prices, and 15% for SMP. Ornua has maintained their PPI at 111.3 points for January - stable from December. While dairy prices remain lower than at the height of 2017, the signals are less negative than even a few weeks ago. This must give co-ops the confidence to keep holding milk prices for January, and later into spring,” Tom Phelan concluded.

Launching the new IFA Telecom Rural Ultra high-speed Broadband Bundle for IFA members (l-r): James Kelly, IFA Director of Organisation; Jessica McGrath, IFA Marketing Manager; and Tim Cullinane, Chairman of IFA Member Services.

IFA Telecom launches new broadband bundle for members IFA Telecom has launched a brand new Rural Ultra High-Speed Broadband Bundle. For just €55 per month for 18 months, IFA members will receive Fibre Broadband with

speeds of up to 100mb/s plus unlimited anytime local, national and Irish mobile calls. For more information on this offer or to sign up, IFA members can call 1890 924 852.

IFA Member Services delivers genuine savings to IFA members to help reduce farm business and home costs.Visit www.ifamemberservices.ie for more information.

IFA drives key farmer issues at beef forum IN response to IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods at the Beef Forum last week, Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said he was very willing to sit down with the IFA to work through how proposals can be brought forward to increase supports for the suckler herd. Angus Woods said, "We strongly highlighted the income problems on farms and Minister Creed said he fully understood these income difficulties.” The IFA Livestock Chairman

told the Forum that investing in the national suckler herd is critical for the beef sector and will provide strong returns. He said IFA has strong proposals to increase targeted supports to €200 per cow. On classification, trim and weights Angus Woods told the Minister it is his responsibility to properly police the system in the factories and time is running out on this issue. In response, Minister Creed said his Department has now made a proposal to the

Department of Public Expenditure regarding the appointment of Agricultural Officers to monitor classification, trim and weights in the factories. On live exports, Minister Creed also told the Beef Forum he is working closely with the shipping company to get a full solution to the ferry issues in Feb/March for calf exports. The Minister also told the Forum he had a very successful live export mission to the Turkish market last week. Angus Woods said the

Government cannot allow the EU Trade Commissioner Cecelia Malmstrom to severely damage the beef sector in the Mercosur trade negotiations. Minister Creed said he was not moving off the 70,000t offer from the EU. The IFA livestock leader said based on the presentation from Bord Bia at the Forum and the positive market forecasts, there is room for the factories to restore the recent cattle price cuts. He told the factories Winter finishers need a significant price increase at this time.

Department overzealous in implementation of clean sheep policy IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy has said the clean sheep policy is causing severe difficulties at some meat plants. He said it is clear that the Department of Agriculture is implementing the policy in an overzealous fashion at some factories and this is causing major problems for farmers and for factories. Sean Dennehy said a much more practical and sensible approach is needed by

the Department on the policy, taking account of the difficult weather conditions at this time of year. He said IFA has set up a meeting with senior Department vets on the issue and will be strongly making the case that a more realistic approach must be adopted. Sean Dennehy said farmers will do their best to have lambs as clean as possible but the

Department and the factories must take account of the current weather conditions. He said that imposing unreasonable requirements and costs like shearing on farmers and factories is not the solution. Sean Dennehy said the lamb market is stronger, with prices up to €5.20/kg and some top prices of €5.25/kg. He said supplies are much tighter and demand is solid.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

FARMING

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Pat McCormack, President of ICMSA

ICMSA welcome confirmation that shipping for live cattle exports has been secured SPEAKING following the recent announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Food & Marine that a replacement ship has been approved to transport livestock to continental Europe, the President of ICMSA, Pat McCormack, said that credit was due to the Minister, his officials and Stena Line for their efforts on this critical matter and their success will now ensure that Irish livestock – particularly calves - will be able to be shipped to their markets over the coming weeks. Mr. McCormack said that ICMSA had met directly with Minister Creed on this matter last

week and had impressed upon him the absolute requirement that appropriate shipping was secured and farmers hearing the news would welcome the reassurance it provided. Mr. McCormack noted that the peak calf trade is just about to commence and the announcement that shipping facilities have been secured gives the farmers vital options and should ensure a higher ‘floor’ price for those calves. He concluded by calling on the live exporters and An Bord Bia to focus on maximising the benefits of this trade over the coming months.

Frustration growing with Beef Forum - “Not addressing problems that we all know are there” COMMENTING after last week’s ICMSA said that the credibility of the Beef Forum ultimately rests on its commitment to acting on the recommendations made at the meeting held in November 2015. Pat McCormack said that his organisation always tried to be positive and remained convinced that there was a need for a ‘roundtable’ that brought together all parties in our beef sector: “We believe that in light of the kind of challenges now directly looming up in front of us – Brexit and Mercosur, to name the two most obvious - that we absolutely have to have some forum in which we honestly analyse the problems that we all know are there and then move forward towards improvements. Put bluntly, the need for a Beef Forum that does the analysis is even more pressing now than it was when it was when it was first conceived. But we have a situation where problems that were identified over two years ago, and on which we received commitments to act, are still ‘on a shelf ’ somewhere”, said Mr. McCormack. “A perfect example is the continued inaction on the Beef Grid which ICMSA identified as flawed and unfair to farmers on ‘Day One’ of its introduction. After the Beef Forum November 2015, the

Department and then Minister Coveney committed to a fundamental review as it was obvious – even then – that the Grid was over-complex and that the numbers hitting the top grades had inexplicably fallen. In 2016 ICMSA produced figures that showed that between 2011 and 2015, the Grid had cost farmers at least €80 million. We have been a lonely but constant voice on this since 2011 but in the last few years it has become even more obvious that more and more farmers are dissatisfied with the Grid and the calls for a review grow louder and louder all the time. The Beef Forum now simply has to act on the knowledge it had over two years ago and move decisively to introduce that review with a clarity that will give farmers confidence that when they sell their animals on the Grid they’re going to get a fair and transparent figure. The question of the absence of live exporters is another instance where ICMSA identified that lack and asked that they be invited to attend. We’ll be pursuing that as well – everyone who has a stake in the beef sector should be represented and it just won’t do that there can be a perception that some people or elements have a louder voice than others”, said Mr. McCormack.

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The Great Agri-Food Debate 2018 Thursday, 15th February, 2018 from 3.30 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. Waterford Institute of Technology Arena ON Thursday, 15th February, 2018, Dawn Meats and McDonald’s Ireland will host the third annual Great Agri-Food Debate. The debate now includes 5 third level colleges, up from two last year. Students from UCD, UCC, Cork Institute of Technology, Dundalk Institute of Technology and Waterford Institute of Technology will debate CAP, consumer behavior influencing sustainability and Brexit’s impact on the agri-food industry. The debate finalists will tackle the motion: “Ireland takes its environmental responsibilities and commitments seriously.” The judging panel of twelve will include industry leaders from finance, food safety, retail and agriculture such as Tara McCarthy, CEO Bord Bia;

Ciaran Finegan, BWG Foods; Niall Browne, CEO, Dawn Meats; Pamela Byrne CEO, FSAI, and Peter Garbutt, Agricultural Manager, McDonald’s UK & Ireland. As one of the largest meat processors in Europe, Dawn Meats exports to over 40 countries. It has a long-standing relationship with debate co-host McDonald’s Ireland, and its production site at Carroll’s Cross in Waterford now produces more than 400m beef burgers per year for McDonald’s with product destined for markets in Ireland, the UK and Continental Europe. Event: The Great Agri-Food Debate Date/Time: Thursday 15th February 2018 at 3.30pm (Final) Location: Waterford Institute of Technology Arena Note: A quarter-final and semi-finals will be run off on the same day at 11.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m.

READER’S QUERIES Question: I received a pack from the DAFM for the Basic Payment Scheme.This year the BPS application was rather different as it was really only a list of parcels and no front page. There was no envelope for postage either. I was saying this to a neighbour and he said they all must be done on-line this year. Is this the case as I don’t even have a computer? Can you please advise? Answer: Yes, due to the successes and relative straightforwardness of the on-line system, all applications must now be submitted on-line.That is why it came without a return envelope.There is however a list of agents enclosed with the pack. If you have a read through this you can pick out one in your locality who will complete and submit the application on your behalf. There will however be a fee involved. You can always ask neighbours as to who completes theirs. I trust this will clear things up for you. Tip of the Week: Priority will be given to those

who have paid for the completion of last year’s BPS application. It might be worth keeping in mind before ringing to arrange an appointment for BPS 2018.

FA R M E R S ! HAVE YOUR FARMING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT

TERENCE MORRISSEY Send your queries to: Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan,Co. Waterford, or to Morrissey & Associates, Mweelnahorna, Ring, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Teagasc DAIRYING Spring grass is the best feed Early nitrogen (N) increases grass growth by as much as 24% (275kg DM/ha). Here is some Spring fertiliser advice: • Apply Spring N to boost growth on all paddocks. • Apply 2,500 gallons slurry/acre to the 30% of paddocks with the lowest grass cover and apply 23 units urea/acre 29 kg/ha to the remainder (midJanuary to early February). • Use the Spring rotation planner to calculate the area of the farm to be grazed each week: • Complete the Spring rotation planner for your farm using the PastureBase online tool at: https://pasturebase.teagasc.ie/; • Target to graze 30% (one-third) of the farm by end of February and a further 30% (one-third) by St. Patrick’s Day; • Grazing one-third in February will allow that area the required time (45-50 days) for regrowth before the second round; • Use a wire to allocate grass on a 12-hour basis. Set up a number of breaks in advance, you will need a number of reels and plenty of pigtail stakes; • On/off grazing is essential in wet weather; • You cannot buy a better feed than Spring grass. Spring grass has a typical UFL value of 0.95UFL/kg DM; and, • Spring grass plus 3kg concentrates will meet the cow’s energy requirements, while allowing her to peak at 1.9-2.0kg milk solids (MS)/day. • More grass = reduced costs + more profit; for every extra additional day of grass in the cow’s diet, profit increases by €2.70 per cow.

Why use a Spring Rotation Planner? The Spring Rotation Planner is a plan to graze a specific proportion of the farm on a daily basis. It allows structured grazing in the first round and takes out the guess work. It safeguards against running out of grass at start of second round and ensures that intakes are increasing approaching breeding. It is essential that the predetermined grazing areas are adhered to and this may mean adjusting supplementation or grazing lighter covers depending on grass supply. Graze 1/3 of the available grazing ground by March 1st and 2/3 by St. Patrick’s Day. Graze 7-8 of the grazing paddocks first, then the silage ground and finish the first rotation back on the milking platform. By following this plan you will be set up to start the second round of grazing with quality grass available. It is very simple to implement and provided you stick to the plan, will guarantee you will not run out of grass in early April. If in doubt, leave it out! Early lactation is a high-risk time for bulk tank residues, particularly antibiotics, as many of the cows calving down will have been treated with dry cow antibiotic at drying off. It goes without saying that milk contaminated with any residue must never enter the bulk tank. 1. Ensure colostrum and transition milk are not included in the bulk tank by withholding milk for at least the first eight milkings after calving. 2. Minimise residual teat sealer by stripping all cows treated with internal teat sealers at least 1012 times at their first milking; and, withholding their milk for at least the first eight milkings, even if they didn’t get antibiotic dry cow therapy

(DCT). 3. Dilution is not the solution. Once a cow calves, check the exact date that she was treated with antibiotic DCT and ensure that the specified minimum dry period, plus the milk withholding time post calving are adhered to before putting her milk in the bulk tank; and, cows calving earlier than expected may not have completed the full minimum dry period. For these cows, you must follow the product instructions. 4. Talk with your staff and relief milkers, make sure they know the routine for checking before putting the milk into the bulk tank; clearly mark all cows being excluded from the tank, and make sure all staff understand the marking system. 5. 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. Register new farm partnerships before 31st March In order to minimise the risk of delays to Farmers’ BPS payments, applications to the DAFM Register of Farm Partnerships will not be processed between 31/03/2018 and 15/05/2018. It is necessary because the number and complexity of interactions between schemes under the Rural Development Programme to implement this change it takes many weeks and may cause unnecessary problems with the BPS application. Additional points to note regarding the administration of farm partnership applications: • Applications must be complete upon submission; incomplete applications will not be processed.

Teagasc Announces New Programme for Future Research Leaders TEAGASC and the European Commission will co-fund a new programme which will employ 20 new experienced researchers for 36 months each, over the next five years. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of agri-food research leaders to underpin the objectives of Ireland’s Food Wise 2025 strategy. This new programme, which will launch in Spring 2018, offers applicants the opportunity to conduct their research in the best academic, or non-academic, organisation of their choice worldwide (outside of Ireland) for 18 months, followed by a return phase to Teagasc (Ireland) for a further 18 months. The programme will have a total value of €5.2 million and will have two funding calls; each funding 10 fellowships (total 20 fellowships). Each fellowship will last 36 months. There will be a strong focus on the career development of the researchers,

with all fellows undertaking an accredited management course, having a dedicated career mentor (separate to their scientific supervisors) and attending an annual retreat with presentations from established research leaders in industry, academia and civil society organisations. This programme will also address the “leaky pipeline” whereby many promising female researchers do not achieve senior positions. An International Expert Advisory Board will review all documentation for the programme to ensure that there is no unintended bias. Remote review cohorts and the final review panel will be gender balanced. A dedicated section of the website will highlight positive reasons for female researchers to apply for the fellowship. Successful female applicants will be facilitated in finding a senior female researcher to serve as a career mentor.

The fellowship programme will be operated by Teagasc, the Irish agriculture and food development authority. With an annual budget of €190 million, Teagasc combines excellent research in the areas of food and agriculture, with a dedicated farmer extension/advisory service, and a department dedicated to technology transfer to the food industry. The Teagasc annual research portfolio comprises some 350 research projects, carried out by 500 scientific and technical staff in seven research centres throughout Ireland. Research is organised into four programme areas Animal and Grassland; Crops, Environment and Land Use; Food and Rural Economy and Development. Teagasc researchers have access to more than 1,250 hectares of experimental farm, cutting edge research laboratories and strong industry partnerships. Speaking about the new pro-

gramme, Professor Frank O’Mara said: “Teagasc is very excited to announce this programme and looks forward to applications from excellent researchers who will work in the best research environments worldwide and then bring that experience and expertise back to Teagasc. This represents a major investment for Teagasc in the future and the next generation of leaders in agri-food research and innovation”. Full details on the fellowships can be found on the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie/rl2025 Interested researchers can sign up for updates between now and the formal launch of the programme in Spring 2018. This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie SkłodowskaCurie grant agreement No. 754380.

Department confirms that any county with fodder deficit will be included in transport scheme IFA Connacht Regional Chairman Padraic Joyce said the Department of Agriculture has confirmed to the IFA that any part of the country with a fodder deficit will be included in the transport scheme, once Teagasc verifies it. He said,“This has to be dealt with urgently. Farmers want to see the Minister and the Department move on this as quickly as pos-

sible”. Padraic Joyce has said that confusion remains about aspects of the transport scheme for fodder announced by the Department of Agriculture. He said the Minister needs to convene an immediate meeting of the Fodder Action Group so that all stakeholders can discuss how the scheme will work in practice.

He said, overall there is a real need for immediate engagement to figure out how the scheme is going to actually work, “Instead of just announcing the scheme, it would have been better to discuss it collectively with all stakeholders in the Fodder Action Group so that the operational aspects could have been teased out.”

• If the partnership will have two or more herd numbers, it is essential that you do not transfer to a joint venture during the dates stated above. HEALTH AND SAFETY Look after yourself and others working on the farm. The next three months will be an extremely busy time on dairy farms. Make sure to look after yourself and those working on your farm during this busy time: • eat well – plenty of fruit and vegetables – and drink plenty of water; • try to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep as rest is important to ‘recharge the batteries’; • make time to keep in touch with other farmers and friends; • taking time to do something different, even for a short time, can help to re-energise you; • focus on the things that you can control and do something about, and try to accept that there are certain things that you cannot change; • where possible, share the workload, as other family members may be able to help; • have you considered getting some additional outside help during the busiest period?; • caring for yourself is the most important thing that you can do, but can often be overlooked; • above all, if you find yourself becoming over whelmed, talk to somebody else about your troubles – there are plenty of individuals who can help; • finally, the risk of farm accidents increases at this time, so plan ahead to try to reduce the chances of accidents occurring.

Health and Safety Authority farm campaign to focus on Livestock Safety THE Health and Safety Authority (HSA) began an intensive farm inspection campaign on Monday, 12th February. There are 400 inspections planned with the focus on safe working with livestock. After tractors and machinery, accidents involving livestock are the next most common cause of fatalities on Irish farms. In the period 2008 - 2017 approximately 13% of all fatal farm accidents were livestock related, with half of those involving cows and heifers. The calving began in February and the risk of serious injury can be high. Inspectors from the HSA will be focusing on the common risks encountered and livestock safety in general. Areas being assessed during the livestock safety campaign include; Is an adequate physical barrier established between the farmer and freshly calved cow when treating or handling calves? Is there an escape plan for animal birthing activity? Is there ongoing investment in animal handling facilities, for example, crush, head scoop and calving gate? Are facilities and procedures adequate for loading and unloading animals? With much of the calving happening during short days, or at night, farmers are encouraged to have plenty of well positioned lights around the farmyard as this will greatly improve visibility and safety. Good handling facilities and holding areas where cows can be monitored remotely are important. Calving units with calving gates will ensure safety and reduce stress on farmers and the animal. Martin O’Halloran, CEO of the HSA says that planning work with safety in mind is particularly important at this busy time on farms, “During what is now a more concentrated calving period, fatigue and increased stress levels are almost inevitable. However, some early planning can make a significant difference. This should include checking over everything that is needed to manage calving while continuing to feed stock. Review the overall tidiness of the yard, the free and safe movement of machinery, the condition of tractors, loaders, diet feeders, calving jacks and availability and placement of fresh bedding. Also clean and well bedded calving units will give you a good start.” The Authority will undertake three targeted agriculture inspection campaigns during 2018: • February - ‘Livestock Safety’ • May - ‘Vehicle Safety’ • October - ‘Safe Working at Heights’ A free guidance document, Safe Handling of Cattle on Farms, is available on the Authority’s website at www.hsa.ie.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

FARMING

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Flock of sheep pictured in Glendalligan during the recent spell of snow.

