Dungarvan observer 2 2 2018 edition by Dungarvan Observer

ARDMORE INTO ALL-IRELAND FINAL SEE SPORT DUNGARVAN

OBSERVER Vol. 105

Friday, 2nd February, 2018

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TOUGHER action is being sought by Comeragh Councillors on those engaged in flytipping and illegal dumping after the level of litter and rubbish around the county increased exponentially following the Christmas and New Year period.

The sides of regional and local roads around the District, particularly the R680 between Kilmeaden and Carrick-on-Suir (which cost the Council €18,000 to clean up an 18 km section of the road over nine days last year) have become extremely littered with disposable coffee cups, plastic bottles, fast food wrappers and other recyclable-type material.

Scenic wooded areas have also become a dumping ground for offenders, as Cllr. John O’Leary highlighted he came across two sofas which were dumped along with other household rubbish at Knockaderry, Kilmeaden; while Cllr. Liam Brazil discovered a mattress and bed dumped at Crough Woods. c FULL STORY PAGE 6

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LUCKY seven-year-old Billy Crotty, a pupil at Carriglea National School, Dungarvan, won a €1,000 prize when he unwrapped his Cadbury Creme Egg to find a limited edition white egg with a golden ticket. c SEE PAGE 4

A photograph taken by Cllr. John O’Leary which shows two sofas and a lot of household rubbish which was dumped recently at a wooded area in Knockaderry, Kilmeaden.

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become a areas have also Scenic wooded as Cllr. John local roads ground for offenders, two regional and R680 dumping highlighted he came across The sides of particularly the O’Leary along with other around the District, and Carrick-on-Suir which were dumpedat Knockaderry, Kilmeaden By Paul Mooney to clean up sofas sought by betweencost the Council €18,000 household rubbish Liam Brazil discovered action is being (which over nine days while Cllr. TOUGHER on those engaged an 18 km section of the road littered with Kilmeaden; bed dumped at Crough Woods. extremely after the Comeragh Councillors a mattress and illegal dumping PAGE 6 last year) have become plastic bottles, fast food FULL STORY in flytipping and around the coffee cups, material. c and rubbish following disposable and other recyclable-type level of litter exponentially wrappers county increased New Year period. and the Christmas

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sofas and a lot which shows two in by Cllr. John O’Leary a wooded area A photograph taken which was dumped recently at of household rubbish Knockaderry, Kilmeaden.

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a pupil r-old Billy Crotty, Dungarvan, LUCKY seven-yea National School, unwrapped at Carriglea prize when he won a €1,000 find a limited Creme Egg to ticket. his Cadbury egg with a golden 4 edition white c SEE PAGE

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SECTIONS .........................……………………………………... PAGES News .............................…………..……………………………….. 1–26 Classifieds ..........................…..……………………………….. 27–31 Ricardo’s … a cut above the rest! ………………………. 32–33 County News ...........………….………………………………... 34-46 Schools ...................................................…………………... 47-53 Obituary .…….…………………………………………………….. 54-55 Farming .....................………….………………………………...56-59 Entertainment ........………….………………………………... 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

WEATHER OUTLOOK WEDNESDAY will be a cold, windy, blustery day, with fairly widespread showers. Many showers heavy and some falling as hail. A few thunderstorms are likely also. Top temperatures just 4 to 6 C., in strong and gusty west to northwesterly winds. Forecast for Thursday/Friday – Thursday will be a cold, windy but sunny day with scattered showers at first which will become isolated later and then mostly dry later. Top temperatures in the range 6 to 8 degrees in a fresh to strong and gusty northwesterly wind.Thursday night will be cold with good clear spell and mostly dry. Winds will moderate and lowest temperatures will fall to between -2 to +2 degrees with frost and some icy surfaces. Cloud will increase on Friday but still dry at first with outbreaks of rain later in the evening. Top temperatures will reach 7 to 9 degrees in just light breezes. During Friday night a spell of persistent rain will clear later to scattered showers in a freshening west to northwest wind. Forecast for Saturday/Sunday – Saturday will be windy with scattered showers and sunny spells. Afternoon temperatures of just 5 to 7 degrees.Winds moderate on Saturday night and showers will become isolated and die out. Sunday will be bright with and mostly dry with just patchy rain or drizzle. Outlook (Monday/Wednesday) – The early days of next week will be mostly dull or with hazy sunshine and outbreaks of rain or drizzle.

WED 6º

THUR 8º

FRI 9º

SAT 7º

SUN 7º

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Dungarvan chosen to represent Ireland in Entente Florale By Paul Mooney TIDY Towns gold medallist, Dungarvan, has been chosen to represent Ireland in this year’s prestigious European competition Entente Florale. Dungarvan’s selection for the competition has been celebrated as very welcome news, as it will give international exposure to the town and in turn, help to increase visitors and tourists from across Europe, as well as enhance the town’s reputation. The Entente Florale is an international horticultural competition established to recognise towns and villages in Europe for excellence in horticultural displays. An appeal has been made for local people to support Dungarvan’s entry into the competition. Chairperson of Dungarvan Tidy Towns, Ann Marie Rossiter, said the Entente Florale is a very distinguished and renowned international competition and it was a huge honour for Dungarvan to have been chosen to represent Ireland this year. Dungarvan will represent Ireland in the ‘Town’ category with a population of over 5,000; while Inistioge in County Kilkenny will represent Ireland in the ‘Village’ category with a population under 5,000. Dungarvan’s entry into the competition is being jointly led by Waterford City and County Council and Dungarvan Tidy Towns Committee. Speaking to the Dungarvan Observer, Ms. Rossiter said she is hopeful that the people of the town, as well as businesses, sports groups, schools and other voluntary / community-based groups will get behind Dungarvan’s bid to obtain gold in the Entente Florale and hopefully be named overall winner in the competition. Ireland’s entries are up against seven other countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy and Slovenia. Representatives from the Department of Environment and Tidy Towns Adjudicators already met with the local Tidy Town Committee last week and they spent a full day surveying Dungarvan to determine the best areas to showcase to the Entente Florale Jury, who will be visiting the town

Pictured are some scenes from around Dungarvan - top: Davitt’s Quay; and bottom: Walton Park. Tidy Towns Gold medallist winner, Dungarvan, has been selected to represent Ireland in this year’s Entente Florale competition

in late July. Ms. Rossiter said she hopes that businesses, homes and other premises along the route will do up their windows and buildings in the spirit of the competition with flowers, flags, bunting, etc., to help impress the Jury. “We want everyone to get involved in this,” Ms. Rossiter said. “This is the first time Dungarvan has been selected for the competition and it will be a day to showcase the town to an international forum.” Should the weather play spoilsport and rain on the day of adjudication by the Entente Florale Jury, Ms. Rossiter said there is a contingency plan to

fall back on. She said there will be a public meeting held on 7th March next, at 7.00 p.m. (venue to be confirmed) to discuss Dungarvan’s entry into the Entente Florale. She encouraged everyone to attend the public meeting to discover how they can play their part in helping Dungarvan win the gold medal at Entente Florale. “This competition will be a great lead into this year’s Tidy Town Competition, which is celebrating its 60th year,” Ms. Rossiter pointed out. She said the publicity Dungarvan will receive from the Entente Florale competi-

tion will be phenomenal, particularly if the town wins gold and the overall award. It is understood that on the morning of the adjudication, there will be a flag raising ceremony, followed by the Jury adjudicating the town. It is understood there are also plans to enter Grattan Square into a special category for a prize in relation to its recent upgrade into a shared space. Ms. Rossiter said that regular updates and information will be posted on the Dungarvan Tidy Towns Facebook page. Both Lismore and Stradbally have represented Ireland in the Entente Florale in the past and won gold medals.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

New software to monitor lighting contractor performance WATERFORD Council has a new software system being installed that will monitor the performance of the contractor appointed to carry out repairs and maintenance of the public lighting system across Waterford City and County. Cllr. Cha O’Neill told the recent Plenary meeting of the Council that he was aware of many lights that are out of order for a lengthy period of time, particularly over the Christmas period. Meanwhile, Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald said he was aware of

pole numbers that have faded, so it was difficult to report a broken public light. Director of Services, Fergus Galvin said the Council has just finished a full inventory of its public lighting in the city and county. Killaree Lighting Services is the contractor which was appointed to maintain the public lighting in Waterford. He said a new software system is being installed in the Council which allows them to monitor the performance of the contractor and track complaints when

they come in and when the public light is repaired. “We will measure the performance on an ongoing basis of the contractor appointed to provide the repair and maintenance service for our public lights. We would expect to see improvements over the next few years,” Mr. Galvin added. Meanwhile, Mr. Galvin replying to Cllr. Fitzgerald, said if any public lighting poles are missing numbers, they should be reported to the Council so that those missing numbers can be replaced.

WE’RE BRINGING PROPERTIES FROM ALL OVER IRELAND TO THE US. Be a part of it as we bring homes and investment properties from all over Ireland to the REA Property Show in New York on the 8th of March 2018. Register to list your property by calling 058 42211 www.reaspratt.ie

Council to examine possibilities with vacant Old Pike Inn WATERFORD Council will examine whether there is anything that can be done with a vacant commercial premises near Dungarvan, which would be ideal for accommodation for Greenway visitors. Cllr. Liam Brazil told the recent Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council that it was “a pity to have a fine building lying idle when it could be used as a hostel

or a hotel” in relation to the vacant Old Pike Inn, located adjacent to Bridgie Terries Bar and Restaurant. Cllr. Brazil said it has been previously stated that there aren’t enough bedrooms to accommodate tourists and visitors, especially with the success of the Greenway. Director of Services, Ivan Grimes, said the Old Pike Inn is vacant for a reason.

“There is obviously a commercial difficulty with it,” Mr. Grimes said. “We’ll have to work with planning and economic development sections to see if there are any possibilities from a housing perspective and vacant building perspective, but certainly, in terms of options for accommodation for Greenway users, it is something that could probably be pursued,” Mr. Grimes added.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Megan Lennon a winner at the Irish League of Credit Union’s Art Competition DUNGARVAN Credit Union Ltd is absolutely delighted with the news that we have a winner at national level of this year's Irish league of Credit Union's Art Competition. Megan Lennon, who attends Ard Scoil na nDeise, received first place in the over 18 years category. This is an incredible achievement, given the high standard of entries from all over Ireland, and is testament to Megan's talent and commitment. Jennifer O'Keeffe, Principal at Megan's school and Mary Foley, Megan's art teacher, were thrilled that Megan's

Megan Lennon's Art Entry.

talent received the recognition it deserves. Local Photographer, Sean Byrne, judged stage one of the competition for us and we appreciate the time Sean gives to the competition every year.

The National Exhibition and prize-giving ceremony takes place on Sunday, 11th February, 2018 in the Hogan Mezzanine, Croke Park, Dublin and we will be there on the day to celebrate Megan's success.

From left to right: Sean Cleary, Manager DCU; Sean Byrne, Judge; Megan Lennon, Winner; Mary Foley, Art Teacher, Ard Scoil na nDeise;, Jennifer O'Keeffe, Principal, Ard Scoil na nDeise and Noel Devereux, Promotions Committee, DCU.

Billy ‘egg’static over €1,000 prize A YOUNG Dungarvan boy was ‘egg’static when he found that the Cadbury Creme Egg his mum bought him was one of the limited edition white chocolate Creme Eggs wrapped in a golden ticket. Billy Crotty, aged 7, a pupil at Carriglea National School, won a €1,000 cash prize in the Cadbury’s ‘Willie Wonka’ style promotion. The promotion runs until 1st April, but there’s a catch - the limited edition white eggs are disguised as regular Cadbury Creme Eggs. Those who are lucky enough to find the white egg will also find they have won a cash prize - either €1,000 or €100. Billy’s mum, Toni Fowler, said she purchased the lucky Creme Egg at Walsh’s Spar on O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, last Wednesday. She said Billy was out of school all week sick with a tummy bug and he asked her to buy him a Creme Egg. When he unwrapped it, Billy discovered the white egg and golden ticket with the €1,000 prize. Toni said her son is over the moon about the prize and he plans to purchase an Xbox One with the money and a family trip to Dublin Zoo. Billy’s good fortune made national headlines when he featured in The Irish Sun newspaper last Saturday and since the news broke, Toni said people are stopping her son and congratulating him on his big win. Billy was back at school last Monday and sharing details of his lucky win with his friends. It is understood that there are 78 of the limited edition white eggs around the country and so far, five people in total have found the €1,000 prizes, with several others finding prizes of €100. There are 13 white eggs in total worth €1,000 and the remaining 65 white eggs are worth €100. A spokesperson for Cadbury’s said chocolate fans across the country are ‘egg’cited about the unique ‘Willie Wonka’ type promotion. “White chocolate Cadbury Creme Eggs will be up for grabs every single day across participating retailers – camouflaged as a classic Cadbury Creme Egg – so only the most seasoned of Cadbury Creme Egg Hunters will be able to track them down. Those lucky enough to find the ‘highly prized’ egg will also be in with a chance of winning up to €1,000,” said the spokesperson. More information www.facebook.com/cadburyireland or join the conversation on Twitter at @CadburyIreland. For full T&Cs visit: www.cadbury.ie/terms-and-conditions/creme-eggs-terms.

Pictured is Billy Crotty (7) with John Walsh, Proprietor of Walsh’s Spar, O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, where Billy’s mum, Toni Fowler purchased the winning Creme Egg. Inset: How much is your Cadbury Creme Egg worth? The limited edition white chocolate egg.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

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Pictured left are Fiona Tobin (Choir-mistress), Sinéad Lawlor (Treasurer) and Joe Moynihan (Irish Kidney Association, Waterford Branch). The money raised was from the proceeds of refreshments served at the two concerts by the Déise Singers on December 9th and 10th 2017 in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Dungarvan. Sincere thanks to all of the singers in the group and all those who prepared and served the teas and treats for their generosity in making this fundraiser for a life-saving cause so successful. All money raised in Waterford City and County for the IKA, stays in Waterford City and County. 2017 has been a record breaking year for kidney donation in Ireland and hopefully this significant trend will continue. For your organ donor card simply FREETEXT ‘DONOR' to 50050.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Tougher action sought on flytippers By Paul Mooney COUNCILLORS in the Comeragh District have called on Waterford Council to ‘get tough’ with flytippers in a bid to tackle illegal dumping which has increased exponentially around County Waterford after the Christmas period. Cllr. Liam Brazil said littering and illegal dumping “has gotten way worse” since Christmas, with all sides of roads around the Comeragh area “being destroyed with bags, bottles cans, etc”. “What are we going to do to stop this?” he asked the January meeting of Comeragh Municipal District Council. He proposed that Council officials look into some sort of ‘name and shame’ policy, where the Council could publicise the details of those people caught littering and illegal dumping. “These people who are caught come in and pay their €150 fine and that’s it. It isn’t good enough - we need to name and shame these people and see if we can stop this behaviour once and for all, because if we don’t, nobody will be using a refuse collection service in future - they will just be throwing their rubbish out of car windows!” Cllr. Brazil said. “Last Saturday I went for a walk at Crough Wood and I saw a mattress and a bed dumped there. The people who dumped these items had to walk 50 or 60 yards to dump it. If they had left it at the side of the road, it would have been better because at least the Council would have seen it and taken it away,” he said. “We need to get more serious about CCTV, because every road you go down now has rubbish dumped out of cars - bags, bottles, you name it!” Concurring, Cllr. John

O’Leary said it was very disheartening and disappointing to see the amount of litter and rubbish around the roads and countryside, after all the hard work by the Council and voluntary groups like Tidy Towns, to keep the place clean. Cllr. O’Leary said he was returning from Mass recently and had visited a wooded area at Knockaderry Kilmeaden, when he came across two sofas and other rubbish dumped in the area. “It was very disappointing to see. The Council makes every facility available for people to get rid of waste in the proper manner, and it’s not overly costly, but the message doesn’t seem to be getting through,” he said. “It is appalling to see such reckless and senseless behaviour.” Cllr. O’Leary also highlighted the R680 (Kilmeaden to Portlaw) road, where the Council spent an outrageous €18,000 to clean up the 18 km stretch last year - only for the road to be littered again just over a week later. “That road is now as bad as ever,” Cllr. O’Leary said.“It is disheartening and disappointing.” Cathaoirleach Cllr. Seanie Power said the Pouldrew area of the R680 “appears to be a real black spot for people firing their litter out the window of the car, particularly along that stretch as far as Fiddown Bridge”. “There was an unbelievable amount of stuff on the back road from Carrick-on-Suir to Clonmel last week,” Cllr. Power said. “I thought we were getting on top of the problem, but it seems to have gone back as bad as ever.” Users of the R680 who are engaged in littering along this road should take note, that Council officials previously stated

they will consider inconveniencing road users by closing the road for a period of time, rather than spend another €18,000 in cleaning it up. So, anyone who witnesses road users littering are encouraged to report the matter to the Council. “Every report we get in, we’ll investigate. If we get evidence against someone, we’ll prosecute them with fines or through the courts,” said Director of Services, Fergus Galvin. Cllr. Ray Murphy said dumping is one of the major issues which Councillors have to deal with on a regular basis. “I welcome any moves we might take over the next month or so to deal with dumping, flytipping and roadside littering,” Cllr. Murphy said. “This is an issue we have to address sooner, rather than later. This year, 2018, is a good year to take it on because it is the 60th Anniversary of the Tidy Towns,” Cllr. Murphy pointed out. Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan said the major issue at roadsides is coffee cup litter. “There are over two million disposable coffee cups sent to landfills in Ireland every day,” Cllr. O’Ryan revealed. “There is something in the coffee cups that can’t be recycled,” he said. “From Eurostat figures, Ireland is the top producer of plastic waste in the EU - producing 61 kilos of disposable plastic per person per year. “I’m not talking out the side of my mouth on this - I organise a clean-up in my area every year for the last nine years, and I see those coffee cups continously on the sides of roads.” Cllr. O’Ryan said that two years ago, Comeragh Councillors had a discussion on coffee cups

A picture from Waterford City and County Council’s Facebook page shows recent illegal dumping on Mountain Road, Clonmel / Nire Valley area. According to the Council, sufficient evidence was found to issue enforcement proceedings against the perpetrator(s).

and the possibility of bringing in a levy on them, similar to the plastic bag tax. “Our discussion here on disposable coffee cups made the Irish Times,” Cllr. O’Ryan said. “But, you heard it here first at Comeragh,” he said, pointing out that Cork City Council recently became the first local authority in the country to stop supplying disposable coffee cups in their offices. He asked that Waterford Council should consider a similar move, and suggested that the public should consider using a ‘cup for life’, rather than the disposable coffee cups. “I read recently that China is not taking any more disposable recycling material from Ireland. I also saw a documentary recently about the amount of plastic in the sea, and there is some location in the world where it all meets, meaning the sun isn’t able to do its job with the plankton and photosynthesis of seaweed. So, we are killing ourselves slowly,” Cllr. O’Ryan said. He suggested that the Comeragh Council should lead with the initiative and bring a proposal to Plenary level to try and cut down the plastic used by Waterford City and County Council. Cllr. Declan Clune concurred that Waterford Council should do something similar to what Cork City Council is doing. “We raised this issue first and it is something we should try and pioneer,” he said. Mr. Galvin said the vast majority of disposable coffee cups are not recyclable. He said that while the cup is cardboard, there is an internal plastic waterproof lining, which means they can’t be recycled with other collections of paper and cardboard and they could contaminate a load, meaning the whole lot of recycle waste could be sent to a landfill. He said there is a newer type of cup coming out that is recyclable and the Council is currently involved in that campaign (www.consciouscup.ie) which is about promotion of either recycled paper cups or reuseable cups. Mr. Galvin said the Council’s Environmental Officer is currently working with Tidy Town Committees in Kilmacthomas and Lismore, in a pilot scheme, to get retail outlets in both towns involved in the promotion of recyclable or reuseable coffee cups. Mr. Galvin agreed that the disposable coffee cups, plastic bottles and fast food litter “are a blight on a lot of our roadways up and down the county”. “Some of our roads are particularly blighted with casual litter-

A picture from Waterford City and County Council’s Facebook page shows illegal dumping in the Nire Valley area in recent months. ing of what is, in effect, mostly recyclable material, such as aluminium cans, plastic bottles and other material that can be recycled,” Mr. Galvin said. He pointed out that the Council has invested a lot of money in CCTV over the last number of years and have deployed CCTV in targeted areas across the county. “We’ve also equipped our Litter Warden vans with ‘dashcams’ and they have actually caught a few people littering through those dash-cams,” Mr. Galvin revealed. He said littering offences and illegal dumping are highlighted on social media, while any footage received from members of the public is also used in the prosecution of offenders. However, he said the Council can only name and shame an offender if the matter goes to court. He said a litter fine would be similar to a traffic parking fine or a speeding fine - where the offender pays the fine and that’s the end of the matter. “If they pay the fine, and in the majority of cases they do - then we can’t publish their details similar to parking fines.The only time when we can publish an offenders details is when the matter goes to court - because it is in the public domain at that stage,” he said. Mr. Galvin said that generally, there is a spike in illegal dumping and littering after the Christmas period. “People are obviously clearing out waste accumulated over Christmas,” he said. Mr. Galvin said the Council investigates over 1,500 littering / illegal dumping complaints a year and every time their Environmental Team will investigate to see if they can track where the waste is coming from and then prosecute the offenders. PLENARY COUNCIL MEETING Both Cllr. O’Ryan and Cllr. Brazil also raised their concerns about illegal dumping at the recent Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council. Cllr. O’Ryan noted from the Management Report presented

to that meeting that there were 2,500 complaints made to the Council last year under the Waste Management Act, many of which were in relation to littering and flytipping. “It is sobering to see that 750 of the complaints related to illegal dumping, over 400 related to flytipping and nearly 300 related to littering. Are we getting the message across at all?” said Cllr. O’Ryan. Cllr. Brazil concurred saying the amount of rubbish which has been dumped around the county “is outrageous”. “Are we, as a Council, doing enough to apprehend people?” he asked. “Those people should be named and shamed!” Cllr. Brazil said. He said people are not afraid of receiving the €150 fine which they can pay and that ends the matter. “But, their name in the paper is something they are all afraid of,” Cllr. Brazil said and queried if there was some way the Council could instigate a ‘name and shame’ policy. Director of Services, Fergus Galvin said the Council generally sees a spike in illegal dumping at this time of year as some people start disposing of their excess waste from over the Christmas period. “We are very active to see if we can catch the perpetrators,” Mr. Galvin said. He noted that the query about ‘name and shame’ was brought up at a previous meeting by Councillors. “We did write to the minister about it. Basically, when we issue a fine to someone and they pay it, we cannot name and shame them,” Mr. Galvin said. “However, if the matter subsequently goes to court, then at that stage it is in the public arena and it becomes public knowledge, so then their names can be publicised,” Mr. Galvin explained. CONTACT If you come across any illegal dumping / flytipping or littering, please contact the Environment Section of Waterford Council on 0761-10-20-20.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Those seeking emergency accommodation likely sleeping on couches PEOPLE on the Council’s waiting list for emergency accommodation are most likely sleeping on couches of relatives and friends while they wait to be accommodated, the recent Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council was told. Cllr. Joe Kelly noted from the housing report that there is one adult individual accommodated in emergency B&B homeless accommodation, while there are 12 adults awaiting emergency accommodation. He queried if there was a lack of accommodation to house these individuals and where they are currently sleeping. Director of Services, Ivan Grimes said the use of B&Bs and hotels as emergency accommodation for homeless depends on demand.