[Conor Fitzgerald]

Minister Creed Launches Upcoming EGF 2018 Conference in Cork THE European Grassland Federation (EGF) 2018 General Meeting is taking place in Ireland this year for the first time since 1988. The 27th EGF conference, which will attract delegates nationally and internationally, will take place in Cork from the 17th to 21st June, 2018. The event was launched by Michael Creed, TD, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, at a meeting of the organising committee and sponsors in Cork, on Friday, 9th February. The EGF is the main grassland meeting in Europe. It attracts delegates from the industry, farmers, researchers and those involved in advisory and knowledge transfer. The EGF General Meeting was last hosted in Ireland in 1988. On this occasion a large number of scientific papers have already been received for the forthcoming conference. The event will have a mix of master classes, visits to farms and to the Teagasc Moorepark Research Centre along with many conference papers. The meeting is being held in the Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork and is been organised by Teagasc.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Creed said: “Last year I designated 2017 as ‘The Year of Sustainable Grassland’ and I’m delighted to see that one of the many results of this initiative is that Ireland is hosting a major European Grassland Conference in Cork this year. This will be the 27th meeting, and is themed on Sustainable Meat and Milk production from Grasslands, which is very fitting.” EGF President Dr. Frank O’Mara, Teagasc, highlighted the fact that the conference has secured sponsorship from 17 individual companies, which clearly illustrates the support for grass based livestock systems in Ireland. Dr O’Mara reflected:‘We are delighted that so many companies have come on board to financially support EGF2018. This level of support received is excellent and we intend to demonstrate in this conference that Ireland is a leader in grassland science and technology.” EGF 2018 is supported by FBD, Yara, Lely, True North Technologies, Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Dairymaster,

Goldcrop, Dairygold, Failte Ireland, Nutribio, AFBI, Germinal, DLF Seeds, Grasstec and Irish Grassland Association, and negotiations with SFI are ongoing. The conference format will change slightly this year, with more content added to the programme and some new areas such as Big Data, Smart Technology and Knowledge Transfer added to the conference sessions. On the last day, a full conference workshop will take place with the Head of DG Agri from Brussels attending. On the Tuesday of the conference, the delegates will visit the Teagasc Animal and Grassland Research Centre in Moorepark. Dr. Pat Dillon, Head of the Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation Programme in Teagasc, said: “We have decided to have a full day for delegates to visit farms and Moorepark. People will have a choice of five separate tours on the Tuesday afternoon to go on. These tours are to some of the best dairy, beef and sheep farms in Ireland and will be very worthwhile experiences.”

Individual tours will visit the farms of Eddie O’Donnell, Ger Dineen, Sean Dennehy, Donal Sheehan and John McNamara; the Ornua facility in Mitchelstown; the Dairygold and Curtins Teagasc Research farms; the DAFM Crops Evaluation unit in Ballyderown; and the Goldcrop Crop facility in Carrigtwohill. Dr. Michael O’Donovan, chairman of the EGF organising committee said: “We now have approximately 320 individual papers accepted for the conference. This is the highest number of papers in 20 years for EGF.We are very happy with the standard and the new areas introduced to the conference this year.We have delegates from 31 countries and we are delighted that the conference has attracted many delegates from outside Europe. Delegates from Japan, New Zealand, and USA have had papers accepted.” Given this level of paper representation, the expectation is that we will have 400-500 delegates present in June. The early bird registration is now open and can be accessed on www.EGF2018.com

Dungarvan Mart Prices MONDAY 12th FEBRUARY, 2018 DRY COWS 1 A.A. 700 kgs. made €1,135. 1 Fr. 695 kgs. made €1,075. 1 Fr. 745 kgs. made €1,020. BULLOCKS 1 A.A. 680 kgs. made €1,355. 1 A.A. 645 kgs. made €1,220. 8 A.A. 536 kgs. made €1,090 each. 4 Frs. 567 kgs.made €1,040 each. HEIFERS 1 Char. 635 kgs. made €1,340. 1 A.A.440 kgs. made €840. 1 Her. 450 kgs. made €835. 8 Char. 228 kgs. made €645 each. CALVES Fr. Bulls made from €70 to €140 with up to €200 for strong bull calves. Aberdeen Angus Bull calves made from €120 to €200 with up to €280 for strong bull calves. Hereford Bull calves sold from €200 to €280 with up to €365 for strong bull calves. Cont. Bull calves made from €250 up to €380 and Cont. Heifers sold from €200 up to €290.

Incorp. Munster Industrial Advocate Vol. 106 (Reg. in GPO as a Newspaper) Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Tel: (058) 41205 / 42042. Fax: (058) 41559.

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Déise Newsround St. Valentine’s vs. Ash Wednesday tomekeith@hotmail.com

HIS year – this week in fact – Ash Wednesday shares the day with St. Valentine which causes something of a contradiction. While St.Valentine is about joy,

Wearing sackcloth for Lent.

We welcome positive, good news stories for this page!

love, romance and celebration, Ash Wednesday is sombre, frugal and the start of Lent, that forty day period of penance, (occasional) fasting and abstinence for the Christian community. So, when tonight (Wednesday) people, especially couples, decide to celebrate their love and romance in the traditional fashion of St.Valentine’s Day, with cards and hearts and chocolate and fine dinners, will they curtail their menu as is traditional on Ash Wednesday? This week’s coincidence of the two celebrations falling on the one day has not happened since 1945 and will fall on two occasions – 2024 and 2029 – but will not occur again before the end of the Century. People who have an interest in such things always look out for the year when Irish people wear the Palm and Shamrock on the one day. And, of course, there is the schoolchild riddle ‘When did Good Friday fall on Easter Monday’. Answer: When a horse named Good Friday (which there was over a century ago) fell in the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday. The English version refers to the George IV Stakes, but that falls on Boxing Day, what we call St. Stephen’s Day. It would take far more time than is justified to research the veracity or otherwise of either claim. The tradition of wearing ashes goes back to

the Old Testament and was one outward sign of abject humility and repentance. It was referred to as wearing sackcloth and ashes, with the ashes or dust being poured over one’s head. People who like to do calculations will find that there are in fact forty-six days between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday, but without the Sundays which are not counted for fast and abstinence, Lent comes to the accepted forty days. Most people know the origin of St.Valentine’s Day. Saint Valentine, officially known as Saint Valentine of Rome, was a third-century Roman Saint widely celebrated on February 14th and commonly associated with "courtly love." A friend of the poor, a healer of the sick and an ardent promoter of Christianity, he was sentenced to death for his beliefs. Before he was taken out to die he sent a note to a girl, the jailer’s daughter, whom he had cured wishing her well and signing it ‘Your Valentine’. This is reputedly what started the practice of sending love notes and later specialised cards. By co-incidence too, Easter Sunday falling on the 1st April shares the day with the traditional April Fool’s Day. But such is the importance, emphasis and happiness of Easter and the children’s excitement around Easter Eggs, Fool’s Day is unlikely to get a look in this year.

Where the news is always good!

A St. Valentine's Day Card from a Century ago.

M a n n i o n f a m i l y p e r fo r m fo r t h e n a t i o n SOMETIMES, when you least expect it, a very pleasant surprise lands on your doorstep which, in the depths of winter generates a very pleasant feeling indeed. For the Mannion family, long time exponents of traditional music and teachers of the next generation, it took the form of an invitation to open the show at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards held in the magnificent thousand plus seater Belfast Waterfront Auditorium earlier this month. The invitation came from Red Shoe Productions to come and perform on the night of the award presentations and to be the introductory act which was to give the audience a taste of what was to come through the course of the Awards ceremony. Delighted and thrilled with the honour and not in the least concerned by the importance of the occasion, music has been a part of the Mannion household ‘all their lives,’ with Martin himself learning the accordion at a very early age. Theirs has been a musical household and it was almost inevitable that the children would become interested as they grew up.

All of them started on their various instruments almost as soon as they could play and became proficient at an early age. Martin plays the box, Klara plays concertina, Laura prefers the fiddle, and Joseph on box melodeon and bodhran. Televised to the nation and beyond, they had to go through the usual meticulous sound checks which they took in their stride. Just before the concert started, along came the President, Michael D. Higgins who was introduced to all the performers, prize-winners and the Mannion family. Joseph, who at the young age of thirteen has a thriving enterprise going making personalised pens. Like any good entrepreneur, he did not let the occasion pass and presented Uachtarán na hÉireann with a personalised pen and he did not forget the Presidents wife, having a personalised pen for Sabina as well “The President was greatly taken by Joseph and his enterprise,” says Klara, “especially that he was so accomplished and on top of his enterprise at just thirteen years of age and they conversed ‘as Gaeilge’ for a while. “It was obvious that the

President was in his comfort zone,” she says, “he was in his element chatting to everyone in Irish or English as necessary and far from being nervous, he put us all at our ease.” On then to the stage where they played several sets of reels and jigs to a very appreciative audience who gave them a generous round of applause as they finished their fifteen minute opening spot. Neither the lavish main set, nor the select audience, nor the presence of the President could dent the confidence of the Mannions and inspired by the big occasion and as they say in John B. Keane’s play, Sive they ‘played their besht, their almighty besht’ and were suitably rewarded by sustained applause from an appreciative and discerning audience. Their flawless performance was all the more laudable as Klara had played in the Sean O Riada Gold Medal Competition in Cork the night before. There too, Klara was playing among the cream of musicians in the reed competition, which went out live on Radio na Gaeltachta. The original fifty were reduced to sixteen for the final of whom Klara was one. So, after one hectic night

they faced a journey of over 250 miles to get to the concert in Belfast. They all piled into the car with mother Majella overseeing the packing and transport making sure that nothing was forgotten. She is the necessary steadying and

guiding influence in the way Irish mothers are. Thoughts of the special occasion kept the adrenalin flowing and everything worked out perfectly in the end. It was an occasion to remember and a unique one

to have a family play the introductory spot for this premier competition. With the next generation making their mark, the next mannion appearance on Gradam Ceoil might well be as the recipient of the highly sought-after Award.

Meeting President Michael D. Higgins at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil Awards held in the Belfast Waterfront Auditorium earlier this month are the Mannion family from left: Majella, Laura, Joseph, the President, Klara and Martin. Joseph is presenting the President with a set of his personalised pens from his successful enterprise.

@DungarvanObserv

SPORT

Vol. 106

Friday, 16th February, 2018

COMERAGH GAELS COMPLETE CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLE

sport@dungarvanobserver.ie

Comeragh Gaels 3-12; Portlaw/Ballyduff 1-13

WATERFORD FOOTBALLERS IMPRESS DESPITE LOSING Laois 0-18; Waterford 1-11.

ALL-IRELAND CLUB JUNIOR HURLING CUP VISITS ARDMORE NS

ABBEYSIDE FC STAY TOP OF LEAGUE

Page 9

Page 11

Pages 12 & 13

Page 21

SEE PAGE 7 Ballinacourty celebrate their win over Gaultier in the J .J. Kavanagh & Sons 2017 County U-21A Football Final played in the Gold Coast Sportsfield. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

BALLINACOURTY WINS AT THE GOLD COAST

WEST WATERFORD AC

Winter League is over - What’s next? Run to Improve starting on Tuesday, 27th February IF you have ran the Winter League and wondering what next? We have an improvers running group that meet on a Tuesday evening. If you can run 5k (or the short Winter League) but want to get more comfortable over the distance then this is the group for you. It also serves as an introduction to speed work if you wish to improve your times over shorter distances. As with all our running groups its very social and welcoming and no one feels intimidated. Come and join us for a bit of fun on the track meeting at Eurospar Abbeyside at 6.30 pm. Contact Claire Kennedy 087 9116997 or Jim Fleming 087 2881151.

27th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 LOOKING through the time stats from last week's 10 mile road race there are some interesting comparisons. Overall race time stats are Under 50 minutes 2 Between 50 and 60 90 Between 60 and 70 319 Between 70 and 80 548 Between 80 and 90 620 Between 90 and 100 415 Over 100 minutes 202

Sympathy WEST Waterford Athletic Club extend sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Tom Connors, Faha, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford and Elizabeth Frisby, Ballinamona, Slieverue, Co. Kilkenny who both passed to their eternal reward last week. May they rest in peace.

New Irish record for Joe Gough

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Kate Veale wins Anne Valley 5 THE Annual Anne Valley 5 mile road race was held last Saturday and a good field of 325 completed the undulating course. The race winner was Trevor Power Waterford AC in a time of 26.31. There was a good number of West Waterford AC athletes who made the trip to Dunhill for the event including the ladies race winner Kate Veale who ran a time of 33.00 finishing 19th overall in the race. Joe Gough was our first club runner home home and also first over 65 finishing 10th overall with a time of 31.29. Ray Hahesy was second over 50 in a time of 32.28. Patrick Veale broke the 35 minute barrier when he completed the course in 34.36. Martin Tobin had yet another very solid run when he clocked 38.17. Onra Power will be pleased to break the 40 minute mark as she ran a time of 39.35 while team mate Maria White was just a second over in 40.01 and will be very happy to have won her category over 45. Michael Coakley completed the West Waterford AC involvement when he crossed the finish line in 46.25, well done to all.

JOE Gough not broke but smashed the national over 65 indoor 800 metres record last Thursday evening at the National Indoor Arena in Abbotstown Dublin. The old record stood at 2.34.52 and Joe whizzed around in a huge improved time of 2.18.99. There will be more!

Mick Concannon completes Dunadea 50k Ultra CLUB member Mick Concannon ran last Saturday’s Dunadea Co. Kildare 50k ultra marathon. Mick completed the course in a time of 4.35.02 to add to his vast number of marathons and ultra marathons completions. Well done Mick.

National Masters Indoor Track & Field entries NATIONAL Masters Indoors are on in Athlone on the 4th March. All paid up members are eligible to compete for the club. Entries close this Wednesday. If anyone needs more information on the fixtures or help with sprinting you can phone Gregory FitzGerald on 0876445789.

Running Quote RUNNING is a towrope pulling through my life, and at a time when stress squeezes me, I hold on tight.

Date for your diaries - Monday, 5th March AT some point all of us as athletes have had a race where we have let our head rule our body and didn’t achieve our full potential, on that day. As part of our club long term athletic development programme we have organised a seminar to help address this. Niamh Connolly is a busy Cognitive Behavioural Therapist based in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. As a result of a growing waiting list in her private practice, and a rising interest in, and appetite for, CBT, she established ‘The Mind Gym’ in 2017. Niamh has developed a series of workshops and seminars based on the scientifically proven CBT protocols she uses in her work, and can now reach a far wider audience. ‘The Mind Gym’ teaches how to overcome a variety of issues and challenges, to reach optimal mental

fitness. Mental and physical health are two sides of the same coin – you can be in your best physical shape, but if your head is not in the right place, you won’t reach your full potential. Niamh’s aim is to demystify these mental struggles, and teach easy to use strategies that both identify the issues and improve the mindset. In an informative, but informal style, Niamh will help you understand how negative thinking patterns and performance anxiety can happen, along with demonstrating the clinically proven skills and techniques used to overcome them. As she says "our mind is our most important muscle" and she wants to share the best exercises to keep it fit and healthy! Please book in advance with Irene on 086 8242348.

CLARIFICATION WE have been contacted by Tom McCarthy, Marketing and Communications manager at MS Ireland to state that in last week’s report of the John Treacy 10 mile that MS Ireland were to benefit from funds raised at the race. It should in fact have read Cystic Fybrosis and we are happy to clarify same. – Editor

Sean Stilwell pictured passing the 5 mile mark at the recent John Treacy Dungarvan 10.

West Waterford Athletes compete at AAI Indoor Games THE club had three athletes competing at the recent AAI games held at Abbotstown sports arena. Micheál Power and Niall Blackwell over 3,000 metres and Lisa Houlihan made a welcome return to competition in the Pole Vault. Micheál was in race two, over the 3,000 distance and he finished 5th here in a time of 8.27.01. Niall Blackwell also took part in the second race over 3,000 metres and on the night finishing 9th in a time of 9.04.95. Lisa competing in a major competition for quite a while made a winning return when she won the ladies pole vault with a vault of 3.05, great to see Lisa back and hopefully now she can drive it on from here, well done to all three athletes.

Pictured are a group of ladies delighted to have completed the recent John Treacy Dungarvan 10 together.

Club Training Plans 2018 booking page. There will be deferrals to other distances until two weeks before the event so no panic if you have to change distances. In the event that anyone needs to withdraw the organisers have requested that you get in touch and they will look after you if at all possible. We have reserved rooms in The Connaught Hotel at a preferential rate of €258 for two nights’ bed & breakfast in a double / twin for Friday, 5th and Saturday, 6th October. To avail of this rate you need to call the hotel and quote West Waterford Athletics Club and will need to provide contact details and a credit card number to secure your booking. In the event that you need to cancel you must do so at least 48 hrs beforehand otherwise you will incur a charge. Anyone who wishes to stay for only one night the rate is €102 for a single room for Friday night & €112 for a double / twin room. The rates for Saturday night only are €136 for a single and €146 for a double / twin room. If you are planning on bringing your family with you there are houses available on the hotel site. The club are not looking after the administration on this one so please contact the hotel directly to book. It’s first come; first served so if you have any interest in this please book your room. A lot of the hotels in Galway are

already full this weekend with private events so accommodation may be at a premium. As has been the case in previous years we will incorporate all of our club races within the training plans but would ask you to pick your battles and choose the few you want to target to race. The remaining races can be run to be enjoyed. The rest of October will be an off season running wise but an on season for recovery and strength and conditioning. Training will continue but the emphasis will change from running to recovery and preparation for running and training for the John Treacy 10 mile race. Our third goal race will be as always our own John Treacy 10 mile race and training commences on 6th November. The Run to Improve groups will continue on a rolling basis throughout the year. For every 6 week block we will be targeting one of our own shorter distance races. The next goal race of the year will be the Ballinroad 5k. Even if you are not targeting any of the above races all club members are more than welcome to join us for training on a Tuesday evening at 6.30 pm. If you have any questions or require more information contact Irene on 086 8242348. We look forward to seeing you at training and succeeding in your goal races in 2018.

Husband and wife team of Brian and Fiona Ormonde who both completed the recent John Treacy Dungarvan 10.

It’s a thumbs up by Anthony Dwyer after finishing the recent John Treacy Dungarvan 10.

NOW that the dust has settled on the John Treacy 10 mile race it’s time to be thinking about running goals for 2018. As a club the three goal races for the year will be as follows: Ardmore 5 on May 11th. A 10 week plan for our spring goal race will commence on Tuesday, 6th March. Within this plan we will incorporate the first few summer series races. We will then have a few easy / recovery weeks before we embark on an 18 week training plan for our Autumn goal races. This year we have chosen three races on the same day over three different distances to encourage as many athletes as possible to participate. We had toyed with the idea of an overseas event which would be fantastic but we also understand that many people are only able to get away for one night and there is the additional cost implication with overseas travel. For that reason we have chosen RUN GALWAY BAY as our focus races. There is a full marathon, half marathon and 10k race to chose from all on Saturday, October 6th. It is a good flat course and a very well run event and we will look forward to a bit of craic in the city of tribes afterwards. Online entry is now open. As a group we have been given a discount code for this race. This will give you 10% off race entry across all events. Code is RGB18WWAC and needs to be entered on the

WEST WATERFORD AC

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

26th Annual Michael Roche Carpets Spring Series THE Michael Roche Carpets Series now in its 26th year has three events done and dusted and just two remaining. The remaining two races are the

Kilmac 4 (Feb 25th) and the Déise College Dungarvan 10K (March 11th). Entries are still open for the series at just €2.