“There is a period when we don’t have enough emergency beds available,” Mr. Grimes pointed out. He said those currently on the waiting list for emergency accommodation in all likelihood are sleeping on the couches of relatives and friends while they await to be accommodated. According to the Housing report, there were 776 cases presented to Waterford Council in 2017 seeking homeless services. In 2016, that figure was 757. In a breakdown of the figures of those in homeless accommodation (up to 22nd December, 2017), there were 98 individuals (an increase on the 2016 figure of 91); 10 individuals with dependent children (an increase on the 2016 figure of 9); and eight families with dependent children (an increase on the 2016 figure of 6).

Keep the pressure on for more LIS funding - O’Leary A COUNCILLOR has requested the local authority to “keep the pressure on” the government to issue funding under the Local Improvement Scheme (LIS) which helps to repair and improve private and non-public roads. Cllr. John O’Leary noted at the recent Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County

Council that a total of €660,000 was given to Waterford last year under the LIS. He complimented the Roads Section of the Council on using the money to carry out works on the private roads within the short time frame they had to spend it. “There were quite a number of private roads that didn’t qualify to get repaired,” he said.

“I would ask the Council to keep the pressure on [the government] and hopefully more funding will be granted under the LIS in 2018.” Cllr. O’Leary previously made the point that people living along these private roads paid motor tax on their vehicle, as well as PRSI, and other taxes like any other citizen.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Treat yourself and friends to Afternoon Tea in Mount Juliet Estate suppor ting The Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation THE Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation is asking people to join us for Afternoon Tea in the splendid surroundings of Mount Juliet Estate on Friday, 23rd February. Following on the success of last year’s sell-out event, the Jack & Jill team will be joined by special guests, families and friends to enjoy the hospitality, good company and Georgian ambience of Mount Juliet. Afternoon Tea will be served during two sittings at 12.30 p.m. and 2.30 p.m., and is an experience to be savoured including scones, macaroons, cake, signature beverages and finger sandwiches. Places at this exclusive event are limited and can be booked on www.jackandjill.ie for €27 per person. Through this initiative, the charity is hoping to raise much needed funds and awareness for its critical home nursing and respite service for sick children locally. Jack & Jill is currently sup-

porting 11 families in County Kilkenny, and over 50 families in the south-east region including Carlow, Wexford, Waterford and Tipperary. The Afternoon Tea campaign puts friendship and community at the heart of this fundraising drive with every €16 raised funding one hour of home nursing care for a sick child. Jack & Jill is hosting Afternoon Teas in some of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels with details listed below. Jack & Jill Afternoon Teas Dates and Venues: Mount Juliet Hotel, Kilkenny Friday, 23rd February Inchydoney Lodge and Spa, Cork - Friday, 13th April The Merrion Hotel, Dublin Thursday, 1st November For more information and to reserve tickets please log on to: www.jackandjill.ie or email alie@jackandjill.ie

Pictured at last year’s event: Stylist Marietta Doran, Jonathan Irwin Founder Jack & Jill, local liaison nurse Joanne Doyle, Hugo Jellett CEO Jack & Jill.

Garda pro-charge policy to tackle property crime in Waterford Division GARDAÍ have a pro-charge policy in relation to offenders involved in property crime throughout the Waterford Division, in a bid to reduce evening and night time crimes in the urban areas, as well as shop thefts. According to figures presented to the recent meeting of Waterford City and County Joint Policing Committee, property crime increased by four percent in the Waterford Division in the year to date. The figures showed that property crime also rose by four percent in Waterford City and nine percent in Tramore, but fell by four percent in the Dungarvan area. Superintendent Chris Delaney, Waterford District, who presented the figures, said the detection rate for property crime in the Waterford Division stands at 41 percent. “Property crime and especially crimes against the person continue to be a high priority for us in relation to our Divisional Prevention Strategy,” Supt. Delaney said. “We work closely with the business community and we’ve had a number of operations to target people involved in property crime. “We do recognise that a significant number of people involved in theft and property

crime have drug issues – so we clearly target them with a pro-charge policy and bring them before the courts and look for specific conditions on them to restrict their movements in town centres,” Supt. Delaney explained. He said there were two large operations which targeted evening and night time crimes in larger urban areas. REDUCTION OF CRIME OVER PAST SIX YEARS Supt. Delaney said that over the last six years, overall crime has dropped by around 30 percent. “That reduction was achieved through the hard work and dedication of the officers,” Supt. Delaney said. BURGLARY Supt. Delaney said burglary is another priority for the Waterford Garda Division, as figures showed that the crime has increased by three percent across the Division in the year to date, with a one percent increase in burglaries in Waterford City and an 11 percent increase in Tramore. However, there was a 1.5 percent decrease in burglaries in the Dungarvan area. Supt. Delaney said that over the last several days, the Gardaí have had a number of successes in relation to burglaries. “Over the past six years, figures show that there have been

particular trends and spikes in burglaries,” Supt. Delaney said. “But, thankfully, burglaries have been reduced with our burglarly reduction strategy and plan.” He acknowledged there was a huge spike in the number of burglaries in the Dungarvan area in the early part of last year which accounted for 68 percent of the total burglaries for the District. He said a number of operations led by Superintendent Michael Leacy resulted in successes for a number of the burglary crimes. Supt. Delaney said that at the previous JPC meeting, burglaries had jumped by a whopping 300 percent in the Dungarvan area due to the spike in figures. “But that figure has now dropped to minus two percent,” Supt. Delaney said. He said the detection rate for burglaries in the Waterford Division is 19 percent. Cllr. Pat Nugent queried if the Text Alert System is a good facility for the Gardaí. “The Text Alert System has worked very well in the Dungarvan and Tramore areas,” Supt. Delaney responded, pointing out that it is hoped to expand the system to the more rural parts of Waterford City sometime early in 2018. “It is a great preventative / detective tool for the Gardaí,

because often our stop and searches from text interventions have resulted in people being stopped and arrested [before the burglary has commenced],” he said. “The more eyes we have in the community the more information we can get back, the greater chance we have of detecting crime,” Supt. Delaney added. Cllr. Jason Murphy said the figures presented to the JPC meeting were “very impressive” but said there needs to be a comparison between the detection rates of crime in the Waterford Division and the national detection rates of other areas. “With only 19 percent of burglaries being detected, and I know from personal experience what impact burglaries have on people, it means that 81 percent who commit burglaries are getting away with it,” Cllr. Murphy said. Supt. Delaney said nationally, there is a 14 percent detection rate for burglaries, so the Waterford Division is ahead with a 19 percent detect rate for the crime. “In the last ten years, we have been ahead of the national figures on burglary detection,” Supt. Delaney said. “We’d love to have it higher but one of the difficulties, particularly in rural areas, is that the burglaries are committed when

people are not at home, so we’re depending on a neighbour or something occurring for people to recognise a suspicious vehicle,” Supt. Delaney pointed out. “There are times we might get lucky if there is CCTV or through scene examination. It doesn’t reduce our determination to solve the crime, because we want to increase our detection rate.” Supt. Delaney reminded people that if they see any suspicious vehicles or people in their neighbourhood to report it into their nearest Garda Station. “It could be the first key in the detection of a crime,” he said. “If we are successful in catching these criminals and bringing them before the courts, we can prevent a lot more burglaries from occurring,” he said. “The objective for us is to prevent burglaries being committed.” Cllr. Murphy also asked if the overall trend in crime figures included such crimes as fraud, sexual assault and prostitution. Supt. Delaney replied that theft figures are all inclusive and include such crimes as fraud. “Sexual crimes are not reported at any JPC meeting, because we can see a problem with that - if we included rape figures, which are thankfully quite low, the possibility of identification of a particular case

could arise very quickly, so there are clearly confidentiality issues there, so we don’t report on those,” Supt. Delaney explained. Senator Grace O’Sullivan noted that figures for property crime and thefts from shops were lower in Dungarvan than in Waterford and Tramore and asked if there was a reason for this? Superintendent Michael Leacy explained that the vast majority of the business community is within the town centre area. “So, it is a small area, with plenty of Garda CCTV, local CCTV and there is a good relationship between the businesses and ourselves. We also meet with the businesses regularly to discuss issues,” Supt. Leacy said. “I am of the personal view that I like a visible presence of Gardaí on the town and I insist there is a Garda within the town everyday during business times and cross-over periods and at weekends.” Supt. Leacy said Dungarvan Gardaí also have a pro-charge policy in operation. “If we do find someone who is a recidivist criminal and active in thefts from shops, then we charge them and bring them before the courts to get conditions on that person, and that seems to have worked for us. We will continue to keep at it and that’s how it works,” Supt. Leacy added.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

NEWS

Christmas trade ‘boom’ for nearly 65 percent of businesses Eight new full-time jobs and 55 new part-time jobs created as a result of customers keeping their business local CHRISTMAS 2017 provided a welcome ‘boom’ in trade for nearly 65 percent of businesses in Dungarvan in comparison with the same period last year, and resulted in the creation of eight new full-time jobs and 55 new part-time jobs, according to figures released by Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber. The Chamber carried out a survey of local businesses after the festive period, which found that 64.5 percent of businesses increased their trade ranging from two percent to 30 percent over Christmas; while 24 percent of businesses reported their sales stayed the same as 2016; and unfortunately, 11.5 percent of businesses reported a fall in trade ranging from five percent to 30 percent. When asked about their sales, businesses responded that overall, it was a good year for them. IMPACT ON LOCAL EMPLOYMENT CEO of Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber, Jenny Beresford said another great indicator about Christmas in Dungarvan and the importance of keeping business local was the impact on employment. According to the Chamber survey, there were eight new fulltime staff employed in Dungarvan, with 55 new parttime jobs created; and 153 parttime staff having their hours increased. “These are the benefits of keeping business local,” said Jenny, speaking to the Dungarvan Observer. “Who in Dungarvan and West Waterford knows anyone working for Amazon or other large online stores?” she asked. “Perhaps not too many - but how many friends, family, neighbours and team-mates do we know employed locally?” she pointed out. SLUGGISH START TO CHRISTMAS TRADE The Chamber’s survey found that brisk Christmas trade didn’t really start until mid-December, but for most businesses it more than made up for the sluggish start. COMPETING SUCCESSFULLY WITH ONLINE SHOPPING Jenny said the evolution of ‘Black Friday’ has seriously impacted October and November sales in Dungarvan, therefore, it is more important than ever to help increase sales locally during December. “Online shopping is our

biggest competition therefore it is essential to offer quality, value, customer service, choice and also an experience when shopping,” said Jenny. “Dungarvan Aglow is extremely aware of the absolutely necessary requirement to offer an experience to visitors and customers of Dungarvan that they cannot get online,” she said. “Dungarvan Aglow encourages shoppers to use their senses while enjoying their time here. We care very much about touch, taste, smell, sound and sight; onstreet music creating atmosphere amid the hustle and bustle of general shopping sounds; taste the treats in many cafes, bars, restaurants and shops; couple this with the ability to sit in and touch Santa's Sleigh or in the Snowman seat in the new photo booth area for a family selfie; smell the night air and enjoy the visual thrill from the spectacular lights and unique illuminated pieces around the town.” Jenny said that online shopping does not give you the satisfaction or participation like the physical old-fashioned style does, where a customer can interact with a retailer and get help and advice when buying products and services. GREAT ‘BUY IN’ FROM BUSINESSES FOR DUNGARVAN AGLOW “We enjoyed a great ‘buy in’ from local businesses for Dungarvan Aglow,” said Jenny. “All businesses decorated their windows and / or hosted a Dungarvan Aglow activity, such as the Christmas decoration competition – creating the most inventive Christmas decoration to represent the individual business; Christmas Children’s Elf Door Hunt; Bonnie the Elf on the Shelf selfie competition; displaying a creative Christmas decoration; colouring competition; Black Friday and Small Business Saturday; providing content for the Christmas in Dungarvan Facebook page and much more,” she said. Businesses also came on board to host in-house activities and attractions such as Christmas Tree Demonstrations, Customer Evenings, Christmas Wreath Making Demonstrations, Wet Felting Demonstrating, and free Family Fun Saturdays on specific dates in specific places. Events such as Cycle on the Greenway with Santa was sponsored by a local business and supported by community groups through stewarding the event.

This was a very successful first time event and attracted well over 250 people; while Dublin Coach also sponsored a Vintage Coach to take people on tours of Dungarvan by night on two occasions. Many local community groups got involved to provide weekend street entertainment; members of Dungarvan Men’s Shed built an ‘Elf Garden’ and Christmas pallet trees in Walton Park; an information board updated daily with events and activities and items sponsored by local businesses. Dungarvan Arts Centre offered Christmas Cracker, Christmas Card and Table Place Setting Decoration evenings. FUNDING AND OPERATION OF DUNGARVAN AGLOW Waterford City and County Council gave direct and indirect support for the six week long festival of Dungarvan Aglow and in addition to this, 106 shops gave direct financial support, with many sponsoring marketing materials and signage for the project and also came on board to offer in house events and customer experiences. The operations were carried out through Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber Office. DUNGARVAN AGLOW TEAM The Dungarvan Aglow Team was made up of volunteers, members and staff of the Chamber and Waterford Council. The hard working team includes: Colette Bannon; Maurice Butler; Liam McDonnell; David Gaffney; Liam Power; Gerry O'Connor; Pippa Sweeney; Sinead Fahey; Michelle Daly; Aileen Hogan; Nicky Sheehan; Damien Geoghegan; Jenny Beresford; Emma Gunnip; and Nodlaig Murphy. If anyone would like to join the Dungarvan Aglow Team they will be kicking off 2018 plans in February and would love to hear from you. Contact any of the team members listed or Jenny Beresford through Dungarvan and West Waterford Chamber. Concluding, Jenny Beresford said the Dungarvan Aglow Team “are really happy with the level of engagement and participation from businesses and are confident this will continue, as it is evident retail will fail unless we, as a collective, keep offering a fantastic and attractive experience in Dungarvan”.

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Government hypocrisy in Good Friday vote IN accordance with their policy of secularising this country and with a view to eliminating anything which might be construed as religious belief, practice or aspiration, the prohibition on the sale of alcohol on Good Friday has been lifted by legislation passed last week. Why the sale of alcohol should be liberalised when other State initiatives are in favour of limiting the consumption of alcohol, especially in relation to road use, is a mystery and can only be interpreted as a strike against religion, which is one of its greatest allies when it comes to developing a culture of law and order. One of the reasons given for this move is that it would ‘benefit tourism,’ but it is highly unlikely that additional visitors will flock to Ireland in June, July and August now that alcohol will be available on one more day in March or April on what is the most important day of the year for Christians. Logical people will wonder just how many visitors changed their minds about visiting Ireland because they could not have a drink in a licenced premises on Good Friday or Christmas Day. Have we reached the stage and has the Government now given its endorsement to the fact that we as a society cannot survive without alcohol on just two days of the year. Many other businesses are closed for a hundred days a year, yet the tourism industry thrives without them. Despite a litany of reports on the destructive nature of alcohol in our society, its responsibility for filling our hospital beds and mental health centres; its destructive influence on family life and the safety of children; its addition to road deaths and serious injuries and many other negative aspects of our society, the Government has signalled that it is not interested in keeping this day alcohol free. It is already established and would be easy to maintain.

EDITORIAL

Incorp. Munster Industrial Advocate If the law is being sidetracked by the sale of alcohol at the dog show or sports clubs; or if, as alleged, wine is being served in restaurants in teapots, there is still a great deal of benefit to be had from the ‘dry days’. Some of those in favour of abolishing the Good Friday prohibition make much play of our being a republic, an aspiration which was brought into disrepute for decades in this country. If everyone is to be treated equally in our present republic, why do we have six thousand people homeless, including over three thousand children? Why do we have hundreds of thousands of people deprived of necessary healthcare when those with money do not have to wait years for treatment. It would appear that the republic we seek is a selective one indeed. Alcohol is accepted as being a drug with harmful consequences, particularly for young men in their early drinking years. One statistic which jumps out is that alcohol is a factor in a high percentage of suicides. Society at large and the Government, in particular, know the problems caused by alcohol and yet, they vote to further expand the scope of alcohol sales. Far from disposing of the ‘dry day’ which is Good Friday, the Government might be better off seeking, in some realistic fashion, means of reducing the consumption and abuse of alcohol on other days of the year.

A battle is announced AS arranged, the Cabinet met last Monday evening in a four hour session to consider whether there should be a Referendum to change the Constitution in relation to the

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

provisions of Article 40.3.3 which acknowledges the right to life of the unborn and, with due regard to the equal right to life of the mother, guarantees in its laws to respect, and, as far as practicable, by its laws to defend and vindicate that right. This has been a contentious provision since its insertion into the Constitution after what was an acrimonious campaign in 1983, but it is believed by many people that without its provisions a liberal abortion regime would have existed in this country long since. Now, it is the Government’s intention, with the approval of the electorate through a Referendum, to remove this article and replace it with a provision which will allow for abortion in this country, the regulation of which will be by legislation only. The Constitutional guarantee for the unborn will disappear. The terms of the new proposal are yet to be published, but if passed this decision will have long term consequences for those yet to be born in this country. The announcement that a Referendum will be held was made by An Taoiseach. The Minister for Health was present as was, quite unbelievably, the Minister for Children, who, to say the least, was in a contradictory position. It is difficult to see how Minister Zappone can guarantee to vindicate the rights of children in accordance with the requirements of her office, while campaigning for a liberal abortion regime. An Taoiseach says repeatedly that having an abortion ‘is a personal and private decision’ on the part of the woman / mother, which is to totally ignore the fate of the unborn child, a living entity and a potential citizen of the State. It was for this reason that the 1983 campaign was held and those who oppose the present proposal say that the moral arguments and imperative have not changed since. Much will be said and done between now and late May when the promised Referendum will take place before the student population leave their constituencies and maybe even the country. There will be much soulsearching and unlimited advice in the medical, legal and moral dilemma, but ultimately, it will be for the people to decide based on conscience and a review of that advice. The battle for the hearts, minds and votes of the people has begun in earnest and it promises to be a long and contentious Spring.

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

Georgie Hamilton, Dungarvan Firefighters presenting a cheque for €6,036. to John Lawless, President Dungarvan Lions Club for their Christmas Appeal. The money was collected through their Annual Ladder Climb in Gratten Square. [Sean Byrne] included are the members of the Dungarvan Firefighters along with John Harnedy and John Coade, Dungarvan Lions Club.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Dungarvan Community Hospital shortlisted in national Awards scheme DUNGARVAN Community Hospital has been shortlisted as a finalist in the All-Ireland Community and Council Awards 2018, Now in its 12th year, the Community and Council Awards (presented by IPB Insurance and the Local Authority Members Association) recognise and reward communities and councils who are working together to deliver excellence in development and recreational projects. Projects across 20 categories have been nominated by city and county councillors across the state, to demonstrate the work being done to enhance local areas for the good of their communities. At a Gala Awards Ceremony on Saturday 3rd February in Croke Park stadium in Dublin, the 2018 category winners will be presented with a bespoke, engraved crystal trophy plus a photo opportunity with one of the VIP presenters. They will also receive an awards logo to use on their website and for all printed corporate materials. Following an in-depth judging process, over 100 projects nationwide from 23 counties were shortlisted across the 20 cate-

gories. Dungarvan Community Hospital has been nominated under the “Best Disability Access and Inclusion” category for its “On the Move” programme. Speaking ahead of the Croke Park ceremony, Ms. Paula French (Director of Nursing, Dungarvan Community Hospital) said: “We were delighted to hear that our ‘On the Move’ programme has seen us nominated for these Awards. Dungarvan Community Hospital, inclusive of Dunabbey House has an excellent reputation as a care facility. The welfare of residents/patients in the hospital is a priority for staff and management and we are deeply appreciative of the support we receive from families and the wider community in West Waterford. We have an excellent, working relationship with the local authority and various other agencies and voluntary groups in the community in and around Dungarvan. The support of the Friends of Dungarvan Community Hospital group is a case in point in that respect. It’s always encouraging for our residents, their families, the community we serve and of course

for our own hard working staff, when we are picked out for praise in a national process such as these Awards.” “At Dungarvan Community Hospital, we strive to ensure that the quality of life and independence for residents is maintained in areas such as health, physical and cognitive wellbeing, social and emotional development, maintaining relationships with family, friends and community groups. Each resident has opportunities for new experiences, social participation, recreation, education and lifelong learning. The hospital provides a varied programme of appropriate indoor and outdoor recreational and stimulating activities, which is offered to residents and which promotes and encourages inclusion into social/community events and gatherings. The project submission for this award was based on benefits which the residents have as a result of access and regular outings to places of their choice in the community. Since Dungarvan Community Hospital acquired its wheelchair accessible bus, residents have the choice of a number of outings each week to places of their

choice – e.g. the beach, parks, local tourist attractions, shows, cinema and of course ‘the Waterford Greenway’, which they enjoy immensely. The ‘Greenway’ provides opportunities for residents to visit places they remember from their childhood and is often a subject of reminiscence conversation for many residents.” “Residents in long term care are no longer confined to the facility they live in but are actively encouraged to participate in the wider community and maintain all the social contacts that they previously would have enjoyed. Dungarvan Community Hospital ‘On the Move’ is an initiative which has enhanced the day to day lives of the residents to enable them have the opportunity to maintain their independence and still be part of the community, despite being a resident in a long term residential care setting. Management and staff of Dungarvan Community Hospital are delighted with the recognition and it acknowledges the background work that goes into ensuring the resident’s needs are being met physically, emotionally and psychologically.”

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

The Mayor Of Waterford City & County and Minister Eoghan Murphy, Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Goverment turning the sod at a social housing turnkey development that is currently being constructed at Kilrush in Dungarvan. Waterford City & County Council are acquiring the completed development of 39 dwellings from the developer, Woodfort CFS. The scheme is one of a number of similar approved turnkey schemes currently under construction throughout Waterford city and county which will deliver more than 110 social housing units and most of these will be completed in 2018. [John Power]

Tionól na nDéise Snowdrops mar chuid de Thionól Niocláis Tóibín By Mandy Tompkins

Tionól na nDéise series of talks returns to An Rinn BEIDH an chéad chaint i sraith imeachtaí Thionól na nDéise 2018 de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, ar siúl i Rinn Ó gCuanach ar an Satharn, 10 Feabhra ag a 2.30 i.n. i gColáiste na Rinne. Reachtáilfear an Tionól mar chuid de chlár imeachtaí Thionól Niocláis Tóibín, féile deireadh seachtaine a bheidh ar siúl sa Rinn ón 9-11 Feabhra. Sé an Dr. Breandán Ó Cróinín, léachtóir i gColáiste Mhuire gan Smál, a bheidh i mbun cainte ag Tionól na nDéise an babhta seo. Labharfaidh An Dr. Ó Cróinín faoin dteideal “Piaras Mac Gearailt (1709 – c. 1795): File Déiseach”, agus é ag díriú isteach ar shaol agus ar shaothar an fhile cáiliúil ó Bhaile Mhac Óda in Oirthear Chorcaí, Piaras Mac Gearailt, a scríobh dánta cáiliúla ar nós ‘Rosc Catha na Mumhan’ agus ‘Seán Ó Díghe’ (agus seans go mbeidh cúpla véarsa des na hamhráintí seo le cloisint le linn na cainte!). Léachtóir i Roinn na Gaeilge, Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál, Ollscoil Luimnigh, is ea an Dr Breandán Ó Cróinín. Dhein sé a chuid staidéir fochéime agus iarchéime in Ollscoil Mhaigh Nuad. Chaith sé tamall ag múineadh in Ollscoil

Dr. Breandán Ó Cróinín, Coláiste Mhuire gan Smál/Lecturer, Mary Immaculate College Chaitliceach Lublin, An Pholainn, sarar bhog go Luimneach. Is iad na príomhspéiseanna taighde atá aige ná litríocht Ghaeilge na hochtú haoise déag, An Fhiannaíocht, nua-litríocht na Gaeilge, go háirithe nua-phrós na Gaeilge, agus litríocht agus teanga Chorca Dhuibhne. D’fhoilsigh An Sagart a eagrán de fhilíocht Phiarais Mhic Gearailt sa bhliain 2015. Sraith chainteanna is ea Tionól na nDéise, a eagraíonn Oifig na Gaeilge de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge in áiteanna éagsúla ar fud an chontae gach bliain.Tá Tionól na nDéise na Rinne á n-eagrú i gcomhar le lucht eagraithe Thionól Niocláis Tóibín agus tá sé mar chuid de chlár iomlán

imeachtaí ceoil, amhránaíochta agus scléipe a bheidh ar siúl sa Rinn thar an deireadh seachtaine ar fad. Mar sin, beidh fáilte roimh gach aoinne chuig Coláiste na Rinne ar an Satharn, 10 Feabhra ar a 2.30i.n. don ócáid saor in aisce seo, ag a ndéanfar cheiliúradh ar ár dteanga, ár noidhreacht agus ár stair dhúchasach. Waterford City & County Council’s first Tionól na nDéise of 2018 will take place in An Rinn on Saturday, 10 February at 2.30pm in Ring College. It is being organised as part of the Tionól Niocláis Tóibín weekend-long festival of traditional music and song, which will take place in An Rinn from the 9-11 February. The guest speaker for Tionól na nDéise na Rinne will be Dr. Breandán Ó Cróinín of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. Dr Ó Cróinín will speak on the theme of “Piaras Mac Gearailt: File Déiseach” [Piaras Mac Gearailt: Déise Poet] and he will examine the life and works of the famous 18th century poet from Ballymacoda in East Cork, Piaras Mac Gearailt, whose cultural legacy includes such wonderful compositions as ‘Rosc Catha na Mumhan’ and ‘Seán Ó Díghe’

(and you may even hear some verses of these songs being sung during the talk!). Dr. Breandán Ó Cróinín is a lecturer in the Department of Irish in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. A graduate of NUI Maynooth, he spent some time teaching in the Catholic University of Lublin in Poland, before moving to Limerick. His main research interests are 18th Century Irish Literature, Fenian literature, modern Irish literature, particularly modern Irish prose, and the literature and language of the Corca Dhuibhne peninsula. An Sagart published Breandán’s edition of the poetry of Piarais Mac Gearailt in 2015. Tionól na nDéise is a series of talks organised each year by the Irish Office of Waterford City & County Council. This event is being organised in conjunction with the organisers of Tionól Nioclás Tóibín, and forms part of a busy weekend programme of events, including music and singing workshops, concerts and trad sessions. Therefore, all are welcome to attend this free event, Tionól na nDéise in Ring College on Saturday, 10 February at 2.30 p.m., where we will celebrate our rich Irish language culture and heritage.

POKING up through snow, grass or fallen leaves, and perfectly suited to shady, sheltered areas in damp woodlands, banks and along hedgerows is the modest Snowdrop. With its graceful drooping head, and bright white flowers from mid-Winter until early Spring, these are often the first flowers of the year and mark life returning after the bleak Winter. Standing between 5 and 8 inches tall the flowers, resembling tiny lampshades, are enclosed in a grey sheath, edged with bright green lines, and after the flower bursts out of the sheath it droops from the end of a slender flower stalk. Each flower has six white petals, the three other petals are boat shaped towards the tips, and the other three shorter petals are not curved. These straight petals have a notch cut in the upper edge, and a bright green wavy stain shows just beneath the notch. Inside these dainty white petals are six yellow headed stamens with scarcely any stalks, and they stand upon the rounded top of the seed vessel, which sits outside of the petals, at the top of the slender flower stalk. From the Snowdrops root rises a single pair of bluey green leaves with deep grooves running from the base to the tip.

In gardens, Snowdrop bulbs should be planted in early Autumn 2 inches deep and 3 inches apart naturally in drifts in grass, under deciduous trees or shrubs, where they can take two or three years to be come established and need no attention. As well as a welcome sight for humans amongst the frost or snow, the Snowdrop’s scent acts as a signal to insects waking up prematurely from hibernation, and on warm days the petals open fully to attract them further.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

A wonderful pro-life, pro-woman training seminar on canvassing is planned in THE PARK HOTEL, Dungarvan, next Tuesday, 6th February, at 7.30 p.m.

William Kee, Robert Nolan and Paul Nolan of Nolan Construction Consultants – Quantity Surveyors presenting a cheque to Eamonn McEneaney, Director of Waterford Treasures towards the development of the new Clock and Watch Museum, Ireland’s only such museum. [Noel Browne]

Time of Generosity WATERFORD Museum of Treasures has been delighted with the huge local support it has received for Ireland’s first Museum of Time to be located in Greyfriars in the Viking Triangle. Thanks to a very generous donation of a museum quality collection of Irish clocks and watches dating for 1690 -1890 by Colman Curran and Liz Clooney of Waterford, Ireland’s first Museum of Time can now become a reality. Colman and Liz have been collecting for some thirty five years these mechanical masterpieces from a bygone age. The collection included many clocks and watches which were actually made here in Waterford proving that our ancient city was a centre for the manufacture and

design of what was in its day considered the height of technological expertise. Clocks and watches with their meticulously crafted workings were in fact the earliest computers. For the past eighteen months Waterford Treasures has been fundraising for the development of the new museum, Ireland’s only clock and watch museum and has been delighted with the response from the public to date. Two recent donations one from Nolan Construction Consultants – Quantity Surveyors for €5,000 and one private donation from William Kee also of Nolan Construction Consultants- Quantity Surveyors of €500 has brought the total amount collected to €102,000. It

ALL ARE WELCOME We are all aware the referendum on the 8th Amendment is quickly approaching. By deleting the 8th Amendment, our unborn children will have no rights and no voice. The 8th Amendment protects the lives of both mum and baby. If mum’s life is at risk, priority is always given to mum. No mum has ever died due to the 8th Amendment. Get involved in resisting the culture of abortion. #VOTE4LIFE

Hosted by Dungarvan ProLife

#VOTE4LIFE

Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside, is open for the enrolment of Junior Infants for the 2018/2019 school year Parents interested in enrolling their children should send completed enrolment forms to the school before 2.00 p.m. on Friday, February 9th. Enrolment forms and details can be obtained from the downloads section of the school website www.abbeysidens.org or by calling the office on 058 41102. Even if your child is already registered to start in September 2018 a new enrolment form must be completed.

is heartening that this new development in Waterford has received such generous financial support and bears testimony to the high regard and the success of the museum in attracting over 100,000 visitors to the Viking Triangle annually. The museum is now halfway through its fundraising campaign and is very optimistic about raising another €100,000 in 2018.

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Tuilleadh Eolais: William Kee of Nolan Construction Consultants – Quantity Surveyors presenting a cheque to Eamonn McEneaney, Director of Waterford Treasures towards the development of the new Clock and Watch Museum, Ireland’s only such museum. [Noel Browne]

Táille

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R-Phost - cfdeise@gmail.com

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

‘Ordinary people will make their voices heard’ DUNGARVAN Pro Life held their first information night to Save the 8th Amendment on Tuesday night. It was very well supported and Niamh Uí Bhriain of the Life Institute told the meeting that the abortion referendum would be defeated because ordinary decent people would make their voices heard to explain to their family, friends and neighbours that this was a cruel and unjust proposal. She said that recent polls showed that support for

abortion was slipping, because people could now see past the ‘repeal’ slogan, and the reality of what repeal would mean was becoming evident. “We will Save the 8th by talking to as many people as possible on the Life canvass and, in that one-to-one discussion, explaining that abortion kills a baby and hurts a woman. Our goal is to challenge the people to demand a better answer for both mother and baby than the barbaric solution of abor-

tion,” she said. “Ireland has shown that we can love and protect our mothers and our babies, and we should be proud to continue that record,” she said. Ms. Uí Bhriain presented reasons to Save the 8th’ to the meeting, and pointed out that women were safe under the 8th amendment, having access to any medical treatment required to preserve their lives. “I have four daughters, it’s very important for me to know that they are safe and protected under the

8th Amendment,” she said, adding that she believed abortion was an admission that society had failed women’s needs. “There is nothing compassionate or progressive about killing babies before they are born,” she said. “You are doing an amazing job here in Dungarvan to save the 8th and seek a better answer than abortion, we’ve 17 weeks left until polling day, so let’s make every day count.”

Waterford Punter Scoops €33,001 on €1 Euro Millions Bet YET another lucky BoyleSports customer has scooped big on the EuroMillions Plus draw. The lucky punter, who wishes to remain anonymous, netted €33,001 for just a €1 bet on Tuesday’s Euro Millions draw. BoyleSports can reveal the winning docket was sold in one of their Waterford shops. The total stake of the winning bet was just €1 and consisted of the four numbers 6, 8, 14 and 33 which when drawn totalled a whopping €33,001 return. Aoife Heffron, Spokesperson for BoyleSports commented “Hats off to the lucky Waterford customer who certainly got one over on us on Tuesday evening by defying the odds of 33,000/1 to bag €33,001. This is our second large payout this week after a Dubliner scooped an astonishing €165,005 for their €5 EuroMillions bet.” She added “To make things even sweeter the four numbers only paid €2,000 with their local newsagents, so this Dèise definitely has a reason to raise a toast having netted an extra €31,001 by betting with BoyleSports.”

Moneymatters Personal Budgeting MOST of us would not dream of running a small business without accounts. In personal finance it is just as important to maintain accounts and keep track of just where that hard earned money goes! Avoidance of doing a personal or household budget, because you suspect the results will throw up some unpleasant facts, will not make a potential financial crisis go away. However, budgeting can be a positive experience if enough thought and effort goes into it. Do you have any idea what you spent in the last 12 months on any of your personal commitments, overheads or leisure/social pursuits? If you don’t then it may be time to find out! You may be surprised to learn how much you spend in one year in a particular area of your life. This does not automatically mean that you need to change the way you spend your money. If you budget correctly you will be able to make your choices based on accurate rather than assumed facts about your situation. When doing your budget, a good place to start, is to mark off those items that cannot be changed. You should then be in a position to identify the non-essentials. Some items, which may seem essential, become less so when faced with the prospect of losing a vital service, liberty or your home. The following items should be given priority in your budget: • Rent/Mortgage • ESB • Food • Fuel Once the above are taken care of, you and your family have heat, light, shelter and food.

The Money Advice & Budgeting Service is based at Civic Offices, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford X35 Y326. (Tel 0761 07 2770 – Fax 058-45296) and provides a service throughout the West Waterford area. It is part of the national MABS Service and is free, confidential and independent. Visit our web site at: www.mabs.ie Phone MABS Helpline 0761 07 2000. Email helpline@mabs.ie

Pictured at the presentation of a cheque for €15,025 to the Jack & Jill Children's Foundation are John Donovan, Group Accountant and Ian O’Brien, Head of Design and Marketing of Hillbilly's Restaurants. During the Christmas period €1 from every 'Donation Meal Deal' bought by customers was donated to Jack & Jill. As well as the money raised locally, Hillbilly's Restaurants made an additional contribution of €10,000 on behalf of their ten restaurants helping to provide a total of 940 hours of home nursing hours for very sick children. Also pictured are Hugo Jellett, CEO and Deirdre Walsh, Head of Fundraising with Jack & Jill. Hugo said, "We are delighted that the money raised in the Hillbilly's Restaurant in John Street, Waterford will mean an extra 102 hours of home nursing care for the 5 Jack & Jill families we currently support in Waterford. We are also delighted that Hillbilly's Restaurants have chosen us as their charity partners in 2018 and look forward to working together on new and fun fundraising initiatives."

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

NEWS

HAP scheme continues to be source of concern for Councillors THE Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme continues to be a source of concern for Waterford Councillors and as a result a workshop is to be organised to discuss the issues. The HAP scheme is a form of social housing support for people who have a long-term housing need and are on the Council’s housing list. It enables people to take up full-time employment, but keep their housing support. HAP tenants must find their own accommodation in private rented market and the local authority will make a monthly payment to the landlord, while the HAP tenant must make a rent contribution to the local authority, based on their income and ability to pay. At the recent Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Adam Wyse said he was aware there was an increase in the national budget for HAP payments and queried if tenants could expect to see a rise in what they receive. Director of Services, Ivan Grimes confirmed that all categories of HAP payments increased last year, but pointed out that the HAP payment is paid directly to the landlord, not the tenant. He said the Council is also given discretion, where they can go above the limits in certain circumstances, to secure the HAP property for the tenant. Cllr. Cha O’Neill expressed concerns about ‘under the table’ payments being made to some landlords by tenants. “I’m after coming across a couple of issues where tenants are making those ‘under the

table’ payments,” he said. Mr. Grimes said that tenants are supposed to declare any additional payments they are making to the landlord. “But it is our experience that they are not declaring those payments,” Mr. Grimes said. Cllr. Jason Murphy sought figures on the percentage of HAP tenants who are paying the discretionary payment to the Council, noting that private rents are “rising beyond Celtic Tiger levels”. Mr. Grimes said he had no figures to hand and would endeavour to provide figures in the next monthly report. Cllr. John Pratt said that in light of recent revelations that tenants who accept the HAP scheme are removed from the Council’s housing list – he was told by a person recently that they were asked if they wanted to remain on the housing list. He also queried if the HAP tenant’s time on the housing list is taken into account when they apply for a house under the Choice Based Letting (CBL) Scheme. Mr. Grimes replied that when HAP applicants sign up, they are given the option to go on the transfer list. He said if those applicants are also successful in the CBL scheme, all their time on the housing list will be taken into account. Mr. Grimes said he would provide figures in next month’s report in relation to how many HAP tenants have been successful in obtaining a house under the CBL scheme. Cllr. Murphy queried how it is decided what properties are

Interested parties advised to make submissions to Boundary Committee on local electoral areas COUNCILLORS were advised to make a submission to the Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee in relation to the configuration of local electoral areas. Cllr. Jason Murphy noted that the Boundary Committee is to examine the boundaries within local authority areas and said he expected Waterford Council to make a submission. Director of Services, Ivan Grimes said the Department is advising the focus of the Boundary Committee will be on local electoral areas and not on actual districts or boundaries of districts, as previously believed by some Councillors. Last week, political battle lines were drawn when Comeragh

Councillors suggested their Municipal District could be extended in the West into the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District and / or in the East, into the Metropolitan District, in order to gain one or two more Councillors on either side. Dungarvan-Lismore Councillors had previously declared they would not be in favour of having their Municipal District reduced from eight to seven Councillors. At the recent Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Mr. Grimes said it is expected the Boundary Committee will advertise for submissions later in the week and all interested parties should make a submission.

advertised to let under the CBL scheme. Mr. Grimes said the CBL scheme was originally intended to deal with properties that were proving difficult to get tenants to accept. However, he said the scheme has now grown beyond that, and into the future, most of Council houses for let will be advertised through the CBL scheme. Mr. Grimes pointed out that

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certain properties are not advertised on the CBL scheme, such as properties required for medical priorities or transfers from the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS). “It is our intention to put up more properties on the CBL scheme,” Mr. Grimes added. It is understood that a workshop is to be organised in the coming weeks for Councillors to discuss the various issues arising from the HAP scheme.

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MOTORING N ew C i t r o ë n C 3 A i r c r o s s Co m p a c t S U V h a s b e e n re co g n i se d o n ce a g a i n NEW Citroën C3 Aircross Compact SUV has been crowned the winner in the ‘Best Small Crossover’ category of the UK Car of the Year Awards 2018. Winning this category places the new compact Citroën SUV on the shortlist for the overall UK Car of the Year Award, which will be announced at the end of February. Citroën’s new C3 Aircross Compact SUV has been recognised once again – winning the ‘Best Small Crossover’ category in the UK Car of the Year Awards 2018. This title adds another impressive accolade to New C3 Aircross’ growing collection of international honours. Having been praised for its unique personality, competitive pricing and overall comfort, New C3 Aircross now goes on to challenge the 13 other category winners

for the overall UK Car of the Year Award, which will be announced at the end of February. The UK Car of the Year Awards are designed to highlight the best new cars on sale today. The judging panel is comprised of 27 professional motoring writers that come from all parts of the UK, and includes some of the most respected names in automotive journalism. The UK Car of the Year Awards website http://ukcoty.co.uk/ offers further information, in addition to the media coverage from the different publications that the judges write for, such as BBC Top Gear magazine, Company Car Today and BusinessCar magazine. Tom Ford (BBC Top Gear magazine) said: “Citroën continues to do what it’s good at: funky, interesting little

cars that don’t break the bank. New C3 Aircross is brilliant.” Paul Barker (Company Car Today) commented; “Characterful and very good value, New C3 Aircross manages to grab attention in the busiest area of the market.” Debbie Wood (BusinessCar) said; “For me New C3 Aircross wins for its keen pricing and very impressive comfort levels.” Bolands Citroen on the Cork Road in Waterford City has a dedicated Showroom to all of the latest Citroen models, including the award winning C3 Aircross Compact SUV. Visit www.bolandscitroen.com, call 051872122 or call into our Showroom on the Butlerstown Roundabout, Cork Road, Waterford.

Humanising the motor car! By John Foley

(jfk@cablesurf.com)

I’VE always made the comparison between human beings and cars and to prove my point – I said to my wife long before I married her – I could fall in love with a car, she wasn’t one bit impressed, she didn’t own or drive a car at that time, but several years later and now owning and driving one, she admitted yes you could. And when you forensically

examine both, you’ll find both can leave you down when you need them most, both can be temperamental – and depending on the model, can be very high maintenance. The human has a heart that pumps blood around the body – the car has a pump that pumps oil around the engine – the human has a brain – the car has a computer – i.e. ECU unit – the human can suffer from high or low blood pressure – the car engine suffers when oil pressure drops low, and

most importantly of all both needs lots of TLC. Us Irish are not the greatest in the world at giving them that and even though the Irish motoring public have improved a lot over the years at maintaining and servicing their most prized asset,we can still learn a lot from our UK cousins who generally

have brought car care and recorded servicing to a whole new level. This may not be the main reason that 100,000 used cars were purchased in the UK by Irish buyers in 2017 but it’s cer-

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

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2010 Nissan Micra 1.2 Automatic 5-door 80km silver new NCT €6,995 2010 Toyota Yaris 1.0 5-door Automatic 88km red €6,995

tainly one of them, it gives great comfort to car buyers to be able to examine a Full Service History record including all receipts of work done plus a selection of old MOTs which can warrant mileage – all carefully recorded.The vast majority of all imported UK cars comes with all of the above. My experience over many years has noticed that the majority of Irish car owners just don’t go the trouble of recording car servicing – what a pity because

it can add value to there second hand when it comes to trading it in. The Scientists tell us that civilised humanity is around for tens of thousands of years and in all that time the “Great Creator” has failed to produce the “perfect human” and seeing that cars are made by humans – it never ceases to amaze me why people are so surprised we haven’t found the “perfect car” yet, of course, the logical answer is – we never will.

New Nissan LEAF named World Car of the Year finalist NISSAN LEAF HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REINVENTED, COMBINING GREATER RANGE WITH A DYNAMIC NEW DESIGN AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES THE New Nissan LEAF has been named as a top 10 finalist in the prized 2018 World Car of the Year awards. It was double recognition for the Nissan LEAF, with the newgeneration electric vehicle also making the final four in the 2018 World Green Car category. Revealed in Japan late last year, the Nissan LEAF has been completely reinvented, combining greater range with a dynamic new design and advanced technologies. A jury of 82 motoring journalists from around the world selected the finalists by secret ballot based on their evaluation of each vehicle at exclusive drive events staged by the award's organiser. "The world is moving towards electric cars at a fast pace, and the Nissan LEAF is one of the best," said Paul Gover, one of Australia's most respected automotive journalists and World Car of the Year judge. "You don't get onto the World Car of the Year final list if you are not extremely worthy. The LEAF is a car you have to look at when you think about the future of motoring." With Nissan Micra also a finalist in the 2018 World Urban Car category, this is the fifth time in the 14 year history of the World Car of the Year awards that a Nissan has been a finalist. The first-generation Nissan LEAF was named World Car of the Year in 2011, with the Nissan QASHQAI making the final in 2008 and 2015, and the GT-R in 2009. The announcement of the top 10 finalists kicks off the countdown for the 2018 World Car Awards prize-giving ceremony to be hosted by the New York International Auto Show on March 28th. Winners of the 2018 World Car of the Year, World Luxury Car, World Performance Car, World Green Car, World Car Design of the Year and the WorldUrban Car titles will all be declared at this time.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

The Prior, Fr. Tony Egan, O.S.A. (left); Fr. Séamus Humphreys, O.S.A. (right), and Fr. Michael Brennock, O.S.A. (centre back), are joined by members of the Lay Ministries and other friends of the Augustinian Community, Dungarvan, for a presentation to Peter Hayes on the occasion of his retirement as Choirmaster in St. Augustine’s Church after 35 years of loyal and dedicated service, twenty-five of which he served as Musical Director. Peter was accompanied by his wife Ann as he was made an Affiliate Member of the Augustinian Order as attested by Fr. Alejandro Moral Anton, Prior General, O.S.A., in a sealed certificate. The framed document was presented by Fr. Michael Brennock, O.S.A., one of the founders of the Choir forty years ago. [Tom Keith]

Peter Hayes retires after thirty-five years AT a very pleasant ceremony held in The Park Hotel last Friday night, Peter Hayes, longtime Choirmaster of the Augustinian Friary Choir in Dungarvan, was honoured for his thirty-five years of loyal and dedicated service, most of it in leading the Choir in their weekly

Mass and other special celebrations in the Church. At the conclusion of his tribute to Peter, the Prior of St. Augustine’s, Fr. Tony Egan, O.S.A. presented him with a proclamation from the General Curia of the Order in Rome and issued by Fr. Alejandro Moral

Anton, Prior General, which affiliated him as a member of the Augustinian Family. This is a rare and signal honour for a lay person, a moment which was applauded at length by all of those present, especially the members of the Choir whom he has successfully

Pictured above at the presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation and formal Affiliation as a Member of the Augustinian Order by Fr. Michael Brennock, O.S.A. (far right), to Peter Hayes, retired Musical Director, Friary Choir. On left is Fr. Tony Egan, O.S.A., Prior, St. Augustine’s, Dungarvan, and Peter’s wife, Ann Hayes.

led and guided for over three decades. In addition to Fr. Egan, the ceremony was attended by Fr. Séamus Humphreys, O.S.A., and Fr. Michael Brennock, O.S.A.; Peter’s wife Ann, members of the Lay Ministries and other friends of the Augustinian Community. In conveying the gratitude and appreciation of the Augustinian Community, Fr. Egan recalled and acknowledged Peter’s long and loyal service to the Augustinians and the congregations of the weekend Masses and other celebrations in the Friary Church. He thanked him for his service and his dedication and wished him every happiness in his retirement with his wife Ann. He presented Peter with the formal Certificate of Affiliation to enthusiastic and sustained applause from all present, especially the members of the Choir. Speaking later, Peter Hayes said he was totally taken aback by the unique gesture and honour in making him an Affiliate of the Augustinian community. He was humbled by the honour he said, especially as it came without any prior notice. “I deeply appreciate this presentation and all it represents,” Peter said. “I was so taken aback that I could hardly take in the special nature of this presen-

tation. I felt quite emotional at the time too.” He said that while he was the one to receive the honour, it came as a result of generous effort and deep loyalty on the part of successive members of the Choir. “Many of our members have been with the choir since day one,” he said, “and that too is a great commitment. They are totally committed and can be depended on without hesitation.” He paid generous tribute to his wife Ann who has been fully supportive of him and his work with the Choir. “I could not have done this without her total and unselfish support,” he said, “without it I would have been gone a long time ago. There is no doubt, that without Ann behind me I would not have been able to give all those years to the Choir. He especially thanked Fr. Egan and the priests of the Friary for the honour which he said he was still coming to terms with. He acknowledged the succession of Priors and Priests who served over the last thirty-five years, the singers, musicians and the congregations who have now begun to applaud at the end of Mass. “I took over the role of Musical Director in 1982, he said, “after spending a few years as a member simply because I did

not want the Choir to come to an end. Before me there were Noel Brennan, Fr. Brennock and Sr. Goretti. Sr Monica and Dolores Lyons took on the task jointly for a while too. The choir sang for Mass on RTE on three occasions, once while Peter was in charge. This consisted entirely of compositions from Michael Casey, a long-term musician with the choir. “Going out live was quite demanding and stressful for us all,” he said. “there is no room for error, no chance of editing out mistakes. The same went for our Mass on WLR-fm.We have to do our best on these occasions, we are representing the Friary, the town and especially ourselves.” He has led the choir for Ordinations and funerals and for Masses on special occasions like Féile na nDeise which were entirely in Irish. He has never missed a Christmas during his years with the choir and gains as much satisfaction today as he did over three decades ago. He leaves knowing that the Choir is in good hands and dedicated to the Friary Community and to the congregations who faithfully turn up each week, not just for Sunday Mass, but to hear how the Choir enhances their spiritual experience with their beautiful singing.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Restaurant proprietor fined for employing non-nationals without work permit Dungarvan District Court

Man who was ‘protesting his innocence’ is fined for public order offence A DUNGARVAN man who was “protesting his innocence” after being ejected from a local night club was fined for a public order offence last week. Michael McKevitt (28) with an address at 61 Cathal Brugha Place, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive language and behaviour in a public place, contrary to Section 6 of the Public Order Act, at Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, on 26th December, 2016. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector Larry Sheahan told Judge Terence Finn that Gardaí observed the accused kicking and banging on the door of the local night club to try and get in. He said Gardaí took the

accused away and there was no damage caused to the door. Judge Finn noted the incident occurred on St. Stephen’s Night. “Was he anxious to get out and socialise?” Judge Finn questioned. Mr. Gordon explained that his client was already in the club, but had been ejected by security. “Perhaps he felt he didn’t get value for money?” Judge Finn enquired. “He was protesting his innocence,” Mr. Gordon replied. The court heard the accused has previous convictions and is employed. Judge Finn handed down a €250 fine for the public order offence.