Kilmacthomas 4 will be your last opportunity to enter. So if you're not in please give your name when registering for the Kilmac race.

Michael Roche Carpets Race Series - Race 4

New sponsor - New distance - New charity - O'Reilly’s Traditional Butchers Kilmacthomas 4 mile road race AFTER 15 years of unbroken sponsorship of the Kilmacthomas 5 mile road race by Bausch and Lomb, Waterford, a sponsorship that has raised more than €60,000 for Waterford Hospice in that space of time we are this week announcing a brand new sponsor and race distance for the event. The organising committee feel with the popularity of the new Waterford Greenway that it has been decided to try and in co-operate this brilliant facility into the event from this year on. We have now picked a very nice 4 mile distance with a mix of public roads and taking in a good part of the beautiful Greenway facility also. When looking for a new sponsor we only had to go a stone's throw up the village to O'Reillys Traditional Butchers and Pa O'Reilly was willing to come on board as our new sponsor. We thank Pa and the O'Reilly family for their willingness to get in-

volved in this new venture with us. A new charity will also be the benefactors from the race as the local group Kilmacthomas Cardiac First Responder Scheme who are 24-7 in the area on call for all emergency's. All this said we must very sincerely take the time to thank Bausch and Lomb who were such brilliant sponsors for so many years we are indebted to them for the success of this event overall the past 15 years and for the huge sum of money raised for a most worthy cause. Our race organisers in Kilmacthomas, of course, without whom the event would never have gone ahead any year Michael and Nicola Dee and all their long standing crew for their invaluable work over this period in organising this event, for us as a club, all we had to do each year was turn up and we were always rest assured that everything would be organised to

the highest level. We are delighted that they will still be involved in this updated event as without their help going forward it would be difficult to keep the race alive. Finally, in the thank you our thanks goes to Kirwan's Bar in the village for having their bar available each year for teas and sandwiches and, of course, to all who supplied the food we thank you very much. We are looking forward to seeing all our old friends out supporting this event and we hope to have many new friends come along also. The race will be held on Sunday, February 25th at 11 am, and registration will be at the Community Hall as will the presentation of prizes and the cuppa. The categories are as follows: Men - 1st 2nd and 3rd, 1st over 40, 45, 50 and 55 Ladies - 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1st over 35, 40, 45 and 50

Michael Roche Carpet Series - Race 5

36th Annual Déise College Dungarvan 10k THE final race in the Michael Roche Carpet Series, the Déise College Dungarvan 10K will take place on Sunday, March 11th at 11 a.m. Now in its 36th year and one of the oldest races on the local road running calendar the Déise College Dungarvan 10k is always one of the more popular races. The club is delighted that Déise College and its proprietors Caroline and Alan Ryan

are continuing their sponsorship for this race. The race will also see a number of perpetual trophies being presented. We have the Seamus Power Memorial trophy to the first male finisher and the Michael Roche Memorial trophy for the first local female finisher. We will be using the fast canal circuit as we have used now for the past couple of years for this race

with the race headquarters at the Dungarvan GAA club pavilion (by kind permission) which is where the presentation of prizes for the race and for the overall series will also take place. The race will start and finish in the same place as always at the Industrial Estate just off the N25, with just a short jog to and from the Dungarvan GAA club grounds for the runners.

Want to try something new? How about trying a trail run! THE Inaugural Crohaun (known as Cruachan to most) IMRA trail/mountain race will be taking place at 11 am on Sunday, 18 February. There will be two course options, both starting from the top of the Mauma Road. The main route will be 6km with 300m of elevation gain, on fire road, mucky forest trail and a little open mountain. Trail runners highly recommended! There will also be a shorter route of just under 4km with 130m elevation gain. This route will be for juniors, kids and those who want a taste of what trail running is all about! The climb in the shorter route is a bit wet, but the downhill is all on fireroad, so you could get away without trail runners. Runners should dress appropriate to the conditions and bring water, waterproof jacket, mobile phone etc. If you have any questions about the trial run search Facebook for "Waterford Trail Runners" and ask away For information about the race itself, see https://www.imra.ie/events/view/id/1535

Pictured is winner of the TOP OIL voucher at the Forde’s Daybreak Winter League Vincent Tutty making presentation is sponsor Kevin Casey, Top Oil.

Forde’s Daybreak Winter League

Short route of Forde’s Daybreak Winter League concludes for another year IT was a perfect night for running as the runners gathered for the 13th and final week of the 2017/2018 Forde’s Daybreak Winter League. As is customary for the last night of the league, it was a mass start with all the runners heading off together. League sponsor, Kevin Forde of Forde’s Daybreak was on hand to get the runners underway. Once again, a great crowd of 38 took part on the night with some excellent times once again recorded. First on the night was John Foley in 20.04 (over 2 minutes faster than last week) followed by Martin Hayes in 14.34 (Martin had passed 75 minutes in last Sunday’s John Tracey 10 mile). Marita Murray was next in 20.20 followed by Patrick Ryan and Criostoir Kenneally in 20.10 and 19.18 respectively. Others to record good runs on the night included Fiona O'Riordan (24.08 - 180 seconds better than last week), Linda Foley and Ashling Foley who both knocked off 12 seconds when running 20.34 and 23.24 respectively. Mary Hogan will be happy to have broken 30 minutes when finishing in 29.20, Mairead Foley also ran well when finishing in 20.21. Well done to all our runners and thanks to all our stewards. Overall tables and results will appear in next week's notes. FINAL NIGHT ON LONG ROUTE FAST AND FURIOUS The traditional mass start was

once again in operation in the final round of the Fordes Daybreak Winter League and from the hooter start by our sponsor Kevin Forde it was all guns blazing as the runners headed for the village of Abbeyside at full tilt. Always on the final night especially for those still in contention for prizes it's a full on sprint as every place picked up out on the course can mean the difference between success or the runners up spot. First home on the night was Marion Keane in a time of 54.15 with Christine Fogarty next in 48.26. Patricia Mulcahy ran well also on the night in 4th place home in 47.18. Brendan Cosgrove led the gents home in a time of 36.30 and Alan Curran was just one second better than this in 36.29, Jamie Troy ran a brilliant time of 36.44 while Geraldine Barry broke the 45 minute mark running 44.57. Well done to all who ran the final night and indeed all of the 13 weeks of the league. Full league report and final tables will appear in next week's notes. TOP OIL ASSOCIATE WINTER LEAGUE SPONSORS For the 2017/’18 Forde's Daybreak Winter League we have been fortunate enough to have received associate sponsorship from our friends in Top Oil, our own Kevin Casey and James O’Sullivan have come on board to generously sponsor two €20 vouchers, one for the short route and one for the long

route each week. We decided the best way to allocate the vouchers was to pick the 50th finisher in each route every week and to date we have 6 winners and they are: Week 1 winners were short route - Sinead O'Rourke. Long route - David Traynor. Week 2 winners were short route - Brid Whyte. Long route Denis Ryan. Week 3 winners were short route - Karen Coleman. Long route - Ted O’Leary. Week 4 winners were short route - Eoghan O'Neill. Long route - Jack Ahearn. Week 5 winners were short route - Collette Whyte-Veale. Long route - Michael Dee. Week 6 winners were short route - Cheyenne Tobin. Long route - Colm Bennett Week 7 winners were short route - Michael Power. Long Route - Sean Ryan. Week 8 winners were short route - Mary Morrissey. Long Route - Pat Morrissey. Week 9 winners were short route - Patrick Ryan. Long route Catriona Kiely. Week 10 winners were short route - Aisling Hourigan. Long route - Linda Foley. Week 11 winners were short route Carol Tobin -Long routeMichael Ahearn Week 12 winners were short route - Sean Breathnach. Long route - Gerard Reilly.

Irish Life health National Senior Indoors BEST of luck to the following athletes who have been entered in this weekend's National senior indoors Championships. Kate Veale 3,000 metres walk Patrick Veale 3,000 metres Niall Blackwell 3,000 metres Yuri Kanash Pole Vault Lisa Houlihan Pole Vault.

West Waterford AC runners before the off at the recent John Treacy Dungarvan 10 Sharon Nugent, Debra Doherty and Maria White.

GOLF

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

GOLD COAST GOLF CLUB You can contact us by phoning 058-44055 Our email address is:

goldcoastgolf@cablesurf.com www.goldcoastgolfclub.com MEMBERSHIP Thanks to all members who have paid their annual subscription for 2018. Members who have yet to pay might consider doing so as soon as possible. PREMIER BUTCHER AT DAWN MEATS WINTER LEAGUE 2017/2018 Big gains for Abbeyside, Dungarvan, Touraneena and Copper Coast last week and some changes in the table. With just two weeks to go everything is up for grabs especially at the bottom half of the table and it is still possible for all teams to qualify for the matchplay phase. Figures after each team shows the number of people who need to complete their 10 games programme, the number of games required by the team and the qualifying score at the moment: Dunhill: 1, 2, 4198 Ballinacourty: 2, 6, 4135

Deise: 1, 2, 3985 Tourneena 4, 15, 3830 Abbeyside: 4, 10, 3802 Copper Coast: 6, 13, 3782 Dungarvan: 3, 12, 3781 Looking at the above figures it will now come down to which teams can get all their games played as all teams can still qualify for the play-offs. No doubt but all team captains will be motivating their respective teams to get out and complete their games or better their scores if they have more than 10 played. It all finishes on Sunday, 25th Feb. and the quarter-final takes place the following Saturday. All the scores up to week 15 are on the website: goldcoastgolfclub.com DEISE LEAGUE We will be taking part in the Deise League again this year together with Faithlegg, Tramore and Waterford Castle. It is expected to get the competition underway in

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 UNFORTUNATELY, the weather played a significant role this week. After a dry spell of three days (unheard of this winter) the course was returning quickly to a decent condition. But unfortunately the snow on Sunday meant that no play was possible. But some golf was possible with Mark Raher & Martin Lynch tearing up the course, coincidently both using the new Callaway Rogue demo driver supplied by David. The Winter League finishes this week with Palmer, Snead, Woosnam and Olazabal teams battling it out for this year’s title. Breda McCarthy & Marcella McGovern were the belles of the ball in our Ladies section. In other news, we are busy preparing for the upcoming season. Fixtures are being prepared and sponsors contacted in readiness for a great season. “Get into Golf” programs will be run in the Spring in conjunction with our Club Professional, David. Lady Captain Collette is taking names for the “Ladies into golf” program which has proved to be a tremendous success in previous years. This program will include tuition and games for new participants as well

as refresher courses for our previous groups. President John Moran is running a new initiave for “Men into Golf” offering gents an ideal opportunity to take the first steps or returning steps into this great game in a fun and friendly atmosphere. Contact the club for more details. VALENTINE’S DINNER A marvellous night was had by all at our Valentine’s dinner last Friday. A wonderful selection of dishes were served by Tom & Chris and met with universal praise. With music and entertainment everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER & INTRODUCTORY RATE FOR U-35’S All of us who play know that Golf offers so much more. Not only is it a hobby for life, it offers a social outlet as well as a healthy lifestyle option. It can be therapeutic as well as fun. New members can avail of a special Introductory Offer of just €300 including one complimentary lesson from our resident Professional David Hayes. Dungarvan Golf Club is the only members club in the town and our facilities include a Championship course and practice facilities, Bar,

early March, dates to be confirmed at a meeting in Waterford Castle on Saturday, 17th Feb. BEST WISHES Best wishes to Ray Geraghty who is making a very good recovery. Looking forward to seeing Ray back on the course in the near future. DUNGARVAN GOLF INTERNATIONAL OVER 20 YEARS IN EXISTENCE Running from Monday, 28th May to Thursday, 31st May, this tournament, which is run over the three local courses, continues to prove popular with players coming from USA, England and Ireland to take part. This year we hope to encourage more members from the three local clubs to take part by offering them a special rate of €45 entry for the competition instead of the normal €140. 10 HOLES COMPETITION FOR LEGS OF LAMB Easter wouldn’t be the same without the customary Leg of Lamb for dinner on Easter Sunday. Now is your chance to win one as from now until the week before Easter we will be giving Legs of Lamb as prizes for the 10 holes competition. DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES Sunday 25th February: Last day of Winter League Qualifying Stages. Saturday, 3rd March: Winter League Quarter Final. Saturday, 10th March: Winter League Semi-Finals. Sunday, 18th March: Captain’s Drive In. Saturday, 24th March: Winter League Final.

Please note that in the event of inclement weather on any of the Saturdays of winter league matches they will then take place on the following day. GENTS MEMBERSHIP RATES FOR 2018 The following are the rates for 2018 and the GUI levies are included: Full: €550 Husband and Wife: €800 Distance: (Over 40 Miles) €415 Country: €220 Senior Citizen: €415 Student Under 25: €140 Junior: €85 WINTER RATES ARE NOW OPERATING IN THE GOLD COAST Monday to Friday: Golf €15, Golf and Carvery Lunch €25 Saturday/Sunday: Golf €20, Golf and Carvery Lunch €30 FIXTURES Mon., 12th Feb. – Fri., 16th Feb.: Winter League Week 16. Tuesday, 13th Feb.: Open Seniors, Ladies & Gents 50+. Friday, 16th Feb.: Open Singles. Sat., 17th/Sunday, 18th Feb.: Winter League Week 16. Tuesday, 20th Feb.: Open Seniors, Ladies & Gents 50+. RESULTS Friday, 9th Feb.: CSS 39 pts. 1st: John Enright (11) 44 pts. Gross: Micheal White (1) 38 pts. Sat., 10th/Sunday, 11th Jan.: WL Week 15, CSS 39 pts. 1st: Paul Lawton (18) 48 pts. 2nd: Larry Whelan (7) 41 pts. Gross: Conan Watt (5) 34 pts. LADIES NOTES Fixtures: 10 Hole Ongoing

Competition for a leg of lamb (the mint sauce is courtesy of Patricia). Winter League sponsored by The Moorings Bar & Restaurant: Round 6 of our winter league started on Monday, 29th Jan, and will run for 2 weeks until Sunday, 11th Feb., weather permitting At the half-way point in the winter league, the standings are as follows: Hole In One Gang - 387 Ball of Fire - 382 Par Girls - 374 Sand Traps - 366 Bogey Bandits - 357 Putting Pirates – 314 Mother’s Day Competition sponsored by Dungarvan Shopping Centre: The inaugural Mother’s Day competition will be held in West Waterford on Saturday, 10th March, with 3 ladies to qualify from Gold Coast, West Waterford and Dungarvan clubs. The qualifying competition is over 13 holes and will be run in conjunction with the winter league for 3 weeks from Mon., 12th Feb. to Sun., 4th March. Members may play both league and qualifier concurrently and may re-enter as for the league. Details including entry are displayed in the kiosk. E.G.M.: A most uplifting and informative meeting took place in the Gold Cost on Thursday, 8th Feb., with the excellent Jennifer Hickey from the ILGU. The programme put together is very impressive and new ladies are being offered the chance to try out a fun activity and make new friends. There will be professional lessons and fun scrambles for €50,

held over 8 Thursday evenings, starting in early April. Please contact Ann Keane for a registration form if interested. Places are limited and on a first come first served basis. Each member is exhorted to make a sincere effort to recruit a potential new member for her club, to share the enjoyment that she herself has gained from golfing at the Gold Coast. Portugal in October: The trip to Portugal takes place from October 2nd-6th this year, details will be posted in the kiosk. Last year's formula was hugely successful. Expressions of interest to Gillian Cashman. Membership Offers: If you are contemplating a new activity and making new friends for 2018 we have the answer, why not join us here at the Gold Coast!! There are many good reasons for joining us; firstly we are a friendly bunch who are always delighted to welcome new members and visitors alike, secondly our course is open all year round due to its natural drainage and last but not least the scenery is intoxicating!! We here at the Gold Coast are very proud of our course and its natural beauty, if you would like to sample same, please contact Bob or Mark on 058-44055 for some very tantalizing deals on offer at the moment for new members. There are always ladies available to take out new beginners and group lessons are arranged with a professional when the golfing season starts.

Restaurant, Snooker Room, a resident PGA professional and fully stocked Pro-Shop. Also, now the Club are introducing a very attractive joining rate for new U-35 members. Contact Irene Lynch Secretary/Manager on 058-43310 or dungarvangc@eircom.net for further details. Offers are for a limited time only. POKER CLASSIC – SUNDAY, 18th FEBRUARY Following on from the success of last months Poker Classic, our Social Committee are hosting another Poker Classic this Sunday, 18th February. Starting at 7 p.m. sharp we urge to be prompt as we had a great turnout for the previous classic and we expect greater numbers. With an entry fee of just €20 we are offering fantastic prizes to the lucky winners. MEN INTO GOLF Following the success of the Ladies Into Golf, Dungarvan Golf Club will be hosting a Mens Into Golf Programme. Again, this offers an ideal opportunity to sample golf by receiving lessons from our resident professional David in a fun and relaxed environment and then taken to the course by our members. All enquiries to the office. ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS The Club thanks members for making subscription payments, thank you for your continued support. Overdue subscriptions – please pay in the office Monday to Friday and for the month of February, the office will be open to take payments on Saturdays 9am to 1p.m.. You can also pay by card over the phone, many thanks. The golfing season is just a few weeks away so get those subs paid and enjoy a fantastic season. FUN FRIDAY FOURSOMES Last Friday due to extreme frosty conditions the course was closed until 11 a.m., which meant our Foursomes was postponed

until next Friday, Feb. 16th. Nevertheless Jerry Whelan, Ian Gourlay and Louise Moloney waited and had their own Nine hole competition. We will see you back next Friday, Feb. 16th for fun and golf and chat. Assemble in the foyer at 9.30 a.m. for play at 10 a.m. GET INTO GOLF LADIES Two years ago this initiative under the CGI (Confederation of Golf in Ireland) was introduced into our club by Christine O'Keeffe and Teresa Hayes and is proving hugely successful. Our PGA Professional David Hayes has worked closely with the ladies and his tuition is certainly paying dividends. Marcella McGovern won the nine hole Young Ones competition this week with 20 pts and was second in the 14 h competition on Saturday with 28 pts Miriam Matthews was first in a 14h competition recently with 26 Pts while Linda Buckley also featured in a number of competitions over the Winter. Linda now plays off a handicap of 32. Marianne Mulcahy, Kathleen McNamara and vice-captain Maria Kiersey continue working with the GIG ladies helping to encourage them and promote the initiative. GENTS RESULTS Mon. 5th Seniors 16H: 1 M. Mehigan (16) 36. Wed. 7th/Thur. 8th 14H Deise Golf World Winter League: 1 Mark Raher (11) 37, 2 Pat Breen (13) 35, Gross David Buckley (5) 24. CSS 32. Fri. 9/Sat. 10 14H S/F 1 Martin Lynch (10) 35, 2 Pat Curran (12) 34, Gross Alan Thomas +2) 32, 3 Eamonn Keane (19) 33. LADIES RESULTS Sat., 10th Feb. 14H S/F: 1 Breda McCarthy (6) 29, 2 Marcella McGovern (36) 28. FIXTURES Wednesday 14th Gents 14H

Singles S/F. Thursday 15th Gents 14H Singles S/F. Friday 16th Gents /Ladies 14H Singles S/F, Fun Friday Foursomes. Saturday 17th Gents /Ladies 14H Singles S/F + Ladies Alliance. Sunday 18th Gents 14H Singles S/F. Monday 19th Open Gents/Ladies Seniors (50+) 16H Singles S/F. SIXTY.COM The winners of the 60.Com competition on 7th February were Shay O’Connor (26) with 19 pts and (2) Maurice Crotty (20) with 18 pts. The number of members participating each week is increasing – no doubt due to the course conditions consistently improving. Next week’s competition on 14th February will tee-off at 1:30 pm so please be available for the draw for partners at 1:15 p.m. Remember that the 60.Com is as much about meeting other golfers for a coffee and chat as it is about the competition itself. If you are not a member of the 60.Com we would be delighted to see you. Just come along and join us any Wednesday. Famous quote: “Golf is like life in a lot of ways - all the biggest wounds are self-inflicted”. YOUNGONES Results Marcella McGovern (36) 19pts. Next competition Wed. 14th Front 9 at 12 noon. LADIES COASTAL ALLIANCE Thurs., March 1st Dungarvan Golf Club Tee Time 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. PROGRESSIVE 45 Results 7th Feb Ann Ryan Tom Cummins, 2 Seamus O’Neill and John Considine, Last 5 Tom Phelan and Mike Fitzgerald. Lucky Table Derry Cotter and Billy Conway. Progressive 45 every Thursday night in the Clubhouse, all are wel-

come. SOCIAL BRIDGE Social Bridge Friday mornings at 11 a.m. All are welcome. PRO SHOP NEWS With the season fast approaching, David has new arrivals every day from the major manufacturers. Callaway have launched the new Rogue range while Cobra have brought out the new F8 equipment. Demos and free custom fitting are available from David. What can your ProShop do for you? As well as offering the latest equipment at unbeatable prices, David offers unbeatable experience and professional advice to help you to enjoy this wonderful game. David also offers tuition and private lessons to help you bring your game to the next level. With free Custom Fitting available from Ping, Callaway, Mizuno and Wilson David will help you ensure your equipment is the correct specification. David is also the service agent for Glider, Powakaddy, Motocaddy and Golfstream electric trollies offering comprehensive repair for all electric trollies including battery testing for lead and lithium batteries. At Dungarvan Golf Club, we also offer a full club repair facility including reshafting and gripping service. Sign up to our newsletter at www. Davidhayesgolf.com and find out how we can help you today. JUNIOR NEWS Our Fred Daly panel are readying themselves for the upcoming season. Practice takes place every Saturday at 4.00 .pm. Any enquiries relating to junior activities can be directed to David Hayes. David can be contacted at 05844707 or email to golfpro@eircom.net

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Linda Garcia and Geraldine Houlihan in relaxed mood before the start of the recent John Treacy Dungarvan 10.

A group of our race pacers ready for road at the 27th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10.

LISMORE GOLF CLUB Phone 058-54026. lismoregolfclub@eircom.net

www.lismoregolf.org MEN’S RESULTS & FIXTURES RESULTS, MON 5th FEB – SUN 11th FEB 12 Holes singles s/ford - 1st Mike Keane (16) 30 pts; 2nd Paudie Prendergast (11) 29 pts; 3rd John Foley (18) 28 pts B6 FIXTURES Mon 12th Feb - Sun 18th Feb, 12 hole singles s/ford. Tallow Area Credit Union Spring League - Round 2 of the Spring League has been extended for a week due to the weather. MEMBERSHIP Membership now due for 2018, please contact registrar John McGrath. Please support the club by paying immediately.

WEST WATERFORD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Telephone: 058-43216. Fax: 058-44343. info@westwaterfordgolf.com

www.westwaterfordgolf.com GENTS RESULTS Club Competition 16 Hole Stableford Feb. 5th – Feb. 11th. Category 1 Daniel Burke (5) 39 pts, Category 2 Stephen Spillane (10) 44 pts Category 3 Larry Cunningham (16) 40 pts, Category 4 Donal O’Brien (20) 35 pts. CSS: 39. FIXTURES Monday, 5th Feb – Sunday, 11th Feb - 18 Hole Stableford in conjunction with round 4 Comeragh Oil Winter league. Final Qualifying Round. SILVER ANNIVERSARY SUNSHINE CLASSIC It’s hard to believe that it’s been 25 years since Pat Spratt realised his dream when West Waterford Golf Club officially opened for business. Much has happened during those years and we will go into that in more detail at some other time. The Sunshine Classic has become our major fundraiser down the years and has contributed enormously to the upkeep and ongoing development of our facilities. For this we are eternally grateful to our members and especially the many visitors who return annually to sup-

port our classic. We have talked to, and listened to the views of everyone who has participated in the Classic down the years. As a result we have aimed to run the event in as fair a manner as we can thereby giving all competitors a realistic chance of winning. In this special year we have increased the prizes (not the prices) to say thank you to our supporters. The main prize of 4 x €400 Travel vouchers gives the winners the flexibility to use their prize when, where, and how, they decide. The follow-up prizes include overnight accommodation, dinner and golf in some of the top venues in the region. Our Classic this year takes place from Saturday, 24th March to Sunday, 1st April inclusive. SUPER SUNSHINE RAFFLE In conjunction with our Classic we are also holding a raffle. Details of prizes will be published next week. We are appealing to all members, especially those not playing in the Golf Classic to support this raffle. Tickets will be on sale from committee members shortly.

Pictured are our fire fighters having completed the recent John Treacy Dungarvan 10 all in aid of the Sesame Pre School .

COMERAGH OIL WINTER LEAGUE – CARRIGALINE TAKE GIANT LEAP The fourth and final qualifying round is now underway, and judging by last weeks scores, teams are taking this round very seriously. Over 18 holes we had a number of scores in the 40’s including two players with 44 points. It is important for a team to return all cards this week as if there is a tie for any qualifying place, the 5th, 6th and subsequent cards may be very important as a tie breaker. If your team is struggling in the bottom half of the table then take heart from the Carrigaline team. Lying in 14th place after round 2, they have moved up to sixth place after round 3. Inspired by Shane Roche with 40 points, they accumulated a record breaking team score of 152 points to put themselves in serious contention for a play-off spot. Glenbeg, spearheaded by Robbie Dalton also put their team in the frame moving up three places to 4th in the table. Tabletoppers Carrigtwohill hold on to the top spot but are being challenged by An Ghaéltacht and Helvick just a few points adrift. After 3 rounds the cut is currently at 406, but beware as the chasers are poised for a comeback. The 4th and final qualifying round started on Monday, 5th February and continues until Sunday, 18th February. This round will be played over 18 holes and will run for two weeks (subject to weather conditions). Team captains should note that only players who have paid the initial entry fee, and played in at least one of the qualifying rounds, are eligible to compete in the Matchplay rounds. Thank you to all who have supported the league so far and

please make that special effort for your team in Round 4. COMERAGH OIL WINTER LEAGUE TABLE AFTER THREE ROUNDS Carrigtwohill 424, An Ghaeltacht 420, Helvick 418, Glenbeg 417. Ardmore 412, Carrigaline 409, An Rinn 408, Tivoli 406, Blackwater 402. Coolcormack 401, Carriglea 399, Canty 390, Aglish 386, Glenmore 382. Kinsalebeg 381. Current Cut 406. Full individual and team details are available on www.westwaterfordgolf.com Just click on Men’s Winter League link. WEEKLY WINNERS The category system has proven to be a great success over the qualifying rounds of the Winter League. Most weeks we award two prizes in each of four categories. Winners have a choice between Comeragh Oil vouchers and our own club vouchers which can be redeemed locally in the businesses of our sponsors. To date we have had 52 luck prize winners and our domestic handicapping system ensures we have an even distribution of prizes. BUNKER PROJECT RESUMES The recent spell of wet weather curtailed progress on the bunker renovation project. Work has now resumed and many bunkers have been edged and emptied. The ambitious plan is to insert new liners and new sand in all bunkers on the course. Next time you are playing, take a good look at the bunkers on the 1st and 10th holes which have been completed. We are hoping to have all bunkers up to this standard over the next few months.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused during the project. AUTUMN SENIORS FIXTURES 2018 Just a timely reminder that the Autumn Seniors Alliance will start in early April. The proposed fixture list is posted on the notice-board. Anyone interested in playing please give your name to Pat Power. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME West Waterford can offer a variety of packages to anyone wishing to take up the game of golf. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere as well as being home to two professional golfers we at West Waterford would like you to sample what we have on offer. We pride ourselves on dealing with our members on a first name basis and involving all members in events at the club. Why not call along and talk to Gillian or Austin and discover for yourself an experience which you only get at West Waterford.. SUNDAY LUNCH AT WEST WATERFORD – GENERAL PUBLIC MOST WELCOME Thinking of somewhere new to go for Sunday lunch, then go no further than West Waterford Golf and Country Club. Located in the splendid setting of the Brickey Valley this is the ideal venue for the family lunch on Sunday. Remember you don’t have to be a member to visit our restaurant. The General Public are most welcome to our Sunday Lunch served from 12.30 to 3.30 p.m. each Sunday. The kids will enjoy the spacious surrounds within and outside the clubhouse. Our chef John offers a wide and varied menu to suit all tastes and you are assured of a hearty welcome and personal attention at West Waterford Golf

Club. We look forward to serving you. WEST WATERFORD LADIES Winter League: Well done to all those who took part in the Match Play round in difficult weather conditions. Round 4, a singles round will take place from Monday 12th to Sunday 25th February, over 13 holes unless stated otherwise. Results of the Matchplay round will be in next week’s notes. The 13 Hole Ongoing (will still be 11 holes) sponsored by Lady Captain Noreen Byrne and the February 9 Hole (will be 7 holes) until the end of the month. Mother’s Day Qualifying Competition – Open to all ladies: Do put a date in your diary for the Three Club Mother's Day Qualifying Competition i.e. Thursday 22nd or Sunday, 25th February. West Waterford Golf Club has been chosen to host the final of this competition where the top 3 from each Club will play on Saturday, 10th March, 2018. A New Year of Competitions!! The Challenge, Minor and Intermediate League Team Events are fast approaching. Dates, times and venues are now posted in Ladies Locker Room for all to view. Please write in your name to indicate your availability for selection in your category before Sunday, 18th February. Playing on a team brings a great sense of achievement and it is an honour to represent our Club. Congratulations: Congratulations to Catherine Ruane our junior member on being selected to the South Munster Regional Panels which has been organised by the ILGU.

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

West Waterford Athletic Club Juveniles

Wintery conditions in Galway at All-Ireland B’s WEST Waterford had just one athlete in action in Galway last Sunday at the All-Ireland B Championships. Sarah Nyhan made the long journey to compete in the under 15 girls race. Conditions were toughest during this race with heavy snow falling as the girls made their way around the already muddy course. Sarah put in a great performance to finish 19th in the race. LOCAL SCHOOLS QUALIFY FOR THE MUNSTER CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS The best cross country runners in Waterford and Tipperary battled it out in a muddy Carriganore last Thursday to secure their places at the Irish Life and Health Munster Schools Cross Country Championships which will be held in the same venue on Friday, February 23rd. First of the eight races was the minor girl’s at 12.30 here West Waterford’s Ally

Cunningham finished 4th and led the Friary to third place in the team title. In the minor boy’s race Tommy and Rory Fennell led the way both finishing in the top six and leading the Friary to second in the team event. It was the turn of the Ard Scoil to qualify in the Junior girls race with West Waterford’s Emma Hickey and Sarah Nyhan scoring on the team that finished 3rd, while in the boys race Eoin Buenaventura (West Waterford) captained the Friary team who also finished third in the junior boy’s event. Lia Cunningahm 9th qualified as an individual with Eve Power of the Meanscoil just missing out. The first win of the day came in the Intermediate girl’s race with West Waterford’s Lucy Holmes and Mary Kate Prendergast scoring on the Ard Scoil team that won the Intermediate girl’s team title. They finished just two points ahead of St

Augustine’s team that included Kate Killigrew among their scoring members. Led by Michael Troy in 4th place St. Augustine’s won the boys team race with West Waterfords Oisin O’Riordan (Dungarvan CBS) and Conor Mullany (Blackwater) also qualifying. In the senior girls race Sinead O’Brien competing for the Ard Scoil qualified as an individual and the Friary senior boys team rounded off the day by taking the senior team title just ahead of last year’s winners Waterpark College. Many thanks to the students of Waterpark College for their help in putting up the course and to the parents and officials from West Waterford and Waterford A.C. who helped out on the day and who will be there again to help with the running of the Munster Championships. The help is much appreciated.

The seven KCK athletes who competed in the Munster A championships in Nenagh last weekend.

KCK win two individual medals at All-Ireland cross country in Galway

The St. Augustine's senior team winners of the senior boys team event.

Lucy Holmes led the Ard Scoil to victory in the Intermediate girls race.

Top six in the Intermediate boys race.

Sinead O'Brien, Ard Scoil qualified in the Senior Girl's race.

Niall Blackwell sprints for home in the Senior boy's race.

THE club had seven athletes travelling to Galway for the All-Ireland B’s last week and all seven performed brilliantly. As we arrived at the Clarinbridge venue we were met with snow, wind and bitterly cold weather. As the frost melted the underfoot conditions got extremely mucky and testing which made these races very energy sapping. First up were Rebecca and Róisín and in a field of over one hundred the girls came in 9th and 10th place respectively and gained themselves an All-Ireland medal. This was a massive achievement from the girls who have trained very hard for this race since Christmas. Coincidentally enough our last training session last Tuesday took place with showers of snow so the girls were prepared for all weathers. Next up were our under 11 boys who, fresh from their long jump exploits in Nenagh the day before lined out in similar conditions. This was the largest and most fiercely contested races of the day. Senan led the Kilgobinet trio home in 31st place. Mighty result from Senan who was running out of his age. Ronan came in just behind in 38th place and again out of his age and Ronan showed a great bit of pace to pass five boys coming to the finish line. Darragh ran a superb race to finish in 65th place with 46 more boys behind him. Next up as the conditions were worsening, Ciara took to the field in the girls under 13 race. She ran a great race to finish 48th with forty girls coming in behind her.

Ciara can be very proud to have a top 50 All-Ireland finish under her belt. Last but far from least, Aisling the third member of her family competing on the day lined out in the girls under 15 which was a two and a half km race. The snow was really coming down and the skies darkened as this race got under way. Aisling was well up the crowded field when she got a bad fall which resulted in her unable to finish. This was hard luck on the young athlete who had trained extremely hard for this race. It’s only the start of the year and better things to come from Aisling Richie our trainer deserves a mention as he gave up his winter break to come and have this gang of cross country and Munster indoor athletes in top form for these championships. Every one will be taking a well deserved break from now until the the third week of March so enjoy the rest. Thanks again to the parents for clocking up the miles for training and going to Nenagh and Galway last weekend. MUNSTER A U-9/U-12 INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIP KCK had a team of seven who headed to Nenagh last weekend. First up were the U-9 girls Becky and Liadain in the 300m race. The two girls ran extremely well in their first indoor track race. They finished 18th and 19th respectively. More importantly the experience the two girls gained will stand to them for the coming year. Next up was Peter who had a top 12 finish in the Munster cross country championships in Kerry in December - he threw his lot in with the 60m

sprinters and finished 3rd in his heat but unfortunately his time wasn’t fast enough to get him to the final. Again great experience for the young Rathgormack boy. Our star performer in Nenagh was Niamh who took to the track in the U-10 500m. 2/3s of the way round Niamh took the lead only to be passed out by the Cork athlete but Niamh then turned on the gas to retake the lead and comfortably win her heat. She finished 7th overall with her time just 1 and a half seconds off 3rd place. Well done to Niamh on her 7th place Munster A finish. The Kilgobinet trio of Ronan, Senan and Darragh took to the pit for the long jump. Senan’s best jump of 3.22 was not good enough to put him in contention but still good jumping from him. Ronan was next up with a best jump of 3.48 which we hope will get him into the top 10 in a huge field of jumpers. Well done Ronan. Darragh headed to pit 2 for the U12 long jump. Things didn’t go his way this time out with his best jump of 3.20, a full half meter off his personal best. He was obviously saving himself for the cross country in Galway the following day where he put in a brilliant performance. Liadain and Niamh returned to Nenagh on Sunday where both jumped extremely well but didn’t make it to the podium. The Munster U-13-19 are on in Nenagh on the 24th and 25th February. Full timetable on the Munster Athletics website. Anyone interested please put it on the WhatsApp or contact John.

Darragh, Ronan and Senan from KCK after their cross Rebecca and Róisín from KCK who won individual medals in the All-Ireland cross country in Galway. country race in Galway last Sunday.