THE proprietor of a local Chinese Restaurant was fined in court last week in relation to employing non-nationals without an employment permit. Feng Cheng (29) co-proprietor of Noark’s Asian Cuisine, which is based at unit 25 / 26 Dungarvan Shopping Centre, pleaded guilty to four charges of employing non-nationals without an employment permit at her premises on 6th September, 13th October, and 14th December, 2016; and 9th March, 2017. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, State Prosecutor, Frank W. Hutchinson told Judge Terence Finn that on various

dates inspectors from the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation called to the premises known as Noarks, and on each occasion there was at least one person working on the premises without a work permit. He said there were four employees (non-nationals) who were detected working without a permit, but added that they were properly paid and had proper holiday entitlements, etc. Mr. Hutchinson said the employees involved have now all returned to their homeland in China. He said the accused was co-operative with the Department inspectors and read-

ily made information available to them. He said the accused has no previous convictions. Mr. Hutchinson outlined that the maximum penalty in this case is €4,000 and / or 12 months imprisonment. He said there was no application for costs. Solicitor for the accused, Martin Lavan, said his client was fully co-operative with the inspectors. He said the accused has been in Ireland for eight years and set up her business two years ago with a co-proprietor at Dungarvan Shopping Centre, overlooking the Plaza. Mr. Lavan said his client’s business is a Chinese Restaurant of

note and everything is above board. “The initial problem was getting local staff.The other business partner hasn’t good English and they were struggling to get people interacting in the kitchen,” Mr. Lavan explained. He said his client, who is mother to a young child, has learned a valuable lesson. Judge Finn said the court would impose a financial penalty and was not considering a custodial sentence. He handed down a €300 fine on each of the four counts (totalling €1,200), allowing six months for the fines to be paid.

Fine for man found carrying screwdriver for protection A MAN found carrying a screwdriver for protection because he was under threat was fined last week. Luke Rio (24) with an address at House 1, Apartment 2, Matthew Shea Homes, Bath Street, Waterford, pleaded guilty to possession of an article (namely a screwdriver) with intent to cause injury, contrary to Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, at the Causeway, Dungarvan, on 3rd September, 2016. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector Larry

Sheahan told Judge Terence Finn that Gardaí received a report about an individual loitering outside a licensed premises at around 9.10 p.m. on the date in question. Gardaí went to the area and observed the accused. After speaking with him and searching him, Gardaí found a screwdriver in his pocket. “When asked why he had the screwdriver, the accused replied that there were people after him and he wanted it for his protection,” Insp. Sheahan said. Insp. Sheahan said he was

aware that ‘certain individuals’ may have made threats towards the accused. He said the accused did not produce or brandish the screwdriver. “The accused had the screwdriver in his pocket and he handed it over to Gardaí straight away,” Insp. Sheahan said. The court heard that Rio has previous convictions, including some for assault offences, for which he received a custodial sentence, but none for any similar offence of possession of an article with intent.

Solicitor David Burke said his client was refused entry to the licensed premises on the night in question. He said that at no time did his client brandish the screwdriver. Mr. Burke said his client felt under threat and Gardaí were aware of the threat. Judge Finn handed down a fine of €300, but as the accused is currently in jail serving a prison term, he marked the fine to be paid forthwith, or seven days imprisonment if the fine is not paid.

A WOMAN who admitted stealing energy drinks and cosmetics from local retailers was warned she is ‘last chance saloon’ when the District Judge handed down a suspended sentence last week. Belinda Donovan (35) with addresses at Upper King Street, Dungarvan, and Convent Lodge, Mitchel Street, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to theft of cosmetics, valued at €6.00 from Eurospar, Abbeyside, on 6th March, 2017. She had pleaded guilty at a previous sitting of the District Court to theft of four cans of Red Bull, valued at €12, from Applegreen, Lemybrien, on 26th January, 2017. In both cases the accused was

identified from CCTV. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Solicitor Niall King handed in compensation from his client for the items taken in both cases. Inspector Larry Sheahan outlined to the court that the accused has 11 previous convictions, including two for similar theft offences. Mr. King said his client apologises for her actions and outlined a difficult period of time she has had, where she tragically lost her son, partner and father-in-law in the past 12 months, and her own father, brother and an aunt in the past 24 months. “She has had a lot of grief over the past two years,” Mr. King said.

However, Judge Finn said the accused has also embarked on a criminal enterprise - and her grief doesn’t explain her poor conduct. “The products which she took in both cases are not necessities,” Judge Finn said. Mr. King pointed out that his client was a heroin addict, but she is free of that substance now and is on a methadone programme. “She attends the programme weekly and has reduced her methadone by half over the last number of months,” Mr. King said. He said his client is residing with her mother-in-law and they are supporting each other. “My client apologises for her behaviour. She has paid compen-

sation and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity,” he said. Judge Finn said the court understood there was difficulty in her family life with multiple bereavements to deal with. “But the shop owners are entitled to trade without being preyed upon by the accused,” Judge Finn said. He handed down a four month jail sentence on each of the two theft charges to run concurrently, and suspended them on condition the accused be of good behaviour and keep the peace for 12 months. “I am giving her fair notice, the court won’t tolerate any further offending,” Judge Finn said. “She is in last chance saloon,” he added.

Woman fined and bound to the peace over playground Woman who admitted thefts warned push she is in ‘last chance saloon’ A DUNGARVAN woman was fined and bound to the peace for a year after she pushed another woman at a local playground. Stacey Finnerty (27) with an address at 6 Cathal Brugha Place, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to assault, contrary to Section 2 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, at Richard A. Walsh Street, Dungarvan, on 2nd June, 2017. At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector Larry Sheahan told Judge Terence Finn that the accused engaged with another woman at the playground on Richard A. Walsh Street. “There was bad blood between the parties leading up to this incident,” Insp. Sheahan said. He said the accused pushed

the other woman. The other woman then made a complaint to Gardaí. Insp. Sheahan said there has been no further incidents since. The accused has previous convictions. Solicitor David Burke said his client acknowledged the difficulties between her and the other woman over a period of time. “My client has apologised. It is a small town, so there hasn’t been any further interaction between them,” Mr. Burke said. “My client also acknowledges that the way she acted was totally inappropriate,” he added. Judge Finn handed down a €300 fine. He also placed the accused on a Probation Bond to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for 12 months.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

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Man sent forward for trial A MAN accused of alleged assault causing harm was sent forward for trial to the Circuit Court last week. Sean Franklin (20) with an address at 61 Cathal Brugha Place, Dungarvan, is accused of alleged assault causing harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, at Waves Night Club, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan, on 27th December, 2016. At a previous sitting of the District Court, Inspector Larry Sheahan said it is alleged a glass was thrown and an alleged injured party received multiple cuts and lacerations to his face and forehead, resulting in attendance at hospital and plastic surgery.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, the Book of Evidence was served on the accused and Judge Terence Finn sent the accused forward for trial to the present sittings of Waterford Circuit Criminal Court, on 30th January, 2018. Judge Finn warned the accused he has 14 days in which to furnish the prosecution with details of any witnesses he may call to the trial. Failure to do so will mean those witnesses won’t be able to give evidence. The accused indicated he understood. Free legal aid was granted to the accused, who is represented by solicitor David Burke.

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Bench warrants issued A BENCH warrant was issued for the arrest of a man who failed to appear in court last week. Anthony Dineen (25) with an address at 31 Quaker Road, Cork, is accused of not having insurance, failing to produce insurance and failing to produce NCT when stopped by Gardaí at Killongford, Dungarvan, on 21st June, 2017. There was no valid reason for the accused’s absence from last week’s Dungarvan District Court and Judge Terence Finn issued a bench warrant for his arrest. ••••••••• A BENCH warrant was issued for the arrest of a Waterford woman who failed to appear at last week’s Dungarvan District Court.

Shannon Whyte, also known as Shannon Connors (21) with addresses at 12 The Crescent, Belmount, Ferrybank, Waterford, and 38 Grange Cohan, Waterford, is accused of not having insurance as the owner of a vehicle, and failing to give details to the Gardaí, under Section 107 (4b) of the Road Traffic Act, at Kilclooney, Kilmacthomas, on 18th July, 2015. Solicitor David Burke said he wrote to his client, but there has been no further contact from her. Judge Terence Finn noted that the matter has been adjourned on numerous occasions, several of which was due to the absence of the accused. “She has failed to grasp that she has to be

in court,” Judge Finn said. ••••••••• A BENCH warrant was issued for the arrest of a man who failed to appear in court last week. Patrick O’Reilly (36) with an address at 7 Ardmore Avenue, Knocknaheeney, Cork, is accused of not having insurance, failing to produce insurance, driving while disqualified, failing to produce licence within ten days and failing to give details on demand to Gardaí at Scrahan, Kilmacthomas, on 10th January, 2015. There was no valid reason for the accused’s absence from last week’s Dungarvan District Court and Judge Terence Finn issued a bench warrant for his arrest.

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€1,000 fine for not having TV licence A DUNGARVAN man received a €1,000 fine last week for not having a TV licence. Nicholas Power, with an address at 10 Conway Court, Collins Road, Dungarvan, was fined €1,000 at last week’s Dungarvan District Court and directed to pay €80 pros-

ecution costs, for not having a TV licence when Inspector with An Post, Barry Knox, called to his home on 4th May, 2017. Mr. Knox told the court that the accused has not taken out a licence to date, with a loss of €160 in revenue to An Post.

Mr. Knox also revealed that the accused has two previous convictions for similar offences. Judge Terence Finn directed that the accused has four months to pay the fine and costs.There was no appearance by the accused at court.

TV licence prosecutions A KILMACTHOMAS woman was fined last week for being in possession of an unlicensed television set. Denise Hennessy, with an address at 9 Fairgreen Apartments, Kilmacthomas, was fined €350 and directed to pay €80 prosecution costs for not having a TV licence when Inspector with An Post, Barry Knox called to her home on 19th May, 2017. Mr. Knox said there was a loss of €160 in revenue to An Post because the accused still has not taken out a TV licence.

The accused, who has no previous convictions, did not appear in court. ••••••••• A BENCH warrant was issued for the arrest of a woman who did not have a TV licence. Rosie Keenan, with an address at 6 An Cluain, Youghal Road, Dungarvan, did not appear at last week’s Dungarvan District Court in relation to the TV licence prosecution brought by An Post. Inspector with An Post, Barry Knox told Judge Terence Finn that he called to the

accused’s home on 4th May, 2017 and found her in possession of an unlicensed television set. Mr. Knox said the accused still hasn’t purchased a TV licence, with a loss of €160 in revenue to An Post. He said the accused has one previous conviction for a similar offence, and revealed that the accused never purchased a licence after that conviction. Judge Finn issued a bench warrant for the accused’s arrest.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Coveney visits Dungarvan to ‘rally local members’

Sinn Féín President-Elect (on left) with local West Waterford Sinn Féín Representative Louise Brierley at the Ireland South Cúige AGM in Cahir on Saturday.

Sinn Féin President-elect Mary Lou McDonald reaches out to party membership Ireland South INSPIRED, energised.The Sinn Féin membership was united in their endorsement of Mary Lou going forward as the next leader of the party. Speaking to the Ireland South Cúige AGM in Cahir last Saturday, Mary Lou paid tribute to many of our great leaders throughout Irish history who fought for freedom, justice, equality and unity. Her tribute to Martin McGuiness and Gerry Adams was especially moving. As she contemplates her future role as President of the party, Mary Lou acknowledges that the shoes of Gerry Adams will be too big to fill. However, she assures us she has brought her own and will walk this final stage of the journey with us, with all the members and supporters of Sinn Féin. Mary Lou tells us she will lead from the front but she will need us to walk with her. And we believe her. Her very many encouraging words, words of meaning and of hope will inspire us to keep active. As members, we must put our shoulder to the wheel to get the Sinn Féín message out there. We must try to help re-energise the people of Ireland, to reignite their belief in the political system and faith in the democratic process; that together we can bring about real change for the better. Mary Lou is clear that we must dispel the myth about politics and politicians, a myth often propagated by some elements in the national media that ‘they’re all the same’. We are NOT all the same. Sinn Féin policies will deliver a much better standard of living for the majority of people across Ireland. For those living in rural towns and villages as well as those in cities. Sinn Féin stands for the many, not for the wealthy elite.We stand for the young and the old, for all religions and none. Sinn Féin is a party which has consistently stood on a platform for equality for all. Mary Lou made it very clear that her Irish republican values will be the driving force behind her leadership and the membership know they can trust her to stay true to those values which is what keeps the party’s identity strong, focussed and united. Waterford Sinn Féín continues to grow from strength to strength. Our representation at Cúige is very strong. Our own TD David Cullinane was last Saturday re-elected Cathaoirleach. Michael Doyle is the PR Officer and Conor Donegan is the Youth Officer, both Waterford members. Conor McGuinness from West Waterford, was re-elected to represent the Cúige on the Ard Comhairle. The Cúige also nominated Michelle O’Neill for the position of Leas Uachtarán and with our Ireland South MEP Liadh Ní Riada, fighting our corner as a great advocate and watchdog in Europe, we have very strong representation for the people of Waterford. We’ve been fortunate in Waterford to welcome Mary Lou many times in the past. We know we will have in her a most talented but accessible leader who will lead us forward with total regard for the giants on whose shoulders she stands. Mary Lou relayed to us the powerful words which Martin McGuinness replied to her when she asked was there anything she could do for him at what would in fact be her last meeting with him before he died. He said “Yes, I want you to go out and win.” Mary Lou’s poignant message to the membership can be summed up in her statement on this:“I have no intention of letting him down.” I believe her. And she speaks for us all. By Louise Brierley West Waterford Sinn Féin

AN Tánaiste, Simon Coveney was in Dungarvan last Thursday, 25th January, to visit the local Fine Gael organisation at a meeting in Lawlors Hotel. Over 100 members were present at the meeting, in which the Tánaiste spoke at great lengths about a range of topics facing the party and the country at the moment. As well as updating members on internal matters in Fine Gael, including the upcoming national recruitment campaign and efforts relating to local and general election preparations, the main focus of the Tániaste’s visit was to discuss matters relating to Waterford city and county. Specifically, he outlined the government’s commitment to make sure Waterford is not overlooked when the 10 year, one hundred billion euro capital plan is announced in Mid February. Local Councillors spoke of the importance of ensuring that funding for the North Quays development was delivered. As part of the national planning framework, An Tániaste stressed that a thriving and growing Waterford City and surrounds was essential for the region to

Pictured left to right: Cllr. Liam Brazil; Cllr. Seanie Power, Cathaoirleach of Comeragh Municipal District Council; Senator Paudie Coffey; Tánaiste Simon Coveney; MEP Sean Kelly; Cllr. Declan Doocey; and Cllr. John Cummins, Deputy Mayor of Waterford City and County Council. thrive over the next 20 years and the 10 year capital plan to be announced next month will aim to achieve this. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to bring a

university to the south east and confirmed that critical legislation to that effect had passed through the Dáil this week. He also confirmed to the meeting that a review was under-

way to look specifically at the provision of 24 hour cardiac care at Waterford University Hospital. Sean Kelly MEP and Senator Paudie Coffey also addressed the meeting.

Council to demolish city’s old grain store landmark prior to multi-million euro investment By Christy Parker WATERFORD City and County Councillors have voted to demolish the 113 year-old Hennebique grain store on Waterford City’s North Quay. The decision was made unanimously at a special meeting, following a six-week Part VIII (public consultation) process on the issue. The former R & H Hall flour mill was built by William Friel in 1905 and designed by French engineer Francois Hennebique under the reinforced steel concrete method he pioneered. It was one of only two such structures built in Ireland. The other one still stands in Belfast. With surrounding structure now removed, the nine-storey building is the sole physical link with Waterford’s days as an early 1900s shipping and trading port. Its flat roof also harbours bullet holes from the day the Civil War when pro-Treaty forces occupied the building. MULTI-MILLION EURO DEVELOPMENT The building’s demolition will further simplify plans to for the €300m investment by a Saudi Arabian consortium announced for the 17-acre North Quay and Michael Street last March. North Quay is largely owned

by Waterford Council and the Port of Waterford. A CPO process to acquire some remaining features is presently awaiting Bord Pleanála approval. The Fawaz Alhokair Group proposes to construct retail, office, hotel, tourism and conference facilities, along with housing and open space amenity on the quayside. The group has reportedly built 19 shopping malls in Saudi Arabia and has retail rights to several top brands. A four acre site on Michael Street is NAMA owned and the council hopes to complete the acquisition process shortly. Planning for a retail complex as already been secured. Waterford Council intends to link both developments by a new pedestrian bridge, a public transport shuttle service, new road interchanges and a traffic hub that will see the train station relocated. It has made a €61.5m application to the Government to fund these essential requirements. JOBS If and when the investment comes to fruition, its repercussions will spread far beyond the city. Former Waterford Mayor Cllr. John Cummins says it will “transform the city and, crucially, is expected to create well over 3,000 jobs and establish Waterford as a major regional city.” Meanwhile, the Part VIII

The former R&H Hall Grain Store on Dock Road, Ferrybank, Waterford City, which occupies a central location on Waterford’s North Quays. [Picture: Waterford City and County Council]

process on the fate of the Hennebique building drew eight submissions. Included amongst them were observations from Waterford People Before Profit, Waterford Archaeological & Historical Society, the International Council on Monuments and Sites and the Dept. Heritage, Culture and the Gaeltacht. All the submissions favoured retaining the old mill. Most wanted it incorporated into any future developments, most popularly as a museum, arts or theatre facility, visitors’ centre, etc.

Waterford CEO Michael Walsh had already determined that the building was ‘inflexible’ for any use other than that for which it was built. Compound that, he said, were its low ceilings and its location at a focal juncture of the proposed new access, pedestrian and travel project. The councillors unanimously supported his viewpoint. A 3-D impression of the building is to be created by way of recording and retaining its imprint, with deconstruction expected in the coming weeks.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

COMHAIRLE CATHRACH & CONTAE PHORT LÁIRGE - CISTE CHUN TACÚ LE POBAIL PHORT LÁIRGE 2018 An dáta deiridh d’iarratais ná Dé Céadaoin, 28 Feabhra 2018 Ní ghlacfar le haon iarratas tar éis an dáta seo Tá Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge tiomanta le pobail a spreagadh agus a chumasú chun difríocht a dhéanamh ina gceantair/bpobail féin. Ar mhaithe leis seo, tá iarratais á lorg ag an gComhairle anois don gCiste chun tacú le Pobail Phort Láirge 2018. Tugann an Ciste chun tacú le Pobail deontas i gcabhair do Chumainn Áitritheoirí, do Ghrúpaí Pobail, do Chlubanna Spórt agus do ghrúpaí/choistí eile atá gníomhach ag leibhéal an phobail, ag cur sheirbhísí pobal ar fáil nó ag déanamh oibreacha feabhsúcháin go háitiúil nó ag leibhéal an chontae. Is féidir le grúpaí iarratas a dhéanamh faoi cheann amháin den trí shnáithe seo a leanas: 1. Ciste do Chumann Áitritheoirí 2. Ciste do Ghníomhaíocht Pobail 3. Ciste do Spórt & Chaitheamh Aimsire

Whitfield staff Jacqueline O’Connor, Bridie Power, Ailís Cummins with Head Chef Romaine Bierry and Kay Power and Michelle Murphy.

[Garret Fitzgerald]

Operation Transformation makes a tasty return to Whitfield NOW in its fourth year, Whitfield Clinic has introduced its food, health and wellness initiative, ENRICH, to run in tandem with RTE’s ‘Operation Transformation’. With an emphasis on nutritionally balanced meals for patients, staff and visitors the Whitfield catering team has devised a series of low calorie, healthy and flavoursome meal options. The meals, developed by Whitfield Clinic’s Head Chef, Romain Bierry, along with nutritionist Niamh Orbinski, have similar nutritional profiles as

those featured on Operation Transformation. According to Romain, the meal options are proving a hit with patients and staff. “Here at Whitfield the emphasis is on providing optimum nutrition without compromising on flavour, for those with or recovering from illness.The meals are prepared fresh each day using quality, locally sourced produce.” Many patients who are recovering from illness, suffer a loss of appetite, thus depleting their nutrient intake and leading to weight loss. “We have formulated the meal options for patients to

ensure that they get the right nutrients to speed up recovery, but not concede on taste.” Whitfield’s team of chefs, nutritionists and local suppliers work together in serving up the Operation Transformation meal options. Every day the kitchen team creates each meal from scratch to ensure that customers enjoy higher quality food with more taste. They have a number of healthy options available which are suitable for a diverse range of palates, including any dietary requirements that patient’s might have. The meals are nutritionally analysed to

Jacqueline O’Connor, Catering Manager; Alan O’Connor, Head Chef; Romaine Bierry and Michelle Murphy. [Garret Fitzgerald]

ensure the nutrient profile is suitable for patients. Alan O’Connor, Whitfield’s Catering Manager, said there’s a big demand for the healthy options from the staff. “Throughout the year we prepare nutritious meals for staff. It’s a busy environment to work in and not only do the staff need the right fuel to keep up with the demands of working in such a fast-paced healthcare environment, they want choice and flavour too. That’s why the Operation Transformation options are perfect to tick all the boxes of taste, nutrition and choice.” Some of the exciting nutritious dishes developed include Spicy Chicken Casserole, Baked Fillet of Hake with Basil & Mozzarella Crust, Stir Fried Pork with Ginger & Egg Noodles, Malaysian Beef & Lime and Spanish Style Haddock with Chorizo. Also on offer is a range of vegetarian and salad options including Butternut Squash, Goat’s Cheese & Spinach Gratin and Turmeric scented Quiona Salad. The recipes are also available from the Atrium Café so anyone can get a copy and have their very own Operation Transformation meal options at home. If you would like to learn more about Whitfield Clinic’s health food options, offer some suggestions, or if you just want to see what’s on the menu, contact Whitfield Catering department at whitfieldclinic@ksg.ie or check out www.enrich.ksg.ie for more healthy food and lifestyle tips.

Conas iarratas a dhéanamh Caithﬁdh gach iarratasóir an fhoirm iarratais don gCiste chun tacú le Pobail Phort Láirge 2018 a líonadh isteach, agus is féidir í a íoslódáil ó shuíomh idirlíon Chomhairle Phort Láirge www.waterfordcouncil.ie Mar mhalairt air sin, is féidir leat pacáiste iarratais a bhailiú os na poinntí um Seirbhísí do Chustaiméirí de chuid Chomhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge i gCathair Phort Láirge ag Sráid Nua Bailey nó ag na hOiﬁgí Cathartha, Cé Daibhéid, Dún Garbhán, nó is féidir leat r-phost a chur chuig waterfordcommunitiesfund@waterfordcouncil.ie agus seolfar pacáiste iarratais amach chugat, ach é a lorg. Nuair atá sé líonta isteach agat, cuir d’iarratas isteach, maraon leis na doiciméidí riachtanacha, trí r-phost chuig waterfordcommunitiesfund@waterfordcouncil.ie nó ar chóip chrua chuig: Colette O’Brien Ciste chun tacú le Pobail Phort Láirge 2018, Comhairle Cathrach & Contae Phort Láirge, Sráid Nua Bailey, Port Láirge.

Ná déan dearmad gurb é Dé Céadaoin, 28 Feabhra 2018 an dáta deiridh d’iarratais – ní ghlacfar le haon iarratas tar éis an dáta seo

WATERFORD CITY & COUNTY COUNCIL SUPPORTING COMMUNITIES FUND 2018 Closing date for applications is Wednesday 28th February 2018 No applications will be accepted after this date Waterford City & County Council is committed to encouraging communities and empowering residents to make a difference to their areas. To support this, the Council is inviting applications to its Supporting Communities Fund 2018. The Supporting Communities Fund provides grant aid assistance to Residents Associations, Community Groups, Sports Clubs and other groups/committees engaged in community activity, providing community services or carrying out improvement works at local or county level. Groups can apply under one the following 3 funding strands: 1. Residents Association Fund, 2. Community Activity Fund, 3. Sports & Recreation Fund How to apply All applicants must complete a Supporting Waterford Communities Fund 2018 application form which can be downloaded from the Waterford Council’s website www.waterfordcouncil.ie Alternatively you can collect an application pack at Waterford City & County Council Customer Service points at Bailey’s New Street, Waterford or at the Civic Ofﬁces, Davitt’s Quay, Dungarvan or alternatively you can email waterfordcommunitiesfund@ waterfordcouncil.ie to have an application pack sent out to you. Once completed please submit your application by email to waterfordcommunitiesfund@waterfordcouncil.ie or in hard copy to: Colette O’ Brien, Supporting Waterford Communities Fund 2018, Waterford City & County Council, Baileys New Street, Waterford.

Don’t forget: Closing date for applications is Wednesday 28th February 2018 – late applications shall not be accepted

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Portrait of an artist … By Donal Buckley

Margaret Organ

THERE is a saying in the art world that ' those that can, do.Those that can't, criticise and those that can do neither, teach'.Whether you agree or disagree with that contentious assessment, in whole or in part, it ignores a very important strata of the subject. The often maligned and blatantly misunderstood process of administration and organisation of the field is, probably, the most essential component in the promotion and development of the arts. The nature of art is freedom of expression, innovative ideas and creative techniques. Initially, structure and frameworks are an unnecessary distraction and an obstruction to the artistic imagination. In this respect, we are very fortunate to have a diligent and dedicated Arts Officer of Waterford City and County Council in the person of Margaret Organ. Along with Conor Nolan (who is mostly based in the city), Margaret has the responsibility of nurturing the diverse talents of artists throughout the County and beyond. It is a responsibility she carries with pride and, a not insignificant amount of, relish. Though, on the surface, this may not appear to be anything other than the preserve of a paper shuffling, number cruncher; nothing could be further from the truth. Margaret takes a very hands on approach to her duties. She is constantly on the move across the county, facilitating projects from the densely populated urban centres to the most isolated rural communities. Being Arts Officer of WC&CC is not solely about acquiring and displaying the paintings and sculptures of established artists. It’s about creating an environment where art is accessible for all ages, all races, all religions and all socio-economic groups. It’s about providing facilities and funding for such diverse disciplines as visual art, poetry, drama, traditional music, dance, film and elements of undefinable creativity. Margaret doesn't have enough hours in the day or days in the week to accomplish all she would wish for the County of Waterford. I met her, briefly, at her office in The Arts Centre. Hello, Margaret, it’s good to finally meet you. In your capacity as Arts Officer or indeed as a private individual, do you have a favourite artist? In my career, I have met many, many artists and they have all made a unique contribution to our understanding of the creative mind. Some gave me pause for thought, some delighted and entertained and some made the world a more attractive place. The beauty of art is its diversity and inclusion. No one artist is greater or lesser than another. Final answer? Yes, it would be like asking me to pick a favourite child. Do you have a favourite book or author? I have always had a love for plays and poetry. I could read anything and everything from the plays and sonnets of William Shakespeare to our own Jim Nolan. In the field of poetry, it would be difficult to go beyond our local, though internationally renowned poets, Thomas McCarthy, Padraig J Daly, Clodagh Beresford Dunne and Lani O'Hanlon. Biographies also hold a huge interest for me and Lismore's Dervla Murphy ticks all the boxes with regard to an interesting life, well

told. Have you a favourite place or gallery that you have visited over the years? I am lucky to have travelled and to have visited galleries in other countries. My favourite would have to be the galleries and museums of Paris. The joy and enthusiasm which the people of France have for their cultural institutions is staggering. It wouldn't cast them a thought to queue for hours to visit The Louvre, The Musee D'orsay or the Georges Pompidou Centre. There are also dedicated galleries to Salvador Dali, Auguste Rodin and Pablo Picasso. What would be your hope for the future of Waterford Art? Waterford City and County Council is involved in many projects around the county.We have a strong Arts in Education programme around the city and county. There's an emphasis on inter generational work, on social inclusion and our arts and health programme. Long may this continue. On a personal basis, I would like to continue to support excellence in the arts and keep in touch with the many eclectic trends emerging in the creative field.We can be open-minded and available to meet any challenge and facilitate the growth of the arts in Waterford. As Arts Officer of Waterford City and County Council, Margaret Organ has long been a supporter and promoter of such artistic expressions as the many festivals supported by the local authority and most recently The Rural Arts Network which seeks to provide training and support for creativity in rural communities. Creative Ireland was born out of the 1916 centenary celebrations and continues to focus on the unique cultural and artistic DNA possessed by the Irish people. Waterford City and County Council have in place a five year plan (2017-2022). This will incorporate and blend the best elements of Crafts, Biodiversity, research development and technology as well as our built and natural heritage and STEM(science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The Old Market House Art Centre is currently holding an exhibition of Portraits and Landscapes from the Waterford Arts collection which will continue until mid February.You can contact the Arts Centre on 05848944 and the Arts Office on 058-41416. Margaret, thank you for your time. It’s certainly been an education for me. I hope we can do this again sometime.

Portrait of Paul by John O'Regan

Felt No. 3 by Andy Kenny

Sliabh Coilte from Glenmore by Maeve Doherty

WWETB Furniture Design and Making

New Construction Sector Training Courses announced at Waterford Wexford ETB in order to meet market demand THE Waterford Training Centre of WWETB has announced a number of new courses in order to meet the market demand for those keen to work and develop their skills within the construction sector. Overall, confidence in the construction industry is on the rise and according to the Construction Industry Federation, a forecast of 9% annual growth on average the construction can become a €20billion industry by 2020. A new Furniture Design and Making course, a Construction Ground Works Skills Course and an Electrical Testing and Verification course have all be announced by WWETB in order to meet the market demand. Commenting on the courses on offer for those interested in working in the construction section, Area Manager at Waterford Wexford ETB John Cassidy says, "We are seeing good employment growth and ongoing opportunities within the construction sector and we want to arm our learners with the knowledge and the skills they need in order to achieve a role or to improve their career prospects. A positive development has been growing evidence that the recovery is spreading to larger centres outside Dublin, with Cork, Limerick and Galway already acting as growth focal points. Also, improvements in the country's roads network have ensured the economic benefits of such resurgence can be spread much more widely in a geographical sense than in the past and thankfully here in the South East we

are seeing many of our learners securing jobs upon qualification." Of the training opportunities on offer, the Furniture Design and Making course enables those keen to take their woodworking and furniture making skills to the next level, with this City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma. Woodworking, design, manufacture and finishing techniques are taught in parallel with analysis, critical thinking and problemsolving skills to enable you to create thoughtful, functional and beautiful furniture. The course is supported by an excellently equipped workshop and IT resources.These include all of the essential woodworking and industrial equipment and environment. The 24-week training programme focuses on developing learners' core skills providing career progression and opportunities exist as furniture makers in furniture workshops, or as selfemployed makers after a suitable period of professional experience. Also focusing on the area of construction a 10-week long Construction Ground Works Course is designed to provide the construction industry with personnel who have the knowledge, skills and competencies to undertake a range of construction groundwork tasks. It's a good starting point for those who are thinking of pursuing a career as a skilled construction operative or if learners are contemplating an apprenticeship in one of the construction trades. On successful completion of the course, learn-

ers will achieve a QQI Level 4 Special Purpose Award in Construction Ground Work Skills and will be eligible to seek employment as a construction operative. Majella McGrath from Kilmeaden recently completed the Construction Skills course. Commenting on her course, Majella said, “This course was brilliant. I’ve never worked in the area of construction before and this course has now opened my mind and my skill set to this area of work, which I’ve never considered before now.” The new Electrical Testing and Verification Course is aimed at already qualified electricians who wish to become qualified in testing and verification of electrical work. The course is designed in order to update the skills of electricians operating in the electrical industry, to verify, test, complete test records, and completion of certificates to comply with Safe Electric requirements.This 2-day course is suitable for experienced electricians who keen to add testing and verification to their qualifications. Waterford Wexford ETB has been delivering training courses and educations services in the South East for the last 30 years. The provision of training by Waterford Wexford Training Services is carried out through our two training centres in Waterford & Wexford. For further details on all of these courses contact 051 301500 or see www.wwetbtraining.ie

NEWS

there, but no aircraft carrier has been secured,” Cllr. O’Leary told the January meeting of Waterford Council, referring to the €375,000 which the airport received last December to keep it operational for the next six months. Cllr. O’Leary asked if the Airport Board could meet with the Council to get an update on the situation. “It is very worrying at this point. There is a good chance that we will lose the airport if immediate action is not taken,” Cllr. O’Leary warned. Director of Services and Deputy Chief Executive of the Council, Lar Power, said there hasn’t been any recent update on the situation. He said the Airport Board are “working hard to get a carrier to provide operations from Spring time”. “There is no update beyond that,” Mr. Power said. He added that should there be news forthcoming, it was hoped the Chairperson of the Airport Board might come and brief the Council members. However, Cllr. O’Leary’s concerns expressed at the January Council meeting were made just a day before the CEO of Waterford Airport, Desmond O’Flynn announced he is leaving the role of CEO. A statement from the Board at

the Airport thanked Mr. O’Flynn for his hard work over the last four years and said it remains the priority of the Board to secure the necessary funding to extend the runway to ensure the Airport can offer air connectivity to Europe and Britain for the South East. POSSIBLE HOPES THROUGH AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE COMPANY There could be hopes for Waterford Airport, after it was suggested that Dublin Aerospace may consider establishing additional maintenance operations at a regional airport. Dublin Aerospace repairs, overhauls and services aircraft such as Boeing and Airbus, at Dublin Airport, but its founder, Conor McCarthy said Council rates on hangars remain a barrier to expansion. The company is looking for potential expansion opportunities, and while it is also looking outside Ireland, it will consider establishing additional operations at a regional airport and Waterford Airport could very well be a conceivable location. Mr. McCarthy said it was unlikely his company would target Shannon Airport (where there are other aircraft maintenance companies) and instead may consider other regional airports, which includes Waterford. Mr. McCarthy, who was

speaking to the national media last week, said his company wouldn’t be as constrained as airline companies in terms of the length of runways because aircrafts without payloads do not need as much runway as aircrafts that are fully loaded.

PARISH C HURC H

AUGUSTINIAN FRIARY

S TREET

J AC K N E L

C HU R CH

E EMMET

U S T IN

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THE future of Waterford Airport is becoming a “very worrying scenario” as attempts to secure an airline carrier continue, in spite of the airport’s CEO stepping down. Cllr. John O’Leary expressed his grave concerns at the January Plenary meeting of Waterford City and County Council, describing the situation at the airport as a “very worrying scenario”. Waterford Airport has been without a commercial airline since VLM ended its flights in June, 2016, after the airline went into receivership. There were attempts to begin flights again in June, 2017 by new company Aer Southeast, but the Commission for Aviation Regulation forced the company to stop selling tickets for flights because they did not have the required tour operator’s licence. The CEO of Waterford Council, Michael Walsh told the November meeting of the Plenary Council that an announcement of a new airline carrier should be “imminent”, but at the December meeting of the Council, he was less optimistic and stated he was hopeful that “something will happen early in the new year” and suggested that March would be a target date. “There is good money being put into the airport to keep it

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Future of Waterford Airport is becoming ‘worrying scenario’

C HAPEL STREE T

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Learn about the LEARN ABOUT THE Stockmarket STOCKMARKET Ideal for potential investors of all type

DUNGARVAN native PAUL DEE is launching his Spring programme of stockmarket classes for people who have an interest in learning about the operation and structure of global stockmarkets. The only requirement to enter the course is to have a curiosity and interest in various aspects of the stockmarket. This course, which examines all aspects of the stockmarket, has run successfully for a number of years. The public perception that the stockmarket is just one big casino is challenged. The jargon and technical language associated with the industry are fully explained in simple English. Bulls and Bears, Stags, Pigs, Insider Dealing, Big Bang and all the other colourful language are brought to life. The course is designed to provide an understanding of the function and benefits of the stock exchange. It has a practical focus and features an ongoing stock exchange game. Beginners and experienced investors have found many benefits in the course in the past. On completion of the course participants will have the opportunity of forming an Investment

Club to put their newly acquired knowledge to practical use. In addition to the above, Paul Dee frequently attends investment club meetings and speaks to groups and organisations about

all aspects of investing in the stockmarket. If your group or club would like to have a guest speaker on stockmarket issues, please do not hesitate to call us on 085 120 0435.

Colaiste Chathail Naofa, Dungarvan IDEAL FOR POTENTIAL INVESTORS OF ALL TYPE The only requirement to enter the course is to have a curiosity and interest in various aspects of the stockmarket. Bulls and Bears, Stags, Pigs, Insider Dealing, Big Bang and all the other colourful terms are brought to life.

Starts: Tuesday, 13th February 7.00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. 10 week course. Cost €100 Contact: Paul Dee, Stockbroker Tel 085 1200 435 Paul Dee

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FEATURE

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

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

BACK in the Summer of 1952, both Busby and Murphy concluded that there were few young players available in the reserve team capable of replacing his ageing stars in his newly crowned championship winning team which was under the captaincy of Dublin-born legend Johnny Carey. As a result, they decided to start employing additional scouts to scour the length and breadth of both the UK and Ireland in order to recruit promising schoolboys with the right character and potential. These lads would gradually be carefully nurtured and trained at Old Trafford in the United style for eventual promotion to the first team. With this innovative academy in mind both men were years ahead of their time. From the outset, both Busby and Murphy were insistent that no illegal bribes would be paid to the parents of these promising young signings in order to entice them to sign for the club. The most notable of these scouts was Joe Armstrong who successfully recruited Bobby Charlton as well as several other future internationals. Amusingly, the charismatic Joe was renowned for gradually withdrawing his handkerchief from his trousers pocket while simultaneously allowing his Rosary beads to discreetly drop on the floor in order to re-assure the parents of any promising Catholic schoolboys on his radar! The highly respected and charismatic Busby and Murphy now started to create a family atmosphere at Old Trafford where these young boys could grow both as footballers and individuals. In Busby’s own words many years later:“I was like a foster father to them.” Both men had also taken good care to chose a special list of guesthouses near Old Trafford which had been vetted and approved where they knew the landladies were homely types who would appreciate that these 15 year old youngsters had never been away from home previously. In addition, Busby had carefully handpicked coaches and trainers such as Bert Whalley and Tom Curry who, not only knew their

Jimmy Murphy and Matt Busby.

Six youthful Busby Babes having supper at Mrs. Watson’s digs in 1955. Front row (l. to r.): Tommy Taylor and Duncan Edwards. Back row (l. to r.): Bobby Charlton, Liam Whelan, Jackie Blanchflower and Mark Jones. football but also, understood the needs of these vulnerable young footballers. A typical example was Dublin-born Liam Whelan who had been recommended by United’s legendary scout in Dublin, Billy Behan. The result was an innovative family atmosphere at Old Trafford, hitherto unknown in football, with everyone playing their part, from the Chairman and Directors down to the very tea ladies and laundry girls. All involved at the club, including the fans, had a feeling of real belonging to this special club. Typical of Busby and Murphy, in time they would frequently address these young players as “son.” THE FA YOUTH CUP WINNERS This policy of rearing young players soon started to bear fruit due to the considerable potential of so many of these handpicked youngsters, plus the impressive coaching received at Old Trafford. In the Summer of 1953 the United youth team started to win the first of five consecutive FA Youth Cup competitions (the under age equivalent of the FA Cup). The calibre of these teams was so impressive that over a period of four and a half years they were unbeaten in 43 successive games in this competition. Due to the quality of their football the attendances at some of their games exceeded those at many First Division games. Of the 18 players used in the FA Youth Cup games in season 1952/’53 a total of 12 of them eventually tasted First Division football, mostly for United, and nine of them would in time become international players for their respective countries. Back in December 1952, Eddie Lewis had quickly become the third homegrown player on a conveyor belt of young stars from the youth team to gradually make their first team debut for the Busby Babes. In this memorable game he found himself replacing his hero the prolific Jack “Gunner” Rowley. This

goalscoring debut at the age of 17 was a dream come through for Lewis having grown up virtually under the shadow of Old Trafford at the end of World War II. The young raw teenager would soon go on to duly score a hugely impressive 11 goals in 24 games at centre forward (striker) before unfortunately suffering a serious injury. His ongoing absence from the team motivated Busby to uncharacteristically dip into the transfer market early in 1953 to spend a record 30,000 pounds on a raw but highly promising centre forward (striker) Tommy Taylor from Second Division club Barnsley. To date it was the second highest transfer in England. Unfortunately, for Eddie Lewis, the newcomer quickly developed into such a prolific goalscorer that he was promoted to the England team four months later despite competition from famous international centre forwards such as Don Revie, Nat Lofthouse and Stan Mortenson. Despite the wishes of Busby the impatient Lewis, soon after recovering from injury, decided to seek regular first team football at Preston North End in January 1956, where he co-incidentally scored two goals on his debut against his former United team-mates. One of his new team-mates was the English legend Tom Finney, and subsequently his team-mates at West Ham United would include 1966 World Cup winners Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst. LEAGUE CHAMPIONS IN 1956 In the Autumn of 1953 Busby’s first big infusion of youth players into the first team took place, starting in a drawn game at prominent Huddersfield Town, thereby bringing the average age of the team plummeting down to 21, in stark contrast to approximately 26 and 27 at most other clubs! Shortly afterwards the team was appropriately nicknamed The Busby Babes after their notable manager. During

1954 and 1955 the team was quickly starting to gel with the introduction of some more rising teenage stars, including Liam Whelan. Of the panel of 17 players involved in the team now starting to hit the headlines in English football, some 10 had quickly progressed from the club’s nursery during the previous three and a half years. In 1956 they won the League Championship by a hugely impressive 11 points, in the days when only 2 points were awarded for a win. In addition to also winning the FA Youth Cup that season, the reserve team was also victorious in the Central League Championship with an average age of nineteen, making it the youngest team on record to do so. With this impressive collection of trophies now at Old Trafford, thanks to three very young teams, it was obvious that Busby’s philosophy was quickly bearing fruit and the club was in good hands for many years. During the previous four years Busby had found it necessary to buy only two players (goalkeeper Ray Wood and right winger John Berry in addition to Taylor). The contrast with modern football could not have been more different. Captain of the team was the highly respected Manchunian and regular England left back Roger Byrne, who had been groomed by his mentor the legendary United and Irish captain of the late forties Johnny Carey. In many ways he came from the same mould as the Dublin man who I described in my co-written United book titled “The Forgotten Legends” as: “Highly respected, commanding and versatile.” Typical first team salaries in those bygone days of a maximum wage were 20 pounds per week (with 4 pounds bonus for a win) and 16 pounds during the close

season. For a few years now the real star of the team was teenager Duncan Edwards who had made his first team debut at the tender age of sixteen and a half. Two years later he became a full England international at the age of just over eighteen years, thereby setting an English record which lasted for some 45 years. This hugely impressive wing half (defensive midfielder) was a shining example to all youngsters with his professionalism, dedication and skill beyond his years. EUROPEAN FOOTBALL Despite the strong objections of the Football Association Busby

now decided to accept an invitation from UEFA to have his quickly rising young league champions become the first English team to enter the European Cup competition, the predecessor of the present Champions League. In the firm view of the manager, the European competition was now the way forward to resurrect English football after the recent heavy defeats of the national team at the hands of Puskas’ Magical Magyars in the starstudded Hungarian team. Continued next week.

The incomparable Duncan Edwards.

Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup winning team 1954 – Front row (l. to r.): Noel McFarlane, Eddie Lewis, Ronnie Cope, David Pegg and Albert Scanlon. Back row (l. to r.): Liam Whelan, Eddie Coleman, Alan Morton, Gordon Clayton, Bryce Fulton, Paddy Kennedy and Duncan Edwards. Subsequent Munich victims include Pegg, Whelan, Coleman and Edwards.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

ADVERTISEMENTS

SITUATIONS VACANT GENERAL FARM WORKER REQUIRED – To drive tractors, general farm work and occasionally milk cows. Full-time and part-time positions available. Good pay with good terms and conditions. Call 087 9860057. FENCING OPERATOR REQUIRED FOR WORK IN CO. WATERFORD – Based in Kilmacthoms area. Drivers Licence required. Contact: Robbie on (087) 8129007. Waterford and Wexford Education & Training Board invites applications for the following posts;

Full-time Accounts Office Administrator BASED IN DUNGARVAN Job Summary • Maintain Debtor and Creditor ledgers with weekly reports • Monthly Sales reporting • Bank Postings and Reconciliations • General financial administrative duties • Processing weekly payroll and maintaining holiday records • Preparation and submission of VAT returns, RCT returns and Intrastat returns • Preparation and submission of P30’s • Manage all intercompany transactions • Liaising with Suppliers and Customers • Assisting with customer enquiries Role requirements • Qualified Accounting Technician or other similar Financial Qualification • Minimum of 2 years experience in a similar position • Experience with the construction industry preferred but not essential • High level of organisation skills • Strong written and verbal communication skills • Strong attention to details and numerical skills • Strong competence in Microsoft office, particularly excel • Knowledge of Big Red Book accounts and Sage Payroll preferable Please forward CV and details to Box No. 6067

YOUTHREACH CO-ORDINATOR TRAMORE CO WATERFORD For further information on this post and to download an Application Form please see our website @ www.waterfordwexford.etb.ie Closing date for receipt of completed applications is 4 p.m. on Wednesday 14th February 2018. Kevin Lewis, Chief Executive

BALLYNATRAY ESTATE

Gardener/Groundsman JOB SPECIFICATION • Job Title: Gardener/Groundsman • Reporting to: Estate Manager • Location: Based at Ballynatray Demesne, Co. Waterford, Ireland • Duration: Initial 3-month trial period • Hours: 8.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m., Monday to Friday Context: • Ballynatray Demesne consists of Ballynatray House, a magnificent 18th Century Georgian mansion set in 850 acres of beautiful Irish countryside with breathtaking views over the Blackwater River. It serves as both a private dwelling, a wedding venue and has a well-developed and successful shoot. Qualities: • Ballynatray is going through a phase of rapid change and improvement. As well as being organised and efficient, the candidate must be flexible, proactive and a team player. Role Outline: • To undertake specific garden maintenance and landscape tasks on a daily basis, as directed by the Estate Manager and his Landscape Consultant.

Post of Temporary SENIOR BEACH LIFEGUARDS AND BEACH LIFEGUARDS Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons for employment as Senior Beach Lifeguards and Beach Lifeguards for the 2018 Bathing Season. • Beach Lifeguard Applicants shall be not less than 17 years of age on 7th April 2018. • Applicants for Senior Beach Lifeguard shall be not less than 19 years of age on 7th April 2018 with a minimum of 2 years full time Beach Lifeguard experience. In order to be considered for employment applicants must submit a current Irish Water Safety National Beach Lifeguard Award or equivalent as recognized by the International Lifesaving Federation (I.L.S.) or submit written confirmation that you have recently passed and are awaiting the Beach Lifeguard Award Certificate by no later than Saturday, 7th April 2018. All candidates will be required to undergo a practical water and theory test conducted by Examiners nominated by Irish Water Safety on Saturday, 7th April 2018 at 11am at the Waterford Crystal Sports Centre. The Garda Vetting Process will be carried out in respect of all applicants and the Garda Vetting Form must be completed by every candidate. Parent/Guardian consent form should only be completed in respect of candidates under the age of 18. Application forms and further particulars can be downloaded from our website at www.waterfordcouncil.ie or obtained from Claire Flavin, Human Resources Department, Waterford City and County Council, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford by calling 0761 10 2035. Closing date for receipt of applications is 4p.m on Friday, 23rd February 2018. It is important to note that incomplete Applications will be returned unprocessed to the Applicant. WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.

Position in the Organisation: • Responsible to the Estate Manager to work in conjunction with other members of estate staff, sub-contractors and outside consultants. Main Duties: • Maintaining borders, developing arboretum and reviving the estate productive garden and ensuring grounds look beautiful for wedding days and shoot days. • Assisting the Groundsman as required; maintaining lawns, edges, Parkland, hedges, boundary fences, ditch clearance, project work e.g. wooden edging, training of climbing plants on stone walls. Tree/shrub planting and deer protection. • Spraying. • Any other activities associated with garden maintenance as necessary. Other Duties Include: • To ensure a high degree of communication between the Estate Manager, members of estate staff, sub-contractors and outside consultants. • To ensure the safe driving, loading and unloading of estate vehicles. • To ensure the premises, materials and vehicles are kept clean and tidy. • To perform vehicle and tool checks as required. • To carry out necessary tool maintenance on estate and personal tools as requested. • Any other related tasks that are requested by the Estate Manager. Personal Qualities: • To maintain professional standards. • To be punctual. • To be able to work efficiently as part of a team. • To provide a high level of communication. • To be self-motivated in taking a proactive approach to keeping productive on site. • To be outward looking, positive, flexible in attitude and practical. • Have a reasonable level of horticultural knowledge. Role Development: • It is envisaged this role will develop over time. Necessary Qualifications: • Spraying certificate. • Chainsaw certificate. • Plant knowledge. • Pruning and horticultural skills.

Waterford City & County Council is inviting applications for the following position:

SOCIAL CARE WORKER 3 YEAR CONTRACT (Salary €33,685 – €53,206 LSI1) Application form and full particulars are available from our website www.waterfordcouncil.ie or contact Human Resources Department on (058) 22045. Applicants may be shortlisted based on relevant experience. Completed Application Form is to be submitted not later than 4.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 21st February, 2018. WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER.

Dairy Farm Apprentice Opportunity DUNGARVAN AREA • Candidates need to have a good attitude to work, with an interest in animals • Training in milking, calf rearing and calving • Supervision with farm mentoring provided Contact: Co. Waterford FRS Ltd. 051-294277 info@waterfordfrs.ie

PLANNING PERMISSION WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – We, Judy and Brendan Nolan, wish to apply to the above Authority for planning permission for a single-storey extension to the West side of our existing dwelling, and all associated site works at ‘Windy Ridge’, New Line Road, Dysert, Ardmore, 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 its public opening hours. 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, 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 AND COUNTY COUNCIL – Permission is sought to relocate dwelling entrance and driveway as granted under planning reference PD.15/308 at Knockaunbrandaun, Ballymacarbry, Co. Phortlairge – Shane Walsh and Siobhan McGrath. The 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 and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. COMHAIRLE CATHRACH AGUS CONTAE PHORT LÁIRGE – Beartaímse, Siubhan Ní Chriostóir, iarratas a chur isteach ar Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Lairge chead chun forbairt a dhéanamh ag an láithreán seo Cnocán a’Phaoraigh Uachtarach, An Rinn, Co. Phort Láirge. Is é atá i gceist san fhorbairt ná tigh nua aon urlár a thógaint chomh maith le slí isteach, cur leis an bóthar atá ann cheana fhéin, ceangal le seirbhísí poiblí agus gach gné d’oibreacha láithreáin a bhaineann leo. Is féidir an t-iarratas pleanála a iniúchadh nó a cheannach in oifigí an Údaráis Phleanála, Foirgneamh Menapia, An Meall, Phort Láirge, le linn na gnáth uaireanta oscailte, 9.30 a.m. – 1.00 p.m., 2.00 p.m. – 4.00 p.m., Luain go hAoine (seachas laethanta saoire poiblí), ar chostas nach mó ná an costas réasúnta a ghabhann le cóip a dhéanamh, agus is féidir aighneacht nó tuairim maidir leis an iarratas a thabhairt i scríbhinn don Údarás Pleanála ach an táille fhorordaithe (€20.00) a íoc taobh istigh de thréimhse 5 seachtaine ón dáta a bhfuair an tÚdarás Pleanála an tiarratas.

32 & 33

FEATURE

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

SP EC I AL OFFE RS TUESDAYS €75

Full Hair Highlights & Blow Dry Ple ase contact Sharon THURSDAY €75

Balayage & Blow Dr y Ple ase contact Sabrina FRIDAY

Ricardo’s … a cut a b ove t h e r e s t A NEW hair salon which has opened in Dungarvan aims to be a ‘cut above the rest’ by offering affordable hair cuts and blow-drying, colouring and highlights in a friendly and relaxing environment. Ricardo’s Hair Salon, based at the corner of Garvan’s Court, Castle Street and Davitt’s Quay (opposite Dungarvan Castle) has proved popular with local people as the salon has been very busy since it opened last week. The bright and modern salon

OPENING HOURS Sunday – CLOSED Monday – CLOSED Tuesday – 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Wednesday – 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Thursday – 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Friday – 9.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. Saturday – 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.

has a sophisticated ambience and boasts comfortable chairs from which to have your hair styled, cut or coloured, as well as a blow-dry bar and widescreen television to view while getting your hair washed. The salon also has late night openings - until 8.00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays, while there are special offers for full hair highlights and blow-dry on Tuesdays and balayage and blow-dry on Thursdays. Ricardo’s Hair Salon provides maximum professionalism in

hair care and hair styling at affordable rates, from a regular cut and blow-dry to colour and highlights. When you pay a visit to Ricardo’s Hair Salon, you know you are in good hands as there is over 50 years of hairdressing experience between Ricardo and his two stylists, Sharon Ryan and Sabrina O’Dwyer. And that experience only improves, as Ricardo is a great believer in regular training for himself and his staff, to keep their skills updated on all the

modern hair trends and hair styling techniques that are emerging. MEET THE TEAM RICARDO: a native of Lisbon, Portugal, Ricardo has over 25 years of experience in hairdressing. He has worked around Europe including Spain, France and England. He came to Ireland 17 years ago and his first place of work was in Ballina, County Mayo. Ricardo has settled into the Irish lifestyle and made Ireland his home, culminating in opening his own hair salon in Dungarvan. Ricardo said opening his salon has been a lot of hard work over the last several months, but he was quick to praise the assistance and support he received from Waterford City and County Council’s Local Enterprise Office, which helped

him set up the hair salon. He encouraged others who want to start their own business to visit the Local Enterprise Office as they provide advice, information and support to business start-ups and those who aim to grow their business. Ricardo said his aim is to continually improve his salon to make it the number one hair stylists in the West Waterford area and provide a unique customer experience and service. SHARON RYAN Sharon has worked and trained as a hairdresser since she was 16 years old. Sharon’s training in the hairdressing industry was with renowned Irish hairdressing brand Peter Mark for ten years. She also worked at the Sculpting Studio hairdressing salon for five years. Sharon is fully qualified and

trained in hair colouring and cuts. SABRINA O’DWYER Sabrina has worked in hairdressing for 15 years and trained at St. Sheelan’s College, Templemore (now Templemore College of Further Education) obtaining a Senior Trades and Extension qualification including Indian Head Massage, along with qualifications in communications, customer service and business.

Sabrina is due to begin a masters course in hair colour, to obtain a qualification as colour master technician. CONTACT Ricardo’s Hair Salon is opposite Dungarvan Castle (where WLR FM was formerly based) which looks out over Dungarvan Harbour. For appointments and more information contact Ricardo’s Hair Salon on 058-23847.

Short & Blow Dr y €12.50 Long & Blow Dr y €14.00 Curly & Blow Dr y €18.00 Ple ase contact Michelle

Sabrina O’Dwyer.

Ricardo pictured with Sharon Ryan.

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.

Brewery Lane Theatre CARRICK-ON-SUIR Actor Robert Power will perform his new one-act play ‘A Story of Destiny’ in Brewery Lane on 9th and 10th February at 8.15 p.m. Admission €12. Refreshments. Booking - The Hub - 086-2560609. Admission also at door.

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

MEMBERS’ DINNER The Museum members’ dinner will take place on Sunday, 28th January 7.00 p.m. at the Interlude Restaurant, Dungarvan. The dinner will be 3 courses and there will be prizes on the night. The cost for the dinner is €28 and must be paid at the museum no later than Thursday, 25th January. 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 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

OBJECT OF THE WEEK

1st Larry and Finbarr Byrnes; 2nd Bill Leddy and Helen O’Keeffe, Dan Howard and Eddie Sheehan, Aaron and Mary Pratt. Lucky Tables: Pat Noonan, Delia Cashell, Hugh Geary, Tom Casey, Pat Ryan and Sheila Lonergan. Raffle: Christy Higgins, Hugh Geary, Mary Pratt, Aaron Pratt, Pat Noonan, Joan Hannon, Tom Casey, Finbarr Byrnes and Mary Fennessy.

Dungarvan Flower and Garden Club THE AGM of the Dungarvan Flower & Garden Club took place recently. On a very inclement evening a number of members attended. The opening of the meeting was chaired by outgoing President, Maura Kindregan. Maura proceeded with the agenda of the meeting in her usual business-like manner. Election of a new President was held and Anne O’Sullivan was elected President. As per tradition Maura reviewed her year as President, thanking her hard working committee and wishing Anne a very successful year. Anne then chaired the remainder of the meeting. After Committee members were voted and appointed, and AOB throwing up some interesting ideas we adjourned for a welcome cup of tea. Our first meeting of the year will take place on Wednesday, 7th February, in The Park Hotel at the usual time of 8.00 p.m., when we will host Rob Whinett, from Blasta, Main Street, Dungarvan. Rob will talk about “Diet and Wellbeing” followed be a question and answer session. Non-members are most welcome. For further information contact 087-7982056.

Waterford Citizens Information Volunteer Appeal WATERFORD & Dungarvan Citizens Information Centre's are seeking to recruit Volunteers for information provision. This is an exiting and rewarding opportunity to use your communication expertise and learn new skills. Experience of information provision is not necessary as training will be provided. Closing date for applications is 02/02/2018. For applications or further details please contact: Waterford CIC : 0761 07 6580

Tin Container for Clarke’s ‘High Toast’ Snuff, Dublin William Clarke & Sons was founded in 1830. They were based in South Main Street, Cork. In 1924 the firm was acquired by Ogdens who transferred the business to Dublin to premises at South Circular Road. Ogdens were based in Liverpool.

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 fund raising activities, so we would be delighted if you would join us as a member. As a member 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 24th JANUARY, 2018 Surname First Name Jewell Alfred Henry

Age 28

Service No. Rank 236249 P.O.

Service R. Navy

Unit H.M. Sub. E50

Where Born Waterford

Death Category At Sea

Date of Death 1/31/18

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

COUNTY NEWS

KILL MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM This Saturday, 3rd February, join us at Dunphy's Pub in Kill for the presentation of the proceeds to Touching Hearts. A night of chat, finger food, and Louise Jones playing good music and singing great songs. You've done the swim, the towel holding, the donating and the cheering on, so come along for a celebratory night out this Friday. See you all there! KILL ACTION & ALERT GROUP Thank you to all who contacted us in relation to volunteering or with valuable feedback (we take both, the positive and the negative!). A calendar and task list for the year is currently being compiled and will be announced at our Annual General Meeting which will take place on Tuesday 20th February in Kill Community Centre. Please save the date. Our regular litterpicks have now been pencilled in for every second Saturday of every second month, with the first one taking place on Saturday 10th February. More to follow soon - please also keep an eye on our Facebook page! In the meantime, we are currently considering locations for several more Text Alert roadsigns and also for the Welcome signs for the village - if you have a location in mind or any suggestions where you feel either would be beneficial, please contact us on 0874133522. ST MARY'S JUVENILE CLUB There's something for all age groups going on folks - indoor hurling in Kill Community Centre with St. Mary's every Friday night: U6s train from 5.00 p.m. to 5.50 p.m., U7s are up from 5.50 p.m. to 6.45 p.m. and U8s from 6.45 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. All indoor hurleys are provided, just bring your helmet and water (the younger ones may wear shinguards) and €2 per head to cover cost of the hall. KILL & BONMAHON CARDIAC FIRST RESPONSE GROUP A Cardiac First Response Course will be held in early March. 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. KILL GAA LOTTO At last week's Lotto draw held in Kirwan's Bar, there was no winner of the €10,000 Lotto jackpot. On the night there were no match 3 winners. The two lucky dip winners were Elaine Brazil and Mae McEvoy. The numbers drawn were 10, 13, 18 and 26. The Lotto draw was sponsored by Dungarvan Nissan, South East Car & Van Hire. KILL COMMUNITY CENTRE Our current schedule offers something for everybody: Mondays: Drama Classes in Gealach Gorm Theatre 6.15 7.30 p.m. for 6 to 12 year olds. For further information, please contact Angela at 086-8569358. Zumba/Piloxing with Adriana takes place every Monday from 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.The cost is €8 per class and no bookings are necessary, just come along and give it a try! Tuesdays: Social dancing is back, now on a different day, every Tuesday from 10.45 a.m. under the direction of Helen Kealy who can be contacted on 086-8541081 for further information. Wednesdays: Kids' Irish dancing classes provide lots of fun for all levels from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. For enquiries, please contact Catriona on 085-1434698. Saturdays: Guitar lessons take place every Saturday from 10am. New students are most welcome, please contact Michael on 0879050190 for information. Our next Bingo night in association with Kill National School takes place next week, Tthursday, 1st February. Don't miss out on this great night out! WARDROBE CLEAROUT, ANYONE? Attack those wardrobes, drawers, presses and lifts and bag up all reusable clothes, shoes, belts, handbags, bed linen (no duvets, pillows or cushions please!), towels, and soft toys and get them to Kill National School before 10.00 a.m. on Friday, 9th February or contact Grace if you need bags collected before then at 086-3289212. Mobile phones, tablets and laptops are unfortunately no longer collected. A big thank you to everyone who contributed to our last collection, you helped the Parents Assoc of Kill NS raise a whopping €1,200, saved 2436kg of textiles from landfill and helped the Friends of Calcutta and Susie Long Foundation charities.

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

Dúnaill - Folk Group with WCFE (Waterford College of Further Education) sound engineering students Emmet Glascott, Katie Walsh, and Victoria Hamersley, January 20th 2018 at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre.

BONMAHON KILL & BONMAHON CARDIAC FIRST RESPONSE GROUP A Cardiac First Response Course will be held in early March. 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. COPPER COAST GEOPARK VISITOR CENTRE On the evening of January 20th we were treated to a night of folk music at the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre in Bunmahon. Local musicians Dúnaill were invited to play by WCFE (Waterford College of Further Education) sound engineering students Emmet Glascott, Katie Walsh, and Victoria Hamersley who organised the event. There was a capacity turn out despite the wet evening. Proceeds from the concert went to Bonmahon Lifeboat and many of the crew were in attendance. Congratulations to all involved! At the Copper Coast Geopark we endeavour to promote an understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of earth history and how this has shaped every aspect of our lives and our societies. This February 3rd we are running a one day traditions skills taster workshop from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. At this workshop five different crafts will be showcased; needle craft, naalbinding, spinning, finger loop braiding and, appropriate for February, St. Bridget cross weaving. Craft enthusiasts of all skill levels are welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult. A light

Members of the Bonmahon Lifeboat crew Martin O’Mahoney and Billy Crowley accepting funds raised by Katie Walsh, Victoria Hamersley, and Emmet Glascott at the Dúnaill concert in the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre on January 20th. lunch, refreshments and materials are included, for price, booking and details please email hamersleyart@gmail.com or see www.coppercoastgeopark.com BONMAHON COMMUNITY SOCIETY LOTTO The numbers drawn recently were 19, 23, 28 and 31. We had no Jackpot or Match 3 winners. Our 2 lucky dip winners were Sean Veale and Finny and Kate Buckley who receive €50 each. Our next Jackpot will be a fantastic €9,800 - you have to be in it to win it! ASTROTURF AstroTurf Pitch at Stradbally Soccer Club is now available to hire. Newly installed LED Floodlights ensures an even better viewing. For time slot availability talk to Tadhg (0872306841) or Gerry (087-2245712) 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 087-4133522 for inclusion.

WCFE (Waterford College of Further Education) sound engineering students Victoria Hamersley, Katie Walsh, and Emmet Glascott after the successful Dúnaill concert in the Copper Coast Geopark Visitor Centre, the evening was in aid of Bonmahon Lifeboat.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

STRADBALLY FIRST FRIDAY The Mass times in Stradbally for the first Friday, 2nd February are as follows: Sacred Heart Church, Faha at 9.30 a.m.; St. Ann’s Church, Ballylaneen at 7 p.m. STRADBALLY MARKET A presentation from the sale of the local calendars by Colette will take place next Saturday morning at 11.30 a.m. at the Stradbally Market to the local Vincent De Paul Society at the Cove Bar. The market will take place as usual from 10.30 a.m. with lots of local produce. The focus this week at the market will be on Valentine’s Day cards. If you have a special requirement or wish to have a personal message or name on a card it can be ordered in time for the 14th from either Agnes or Colette. The market will be doing all

in its power to promote ‘romance’ in Stradbally. Mary promises to launch her new recipe of black/white pudding sausage rolls on Saturday morning, a first for the market. Do drop in and support the local producers and enjoy a cup of tea and a social chat. STRADBALLY TIDY TOWNS NEWS Some reorganisation is taking place at the village green in recent weeks. Plans to incorporate some bike stands at the front right-hand side of the green to facilitate visiting and local cyclists with expensive bikes will take place in the coming weeks. We shall be trying in with Copper Coast Tourism and the Greenway in a planned project. LOCAL SOCCER NEWS There was no jackpot winners in the club Lotto draw held recently. The numbers drawn

The Golden Mile - Two Irish walks made it into the list of 8 beautiful St. Stephen’s Day (2017) walks around the UK and Ireland. One of these walks was on the Waterford Greenway. The above picture of the Greenway on the Golden Mile, exiting the Ballyvoile tunnel on the Dungarvan (southern side). [photo courtesy of Tourism Ireland]

were: 1, 9, 16, 21. The €25 winners were: Ava Terry, Mike Fennell and Caroline Casey. The Promoter’s prize went to Tadgh Crowley. The next draw will take place at the Cove Bar next Sunday night, 4th February with a jackpot prize on offer of €1,400. Thanks to all who continue to support our lotto. The presentation of funds raised by the Christmas Day Swim will take place at Whelan’s Bar, Stradbally next Saturday night, 3rd February. The proceeds will be presented to representatives of the Irish Wheelchair Association.This is always a great night, so please come along and enjoy the fun. MACBETH, THE PANTO Preparations continue for this Spring’s pantomime in the Barron Hall. The new version of the age old classic is not without its critics, but the Director Dave Pollock points out that Shakespeare would probably have added a Dolly Parton number if such a thing existed at the time. As for the renaming of Banquo as Donald MacDonald, Dave is unrepentant. Banquo does not have a Scottish ring to it, he says, and you could hardly have someone singing “Banquo where’s your troosers?” Tickets will go on sale in February for performances on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of March. BARRON HALL NEWS A jacket with an amount of money and a key has been left in the Barron Hall. If you know who this belongs to give Nicola a ring on 087-7160700 and we'll arrange a return. The Barron Hall is open once a month to receive any old clean

Tay and Mahon Valley Active Retirement committee 2018. Front row left to right: Anne Power (Treasurer), John Power (Chairman), Tom Hickey (Secretary). Standing left to right: Dick Clancy, Pauline Kavanagh, Eileen Rabbitt and Ollie Whelan. Missing from photo Biddy Carroll (Assistant Treasurer) and Ken Begley. [photo courtesy of Richard Cutbill taken at AGM 8th January] clothes, duvets, shoes, bags boots, curtains and bedding. The next drop-off date is Saturday, 3rd February from 11.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Cllr. Ray Murphy will be holding his monthly clinic in the Barron Hall Saturday, 3rd February, 12.15 p.m. to 12.45 p.m. No need for booking just call along. ACTIVE RETIREMENT This was our 4th AGM, and the Secretary’s Report for 2017 thanked all our guest speakers during the year and showed the many activities of interest, including WSP (Waterford Sport Partnership) very pro active with

groups, some of our members became part of a cycling programme, relearning to cycle during the summer, WSP also came to some of our gatherings and led the way in exercises and flexibility, Greenway walks were popular with some members...., Citizen Information will return in 2018 and give presentation/advice on Wills. A letter from Kay Murphy National President of ARA ".... always remember that you (member) are the most important person in our organisation,... the bigger we become the more power we have to lobby the Government, .... our most recent survey show that over 80% of all older people wish

to remain at home and in their community.....this is where you come in, talk about our organisation with your friend, in the shop, hairdressers, barbers....bring a friend to your next meeting.... you have a central Support Office working for all your concerns'. "National Survey for over 55s shows that the majority put good health on top of their priority list 2018". "Wishing everybody a happy and healthy 2018." Our next gathering is on Monday, 5th February, Barron Hall, 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m., bring a friend, all welcome. Any queries to Anne 087-1274191.