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Ballinacourty wins at the Gold Coast JJ Kavanagh County Under 21 ‘A’ 2017 County Final Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board presents the 2017 Co. U-21A Football Cup to Ballinacourty's Captain John Elstead. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Ballinacourty …………....…2-10; Gaultier …………………..…0-11. BALLINACOURTY were most deserving winners of their 11th County under 21 football title last Saturday when they dethroned reigning champions Gaultier after a very good final at the Gold Coast pitch. A goal in each half by the winners were the defining scores here with Sean Daly engineering and executing the first in the 22nd minute and Man of the Match David Looby putting the issue beyond doubt in the final minute of added time with a penalty goal after sub Mikey Coleman had been upended. A Spring like day greeted the large attendance, some of the Gaultier contingent visiting the venue for the first time and very much impressed by the facilities there. The Barony had won the title on two previous occasions, in 1990 and in 2016 while Ballinacourty had ten wins under their belt from as far back as 1970 and including 1971, 79, 98, 2003, four in-a-row from 0-5 to 0-8 and their last one, five years ago in 2012. This was expected to be an evenly contested encounter and it was for the first twenty minutes until ‘Courty claimed their first goal. Tom Looby opened the scoring in the fifth minute with the first of his two match points while once again the winners’ defence came up trumps from the outset and timely and necessary blocks on Gaultier scoring opportunities by solid full back Conor McCarthy and midfielder James Beresford denied the Barony the lead. Erin’s Own hurler Craig Browne finally opened Gaultier’s account in the 8th minute from a free but Tom Looby regained ‘Courty’s advantage one minute later with a real contender for score of the match. Browne negated this with a second pointed free and then for the only time during the hour, Gaultier took the lead when Callum O’Neill placed Dean Kearns in the 12th minute. David Looby levelled proceedings from play in the 14th minute for the third time as Craig Browne picked up a yellow card four minutes later for a heavy tackle on James Beresford. Looby pointed the resultant free both in style and from a distance and the sides would have been level two minutes later but for Browne’s effort from play coming back off the upright. The game took a decisive turn on 22 minutes when Sean Daly started a move with Stephen Cliffe and was then on the end of it with a low driving strike from a distance beating Patrick Lambe in the

Gaultier goal, 1-4 to 0-3. This major energised ‘Courty even more and a brace of pointed frees by the ever accurate David Looby in the 24th and in the 30th minute, the latter being waved wide at first, put the Green and white very much in the driving seat on a score of 1-6 to 0-3. Credit Gaultier, they proved their pedigree by finishing the half the stronger with pointed frees by Craig Browne, right footed, and Darragh O’Keeffe, left legged, in added time to leave them still in contention with the interval scoreboard reading 1-6 to 0-5. The champions started the second half as they finished the first, they dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded with 0-2f by Craig Browne inside 34 minutes while full back Conor McCarthy effected a second vital block, this time round on David Jones, 1-6 to 0-7. Ballinacourty settled inside ten minutes of the restart and by the 41st minute, they had reopened a 0-6 lead. Three pointed frees by David Looby, the second a gem from a difficult angle on the wing, and a score from play by Neil Montgomery changed the scoreboard to 1-10 to 0-7 in their favour. Montgomery had a further scoring opportunity before Gaultier kicked their first point in twelve minutes per Darragh O’Keeffe (f), who was now Gaultier’s sole freetaker with Craig Browne having being replaced by Alex Deegan. A shemozzle developed in the 48th minute at the end of which Jack Duggan and Cormac Dwyer for ‘Courty and sub Alex Deegan for Gaultier were yellow carded, an ideal time to report that overall referee Dessie O’Leary officiated throughout very well and very sensibly. With their title slipping away from them, Gaultier made a big effort to reduce their 1-10 to 0-8 deficit and scores by Darragh O’Keeffe (f) and a contender for score of the match by midfielder Gary Cullinane left just one kick of the size 5 between the teams. Try as they did though, there was no way past a vigilant ‘Courty backline which for the second game in a row kept the green flag in its holder throughout. James Beresford affected another great block in front of his own goal. Darragh O’Keeffe was wide of the mark for Gaultier from play and for all of Gaultier’s commendable efforst to hold on to their title, the game experienced a ten minute barren scoring spell. Under the cosh, Ballinacourty were still a goal to the good in the 59th minute when Stephen Cliffe

Mike Norris presents the J. J. Kavanagh & Sons Man of the Match Award to Ballinacourty's David Looby. included are Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman and Sean O'Regan, Vice-Chairman Co. GAA Board. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

progressed well in from the wing, though constantly challenged, before passing to Sean Daly. Daly found sub Mikey Coleman free in front of goal and when the latter was fouled inside the box, ‘Courty had the chance to finally seal their 11th County title in the grade. This David Looby did in style when he hammered home the penalty in the final minute of normal time and while Gaultier came back up the field again, their sole return was a 61st minute pointed free by Darragh O’Keeffe, his fourth of the game. The goals were obviously the difference between the teams, ‘Courty’s attack being more effective than Gaultier’s, the winners’ defence was once again in an uncharitable mood and their midfield pairing of James Beresford and Neil Montgomery covered every blade of grass on the field. In this latest Ballinacourty title winning side, Kevin Dwane was faultless between the posts and his goal was rarely threatened. Full back Conor McCarthy enjoyed arguably his best display in the green and white, the colour of the club originating from years gone by when the local side borrowed a set of jerseys from their maritime neighbours Ring for a match. Corner backs Cormac Dwyer

and Jack Duggan were soundness personified in a defensive sector that was once again superbly marshalled by team captain John Elsted, supported well by his flankers Darragh McGrath and Conor McCarthy who also initiated a number of attacks. James Beresford and Neil Montgomery were the perfect link between defence and attack while David Looby was to the attack what John Elsted was in defence, a leader in the sector. Younger brother Tom contributed two valuable early scores while Sean Whelan Barrett worked tirelessly throughout. Sean Daly played his best game of the championship and he had a big say in both goals. Stephen Cliffe and Eoin Kiely constantly kept their opponents on guard while subs Mikey Coleman, David Montgomery and Mark Twomey also contributed to dethroning the champions. That Ballinacourty won this final without the presence of key player Conor Prunty for the past two games is quite an achievement but one and all would prefer to see him out on the field and hopefully he will recover fully from his current injury before long. A solid management quintet of Dano Looby, Donnacha and Mikey

Enright, Michael Kelleher and Mark Ferncombe guided their club to this latest championship win, no strangers themselves to winning medals in the grade in days gone by. Gaultier were worthy champions and but for four crucial blocks on their forwards, this match would have truly gone down to the threads of the wire. They were well served by midfielder Gary Cullinane, Dale Cullinane at full back, Stephen Lynch, Craig Browne in the first half from placed balls and similarly Darragh O’Keeffe in the second. PRESENTATION Chairman of the County Board, Paddy Joe Ryan presented the cup to winning captain John Elsted while David Looby was chosen as the J. J. Kavanagh Man of the Match. A different type of presentation is that of our finals in venues outside Walsh Park and the Fraher Field. A portable scoreboard should not be a difficulty in venues where there is none and also portable public address is used in many other sports and perhaps this is something that the Boards may address in time to come. Ballinacourty’s Top Three: David Looby, Conor McCarthy (3), Darragh McGrath.

Gaultier’s Top Three: Gary Cullinane, Dale Cullinane, Craig Browne. Observer’s Man of the Match: David Looby. Number of Scorers: Ballinacourty 4. Gaultier 4. Scores From Play: Ballinacourty 1-4. Gaultier 0-2. Frees For: Ballinacourty 20. Gaultier 29. Wides: Ballinacourty 3. Gaultier 6. Score of the Match: David Looby’s 39th minute pointed free from an acute angle. Scorers – Ballinacourty: David Looby 1-7 (1-6f), Sean Daly 1-0, Tom Looby 0-2, Neil Montgomery 0-1. Gaultier: Craig Browne 0-5f, Darragh O’Keeffe 0-4f, Dean Kearns and Gary Cullinane 0-1 each. Ballinacourty: Kevin Dwane; Jack Duggan, Conor McCarthy, Cormac Dwyer; Conor McCarthy, John Elsted, Darragh McGrath; James Beresford, Neil Montgomery; Tom Looby, David Looby, Sean Whelan Barrett; Stephen Cliffe, Sean Daly, Eoin Kiely. Subs: David Montgomery for Cormac Dwyer, Mikey Coleman for Eoin Kiely, Mark Twomey for Conor McCarthy (5). Gaultier: Patrick Lambe; Nick Byrne, Dale Cullinane, Jamie Burke; Stephen Lynch, Darragh Lynch, Sean Kelly; David Dawson, Gary Cullinane; Dean Kearns, Craig Browne, David Jones; Darragh O’Keeffe, David Cullinane, Callum O’Neil. Subs: Billy O’Sullivan for Nick Byrne, Conor Cullinane for Dean Kearns, Alex Deegan for Craig Browne. Referee: Dessie O’Leary (Erins Own).

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Gaelic Jottings Uncertainty surrounds latter rounds of 2018 club championships THE CCCC's in every county have new headaches to deal with this year and the scheduling of every county championship is at the head of this. With April being a 'free' month for clubs, it looks as if many counties will opt to play a round or two of their main championships during this period. However, mystery surrounds when the third round will be played as round robins, Super 8s, qualifiers, etc., mean that no county are certain when they will be able to focus entirely on the club scene. There are some counties that have chosen to hold off the start date of their championships until their county teams are finished in their respective championships.

‘Sky’ motions will not be aired THE GAA's controversial 'pay-per-view' TV deal with Sky won't be up for discussion at Annual Congress later this month. Three different motions on the subject that were tabled by Clare, Leitrim and Roscommon have failed to clear the GAA Rules Advisory Committee hurdle. Croke Park published a list of 42 motions that will be debated at the annual get-together and the aforementioned trio are conspicuous by their absence. The motions were ruled out of order on the basis that they are all similar to a 2016 motion submitted by the St. Joseph's Boys club in Dublin which was defeated by 15-85 at that year's Congress. Under rule, a similar motion may not be permitted on the clár in the subsequent three years "unless the Management Committee allows it in

St. Augustine's College, Winners of the All-Ireland Hurling Title 2017, Munster Football 2017 and the Co. GAA Schools Award 2017. From left: Darragh Duggan, Jason Forrestall, Trainer; Jack Keane, Jake Moore, Jim Power, Vice Principal; Ailbhe Ní Neachtain, Principal; David Whittle, DID Electrical, GAA Award Sponsor; Cian Geary, John Devine, Lisa Hanrick, Trainer; Angela Walsh and Paul Whyte. Missing from photograph, Tom Corcoran, Club Deise. [Sean Byrne] exceptional circumstances". The Banner County's motion opposed exclusive TV deals while both Leitrim and Roscommon called for the GAA not to renew their broadcasting deals with Sky and eir Sport when the television rights are next up for negotiation in 2021.

soil in their long existence. The following day, Sunday, Comeragh Gaels completed the ‘B’ hurling and football double with a 0-5 victory over a gallant Portlaw/ Butlerstown side in Carriganore. Congratulations to both Western teams on their latest successes.

Curtain comes down on 2017 season

Change in Minor Football Grades

THE 2017 championship year reached its delayed conclusion last weekend when the two remaining County under 21 finals were decided. Both titles came to the west of the County with Ballinacourty winning the ‘A’ football title on Saturday in an unique occasion in Ballinacourty, it being their first County title on home

A REQUEST by Brickey Rangers at the County Board meeting of January 22nd to play in Division 2 and not Division 3 of the Minor Football Championship was overlooked in error. The CCC has agreed to the clubs request and Brickey Rangers will now be graded in Division 2 with Ardmore being graded in Division 3 in their place.

Won Kehoe Cup medal

Fraher Field Classics

CONGRATULATIONS to former Fourmilewater and Nire player Patrick Walsh who won a Kehoe Cup hurling medal with Longford last weekend. Not only did Patrick feature on the winning team but he also scored the winning point in the home team’s 0-11 to 0-10 victory over Wicklow.

THIS week’s Fraher Field Classics, courtesy of the editor of the Dungarvan Observer and from the pen of John A. Murphy features the Gaelic Jottings of 50 years ago on the newspaper dated March 2nd, 1968.

Scór Na Seachtaine

THE Observer extends its sincere sympathy to Packie Hurney and family, Abbeyside on the recent death of his mother Sheila in Moycullen, Co. Galway. Sympathy is also extended to the family of Ollie Harris, Ballyduff Lower and Tom O’Riordan, Shandon St. Dungarvan.

DAVID Looby’s 39th minute pointed free from an acute angle for Ballinacourty in the 2017 County Under 21 ‘A’ Football Final played at the Gold Coast against Gaultier last Saturday.

Sympathy

Allianz National Hurling League Round 3 Division 1A

Crucial game for both counties WATERFORD V KILKENNY in Walsh Park Sunday, February 18th at 2.00 p.m. IN recent years, it would be rare but on this occasion very real that Sunday’s Round 3 Division 1A National hurling league game between Waterford and Kilkenny at Walsh Park has a very much basement end of the table look about it. Losing can be become a habit as much as winning and no doubt both management teams will be anxious to turn their current fortunes around with a win here and hope that Cork and Tipperary above them will not add further to their two points on the league table in their respective games.

From an organisational point of view, additional steps may be taken to gain quicker access to the grounds and not delay the start of the game for a second occasion but at the end of the day, patrons are advised to arrive earlier to assist here. Overall, though it is unlikely if Kilkenny will travel in as many numbers as Wexford did, the latter currently on a high enjoying their recent run of success. KILKENNY TO DATE Cork out-scored Kilkenny by five points to two during the dying stages to win a high scoring and hugely entertaining Allianz National Hurling League opening round game at Pairc Ui Chaoimh.The Cats had been in the contest right to the finish, but they couldn't get the goal they needed to force a draw. Walter Walsh shot a great point in the 63rd minute to level the scores for the 13th time (1-19 to 0-22) in a contest that was close all the way. Just after that score, driving Kilkenny captain, Cillian Buckley, received an injury and play was

held up for a number of minutes as the Dicksboro man was stretchered from the field. However, when the action resumed Kilkenny lost a beat and within minutes they were behind to points from Conor Lehane (free) and a super score from Jack O'Connor as the home side bolted for home. The losers chased hard to the bitter end, but they couldn't save the match after what had been a most pleasing effort by a largely young and inexperienced crew. In Round 2 Clare needed a 73rd minute point from sub, Niall Deasy, to finally kill off Kilkenny and claim their second win in a thrilling National Hurling League tie in Nowlan Park. There were times, especially during the opening half, when the Cats looked all at sea. However, a powerful second half, inspired to a large degree by youngsters Richie Leahy, James Maher and Martin Keoghan had them within striking distance when the gap was down to two points with the clock ticking down. In the end Deasy's late, late score finished the Kilkenny revival

and left Brian Cody's men still chasing a win in the League. WATERFORD TO DATE Waterford find themselves in a similar position to the Cats after successive losses to Wexford and Tipperary. In the first match Wexford hurlers stormed into a 0-7 to 0-0 lead inside the first 17 minutes. The home team stepped up a gear in the second half with four unanswered points from Tadhg De Burca, Pauric Mahony, Jamie Barrron and Tommy Ryan. This was shortlived when Wexford’s David Dunne rattled the net with the first of his two goals on the 44th minute and then hit the net with his second goal with 8 minutes remaining which left Waterford on the back foot to the final whistle. Unusually, the home side used no subs on this occasion. The Deise recorded a second successive defeat in Division 1A of the National Hurling League, losing out on this occasion to Munster rivals Tipperary at Semple Stadium. This defeat and a minus 16 in the score difference column sees Derek McGrath’s men rooted

to the bottom of the League after two rounds. Team boss Derek McGrath has consistently said that winning this season’s league is not a priority and the starting team here saw 11 changes from the opening round defeat to Wexford with just six of the All-Ireland line-up from last September in the starting 15. Waterford played well in the opening 35 minutes, taking a onepoint lead into the break. However, their hosts were much improved after the change of ends. The sides were level after Ferrybank’s Mark O’Brien finished a tremendous passing movement to the net after 47 minutes. Tipperary responded almost immediately with a goal of their own as Jason Forde netted from a penalty and with the outstanding Austin Gleeson also limping out of the game at the same stage; the momentum was now all with the Premier who went on to register a comfortable nine-point victory. One of the positives from this game was the performance of Austin Gleeson at centre back arguably his best

position from his minor and under 21 All Ireland winning days according to some keen observers of the game. SUNDAY’S GAME If present selection trends continue in the Waterford camp then even Keith Barry will not be able to predict the home lineout for Waterford but at the end of the day, it would be positive to get something out of a NHL game and stop a losing sequence. On the other hand, the league will soon be forgotten when the sun is high in the sky and when the heat of championship battle commences. Both teams would welcome a win but on their respective performances to date this Round 3 game may well end in a draw. Forecast : A Draw. DIVISION 1A LEAGUE TABLE p w d l +/- pts. Wexford 2 2 0 0 11 4 Clare 2 2 0 0 8 4 Tipperary 2 1 0 1 4 2 Cork 2 1 0 1 -1 2 Kilkenny 2 0 0 2 -6 0 Waterford 2 0 0 2 -16 0

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Comeragh Gaels complete championship double JJ Kavanagh 2017 County Under 21 ‘B’ Hurling Final John Jackson, Treasurer County GAA Board, presents the U-21B Hurling Cup to Comeragh Gael's Captain, Mike Kearns. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Comeragh Gaels ………. 3-12; Portlaw/Ballyduff …………. 1-13. THE 2017 championship year eventually came to an end last Sunday when the County Under 21’B’ hurling final between Comeragh Gaels and Portlaw/ Ballyduff was played in Carriganore. In the west of the County there were some doubts about the game being played at all due to heavy snow falls but the city venue escaped the white blanket and though it was bitterly cold, the main field was in pristine condition. A strong wind favoured the Gaels in the first half of this always very well contested encounter and an interval lead of 2-9 to 1-6 looked just about right and enough of an advantage for the second half. However, the Eastern champions really upped their game on the turnover and but for a wasteful nine wides, there may well have been a different result to this final. As it was there was just 0-2 the difference between the teams come the 58th minute following which Portlaw/Ballyduff struck three match losing wides while up the other end of the field in the 61st minute a clever overhead flick by sub James Walsh to Sam Murphy Nix was met first time by the latter and with the net bulging, the destination of the title was westwards. This was a notable achievement by Comeragh Gaels as with their

backs to the wall for most of the second half, they clung to their match long lead led inspirationally by team captain Mike Kearns, Rian Reddy, Gavin Dalton, P. J. Coffey and a dogged defence. The end result was the completion of a championship double having won the football equivalent against St. Mary’s in dramatic fashion what seems like an eternity ago. The wind was always going to be a factor in this game though Portlaw/Ballyduff, who had a long wait since the other side of Christmas before they knew the name of their opponents, started the brighter and led after three minutes by 0-2 to 0-1 with scores by Luke Woods and Cormac Dunphy either side of Comeragh Gaels opening point by Mike Kearns. Kearns had a huge influence on this final and by the 7th minute he forged his side into what would prove to be a match long lead when first of all he punished a short puck out and followed up with the first of his half dozen pointed frees. Gavin Dalton followed up immediately with a point from play and daylight between the sides increased even further in the 8th minute when Nicky O’Donovan latched on to a breaking ball and despite shifting a foul stroke on his hand he buried the sliotar in the far end goal, 1-4 to 0-2.