County Waterford Beekeepers’ Association “Everyone needs a break, climb a mountain, jump in a lake” I TOOK the advice of Christy Moore and my break lasted a few years, as some of the readers of these notes will have observed. In the meantime much has been happening in the world of beekeeping. There is an awakened interest amongst the broad public (both here and abroad) in the health of our environment, especially so where it effects the welfare of honey and other bees.The importance of bees and beekeeping is now widely accepted both locally and nationally as never before, so what follows will be an attempt to keep your readers well informed. Where better to begin than inside the hive. The beekeeping year ends and begins in Autumn: harvesting the honey crop is the beginning of the end, feeding the bees for the Winter months ahead is the next step and finally the colony is treated to control the Varroa mite (more on this

later).These operations take place over several weeks and the colony should emerge strong and healthy and well provided with food reserves - called “stores” for the coming Winter months. The final foraging crop is Ivy (Hedera helix) which the bees will supplement their stores with in the form of pollen and nectar. The hive is then left alone: a new beekeeping year has begun. The resident bees which are entirely female (one Queen and several thousand workers) are often referred to as Winter bees and they have to survive through until Spring, when the Queen begins to lay sufficient eggs to replace the old and by now dying-off workers. The male bees, known as Drones, also end their lives at the end of the beekeeping year. By this time they are considered surplus to requirements and are literally ejected from the hive.

This operation was observed and approved of by BadenPowell (founder of The Boy Scouts) and he declared the Honeybee Society to be a very fair one: they obey their Queen and dispatch their unemployed. Enough said. Honeybees do not hibernate but they do “cluster” when the outside temperatures go below 5C or thereabouts. The cluster is simply a way to keep warm by keeping close all the while moving the outer bees inward to rotate exposure to the cold. Though they spend the Winter months inside they do emerge on warm days. Sometimes just to relieve themselves, sometimes to forage on any flowering plant that is available. One such plant that flowers between December and February is Winter Heliotrope (Petasites Fragans) Of course this plant is considered a rampant

weed and an invasive species to boot “that will take command of a garden if allowed to do so” It grows abundantly on the Abbeyside parts of The Greenway and in December was alive with bees on warm days. Honey bees are supreme opportunists and care not about the reputation of plants. Should any of our readers want to hear more about what is going on in the hive at this time then come along to The Park Hotel on Wednesday, 31st January at 8.00 p.m. where David Lee, Bee Master and expert Mead Maker will give a short presentation on the state of the hive right now and what to look out for to be followed by a longer talk on the pain and pleasure of mead making. All aspects of mead making will be covered and there will be samples of the finished product on hand. jasclaxton@gmail.com

AIMS and the Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society The Carrick-on-Suir Musical Society is extremely proud to announce that local Carrick-on-Suir Man Seamus Power has been Elected the new National President of the Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS). Seamus has served as a representative of the Society at AIMS at National level for several years and as Vice President of the Association for the past two yesrs. This is a proud day for him, his family, the Society and for Carrickon-Suir. On behalf of the members of COSMS and the people of Carrick-on-Suir; we would like to wish Seamus all the best in his new position; all his hard work on half of the Society, AIMS and all musical Societies in Ireland has not gone unnoticed... this is a proud day for our town!

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

TOURANEENA SYMPATHY We extend our sympathy to the Hickey family on the recent death of John Hickey, Toureen Lodge, Burnfort, Cork, formerly of Lackendarra, Ballinamult and ex Garda Sargent, Rathduff. We extend our sincerest sympathy to his wife Stella; children Tommy, John and Oma; sister Babs; daughters-in-law Carmel and Trudi; Oma's partner Shane; grandchildren Jake, Rian and Riona; sisters-in-law, brothers-inlaw, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Requiem Mass was in St. John the Baptist Church, Burnfort, followed by burial in Grenagh cemetery. May he rest in peace. COMMUNITY ALERT Touraneena Community Alert committee held their AGM last Wednesday evening and were delighted with the sizeable attendance. We would like to remind those that want to receive text alerts that anyone who has not paid membership for 2018 before January 31st, will be removed from our data system. However, you are welcome to join at any stage. Membership is only €10 and can be paid to either Richie Hickey,Tom Power or Mush Keane. Alarm pendents/Panic buttons are now available to the elderly, vulnerable or isolated individuals. You no longer need to have a telephone landline to have one of these installed, so if anyone is interested, have no hesitation in contacting Richie Hickey on 0879960373 or Mush Keane on 087-9634993. Panic Buttons are proven to be life saving items and we would urge all persons eligible to avail of this scheme. Please note an annual fee applies. We would like to express their sincere thanks to the Power family and the committee of Little Bob's Tractor Run for their kind donation towards our alert scheme. It has been sincerely appreciated. We would also like to thank Phil Dee, our local Garda, who attended on Wednesday evening. Phil was able to answer all questions that were queried and also gave some sound advise on to how to keep yourself and your property safe. Free print-outs of emergency contacts are now available from Dunne's Post Office and Beary's Cross Store. We would encourage each household to take one. TOURANEENA RUNNERS If you are interested in walking, running or jogging, why not join our weekly sessions. The

group meets every Wednesday night at St. Mary’s Church graveyard car park at 7.15 p.m. We are always on the look out for stewards on Wednesday nights, so if you are available, we'd appreciate the help. All are welcome. MASS The Month's Mind Mass for Alice Burke, (R.I.P) Touraneena, will be held on Friday night, 2nd February at 7.30 p.m. in St. Mary's Church Touraneena. All are welcome. SPEEDY RECOVERY We send get well wishes for a speedy recovery to Anna Thompson, Touraneena. Anna is recovering after an operation.We hope to see Anna out and about again in the near future. VICTORY SOCIALS 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. 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. Last reminder for Na Déise Ladies Football club Victory Social in Lawlors Hotel this Saturday night, 3rd February. Dinner will be at 7.30 p.m. followed by a D.J. Tickets cost €20 each and if you would like to purchase tickets, please contact either Clodagh at 087-7618916, John at 087-2834600 or Maria at 087-6704895. Please note that all tickets will need to be purchased in advance as there will be no tickets available at the door on the night. All are welcome. SLIABH gCUA LOTTO The winning numbers drawn in Dunne's Bar last Sunday night were 2, 13 and 23. There was no winner of the €2,900 Jackpot. The winners of the 5 x €20 were 1) R.Walton, 2) T.J. c/o Nuala, 3) Killian, Jamie & Leona c/o Tom Gleeson, 4) Mon Hickey, 5) Eileen Hennebry. The Promoters prize of €20 was won by Dunne’s. Next week’s draw is in Hanrahan's Bar on Sunday night, 4th February for the maximum jackpot of €3,000. CONGRATULATIONS Many congratulations are extended to Abby Dalton, Touraneena, who was named captain of the Waterford Ladies minor football team. Abby has been a tremendous asset to Waterford and we have no doubt Abby's captaincy will be advan-

tageous to the team for the coming year. SENIOR CAMOGIE A thrilling match was had last weekend with Waterford drawing 2-13 to Clare's 2-13 in the Littlewoods Ireland Senior Camogie League. At times it looked like the game might slip away from Waterford but Beth Condon’s superb scoring tally of 1-8 kept Waterford in touch and in the final minutes it looked like Waterford had the win, only to be denied by a late Clare point. Waterford's round 3 game will be against Kilkenny on Sunday, 4th February. Venue and time not yet confirmed. SENIOR FOOTBALL Congratulations to the Waterford footballers on their draw against Wicklow in round 1 of the Allianz Fooball League division 4 last Sunday at Joule Park, Aughrim. The footballers put up a great display and finished on a scoreline of Waterford 0-12, Wicklow 0-12. Well done to local Nire lads, Thomas O’Gorman, James McGrath, Shane Ryan and Dylan Guiry. Round 2 will be played against Antrim this Sunday, 4th February at 2.00 p.m. in Fraher Field, Dungarvan. All support would be appreciated for this local game. SENIOR HURLING Wexford had a comfortable win over Waterford last weekend in the Allianz League division 1A. Waterford 0-19, Wexford 2-10. Wexford had swept to a comfortable 0-7 to 0-0 lead by the 16th minute. A brace of goals from David Dunne in the second half ensured victory for Wexford. In round 2, Waterford will play Tipperary this Saturday night, 3rd February at 7.00 p.m. in Semple Stadium. LADIES SENIOR FOOTBALL Commiserations to the Waterford senior ladies football team who lost their opening division 2 league game in the Lidl National Football league against Tyrone. Final score was Tyrone 4-11 to Waterford 2-11. Waterford's next game is against Clare at 2.00 p.m. on Saturday, 3rd February. Venue not yet confirmed. SLIABH gCUA LADIES CLUB Our first meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, 6th February at 8.00 p.m. We will have no guest speaker this month but we hope to see all our members on the night so we can plan our year ahead for the club.

Pictured with Siobhan Hubbard of Waterford Leader Partnership are Ger Dalton, Dick Clancy, Martin Waters, Nicky Sheehan, Sean Cullinane, Stephan Power, Patsy Murray, Jim Power and Oliver Clancy.

Dungarvan Men’s Shed TG4 NUACHT FEATURE OUR SHED Our few minutes the end of An Nuacht on TG4 was postponed twice last week because of time pressure and we were scheduled to appear on Monday night, 29th January. Hopefully it will be third time lucky! The good news is that the cameras will return mid February to film a 15 minute slot on Nationwide. We are excited and delighted with the Editor’s decision to record our story for Nationwide because it is such a high profile programme which enjoys peak viewing. The intention is to focus on the impact the Shed has on the members and local community during the past six years since it was formed. EVALUATION OF OUR SHED BY WATERFORD WEXFORD ETB The Community Education Service of Waterford Wexford Education and Training Board has supported our Shed since its establishment in May 2011 and we are situated on the grounds of Dungarvan Adult Education Campus. The ETB have offered to evaluate the Shed and the aim of the evaluation is to identify the positive outcomes and changes that resulted for men that participated in Dungarvan Men’s Shed. Josephine Kielthy has been visiting the Shed as the researcher/consultant to carry out this piece of work in collaboration with the Committee and members. Josephine is exploring the development of our Shed,

Brewery Lane Dungarvan Lions Club Coffee Morning Theatre - February 7th at Starbucks DUNGARVAN Lions Charities assists a number of local voluntary organisations and projects. Our next fundraiser will be a Coffee Morning in Starbucks on Wednesday, 7th February from 9.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. Please come along and bring a friend or two. On another note, all participants for the forthcoming Jigs and Reels (March 24th

in Cappoquin) are busy with their practices. Reports back from the dancing teachers indicate that there’s a mixed bag of talent but it will be “all right on the night” and that all the fun is in a good cause. A final note for your diary is the “East meets West” fundraiser for the Hospice is scheduled for Sunday, May 27th.

CARRICK-ON-SUIR Actor Robert Power will perform his new one-act play ‘A Story of Destiny’ in Brewery Lane on 9th and 10th February at 8.15 p.m. Admission €12. Refreshments. Booking - The Hub - 0862560609. Admission also at door.

recording the current experience of participation and will identify potential opportunities for the future development of the Shed. WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE COMMUNITY Last week we had an enjoyable visit from Siobhan Hubbard who is a Community Worker with Waterford Leader Partnership. The purpose of the visit was to discuss a lack of transport for men to travel to our Shed from other areas in West Waterford and indeed Dungarvan surrounds. This barrier to participation was identified by our delegates at several community forums in the county in the past few years. During her visit our members were very definite that a bus should be organised on at least one morning per week and this would provide an opportunity for men to come to the Shed and participate in our activities which are free of charge. Siobhan

Hubbard will investigate the provision of transport so that that our facility will be used by more men in Dungarvan and particularly West Waterford. ABOUT THE SHED You are very welcome to call in to the Shed at Wolfe Tone Road to see what we are about. We are open from 10.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. Monday-Friday or contact Oliver Whelan Chairman at (087) 1856067 for further information. Follow us on Facebook at Dungarvan Men’s Shed

POEM The bulbs in the garden begin now to show. The colours of spring set your garden aglow. Amongst summer blossom's you'll give your time. Border's you'll arrange to your true design. Here you will linger among fragrance so grand. In summer sunshine with your trowel in your hand. Autumn will take all your blossoms so fair. The seed heads the birds will all come to share. Your garden in winter looks so cold and so bare. It's time for trowel cleaning and for spring to prepare. Among all your blossoms the time slips away. The moon has come to call it a day. The blossoms are gone but your bulbs you’ve placed deep. Great is the garden each year that you keep! Ger Dalton

Parish Community Alert Aglish Community Centre Sunday, 4th February

PARISH Community Alert would like to invite you to Aglish Community Centre on Sunday, 4th February, 2018 after mass to a Community Morning and to meet with Garda Christine Keniry. Garda Keniry is the new Community Liaison Officer that has been allocated to Dungarvan Garda Station. We would extend this invitation especially to the elderly and vulnerable in our community. There is also a cake sale and Coffee morning on in the hall on the 4th of February 2018 after mass in aid of Aglish National school. Both of the above events are an opportunity for the community to come together and relax with a cuppa and we look forward to seeing you after Mass on Sunday, February 4th about 12.00 noon.

COUNTY NEWS

Ballinroad Community Group Text Alert update BALLINROAD Community Group will be officially launching our new Community Text Alert service at a public meeting in Ballinroad Hall at 8.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 7th February. The service was informally rolled out just before Christmas. It allows members receive alerts from Gardaí by App or text when they want to warn the public or ask for their help in relation to any potentially suspicious activity in the Dungarvan Garda district. There has been an excellent sign-up response. We are delighted that this opportunity to prevent crime has been embraced beyond the immediate boundaries of Ballinroad. We have members from Ballinacourty, Clonea and Garranbane. We are also working in co-operation with a group of residents from Deelish, Cushcam and the Pike. All rural parts of the parish and neighbouring areas are considered for inclusion.

It’s not too late to join. Sign-up forms are still available from the shop in Ballinroad and can be returned there. Or you can sign-up by coming along to the official launch at 8.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 7th February, in Ballinroad Hall. We will have speakers from the Gardaí and from Muintir na Tíre to provide us with practical hints and tips for crime prevention for homes, farms and businesses. We will explain how people with smart phones can download and use the App to receive the alerts. App alerts are free, so the more people download the app the less fundraising we will need to do to keep the service running. At the launch we will also be unveiling the community text alert signs that will start going up around the area soon. So, please come along to the launch to meet your neighbours and over a cup of tea see how we are all working together as a community to support each other and prevent crime.

ARDMORE Ardmore Tidy Towns CROKE PARK St. Declan’s GAA Club, representing our little parish of Ardmore & Grange, will play St. Mogue’s of Fethard, Co. Wexford in the All Ireland Junior Hurling Final in Croke Park on Sunday next. Every GAA player dreams of playing in Croke Park and every GAA supporter dreams of cheering for their team there also. For the vast majority it remains a dream unfulfilled. Here in Waterford we spent nigh on 40 years chasing that dream until our senior hurlers of recent decades restored our pride. But now our own local hurling team will bring our proud parish to headquarters. Wonderful days, a wonderful achievement and now all we hope for is that they concentrate on the game, their hurling and their individual performances and go on and finish the job to ensure they achieve the reward they so richly deserve. Local men and women of all ages were in Navan on Saturday for the semi-final and virtually every child in the parish was there also. A number of supporters were there from neighbouring clubs also and we’ll have even more next Sunday. THE LINE-UP For the record and particularly for the benefit of our overseas supporters here is the entire team lineup as per last Sunday: James O’Donnell (Ardo); Niall Hennessy (College Rd); Declan Prendergast (capt.) (Ballyeelinane); Daniel Power (Duffcarrick); Gavin Williams (Knockmealmore); Séamus Keating (Whiting Bay); Ritchie Hennessy (College Rd); Kenny Murphy (Main Street); Wayne Hennessy (College Rd); James Flavin (Clarkstown); David Gartland (New Line); John Gartland (New Line); James Kennedy (Kiely’s Cross); Séamus Prendergast (Ballyeelinane); Séan Barron (Curragh). Subs: Jack Walsh (Lisarow); Stephen Keating (Whiting Bay); Alan Stenson (Co. Mayo); Tom

Power (Rodeen); Eoin Conway (Lisarow); Joe Murphy (Grange); Kieran Conway (Lisarow); Cathal Hennessy (College Rd); Eoghan O’Shea (College Rd); John O’Brien (Grallagh); Michael Cronin (Lisarow); Dylan Troy (Curragh); Christopher Power (Duffcarrick). Manager: Tom Cronin (Lisarow). Selectors: Declan Hennessy (College Rd); Jay Prendergast (Crossford); Frank North (College Rd). Equipment Officer: Séamus Veale (College Rd). Coach: Wayne Power (Ballyduff Upper). Team Sponsor: Round Tower Hotel. TIDY TOWNS AGM The Ardmore Tidy Towns Association AGM will be held at The Round Tower Hotel on Monday, February 12th at 8.00 p.m. We’ve been doing a fair bit of organisational and background work through the winter and so we are hoping for a good turnout on the 12th. Come along and give us a hand. 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 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 Anne Halley & Terri McGrath won the 45 last week with 2nd shared by Michael and Anne Keane and John Prendergast and Fr. Finbarr Lucey and Liz Griffin and Martin Keevers. Best of the last 5 were Des Fitzgerald and Gerry

O’Brien and Pat and Mary Prendergast won the last game. POKER AT ROUND TOWER HOTEL Nathan Bryan won the final last week but the big news is that Redmond Foley who was 2nd and now has an unassailable lead at the top of the league table and will officially be declared the winner next Wednesday night. Jason Lenane was 3rd Fr Finbar Lucey, Brendan Griffin and James Bryan completed the final table. The end result of all that is that any 2 of up 10 players have a chance of making it into 2nd or 3rd in the league with only 20 points separating the next 10. To celebrate our league end we will have a €15 game on Wednesday night. ARDMORE PATTERN FESTIVAL NEWS St. Declan’s GAA – We would like to congratulate our local hurlers on reaching the All Ireland Final and wish them all the best in the final on Sunday next against St. Mogue’s Fethard (Wexford). Deuglán Naofa Abú. Operation Transformation We are now in our fourth week and it great to see the happy faces leaving the weigh in each week. We would like to extend a special thank you to Rob and Anne from Blasta Wholefoods, Dungarvan, who came out last Wednesday night to give us a talk on healthy eating.They were a mind of information and everyone there learned something new. Weigh ins will continue at 7.00 p.m. each Monday night. Everyone that weighs in every week will be entered in a draw at the end for a special prize and there may be some other spot prizes too. Pattern Week 23rd to 29th July - We are in planning mode at the moment and we are looking at some fantastic new additions to this year’s Pattern festival. We will be announcing our concert in the Church in the coming weeks and finalising other interesting ideas. Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with all our news.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

KILROSSANTY BINGO The bingo last week was a great success. €1,600 was raised for Kilrossanty and Fews Parish Funds. The Jackpot was won.Well done to the lucky winner. A new Jackpot will start in February with €1,000.The next bingo is on 23rd February at 8.30 sharp. HALL The AGM has been deferred to a later date. ST. BRIGID 1st February is the Feast Day of St. Brigid who is the Patron Saint of Kilrossanty. Mass will be celebrated in Kilrossanty Church at 7.30 p.m. on Thursday night. The school will be closed on that day. Many

people will visit the Holy Wells in the old graveyard on that day, in honour of St. Brigid. The children will be making St. Brigid crosses in the school. ICA The ICA ladies and their friends are going out for their Annual Dinner on Friday night, 2nd February to Kiersey’s Restaurant Kilmacthomas. Please give names to Molly Casey or Kay Veale by mid week as they need to know how many will be attending. Time is 7.30 p.m. BIRTH Congratulations to Micheal and Emer Crotty, Gortavickory, on the birth of their baby boy last week.

KILMACTHOMAS ADVICE CLINIC Cllr. Ray Murphy will hold an Advice Clinic in the Rainbow Community Hall at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday next, 3rd February and the following first Saturday of each month. No appointment necessary, just come along. LOTTO DRAW Kilmac AFC Lotto draw results for Saturday 20th January, letters drawn C, P, T and U. No jackpot winner. Five winners of €20 each to

Abbeyside Scouts AFTER our usual housekeeping last week, our scouts got down to the business of gadget making. One group had a go at making a table, using two of the best gadgets that were made recently. We didn't quite get it completed, but it still looked impressive. It wasn't quite as impressive as the photo attached but it was close. The other two groups practised their lashings, making tripods. Tripods are the building blocks for many gadgets, for example wash station, flagpoles, tables etc. Good work. We got to play the full game of human X & O's which we only had time to start last week. It turned out to be a very competitive game where scouts split into two teams, nine chairs were placed in the centre of the room, the Scouts were given a number each. Each team were in opposite sides of the room, when your number was called out you had to race for a chair, the first sitting got to stay. The first team to complete a row won. Great fun. Before going home, scouts were reminded of the upcoming fun weekend on 9th to 11th of February. Which is always a great weekend for fun and games and an opportunity to mix with scouts from the rest of the county.