Five valuable wind assisted minutes didn’t produce any more scores until the effective P. J. Coffey won a free which Mike Kearns converted and the latter added his third from play with 13 minutes on the clock, this one from his left side, 1-6 to 0-2. Portlaw/Ballyduff required a score badly and free-taker Jamie Murphy obliged in the 16th minute while stout defending by the Gaels denied the Eastern side on two further occasions. Comeragh Gaels first wide was struck by Mike Kearns (f) in the 17th minute but he made up for this with a similar successful attempt two minutes later. Gavin Dalton struck for a really key score in the 20th minute when he raised his side’s second green flag from his left side and with a lead of 2-7 to 0-3, all of 0-10 the difference, this game had a look of being done and dusted. However, credit the Eastern champions, they proved both their mettle and their quality when they began to eat into their opponents lead. The very impressive Calum Lyons and then Jamie Murphy (0-2f) registered minors and they were back in contention in the 27th minute when Kevin Cheasty supplied the sliotar for a Ross Coffey O’Shea goal, 2-7 to 1-6. A further scoring chance went a begging before Mike Kearns lofted over his fourth point from play and then con-

verted a free won by Nicky O’Donovan, 2-9 to 1-6 as Portlaw finished the first half action with their fourth shot off target. It was Comeragh Gaels’ turn to face the elements and the pressure in the second half, resulting in they not scoring for all of the third quarter while their forward division constantly lacked penetration. Calum Lyons reopened the scoring in the 35th minute with a contender for score of the match followed by a wide by Mike Kearns (f). Impressive play by Ronan Dunphy and Luke Woods resulted in a fine score by midfielder Ronan Dunphy in the 38th minute, 2-9 to 1-8 but then the team in red struck three consecutive wides by the 43rd minute to let their opponents off the hook someway. Ross Coffey O’Shea left just one puck of the sliotar the difference with a 44th minute point for play as the influence of Mike Kearns for the winners again surfaced. A pass by the Touraneena man to Gavin Dalton resulted in a free and from a distance Kearns dissected the posts to register his team’s first score of the second half and 45 minutes played. The electronic scoreboard went on the blink after Cian O’Byrne made a terrific save from Craig Fraher at the expense of a point and no matter how many times one looked at the score thereafter, it

remained at 2-10 to 1-10. Sam Murphy Nix hit Comeragh Gaels first point from play in the second half in the 48th minute, a truly valuable score and especially when Calum Lyons replied immediately with a brace of white flags from play, 2-11 to 1-12 and 50 minutes completed. Portlaw/Ballyduff lost the match at this point, they struck two wides and missed a goal scoring opportunity before Ross Coffey O’Shea left just the minimum between the teams in the 55th minute 2-11 to 1-13. Gavin Dalton won a valuable free from a Nicky O’Donovan sideline cut and that man Mike Kearns was not found wanting when he sent his sixth free over the bar, 2-12 to 1-13 in the 58th minute. The Eastern champions fought to the bitter end but three further wides confirmed their defeat and especially when James Walsh and Sam Murphy Nix worked their piece of magic at the other end of the field in raising a third green flag for the winners and time practically up. PRESENTATION Treasurer of the County Board John Jackson presented the cup to the winning captain Mike Kearns and complimented both sides on an excellent display of the ancient game. Comeragh Gael’s Top Three: Mike Kearns, Rian Reddy, Gavin Dalton.

Portlaw/Ballyduff’s Top Three: Calum Lyons, Craig Tyrell, Ross Coffey O’Shea. Observer’s Man of the Match: Mike Kearns. Number of Scorers: Comeragh Gaels 4. Portlaw/Ballyduff 6. Scores From Play: Comeragh Gaels 3-6. Portlaw/Ballyduff 1-10. Frees For: Comeragh Gaels 15. Portlaw/Ballyduff 13. Wides: Comeragh Gaels 3. Portlaw/Ballyduff 13. Score of the Match: Calum Lyons 21st minute point for Portlaw/Ballyduff. Scorers – Comeragh Gaels: Mike Kearns 0-10 (6f), Gavin Dalton and Sam Murphy Nix 1-1 each, Nicky O’Donovan 1-0. Portlaw/Ballyduff: Ross Coffey O’Shea 1-2, Calum Lyons 0-4, Jamie Murphy 0-3f, Luke Woods and Craig Fraher 0-1 each, Cormac Dunphy 0-2. Comeragh Gaels: Cian O’Byrne; Richie McGrath, Cillian Tobin, Ronan Gleeson; Gearoid Hallinan, Dan Booth, Keith Hickey; Rian Reddy, Jason Dunford; Gavin Dalton, Mike Kearns, Nicky O’Donovan; Reece Stringer, P. J. Coffey, Jack Skehan. Subs: Sam Murphy Nix for Cillian Tobin (16), James Walsh for Jack Skeehan (52). Portlaw/Ballyduff: Ryan Murray; Eoin Walsh, Craig Tyrell, Peter Boylan; Luke Woods, Calum Lyons, Jack Behan; Dylan Reade, Cormac Dunphy; Jamie Murphy, Jordan O’Sullivan, Ronan Dunphy; Luke Power, Craig Fraher, Ross Coffey O’Shea. Subs: Kevin Cheasty for Jack Behan (25), Colin O’Brien for Luke Power (46). Referee: Noel Kelly (Erin’s Own).

Comeragh Gaels who beat Ballyduff/Portlaw in the J. J. Kavanagh & Sons 2017 County U-21B Hurling Final played in Carriganore. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

FROM THE FILES OF THE DUNGARVAN OBSERVER 66 Main Street, Dungarvan

(058) 45590 nicky@mckennacomputers.com

Club Focus Saturday, 18th February, 1998.

Waterford hurlers lift Crystal trophy Waterford 1-11; Cork 1-9. WATERFORD hurlers recorded a fully deserved victory over Cork at Walsh Park on Sunday last to lift the magnificent Waterford Crystal Trophy as they became the second winners of the South East League title, sponsored by Waterford Crystal. Waterford were the better team throughout and they controlled the exchanges outfield for lengthy periods. Yet, a 30th minute Seanie McGrath goal sent the visitors in at the interval leading by 1-7 to 0-5, having played with the strong breeze to their backs, as they attacked the city end goal. On the turnover Waterford lorded the exchanges with Paul Flynn edging them ahead in the 46th minute. Yet Cork, with a brace of Seanie McGrath points, went back in front. However, it was “goalpoacher” Paul Flynn who struck the vital score in the 55th minute to clinch a

fine win for the Deise side to the delight of the huge home support in the big attendance. The build-up to the Church & General NHL has gone really well for Gerald McCarthy and his fellow selectors. Waterford deservingly collected the magnificent Waterford Crystal trophy which team captain Stephen Frampton duly accepted from Frank Hickey of Waterford Crystal to the delight of Waterford’s loyal supporters. Waterford scorers: P. Flynn 1-4, K. McGrath 0-4, T. Browne, J. O’Connor and G. Gater 0-1 each. Cork scorers: S. McGrath 1-2, M. O’Connell 0-3, J. Deane 0-2 P. Ryan and F. McCormack 0-1 each. Waterford: S. Brenner; S. Frampton, S. Cullinane, M. O’Sullivan; J. O’Connor, F. Hartley, P. Queally; G. Gater, T. Browne; D. Shanahan, K. McGrath, B. O’Sullivan; D. McGrath, J. Meaney, P. Flynn. Subs: M. White for J. Meaney; G. Harris for B. O’Sullivan. Cork: G. Cunningham; F. Ryan, D. O’Sullivan, J. Browne; D. Barrett, D. Murphy, P. Mulcahy; P. Ryan, M. Daly; A. Walsh, F. McCormack, M. O’Connell; S. McGrath, A. Browne, J. Deane. Subs: M. Landers for P. Mulcahy, B. Egan for A. Walsh. Referee: P. Dunphy (Kilkenny).

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

TEAMS OF TIMES GONE BY MUNSTER SEMI-FINAL DEFEAT FOR DUNGARVAN CBS Championship: Corn Phadraig Munster College Senior B Hurling. Venue: Goatenbridge. Date: Wednesday, 11th February, 1998. Half-time score: Dungarvan CBS 1-5; Cashel Community School 0-6. Full-time score: Dungarvan CBS 1-14; Cashel Community School 1-10. Dungarvan CBS: Raymond Connery (St. Olivers), Gerard Hayes (St. Mary’s), Eoin Sheridan (Dungarvan), Walter O’Grady (Naomh Brid), Michael Kiely (Abbeyside), Alan Harney (Dungarvan), Richard Scanlan (Cappoquin), John Paul Keohane (Abbeyside), Jason O’Mahony (Dungarvan), Raymond Terry (Gaeltacht), Paul Veale (Abbeyside), Diarmuid Keating (Dungarvan), James Cooney (Brickey Rangers), David Morrissey (Dungarvan), Alan Harty (Dungarvan). Sub: Mark Shanahan (Dungarvan) for Paul Veale (52nd minute).

Waterford Ladies Gaelic Football Player of the Year Awards presentation for 2017; Roisin Dunphy, Under 16 Player of the Year, receives her award from Michelle Ryan, special guest. Included is Johnny Troy, Team Manager. [Dan McGrath]

Fennell hat-trick helps the Déise ladies to another win WATERFORD LADIES FOOTBALL Waterford ……………….… 4-10; Laois ………………………... 2-5. THE Waterford Ladies got another win on the board as they defeated Laois at Park Ratheniska GAA field last Sunday. With early morning snowfall many GAA matches around the country were postponed but the Déise ladies braved the elements and made the trip to Laois for the round three clash. The Waterford team was similar to that which defeated Clare the week before with just two changes on the day. Ger Power who sealed the Déise victory last week with a well taken goal, stood between the posts for Waterford in place of Sally Kelly and Dearbhaile Hayes started the game at wing back. Laois had the wind in the first half and ran into a quick lead with a pointed free from Clare Conlon. However, Waterford settled down and got the next three scores from Eimear Fennell, Lauren McGregor and a pointed free by Sinéad Ryan. Clare Conlon and Noirín Kirwan pointed for Laois to leave the sides level on three points a piece. Captain Mairead Wall quickly replied with a well taken point from wing back. Laois worked the ball back up field and somehow spotted an opening and found the back of the Déise net. The Déise girls kept their heads up and worked tirelessly, moving the ball well. After working the ball well up the field, it found the hands of Liz Devine who made no mistake and finished it to the back

of the Laois net before having to leave the field with a hamstring injury. Roisin Tobin and Sinead Ryan finished the scoring for Waterford in the first half with two more points leaving the half time score Waterford 1-6; Laois 1-3. Waterford were to be aided by the breeze in the second half and Aoife Murray was introduced. Waterford started well but were dealt a major blown when Maria Delahunty got sin binned and one minute later Lauren McGregor also say yellow. The 13 side Waterford team didn't let this affect them and their work rate for the next ten minutes was incredible. The players showed great strength and fitness keeping vital possession. Aileen Wall came on and used her pace tracking players and attacking at speed, she was only on the field a few minutes before she had the ball over the bar. Despite the Déise effort Laois continued to attack and Emma Lawlor found the back of the Déise net for a second time. Three minutes later Eimear Fennell responded with a great goal after a perfect pass in from Aileen. Emma Lawlor pulled another point back for Laois before Lauren McGregor came back on and slotted the ball over the bar followed by another point from Aileen Wall. Waterford were back to fifteen and piled on the pressure, Maria Delahunty scored a point before she sent a high ball into Eimear Fennell who once again found the net giving Waterford a lead of 3-10

Forde’s

to 2-4. Mags McEvoy sent over a free for Laois. Eimear Fennell finished the scoring with her third goal of the match to leave Waterford winners in a score line of 4-10 to 25. Round 4 will be at home to Sligo Sunday, 25th February. Waterford: Geraldine Power, Aisling Hahessey, Megan Dunford, Rebecca Casey, Dearbhaile Hayes, Emma Murray, Mairead Wall, Karen McGrath, Roisin Tobin, Lauren McGregor, Liz Devine, Katie Murray, Sinead Ryan, Michelle Ryan, Eimear Fennell. Scorers: Eimear Fennell 3-1, Liz Devine 1-0, Lauren McGregor and Aileen Wall 0-2, Sinead Ryan 0-2 (frees), Mairead Wall, Roisin Tobin, Maria Delahunty 0-1 each. Subs used: Maria Delahunty for Liz Devine, Aoife Murray for Dearbhaile Hayes, Aileen Wall for Sinead Ryan, Keely Corbett Barry for Michelle Ryan, Kate Hahessey for Aisling Hahessey, Kelly ann Hogan for Lauren McGregor. U-14 Our U-14's get their Munster campaign underway this Saturday, 17th February against Limerick at 3 p.m. in Cappamore. Best of luck to all players and management. LIDL MUNSTER SENIOR PPS SENIOR A FINAL Congratulations to Loretto Clonmel and all the Ballymac girls who won the Munster senior A school final beating ISK Killorglin by 1-12 to 1-7. Kelly Ann Hogan of Ballymac was Player of the Match. Well done to all. Youghal Road, Dungarvan, Co Waterford. 087 2674890 Dungarvanstatoil@cablesurf.com

FORDE’S DAYBREAK FORECAST CORNER Waterford Ladies Gaelic Football Player of the Year Awards presentation for 2017; Chloe Fennell, Under 18 Player of the Year, receives her award from Michelle Ryan, special guest, included is Johnny Troy, Team Manager. [Dan McGrath]

Last Week’s Forecasts: 1 Forecast. 1 Correct. 0 Incorrect. Success Rate: 100 % This Week’s Forecasts: NHL: Waterford v Kilkenny- A Draw. To Date: 12 Forecasts. 6 Correct. 6 Incorrect. Success Rate: 50%

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Allianz National Football League Round 3 Division 4

Footballers impress despite losing Laois ………………………. 0-18; Waterford ……………….… 1-11. THE best 35 minutes produced under Tom McGlinchey’s watch on away turf saw Waterford trail Laois by a single point as the sides went in for some welcome respite from the Saturday night chill in Portlaoise. But a dominant second half display, which included a run of six successive scores, coupled with the return of the classy Donie Kingston, ensured Laois remain on course for an instant return to Division Three. This was simply a case of Waterford playing well and Laois playing that little bit better, particularly during the “Championship minutes.” And in so doing, the hosts condemned Waterford to another season of Division Four football. Waterford took the lead after 62 seconds through the recalled Hutchinson, following a move instigated by captain Paul Whyte, once again deployed in a marauding, rangy role. Rathgormack’s Conor Murray, who linked up so well with clubmate Jason Curry ahead of him and fellow half-forward Kieran Power (making his first senior start), played in Hutchinson for his second point come the third minute. Laois got off the mark after fullforward Gary ‘Psycho’ Walsh converted a free, following full-back Thomas O’Gorman’s concession (O’Gorman was dismissed in the closing stages for a second bookable offence). With good point scoring opportunities missed by both J. J. Hutchinson and Tommy Prendergast, Laois drew level through Alan Farrell in the 10th minute and took the lead through Walsh’s second free two minutes

later. The concession of frees, particularly the position from which Waterford gave them up, provided Tom McGlinchey with food for thought afterwards, as the hosts converted nine set pieces, eight from the boot of Walsh and a single by veteran corner-forward Ross Munnelly. A half-chance fell Kieran Power’s way following indecision between Laois goalkeeper Graham Brody and his new look full-back line, but again Waterford failed to plunder from a positive position. Sixty seconds later, the energetic Power delivered a hanging ball towards the square, which J. J. Hutchinson deftly fisted over the bar. And barely a minute later, the Deise produced their stand-out moment of the night in what was the first meeting of the sides since 2002. Conor Murray, darting crossfield, from the left-flank pocket, only yards from the corner flag, delivered a superb looped pass into the patch of JJ Hutchison, who darted inside full-back Shane Nerney and found the net from point-blank range to send Waterford 1-3 to 0-3 clear. Gary Walsh landed another free in the 20th minute and the sides were level within three minutes thanks to further Laois points from Paul Kingston and Kieran Lillis. And while there were periods in the first half when just five players were left in the Laois half, this was nonetheless entertaining stuff, and a definite leap forward in performance terms from Waterford in contrast to the previous two run-outs. Jason Curry judged the cross-field wind well when pointing a 28th

minute free but two late points from Gary Walsh and Ross Munnelly sent the hosts in a point ahead. Waterford were first off the mark after the restart following a fine Kieran Power point in the 37th minute, having been played in by a superb Tommy Prendergast punt pass. Gary Walsh replied for Laois within a minute, with Munnelly turning over a free 90 seconds later to send John Sugrue’s side two points clear. But Waterford refused to buckle, with Jason Curry turning over a brace of points in the 42nd and 44th minutes to restore parity. Walsh scored from another free in the 46th minute and still managed to steer the ball over the bar three minutes later despite an unbalancing jersey tug from Ray O’Ceallaigh. Conor Murray kept Waterford well in the hunt when finishing off an excellent 54th minute passing move but the home crowd were on their feet when Donie Kingston turned over a superb score from deep down the right flank. Gary Walsh’s sixth free (in the 57th minute) put Laois three clear and firmly in the box seat, and he was on the mark again two minutes later after a goal-bound Kingston was taken down by Thomas O’Gorman. As both managers began to empty their benches, Kieran Lillis and Kingston tagged on further white flaggers in the 60th and 66th minutes. While victory was now beyond Waterford, they never threw the towel in, with substitute Donie Breathnach sending a point high and true between the uprights (68 mins) before Jason Curry recorded his third free from a dead ball, and his fourth in total (69).

Paul Whyte The dismissals of Tommy Prendergast (Black Card) and Thomas O’Gorman (for two yellows) in the closing 10 minutes will not have pleased management, meaning Waterford finished down a man for the second successive weekend. Nonetheless, despite the natural disappointment with the result, this was an encouraging performance from Waterford, who will host highflying Carlow on Saturday week, February 24th. POSTSCRIPT Credit to Laois County Board for producing a fine 28-page programme for Saturday night’s game which was well supported by local companies and contained plenty of interesting match related titbits, including a Laois/Waterford Trivia page which revealed that there has never been a goalless game between the sides, along with the fact

Conor Murray

Jason Curry that Laois have never lost to Waterford when they’ve led at halftime. Both facts remain intact following Saturday last. Scorers – Laois: Gary Walsh (0-10; 0-8f), Kieran Lillis, Ross Munnelly (0-1f) and Donie Kingston (0-2 each), Paul Kingston and Alan Farrell (0-1 each). Waterford: J. J. Hutchinson (1-3), Jason Curry (0-4; 0-3f), Kieran Power, Conor Murray, Paul Whyte and Donie Breathnach (0-1 each). Laois: Graham Brody; David Holland, Shane Nerney, Ruaidhri Fennell; Trevor Collins, Colm Begley, Gareth Dillon; John O’Loughlin, Kieran Lillis; Alan Farrell, Paul Kingston, Daniel O’Reilly; Ross Munnelly, Gary Walsh, Evan O’Carroll. Substitutes: Donie Kingston for Evan O’Carroll (HT), Darren Strong

for Ruaidhri Fennell (47 mins), Niall Danaher for Alan Farrell (53), Brian Glynn for Daniel O’Reilly and Eoin Buggie for Gareth Dillon (both 64) and Benny Whyte for Paul Kingston (68). Waterford: Stephen Enright; Brian Looby, Thomas O’Gorman, Ray O’Ceallaigh; James McGrath, Shane Ryan, Aidan Trihy; Tommy Prendergast, Michael Curry; Conor Murray, Kieran Power, Dylan Guiry; Jason Curry, J. J. Hutchinson, Paul Whyte. Substitutes: Donie Breathnach for Kieran Power (51 mins), Mark Cummins for Ray O’Ceallaigh (52), Fearghal O’Cuirrin for Aidan Trihy (61), Joe Allen for Tommy Prendergast (BC, 61), Martin Scurry for Dylan Guiry (69) and Eoin O’Brien for J. J. Hutchinson (71). Referee: James Bermingham (Cork).

Waterford County Camogie

Post Primary All-Ireland Senior B Semi-Final

Ursuline battle to All-Ireland final St. Angela’s Ursuline ........………… 2-8; Abbey Community College …………2-4. ST. Angela’s Ursuline rolled up their sleeves on Saturday afternoon to beat local rivals Abbey Community College and advance to another All-Ireland final. It turned into a real struggle for last year’s junior champions as Abbey dropped an extra player into defence from the start. The congestion strangled the life out of both attacks. This semi-final was littered with frees as well. Wexford referee Aidan O’Brien blew the whistle 46 times (26 in the first half). Ursuline’s star quality eventually shone through. Goals either side of the break by Aoife and Annie Fitzgerald gave them breathing space in a claustrophobic encounter. Dashing midfielder Clodagh Carroll was head and shoulders above the rest. Her lengthy carries moved the team in red in the right direction. She also nailed a long distance free at a critical stage. Abby Flynn shot three points from play on a day where forwards were heavily policed. From the throw-in, Abbey immediately withdrew corner forward and Ferrybank native Grainne Heffernan. Ursuline reacted

by bringing out Rachael Walsh to the half forward line. It created a stalemate situation for most of the opening thirty minutes. A goal from Aoife Fitzgerald late in the half followed by a Niamh Murphy point gave Ursuline a 1-3 to 0-2 interval advantage. Abby Flynn opened the scoring on seven minutes and a slick move created a second for Annie Fitzgerald. The Munster champions wouldn’t register for another twenty minutes however. Lead attacker for the Abbey Afton Grace levelled matters with two frees. On 28 minutes, Aoife Fitzgerald grabbed a free from Annie at the edge of the square and fired to the far corner. Carroll broke through three high challenges to win a free. Alanna Gallagher was shown a yellow card. Murphy put the Ursuline four clear in injury time. The second half was a much livelier affair. Grace moved to full forward and rattled the roof of the net within 45 seconds of the restart. The Ursuline cancelled it out almost immediately as Annie Fitzgerald’s 34th minute free deceived Abbey goalkeeper Aoife Slattery and went all the way (2-3 to 1-2). Abby Flynn pushed the lead

out to a comfortable five points when another Fitzgerald free didn’t have the distance. The Kilkenny side refused to surrender and Grace pointed a free. Nearing the last quarter, a Caroline Kennedy effort flew over the umpire’s head and wide. Annie Fitzgerald then split the uprights from 45 metres. With twelve minutes left, Kennedy approached from the left and drove the ball past Leah O’Donoghue. She followed it up with a point (2-5 to 2-4). Clodagh Carroll steered the Ursuline out of danger. The Gailltir midfielder won a free 50 metres from goal and dispatched it herself. A Flynn point settled the nerves further. In an uneasy finish for the leaders, Ciara O’Sullivan intervened twice as Abbey chased an equalising goal. Afton Grace also missed the pick-up on a last-minute dead ball. In the second minute of injury time, Annie Fitzgerald sent over the insurance point from a free. Dublin champions Coláiste Íosagáin stand in their way on March 3. Scorers for St Angela’s Ursuline: Annie Fitzgerald 1-3 (1-1fs), Aoife Fitzgerald 1-0, Abby Flynn 0-3, Clodagh

Carroll (f), Niamh Murphy 0-1 each. Scorers for Abbey Community College: Afton Grace 1-3 (3fs), Caroline Kennedy 1-1. St Angela’s Ursuline: Leah O’Donoghue (Gailltir); Shauna Farrell (Butlerstown), Lucy Hogan (De La Salle), Emma Flynn (Gailltir); Leah Sheridan (Gailltir), Collette Hogan (De La Salle), Hannah Flynn (Gailltir); Clodagh Carroll (Gailltir), Ciara O’Sullivan (Gailltir); Aleisha McDonald (St Annes), Niamh Murphy (De La Salle), Annie Fitzgerald (Gailltir); Rachael Walsh (Butlerstown), Aoife Fitzgerald (Gailltir), Abby Flynn (De La Salle). Sub: Emer Walsh (Gailltir) for McDonald. Abbey Community College: Aoife Slattery (St. Claire’s); Kathlyn Roche (St. Claire’s), Aine Phelan (St. Claire’s), Ciara Atkins (St. Claire’s); Eve Lacey (St. Claire’s), Laura Mulcair (St. Claire’s), Alanna Gallagher (Piltown); Caroline Kennedy (St. Claire’s), Una Kinsella (St. Claire’s); Alannah Dolan (St. Claire’s), Jane Rochford (St. Claire’s), Afton Grace (St. Claire’s); Grainne Heffernan (Ferrybank), Orla Phelan (St. Claire’s), Emma

Hewetson (Mooncoin). Subs: Kate Sheridan (St. Claire’s) for Atkins, Helen Connolly (Ferrybank) for Hewetson. Referee: Aidan O'Brien (Wexford). LITTLEWOODS NATIONAL LEAGUE Waterford vs Dublin Sunday, 18th February Venue: WIT Carrignore Best of luck to our senior team who play Dublin in the fourth round on the National league on Sunday next in WIT Carrignore at 2 p.m. This is a must win game for our seniors in order to qualify for the League semi finals. Please come out and support the girls on Sunday next. WATERFORD UNDER 14 SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE The Under 14 school of excellence commences next Saturday in WIT Carrignore at 1.30 p.m. WATERFORD CAMOGIE OFFICE Waterford Camogie office is opened every day Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Our Office is located in Dungarvan Nissan. If you have any queries or want to get in contact with us please contact Tanya on 086 8113531 or John Flood on 087 6684474.

12 & 13

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling Cup visits Ardmore National School

Declan Prendergast, captain of the All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling winners visits Ardmore National School with the Cup pictured with the Junior and Senior Infants.

Third and Fourth Class from Ardmore National School pictured with the All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling cup. Also included is Ardmore Captain Declan Prendergast. Fifth and Sixth Class pupils from Ardmore NS pictured at the school with the cup. Also included are Ber Keevers, Principal Ardmore NS and Declan Prendergast, Captain, Ardmore Junior Hurling Club All-Ireland captain.

Declan Prendergast, captain of the All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling winners visits Ardmore National School with the Cup pictured with the First and Second Class.

Staff of Ardmore N.S. pictured with the All-Ireland cup. Left to right: Marianne Meehan, Teacher; Ber Keevers, Principal; Declan Prendergast, Captain, Ardmore Junior Hurling Club All-Ireland winners; Lindsey Prendergast, Teacher; Marie Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan, S.N.A.; Natalie Lehane, Teacher; Saundra Hennessy, Teacher; Terri McGrath, Secretary; and Michelle Walsh, Teacher.

Ardmore Captain Declan Prendergast with his family, Lizzie, Maeve and Lindsey with the All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling cup at Ardmore NS recently.

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Football days in the Friary in the late fifties By Frank Colbert (South Africa)

BACK in the late fifties St. Augustine’s College (The Friary) in Dungarvan was still located near the centre of the town. In those far away days gaelic football was the only team game played in the college. However, in 1962 the charismatic Fr. Whelton, known affectionately as “ Dukie,” due to his startling resemblance to the Duke of Edinburgh, introduced hurling for the first time. For us Ardmore lads it was a re-introduction of the only game which us schoolboys played at lunchtime on the forbidding tarmac surface next to the old National School in front of the parish church. Frequently, pupils would suffer skinned knees or elbows after a fall, or from a collision with the storm wall resulting from a tackle by an bigger colleague. The Friary College’s playing fields were located about two kilometres away from the college in their farm which was located across the road from the hospital. As a result, every afternoon after classes, a troop of us players between the ages of fourteen and eighteen could be seen winding our way, two-a-breast, along the town’s streets past the parish church towards the fields, with a few prefects in tow to keep us in-line and to also ensure that no-one covertly disappeared into a nearby shop for sweets or ice creams. On a number of occasions we would encounter a group of Mercy Convent girls approaching us on the opposite street. However, in those distant days in conservative Catholic Ireland there typically would be no communication whatsoever between both groups in the manner of two complete sets of strangers. With the prefects keeping a close watch from the rear of the column it was a case of “eyes right” until the

Mercy girls had disappeared around the nearest corner. Because of a total lack of basic dressingrooms at the playing fields, we had to tog off against the nearest fence between the cowpats, and while hanging our clothes on the nearest thorny wire post we had to hope that no rain occurred during the training session. At that time the college fielded both a junior and senior football team. Typical training sessions, supervised by one of the Friars, involved a few basic warming up exercises followed by a few rounds of the field before a full practice game. However, no coaching in the basics of the game was given and we just played to the best of their ability. During a few weeks before a competitive game a fistful of glucose would be handed out to each of us after the practice game in order to hopefully restore our energy levels. During those distant days approximately 120 pupils attended the Friary. In view of the general lack of public transport provided by CIE, about 85% of the pupils were boarders with the day pupils arriving each morning during the week on foot or on bicycles. In contrast, larger secondary colleges in Munster had a few hundred pupils which enabled them to field more competitive teams than the Friary. On a few occasions I still recall travelling by bus with the senior team for friendly games to places like Castlemartyr as well as Mount Melleray. After we arrived back in Dungarvan after the latter game, a few wise guys among us intimidated the rest of us into covertly dropping in to the local chip shop in order to sample some of their famous delicacies. However, shortly after subsequently arriving back inside the Colditz-like walls of the Friary one particular Friar detected the distinct smell of salt and vinegar on the breath of a few players. “The cat was now out of the bag,” as he

Friary senior hurling team 1962 – Front row (l. to r.): Phillip Ward, Michael O’Reilly (Ardmore), Joe O’Keeffe, Paddy Carleton (capt., Ardmore), P.J. O’Sullivan, Dick Linehan (The Nire), Denis Buckley. Back row (l. to r.): Brendan O’Keeffe, John Crowley, Paddy Feeney (Ballyduff), Donal Brennock (Abbeyside), Frank Colbert (Ardmore), Maurice Colbert (Ardmore), Paddy O’Regan (Kilmacthomas), Tony McCarthy (Affane), John O’Donnell. quickly realised the reason for our late arrival. Very shortly “six of the best” was the order of the day from a long bamboo stick administered by this raging Friar. On the following afternoon, out on the training field again, the fielding of several players was greatly affected, as a result! Unfortunately, for many of us players the resulting tender hands had lasted longer than the taste of the sumptuous fish and chips which we had been looking forward to since the end of the previous holidays! In addition to these occasional friendly games, the Friary senior team annually played a game just before the Summer holidays

against our sister college in New Ross. On alternative years the game would be played either in New Ross or in the Fraher Field in Dungarvan for an impressive trophy appropriately labelled The New Ross Cup. In view of the fact that this day was typically labelled a “free day” without any classes, it was regularly looked forward to by all of us pupils. In particular, when the game was about to be played in New Ross it would be a happy group of pupils which would travel in busses over the border into County Wexford. In view of the typical inferior quality of the opposition we would invariably be anticipating another victory.

The Friary Munster Cup winners 1959 – Seated: Donie Ormonde (Kilmacthomas), Tim O’Callagahan, Joe O’Keeffe, Denis Gleeson. Second row: Brendan O’Keeffe, Peter McKenna, Terry Nolan (Kilmacthomas), Stan Glynn, Maurice Hodnett, Teddy Hegarty, Paddy Carleton (Ardmore), Pat Crowley. Back row: Mick O’Hanlon, Billy O’Toole, Billy Dundon, Michael Brennock, Maurice Colbert (Ardmore), Myles Lyne, Paddy O’Regan (Kilmacthomas).

Suitably fortified with supplies of cold drinks, sweets and crisps, the busload would spend a large part of the journey engaged in singsongs often geared to motivate the team while en-route. The contents of many of the songs escape me over the years with the exception of the following last verse which was sung both in 1962 and 1963:Come on the backs the centrefield. Come on the forwards too. And Frank Colbert between the posts. Don’t let the ball go through! For the Friary senior football team the typical opponents in the Munster Colleges Championships would include colleges such as De La Salle in Waterford, Clonmel High School and Colaiste Chriost Ri in Cork. However, in 1962 we suddenly found ourselves playing in Clonmel GAA grounds against Rockwell College which hitherto was renowned for its rugby team in those distant days of the draconian GAA ban. Personally, this game still lingers in my memory, partly in view of our victory by 13 points to 5. However, also one typical incident which I still have somewhat amusing memories of is the typical rugby-like tactics of the opposing forwards around our goalmouth, in particular when I happened to be in possession of the ball. Typically their forwards used unusual rugbylike tactics in unsuccessful attempts to force me over the goalline. Fortunately, the considerable height of just over six feet of both myself and one or two of my backs was of considerable benefit during these encounters of a nature foreign to gaelic football! In the Munster senior championships, the Friary team typically failed to overcome De La Salle, Waterford, mostly due to this much larger college having a greater selection of players to choose from, many of whom were minor players for both Cork and Kerry. In contrast, the Friary junior football team regularly was much more successful in the Munster Frewen Cup competition. In addition to winning it both in 1956 and 1959 they also reached the actual final on another two occasions during the intervening years. In 1956 the cup

was triumphantly brought home to the Friary by an impressive team under the captaincy of Ardmore’s Kevin Gallagher. Other players in the team included Paul Webber, Ken Murphy, Mossie Garde and Dick Tobin. FREWEN CUP WINNERS 1959 I still have vivid memories of the team in 1959 under the captaincy of Stan Glynn. The passage of time does not allow me to confirm if they beat Clonmel CBS in the first round. However, in the semi-final they subsequently beat St. Flannan’s, Ennis, in pouring rain in the semi-final at Cashel by a scoreline of 2-4 to 2-3. In the Munster final they had a more convincing win against Cork’s North Monastery at Fermoy on 6th May by 2-5 to 0-6, having lead by 1-4 to 0-2 at half time. The victory was accompanied by rousing cheering from us students of all ages and we looked forward to a free day on our return home to Dungarvan to commemorate the victory. The team was: Teddy Hegarty, Billy O’Toole, Myles Lyne, Patrick O’Regan, Peter McKenna, Terry Nolan, David Ahearne, Billy Dundon, Stan Glynn, Denis Gleeson, Maurice Hodnett, Joe O’Keeffe, Paddy Carleton, Michael O’Hanlon, Donie Ormonde. Substitutes were: Timmy O’Callaghan, Billy O’Keeffe, Michael Brennock, Pat Crowley and Maurice Colbert. The team panel included a total of seven County Waterford-born players: Patrick O’Regan, Terry Nolan (Stradbally), David Ahearne, Paddy Carleton (Ardmore), Donie Ormonde (Kilmacthomas), Michael Brennock (Abbeyside) and Maurice Colbert (Ardmore). Co-incidentally, Fr. Michael Brennock recently returned to the Friary in Dungarvan. In addition to Terry Nolan playing under-21 football for Waterford in 1963, Paddy Carleton who became Head Prefect in the Friary and senior football captain in both 1962 and 1963 went on to play football for Waterford in all grades as well as hurling at minor and under-21 level. In addition, three players played minor football for Cork in 1962 (Myles Lyne, Joe O’Keeffe and Teddy Hegarty).

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

Foundation Courses in the Western Division WE have a Foundation Coaching course coming up in the Cappoquin Community Centre starting on Monday, February 26th. This course will run for three Mondays – Feb. 26th, March 5th and March 12th and will start at 7:00 p.m. each evening. This course is €20 per person and is a really worthwhile course for those looking to be certified and starting on their coaching journey. Topics covered include Hurling and Football Skills Coaching, Physical Literacy and Games. To book your place on this course, contact Barry Dunne on barry.dunne.gda.waterford@gaa.ie CHILD PROTECTION AND WELFARE GAA COURSE There are two Child Protection and Welfare courses upcoming one takes place in Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan on Monday, February 26th at 7:00 pm and another takes place on Thursday, March 8th in Cappoquin. To book your place contact Barry Dunne on barry.dunne.gda.waterford@gaa.ie WATERFORD COACHING AND GAMES DEVELOPMENT ‘SPRING COACHING WORKSHOPS 2018’ There are a number of Coaching Workshops coming up across the county in the next few weeks. The Series started last Saturday in the WIT Arena, Carriganore with an ex-

cellent Workshop on striking from the hand in hurling with Pat Moore, John Burns and Jonathan Moore. The second Workshop coming up takes place in Coláiste Cathail Naofa, Dungarvan on Saturday, February 24th at 10:30 a.m. geared towards coaches of children from 510 years and is all about putting together a fun Club Nursery session. The Workshop will be delivered by Kenny Hassett who has huge experience in this area and is truly a coaching session not to be missed by all underage coaches. The cost of attending is €5 and to book your place, please contact Barry Dunne, Coach Education Co-ordinator and Western GDA on 087-6953648 or barry.dunne.gda.waterford@gaa.ie UPCOMING WORKSHOPS Planning a Fun Session for Your Club Nursery’ With Kenny Hassett. Saturday, February 24th at 10:30 a.m. in Coláiste Cathail Naofa, Dungarvan. ‘A Games-Based Approach to Football Training’ With Mick O’Loughlin. Saturday, March 10th at 11:00 a.m. in Kilrossanty GAA Club, Lemybrien. ‘Developing Your Players Fundamental Movement Skills’ With Pat Flanagan and Wayne Power. Saturday, March 24th at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s NS, Ballygunner.

Ardmore GAA Club would like to thank Mike McGrath and Paul Troy and friends who ran a fundraiser for our club in Boston. We would like to thank Mike and Paul for this. The cheque was greatly appreciated and it was great to see you both home for the game. The cheque was presented to club chairman Noel Conway and captain Declan Prendergast. Left to right: James O’Donnell (Club Treasurer); Paul Troy (Boston); Noel Conway (Club Chairperson); Declan Prendergast (Captain All-Ireland Junior Hurlers); Mike McGrath (Boston); John O’Donnell (Club President).

County Hurling and Football League Fixtures 2018 COUNTY SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE 2018 Group A - Abbeyside, An Rinn, De La Salle, Fourmilewater, Passage, Mount Sion. ROUND 1 Abbeyside v. Passage at Abbeyside on Friday, 16th March at 7.30 p.m. An Rinn v. Fourmilewater in An Rinn on Monday, 19th March at 12 noon. Mount Sion v. De La Salle in Mount Sion on Monday, 19th March at 12 noon. ROUND 2 Abbeyside v. Mount Sion in Abbeyside on Saturday, 24th March at 5 p.m. Fourmilewater v. Passage in Ballymacarbry on Saturday, 24th March at 5 p.m. An Rinn v. De La Salle in An Rinn on Saturday, 24th March at 5 p.m. ROUND 3 Abbeyside v. An Rinn in Abbeyside on Saturday, 28th April at 7 p.m. Passage v. Mount Sion in Passage on Saturday, 28th April at 7 p.m. De La Salle v. Fourmilewater in Gracedieu on Saturday, 28th April at 7 p.m. ROUND 4 Fourmilewater v. Abbeyside in Ballymacarbry on Saturday, 5th May at 7 p.m. Mount Sion v. An Rinn in Mount Sion in Saturday, 5th May at 7 p.m. De La Salle v. Passage in Gracedieu on Saturday, 5th May at 7 p.m. ROUND 5 Abbeyside v. De La Salle in Gracedieu in Saturday, 9th June at 7 p.m. Passage v. An Rinn in Passage on Saturday, 9th June at 7 p.m. Fourmilewater v. Mount Sion in Ballymacarbry on Saturday, 9th June at 7 p.m. Group B - Ballygunner, Ballyduff Upper, Dungarvan, Tallow, Lismore, Roanmore. Lismore v. Ballygunner in Lismore on Monday, 19th March at 12 noon. Tallow v. Ballyduff Upper in Tallow on Monday, 19th March at 12 noon. Roanmore v. Dungarvan in Roanmore on Monday, 19th March at 12 noon. ROUND 2 Ballygunner v. Roanmore in Ballygunner on Saturday, 24th March at 5 p.m. Tallow v. Lismore in Tallow on Saturday, 24th March at 5 p.m.

Ballyduff Upper v. Dungarvan in Ballyduff Upper on Saturday, 24th March at 5 p.m. ROUND 3 Ballygunner v. Ballyduff Upper in Ballygunner on Saturday, 28th April at 7 p.m. Lismore v. Roanmore in Lismore on Saturday, 28th April at 7 p.m. Dungarvan v. Tallow in Dungarvan on Saturday, 28th April at 7 p.m. ROUND 4 Ballygunner v. Tallow in Ballygunner on Saturday, 5th May at 7 p.m. Ballyduff Upper v. Roanmore in Ballyduff Upper on Saturday, 5th May at 7 p.m. Lismore v. Dungarvan in Lismore on Saturday, 5th May at 7 p.m. ROUND 5 Dungarvan v. Ballygunner in Dungarvan on Saturday, 9th June at 7 p.m. Ballyduff Upper v. Lismore in Ballyduff Upper on Saturday, 9th June at 7 p.m. Roanmore v. Tallow in Roanmore on Saturday, 9th June at 7 p.m. COUNTY SENIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2018 Group A - Stradbally, Portlaw, The Nire, Brickey Rangers, An Rinn, Gaultier. ROUND 1 An Rinn v. Stradbally in An Rinn on Saturday, 3rd March at 3.30 p.m. Portlaw v. Brickey Rangers in Portlaw on Saturday, 3rd March at 3.30 p.m. The Nire v. Gaultier in The Nire on Saturday, 3rd March at 3.30 p.m. ROUND 2 Stradbally v. Gaultier in Stradbally on Saturday, 10th March at 4 p.m. An Rinn v. Brickey Rangers in An Rinn on Saturday, 10th March at 4 p.m. The Nire v. Portlaw in The Nire on Saturday, 10th March at 4 p.m. ROUND 3 Portlaw v. Stradbally in Portlaw on Saturday, 12th May at 7 p.m. Gaultier v. An Rinn in Gaultier on Saturday, 12th May at 7 p.m. Brickey Rangers v. The Nire in Bushy Park on Saturday, 12th May at 7 p.m. ROUND 4 Stradbally v. Brickey Rangers in Stradbally on Sunday, 20th May at 12 noon. Gaultier v. Portlaw in Gaultier on Sunday, 20th May at 12 noon. An Rinn v. The Nire in An Rinn on Sunday, 20th May at 12 noon.

ROUND 5 The Nire v. Stradbally in The Nire on Saturday, 26th May at 7 p.m. Portlaw v. An Rinn in Portlaw on Saturday, 26th May at 7 p.m. Brickey Rangers v. Gaultier in Bushy Park on Saturday, 26th May at 7 p.m. Group B - Ardmore, Dungarvan, Clashmore / Kinsalebeg, Ballinacourty, Kilrossanty, Rathgormack. ROUND 1 Ardmore v. Kilrossanty in Ardmore on Saturday, 3rd March at 3.30 p.m. Dungarvan v. Ballinacourty in Dungarvan on Saturday, 3rd March at 3.30 p.m. Rathgoramck v. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in Rathgormack on Saturday, 3rd March at 3.30 p.m. ROUND 2 Rathgormack v. Ardmore in Rathgormack on Saturday, 10th March at 4 p.m. Kilrossanty v. Ballinacourty in Lemybrien on Saturday, 10th March at 4 p.m. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v. Dungarvan in Clashmore on Saturday, 10th March at 4 p.m. ROUND 3 Ardmore v. Dungarvan in Ardmore on Saturday, 12th May at 7 p.m. Kilrossanty v. Rathgormack in Lemybrien on Saturday, 12th May at 7 p.m. Ballinacourty v. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in Abbeyside on Saturday, 12th May at 7 p.m. ROUND 4 Ballinacourty v. Ardmore in Abbeyside on Sunday, 20th May at 12 noon. Rathgormack v. Dungarvan in Rathgormack on Sunday, 20th May at 12 noon. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v. Kilrossanty in Clashmore on Sunday, 12th May at 12 noon. ROUND 5 Ardmore v. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in Ardmore on Saturday, 26th May at 7 p.m. Dungarvan v. Kilrossanty in Dungarvan on Saturday, 26th May at 7 p.m. Ballinacourty v. Rathgormack in Abbeyside on Saturday, 26th May at 7 p.m. COUNTY INTERMEDIATE HURLING LEAGUE 2018 Group A - Ballysaggart, Brickey Rangers, Clonea, Ferrybank, St.

Mollerans. ROUND 1 St. Mollerans v. Ballysaggart in Carrickbeg on Friday, 19th March at 7.30 p.m. Brickey Rangers v. Ferrybank in Bushy Park on Friday, 19th March at 7.30 p.m. Clonea a bye. ROUND 2 St. Mollerans v. Ferrybank in Carrickbeg on Sunday, 25th March at 12 noon. Clonea v. Brickey Rangers in Clonea on Sunday, 25th March at 12 noon. Ballysaggart a bye. ROUND 3 Ballysaggart v. Brickey Rangers in Ballysaggart on Sunday, 29th April at 12 noon. Ferrybank v. Clonea in Ferrybank on Sunday, 29th April at 12 noon. St. Mollerans a bye. ROUND 4 Ferrybank v. Ballysaggart in Ferrybank on Friday, 8th June at 7 p.m. Clonea v. St. Mollerans in Clonea on Friday, 8th June at 7 p.m. Brickey Rangers a bye. ROUND 5 Ballysaggart v. Clonea in Ballysaggart on Friday, 15th June at 7.30 p.m. Brickey Rangers v. St. Mollerans in Bushy Park on Friday, 15th June at 7.30 p.m. Ferrybank a bye. Group B - Cappoquin, Stradbally, St. Saviours, Fenor, Ballyduff Lower, Bye. ROUND 1 Ballyduff Lower v. Cappoquin in Ballyduff Lower on Monday, 19th March at 12 noon. Stradbally v. Fenor in Stradbally on Friday, 16th March at 7.30 p.m. St. Saviours a bye. ROUND 2 Ballyduff Lower v. Fenor in Ballyduff Lower on Sunday, 25th March at 12 noon. St. Saviours v. Stradbally in Ballybeg on Sunday, 25th March at 12 noon. Cappoquin a bye. ROUND 3 Cappoquin v. Stradbally in Cappoquin on Sunday, 29th April at 12 noon. Fenor v. St. Saviours in Fenor on Sunday, 29th April at 12 noon. Ballyduff Lower a bye. ROUND 4 Fenor v. Cappoquin in Fenor on

Friday, 8th June at 7 p.m. St. Saviours v. Ballyduff Lower in Ballybeg on Friday, 8th June at 7 p.m. Stradbally a bye. ROUND 5 Cappoquin v. St. Saviours in Cappoquin on Friday, 15th June at 7.30 p.m. Stradbally v. Ballyduff Lower in Stradbally on Friday, 15th June at 7.30 p.m. Fenor a bye. Group C - Clashmore / Kinsalebeg, Modeligo, Portlaw, Butlerstown, Erins Own, Bye. ROUND 1 Erins Own v. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in Erins Own on Monday, 19th March at 12 noon. Modeligo v. Butlerstown in Modeligo on Monday, 19th March at 12 noon. Portlaw a bye. ROUND 2 Erins Own v. Butlerstown in Erins Own on Sunday, 25th March at 12 noon. Portlaw v. Modeligo in Portlaw. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg a bye. ROUND 3 Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v. Modeligo in Clashmore on Sunday, 29th April at 12 noon. Butlerstown v. Portlaw in Butlerstown on Sunday, 29th April at 12 noon. Erins Own a bye. ROUND 4 Butlerstown v. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in Butlerstown on Friday, 8th June at 7 p.m. Portlaw v. Erins in Portlaw on Friday, 8th June at 7 p.m. Modeligo a bye. ROUND 5 Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v. Portlaw in Clashmore on Friday, 15th June at 7.30 p.m. Modeligo v. Erins Own in Modeligo on Friday, 15th June at 7.30 p.m. Butlerstown a bye. J. J. KAVANAGH & SONS COUNTY JUNIOR ‘B’ FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Group A - The Nire, Rathgormack, Brickey Rangers, Clashmore/Kinsalebeg, An Rinn, Bye. ROUND 1 The Nire v. Rathgormack in Ballymacarbry on Friday, 13th April at 7 p.m. An Rinn v. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in An Rinn on Friday, 13th April at 7 p.m. Brickey Rangers a bye.

ROUND 2 Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v. The Nire in Clashmore on Friday, 20th April at 7 p.m. Rathgormack v. Brickey Rangers in Rathgormack on Friday, 20th April at 7 p.m. An Rinn a bye. ROUND 3 Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v. Brickey Rangers in Clashmore on Friday, 18th May at 7.30 p.m. The Nire v. An Rinn in Ballymacarbry on Friday, 18th May at 7.30 p.m. Rathgormack a bye. ROUND 4 Rathgormack v. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg in Rathgormack on Friday, 25th May at 7.30 p.m. Brickey Rangers v. An Rinn in Bushy Park on Friday, 25th May at 7.30 p.m. The Nire a bye. ROUND 5 The Nire v. Brickey Rangers in Bushy Park on Friday, 1st June at 7.30 p.m. An Rinn v. Rathgormack in An Rinn on Friday, 1st June at 7.30 p.m. Clashmore/Kinsalebeg a bye. Group B - Gaultier, Kilrossanty, Ballinameela, Stradbally, Dungarvan, bye. ROUND 1 Gaultier v. Kilrossanty in Gaultier on Friday, 13th April at 7 p.m. Dungarvan v. Stradbally in Dungarvan on Friday, 13th April at 7 p.m. Ballinameela a bye. ROUND 2 Stradbally v. Gaultier in Stradbally on Friday, 20th April at 7 p.m. Ballinameela v. Kilrossanty in Ballinameela on Friday, 20th April at 7 p.m. ROUND 3 Stradbally v. Ballinameela in Stradbally on Friday, 18th May at 7.30 p.m. Dungarvan v. Gaultier in Dungarvan on Friday, 18th May at 7.30 p.m. Kilrossanty a bye. ROUND 4 Kilrossanty v. Stradbally in Lemybrien on Friday, 25th May at 7.30 p.m. Ballinameela v. Dungarvan in Ballinameela on Friday, 25th May at 7.30 p.m. Gaultier a bye. ROUND 5 Gaultier v. Ballinameela in Gaultier on Friday, 1st June at 7.30 p.m. Kilrossanty v. Dungarvan in Lemybrien on Friday, 1st June at 7.30 p.m. Stradbally a bye.

GAA CLUB NOTES

Abbeyside/Ballinacourty JACK THE JOKER Our ever popular Jack the Joker fundraiser continues this Sunday night in Alice O’Connor’s Bar where the jackpot is €7,800 as on Sunday night Maurice O’Donnell was drawn out of the drum and chose card number 19 which when turned was not the joker but he did win €50. The Walsh family and Laura Cliffe won €25 each. UNDER 21 FOOTBALL On Saturday afternoon last our under 21 footballers claimed the club’s 11th County and our first since 2012 when they defeated a fine Gaultier side in the 2017 County Final in what turned out to be an excellent game of football. Played before a large attendance in the Gold Coast, the early stages of the game were evenly contested before a well taken goal just before half time gave us a half time lead of 5 points. The second half of the game was even more fiercely contested and credit to Gaultier they fought right to the full time whistle. There were great scenes of celebrations at the full time whistle and it was most fitting to have John Elsted captain the side to victory on a pitch in the heart of Ballinacourty. Indeed as many if our older members will know the Gold Coast pitch is almost next to the site of the old Elsteds Pub which was the hub of the club for many years. We would like to thank all the players and managements team involved with the lads for all the dedication and commitment they have shown over the last 12 months. They won’t have long to dwell on the victory though as the first round of the 2018 County Championship against Comeragh Gaels takes place in 4 weeks. Team: K. DWANE, C. O'DWYER, C. McCARTHY, J. DUGGAN, C. McCARTHY, J. ELSTED, D. McGRATH, J. BERESFORD, N. MONTGOMERY, T. LOOBY, D. LOOBY, S. WHELAN BARRETT, S. CLIFFE, S. DALY, E. KIELY. Subs: D. MONTGOMERY, M. COLEMAN, M. TWOMEY.

LAST MAN STANDING Our last man standing fundraiser continued last weekend and we say well done to this week's spot prize winner Julie Mulcahy who won the prize generously donated by Café Bliss. We would like to thank all those who entered and a big thanks to Willow and Oak for their generous sponsorship. BOOKING OF PITCHES As our teams begin returning to training we would like to remind all our coaches to please ensure that they book the pitches with Michael Donovan before training. CLUB BINGO Our club bingo session continues in the CBS Hall this Sunday night with a jackpot of €1,650.

Kilrossanty Kilrossanty CLOTTO SPONSORED BY KILL AGRICULTURAL LTD CLOTTO RESULTS No winner of a Jackpot of €5,600 held in Crotty's Inn, Leamybrien, on Sunday night 11/2/18. Numbers were 4, 8, 16, 25. €30 won by the following people: Benny Whyte, Curraun; Tom Foley, Grawn. Seller’s prize of €30 Jimmy Doocey, Durrow. Next Clotto to be held in Micilin’s Bar, Kilrossanty, on Sunday night 18/02/18 for a Jackpot of €5,700. On duty on the night Kenny Houlihan and Jason Dee. It was decided at the last committee meeting on Wednesday evening last, 7th Febuary that the Clotto will be done on a Saturday evening at 10 p.m. starting from Sunday, 4th March. SYMPATHY The Kilrossanty GAA Club would like to extend their sympathy to the family of the late Christy O’Donovan, Glendalligan on the passing of Christy. Christy was Chairman of Kilrossanty in 1988 and 1989 and also Junior Hurling selector 1987. His son Darragh played underage for the club. Our thoughts and prayers are with the O’Donovan family at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis. MONSTER BINGO Our next Monster Bingo will be on Friday evening, 23rd February in Crotty's Inn, Leamybrien. The next new Jackpot will be €1,000 and a raffle for cash prizes. DÉISE DRAW The Déise Draw will resume in May 2018. RECYCLED CLOTHES We are still collecting old clothes, shoes, curtains, sheets etc. So, if you are doing a clear-out please bring them to the GAA Club and put them in the recycling bin. KILROSSANTY GAA CLUB JUVENILE Membership: The membership fees for the coming year are as follows. Family €50. Player €15. All players must register and pay the appropriate fee before they are allowed play for the club. To facilitate those who have not yet registered, club officials will be in attendance at the clubhouse on Monday night next, February 19th at 7.00 p.m. Bingo: The next night out at the bingo will be Friday, February 23rd in Crotty's with an 8.30 p.m. start. The jackpot will be €1,000 on 38 calls in addition to the usual cash prizes amounting to €1,200. Proceeds from the night will go towards

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 16 February, 2018

the running costs of the juvenile club. Come along and have an enjoyable social evening, and be in with a chance to make some money and collect some prizes. Under 11 Football: Members of the panel travelled to Bohadoon on Monday night of last week to participate in a number of seven a side blitz games with the main emphasis on hand passing. A very enjoyable outing and a most useful exercise. Thanks to the St. Pat’s club for their hospitality. Under 13 Football: Kilrossanty are in the combined Divisions 2/3 of this championship and start their campaign at home to An Ghaeltacht on Saturday week, February 24th. with a 4.00 p.m. throw-in. Under 14 Football: This championship was due to commence this coming Saturday with a home game in Leamybrien against St. Pat's at 4.00 p.m. At the time of going to press it is more than likely the game will be deferred to a later date by mutual agreement between both clubs. However, should this not be the case the usual teamer notifications will be sent. The second fixture is listed for Saturday, March 3rd. and is another home game, this time against neighbours Stradbally, again at 4.00 p.m. Under 16 Football: Kilrossanty are in Division 2 in this championship and are down to play their first game on Sunday, February 25th. at home to Clan na Gael, with a starting time of 11.00 a.m.

Dungarvan