Peggy Power, Union Road; Mary B. Bowdren,Walsh Place; Eleanor O'Connell, Clonea; Ann Power, c/o Lenihans and P. S. & B. Bowdren, Currabaha, Kilmacthomas. Next week’s Jackpot €600, be in to win. WHIST Results of the Ballylaneen Whist Club for Monday 22nd January, Eileen Power, Rosie Keane, Eric Townsend, Maureen O'Sullivan, Biddy Carroll, Veronica Walsh, Nicola Carroll,

Orla Keane, Hannah McGrath and Kathleen Foran. Raffle winners Eric Townsend and Eileen Power. STORY TIME We have Story Time in Kilmacthomas Library on Thursdays from 2.15 to 3.15 with Transition Year students from St. Declan's Community College reading the stories. This is a free event and we would love to see lots more children coming along to this very enjoyable event.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

COUNTY NEWS

BALLINAMEELA CURRENT EVENTS ON IN THE HALL AND LOCAL COMMUNITY

By Donal Buckley

The Flag

THIS year, 2018, will see a lot of important anniversaries being commemorated. For instance, it is the 100th anniversary of the end of The Great War (or WW1) and also the centenary of the United States almost missing it. Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" will be 200 years old this year (shocking, I know!). 1968 saw the double assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy. The Beatles released "Hey Jude" in 1968. That year also saw the first manned orbit of the Moon (Apollo 8). 1968 was also the year of The Tet Offensive. This was not the continuing controversy over public breast feeding but an escalation in the Vietnam War. Two hundred and fifty years ago, Encyclopaedia Britannica was first published. Nowadays, with internet access, you couldn't give them away. Its the twenty fifth anniversary of The European Single Market. The way things are going, I can't see it reaching twenty six. Its also twenty five years since Bill Clinton nominated Janet Reno as the first female Attorney General in U.S. history. The jury is still out......on him. 500 years ago, King Charles V of Spain authorised the transportation of slaves from Africa to the America's. The world is still reeling from that atrocious decision. On a more positive note, 125 years ago, New Zealand was the first country to recognise and legislate for the rights of women to vote in all elections. This year also sees the centennial of Poland's independence from Russia. 75 years ago, the musical show "Oklahoma!" had its debut on Broadway, yippee! But the most significant anniversary to the people of this country and specifically this county happened in Waterford 170 years ago. Thomas Francis Meagher unfurled the Tricolour of Ireland, for the first time, at number 33, The Mall, Waterford. The occasion was the election of Thomas Meagher (father of T.F.) to Parliament in the 1848 byelection. This is the flag of our country. This is the flag that flutters from the top of our government buildings and our schools. This is the flag that is painted on the faces of our rugby and soccer supporters. This is the flag that stands, equally, among the flags of other nations at the U.N., the EU and the Olympics. This is the flag that announces to the world that The Republic of Ireland is a free and sovereign nation. But, did you know that this flag was made by a French woman.....in France. Thomas Francis Meagher and his fellow Young Irelander, William Smith O'Brien

went to France in early 1848. They went there to study the revolutionary ideals and consequences of that country. But, also being young men, they had a little fun as well. Like all young Irish men abroad, they made many friends. Among those friends were a group of devoted supporters of the Irish cause. The Tricolour flag was presented to Thomas Francis Meagher by a corps group of revolutionary French Women before he left for home to support his father in the Waterford By-Election. The original version had the gold panel at the flagpole side, similar to the flag of The Ivory Coast today. The central white panel contained the red hand of Ulster. The standard green, white and gold flag wasn't flown again until Easter 1916, from the roof of the G.P.O. in Dublin. It was adopted by the Irish Free State in 1922 and eventually got constitutional status in 1937. The Tricolour was only the start of Thomas F. Meaghers real adventures. Thomas and his Young Ireland comrades were arrested for sedition. They were sentenced to be 'hung, drawn and quartered'. Being the orator he was, Meagher gave a rousing speech from the dock and stirred a public outcry and international revulsion towards Britain. The sentences were commuted to deportation to Van Dieman's Land for life. He settled down to a life of hard labour for a while. Then he announced to the authorities that he was going to escape....and he did. Meagher (now renaming himself O’Meagher) boarded a cargo ship to New York where he hoped to quietly sneak in to the U.S.A. The Irish in New York weren't having any of it. He was greeted by a huge crowd, marching bands and a ticker tape reception. When things settled down, Meagher went back to school where he qualified as a lawyer. He became a lecturer and a journalist. He even started his own newspaper. When the American Civil War began, Thomas recruited his own Irish Brigade to fight for the North against slavery, eventually rising to the rank of lieutenantGeneral. He was made Governor of Montana where he lived on a riverboat on the Missouri. On the evening of July 1st 1867, witnesses said they heard a loud splash. Thomas Francis Meagher was never seen again. He died, as he had lived, dramatic to the last. His body was never found. Ballinameela Creatives are expecting many boxes of chocolates and romantic gifts for Valentines day. Well, there's no harm in hoping. T.F. Meagher once said, "I have done what I felt to be my duty"

AGLISH OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Aglish Operation Transformation will commence next Tuesday night in Aglish Community Hall. Weigh in at 6.30 which will be private. Walk will commence at 7.00 p.m. Only €2 per night with all proceeds to Children’s Hospital Crumlin. 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) 8362695 if interested. BALLINAMEELA ADULT & TODDLER GROUP The Ballinameela Toddler Group meets every Thursday from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in the Halla of Whitechurch National School. New parents, childminders, grandparents with toddlers very welcome. For more information contact Janice on 0879718945.

FINISK VALLEY AC 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 and 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 programme 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. 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. Matthew Fogarty is responsible for the month of January for opening and closing the Community Centre and

can be contacted on 086-0644811. COMMUNITY ALERT There is a Community Alert text system in place - text your name and mobile number to this number: 0873538347. It works in 2 ways. Firstly a message regarding any suspicious activity is sent to your phone so you can be on the lookout. Secondly you can send details of suspicious activity to this number where it will be re-sent around to the community and to the Gardai who treat it as serious and act immediately. Follow on facebook - www.facebook.com/parish.communityalert.ie LOTTO RESULTS 29/1/18 – Numbers drawn were 9, 22 and 25. There was no Jackpot winner. €20 winners were John Radley, Cappagh; Kitty Moynihan, Kereen; Pat Ahearne, Kilcooney; Olivia Carlton c/o Cruiscín Lan and Yvonne Glavin, Aglish; Next week’s Jackpot is €6,250 and the draw will take place in Kereen Bar. 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 087-9194287. You can also Follow and like us on our Facebook Page Ballinameela Community Centre

The Nook Fundraiser Raises €1,000 for Cork ARC Cancer Support Centre in Youghal

BRINGING 2018 in with a bang, the very successful fundraising Trad Session which was hosted by The Nook, Youghal on New Year's night, raised the amazing amount of €2,000 which was divided equally between two very worthy charities - Cork ARC Cancer Support Centre Youghal and Marymount Hospice. Proprietors and organisers, the Treacy family, have been hosting charity fundraisers on New Year's night, for several years and once again the crowds came along to support the event, and to enjoy a fantastic night of music and dance kindly provided by local musicians Mark Ansbro and Kieran Aherne. The voluntary members of Youghal ARC Support Centre were delighted with the success of the Trad Session, and all thoroughly enjoyed a most entertaining and energetic evening

with family and friends in the popular pub. On Monday last, January 22nd, the Treacy family was delighted to attend at Cork ARC Cancer Support House, Friar Street, Youghal where a cheque in the amount of €1,000 was presented to the group. The younger members of the family, Donnacha and Sarah Buckley and Seán and Eoin Barry came along for the presentation, where sincere thanks were extended by all involved with ARC Youghal for the ongoing generosity, support and encouragement which is always extended by the Treacy family for local charities. Sisters Anne and Julie (Treacy) thanked all who helped them in organising this year's fundraiser, including the wonderful musicians Mark and Kieran, their own very helpful staff in

The Nook, the volunteers at ARC Support Centre, to all who came along to support the two special charities, and especially all their loyal customers over the many years who continue to support them year after year. Well done to all in The Nook. Another wonderful New Year's Eve Session, very much enjoyed by all, which also raised funds to help bring hope, comfort and encouragement for those in need. Cork ARC Support House, Friar Street,Youghal is a safe haven for people with cancer and their families where they can get information, practical help and emotional support. All services are available free of charge, and people affected by cancer are warmly welcomed to the Centre on Wednesdays between 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

LISMORE Lismore Tidy Towns THE Tidy Towns CES workers Gordon and Jim are keeping the work going at he present time. During the past week planted areas were hoed/weeded at Canal View Park, Lios an Oir, Castle Court and Bankfield. By keeping weed growth under control will save time later on in the year. Thanks to them for all of their hard work Dog fouling on Lismore's footpaths since the start of the new year has become a real problem. Again it is the dog owners who are the problem with their selfish attitude of allowing their dogs to foul the footpaths where all of us have to walk/use. The dog owners who do clean up after their dogs are also disgusted by this behaviour and should be commended for their

civic spirit. Lismore Tidy Towns has five dispensers north, south, east and west of the town supplying biodegradable waste bags. However within a week of each dispenser being filled with eighty bags the dispensers are empty where are all the bags going? We now ask dog owners to buy their own waste bags which can be bought in local shops or discount stores for a few euro and only use the dispensers if you forget to bring your own bag while out walking. ECO TIP OF THE WEEK Gardening time is just around the corner - the tips for the coming weeks will be on ways to help you go greener in the coming year: Exchange chemicals for home remedies • Recycle a kitchen spray and

get mixing eg - mix one part cow's milk to two parts water can be effective against blackspot which can plague roses in warm wet conditions. • Camomile tea makes a safe fungicide and can be used to prevent damping off disease of seedlings. You can also sprinkle cinnamon powder around seedlings • Baking soda mixed with some vegetable oil and water can be used on leaf blight, mildew and as a general fungicide • An infusion of chopped garlic, vegetable oil and water can be a good insecticide • Methylated spirits can be used to remove wooly aphids from the trunk of fruit trees. Just soak a cloth and rub the insects away

Parish of Lismore & Ballysaggart AT last, our politicians are awakening to their social responsibility for the care of children and young people in the effects of cyber world. Last year when they happily voted for access to the cyber world for children of thirteen years of age, any thinking person would know there would be social consequences. It is good to see prominent politicians changing their minds as they contemplate a cyber regulator. They will look to Australia for some intelligent guidelines. Parents are truly worried by the enormity of the challenge facing them in protecting their children. No doubt the minster for children will come to a leadership place in this matter in due course. Cyber world is here to stay and those who benefit from enormous profits cannot pretend that they have no moral and ethical responsibilities. The World Meeting of Families which will take place 21st -26th Aug is ever drawing near. Our next awareness raising exercise will be the arrival before the 10.00 a.m. Mass February 12th of the Diocesan Holy Family Icon and pilgrim bell. On Mon 10th at 7.00 p.m. will have a Paraliturgy of word and symbol. All are invited to this prayerful event. We will take them to St. Carthage’s Rest home for Mass on Tues. More details in the next edition of the local paper. The disciples of Jesus Christ will begin their Lenten prayer journey on Ash Wednesday 14th February. For

many this day is the feast of St. Valentine and many expressions of love are purchased for this day. Maybe it is lost on many that love has a truly penitential nature. Love involves a real dying to self and one generously and unconditionally places the wellbeing of the other before themselves. As B.C.S will be on mid term break, I invite the busy parents to be accompanied with their teenagers to Mass and acceptance of the Holy Ashes on Ash Wednesday. It is a day of fast and abstinence to draw our attention to the many other types of hunger there are in the person. The self disciplined lives of true sports participants will make Lenten fasting like having delayed breakfast.We are all the better when we name our appetites and allow the self to master them. Is it time that we have twenty four hour mandatory opening of outlets for the sale and consumption of alcohol. It would be very human if anyone at anytime wishes to imbibe can find the open door. MASS TIMETABLE Weekday Mass at 10.00 a.m. Saturday, 3rd February - Vigil Mass in Lismore at 6.15 p.m. Sunday, 4th 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

Lismore Dramatic Society REHEARSALS are in full flow our upcoming production "Magic of the Musicals" which will open on Thursday, 5th April. Similar to last years format this production again consists of six of 'Broadways' biggest shows which this year includes top hits from "Oliver" "The Sound of Music" "Matilda" "Grease" "Wicked" and "Motown". This wonderful nights entertainment will have something that appeals to all the family and indeed this year we plan to run a Sunday Matinee on Sunday, 8th April to accommodate the younger audience. Again a cast of over forty are showing wonderful commitment and

Emily Byrne fundraising Cake Sale - Dianne Meagher, Carmel Ryan and Kathy Nugent all ready to sell the fantastic selection of home baking.

BALLYSAGGART EMILY BYRNE FUNDRAISING CAKE SALE There was a fantastic turn out in Ballysaggart on Sunday morning for the Emily Byrne fundraising Cake Sale. Thanks a million for to everyone who supported the event, from cake sales, ticket sales, donations and help. The amount of home baking was nothing short of amazing and was sold out in no time.The tickets for the raffle with 24 prizes, all donated, including 9 hampers also sold fast and the draw took place while everyone enjoyed a nice cuppa and chat.

A massive €2002.60 was raised and a presentation night will be organised for the very near future. Again,Thanks a million to everyone. COMMUNITY COUNCIL 45 CARDS RESULTS 1st: Bill Leady and Christy Higgins. 2nd: Hugh Geary and Tom Casey. Lucky Tables: Dan and Bridie Brien, Eddie Sheehan and Helen Morrissey, Sean Higgins and Mary Byrne. Tickets: Pat Kirby, Peggy O'Donoghue, Helen Morrissey, Rita Doocey, Dan Howard, Fr Cullinan, Hugh Geary and Tess Hale.

enthusiasm to ensure this production will again be an outstanding success. The cast range in age from eleven upwards and indeed it is inspiring to see some of the younger members graduating from the children's Christmas shows to take part in this larger production with some of them already "stealing the show". Watch this space for further news regarding this production and if you are interested in any way in helping with sets, sound, lights, set design, front of house etc please feel free to contact us on 087-9189688 or leave a message on our Facebook page

Ballyduff Upper National School Clothes Collection 2018 THERE will be a clothing recycling drive in aid of Ballyduff National School on Friday, 2nd February, 2018, at the Millennium Sports Hall. Please drop off all items before 9.30 a.m. Collection will also take place at 9.30 p.m. on Thursday evening, 1st February, 2018. Please donate all your clean

unwanted clothes, also bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts, boots, wellingtons, work boots and soft toys. Wearable clothes will be recycled and re-used and other items will be recycled for items such as industrial wipes and soundproofing. Laptops (must be intact with

power lead) and Mobile phones are accepted but please separate. To make arrangements for collection of items please contact: Noreen Geary 086-0781326; Louise McGuinness 086-1859727. Thank you for your support and taking the time and effort to support our fundraising drive.

Emily Byrne fundraising Cake Sale - All 24 hampers and raffle prizes on display with Niamh Meagher on ticket sales.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

COUNTY NEWS

Cappoquin Firemen riase €4,388.39 Christmas 2017 Ladder Climb – Front row left to right: Pa Lyons (Baby Emily Byrne Fund); Betty Kelleher & Mary Burke (Cappoquin Tidy Towns); F. Murray SO, presenting the Cheque; Mary Murray (Cappoquin Civic Link); Kathleen Barron (Cappoquin Day Centre); Brid Duggan (Bunscoil Gleann Sidheáin); Noel Mason (Cappoquin Lourdes Invalid Fund). Back row left to right: P. Morrissey FF; S. McLaughlin FF; J. Coffey FF; Conor Prendergast FF; J. Noonan SSO; E. Coffey DM; N. O’Connor FF. Special Thank you and Happy Retirement to Fintan Murray who is retiring soon and has been part of the climb since the start. Cappoquin fire brigade would most sincerely like to thank everyone who gave so generally to help raise €4,388.39 which will be used to great effect by the benefactors – Cappoquin Day Centre, Cappoquin Lourdes Invalid Fund, Cappoquin Civic Link, Bunscoil Gleann Sidheáin, Cappoquin Tidy Towns and Baby Emily Byrne Fund.

CAPPOQUIN Cappoquin Community Centre Phone (058) 52746 – email ocappdev@eircom.net – Facebook – Cappoquin Community Centre 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 ultramodern Gym. Our Gym is equipped with Irelands 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 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 €5,200 Lotto draw 29th January, 2018 Jackpot €5,100 – Numbers drawn were 3, 4, 26 and 30. No Winner. Consolation Prize winners: Claire Meaney, Dromrue; David Hannon, Carrigeen; Kathleen Coleman, Moonalour; Cara McGrath, Lower Main

Street; Claire Deevy, Carrigeen. Next week’s draw is on the 5th of February, 2018, with a Jackpot of €5,200. LOTTO TICKETS 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!

MODELIGO

Cappoquin Health Centre THE next Chiropody Clinic will be held on Wednesday, 21st February.We advise you to book early as Karena was fully booked for our January clinic. Please contact Tina or Audrey on 058-54406 to arrange an appointment.

Shaun Moynihan St. Vincent de Paul; Aoife Hallahan (Barron’s Coffee House) and Dan Fenton St. Vincent de Paul. The Cappoquin branch of St. Vincent de Paul would like to thank Aoife Hallahan and Emma O'Keeffe of Barron’s Coffee House, Cappoquin, for their very generous donation. Emma and Aoife are great to remember this, our local charity every year when they fund raise through their business. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all who donated in 2017, without your generous support we could not continue to help those in need in our community.

Community Centre opening 2007 - Joe Prendergast, Esther Barron and Siobhan McCarthy.

LOTTO RESULTS 27th January – Numbers drawn were 1, 3 and 19. No winner. €25 winners - Chrissie Walsh, John Power, Edwina Sheehan, Pat and Siobhan Troy. Next week’s Jackpot €900. NA DEISE LADIES FOOTBALL CLUB VICTORY SOCIAL Na Deise Ladies Football club are holding a Victory Social in Lawlor’s Hotel on Saturday, 3rd February. Tickets can be obtained from John Power, Clodagh Ryan or Maria O’Donovan. START NEW YEAR THE RIGHT WAY Circuit training Modeligo

Community Centre Monday and Thursdays 7.00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. Come along and join in. Great way to get fit, have fun and get through those winter months. Classes instructed by qualified strength and conditioning instructor. For more info contact Shane Coughlan on 087-1345574. 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.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Reunion Committee.

KNOCKANORE KNOCKANORE GLENDINE KILWATERMOY MUINTIR COMMUNITY COUNCIL AND THE DRAMA GROUP Looking back at some of the activities in the past years. As shown in the photographs. GARDA VETTING FOR ADULTS WORKING WITH CHILDREN On Tuesday night, January 9th, at 7.30 p.m. Avril Hally, Diocesan Child Protection Officer, outlined the procedure for Garda Vetting for all adults working with children. This is now a legal requirement and all committees dealing with children must have the necessary vetting done. This was an opportunity for all clubs in the Parish to ensure they

Blackwater Group actors.

are complying with the legislation. Application forms for vetting are available. Dungarvan Branch INTO Presentations to recently retired teachers – At the Function in the Park Hotel were standing Mary Harney, Secretary Dungarvan Branch INTO; Brendan Horan, INTO CEC Representative and Muireann MhicDhonncha, Chairperson Dungarvan Branch INTO. Seated from left: retirees Ann Coffey, Noreen Lee, Sheenagh Nix and Mary Fennell. [Sean Byrne]

Aldi’s staff grant €500 to Waterford Marine Search and Rescue Waterford charity benefits from Aldi’s Community Grants Programme

William Perrott Cross Templemichael graveyard.

The High Cross from the Big Maggie play.

ALDI is delighted to announce that Waterford Marine Search and Rescue is the latest charity to benefit from Aldi’s Community Grants programme. Aldi’s Ashe Road store staff have awarded Waterford Marine Search and Rescue a €500 grant in recognition of its vital work and contribution within the local community and to help support its essential services. Nikolett Varadi, Aldi’s Ashe Road store “Charity Champion”, presented the €500 grant to Stephen Killy of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue. Commenting, Finbar McCarthy, Group Buying Director, Aldi Ireland, said, “The work and services provided by Waterford Marine Search and Rescue are crucial to the local Waterford community. We are delighted our Ashe Road employees have chosen to support the organisation.” “Giving back to the local communities our stores serve is something we are passionate about and we are proud to support the vital work done by charities and not-for–profit

Nikolett Varadi presenting the €500 grant to Stephen Killy of Waterford Marine Search and Rescue. organisations across County Waterford.” Aldi’s Community Grants Programme provides each Aldi employee with the opportunity to nominate a charity, community group or not-for-profit organisation within their local community for support. Nominated charities are assessed according to a defined selection

criteria, with the organisation deemed the most worthwhile receiving a €500 donation from Aldi. Each of Aldi’s 130 Irish stores and two Regional Distribution Centres have been allocated an individual annual bursary fund and a “Charity Champion” assigned to co-ordinate the programme.

Spring Fest Social Dancing and A Chance for Romance

Drama actors at the 2013 Re-union.

A GROUP from the Araglen area, which is situated on the border of Cork,Tipperary and Waterford are organising an event called Spring Fest Social Dancing and a Chance of Romance. This event is for all people young at heart. It is happening on the 10th of February in Kilcoran Lodge Hotel, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. It will be a night of fun, friendship, dancing and an occasion which might lead to

romance. All money raised on the night is going to St. Joseph's Foundation Charleville, Co. Cork which caters for adults and children with intellectual disabilities.Your support would be greatly appreciated. Tickets are €10. Music by The Fogues, New Vintage and a DJ till late. A great night assured. Tickets can be got by contacting Claire on 087-9169296 or Eddie on 087-4138804.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

COUNTY NEWS

NOTAI NA GAELTACHTA RANGANNA GAEILGE Beidh oíche clárúcháin do ranganna Gaeilge ar siúl i Meánscoil San Nioclás, Dé Céadaoin 7 Feabhra ag 7.30in. 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 A registration night for Irish classes will be held in Meánscoil San Nioclás in An Rinn, Wednesday 7th February at 7.30 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 05846664 or email cfdeise@gmail.com DEIREADH SEACHTAINE DO THEAGHLAIGH I nGAELTACHT NA NDÉISE Beidh dhá deirí seachtaine do theaghlaigh á eagrú ag Coláiste na Rinne i gcómhair le Ghlór na nGael i rith Feabhra 2018, ceann do theaghlaigh le Ghaeilge agus ceann do theaghlaigh gur foghlaimeoirí iad. Beidh deis iontach do theaghlaigh le Gaeilge fanacht i nGaeltacht na nDéise le haghaidh deireadh seachtaine spraoiúil ón Aoine 9 Feabhra go dtí an Domhnach, 11 Feabhra, 2018. Beidh deireadh seachtaine trí Ghaeilge do theaghlaigh gur foghlaimeoirí Gaeilge iad ón 16ú go dtí an 18ú Feabhra. Tá na deirí 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 083 445 5914 nó Coláiste na Rinne ar 058 46 128. COISTE TUISMITHEOIRÍ MHEÁNSCOIL SAN NIOCLÁS Tá áthas ar Choiste na dTuismitheoirí a fhógairt go bhfuil dífhibrileoir ceannaithe anois don Meánscoil. Mar chuid den bhfeachtas bailithe airgid don dífhibrileoir, d'éirigh go maith le hAmhránaíocht na Nollag, a reachtálamar in Ionad Siopadóireachta Dhún Garbhán ar an 17 Nollaig. Beidh an dífhibrileoir curtha isteach sa scoil i gceann chúpla seachtain agus beidh sé ar fhalla tosaigh na scoile, ionas go mbeidh daoine in ann teacht air. Reachtálfar cúrsa oiliúna maidir le conas an dífhibrileoir a chur ag obair an tseachtain seo chugainn agus tá Coiste na dTuismitheoirí an-shásta anois go bhfuil an áis seo ar fáil do phobal na scoile agus an cheantair mhórthimpeall. Ba mhaith linn buíochas a ghabháilt le gach aoinne a chabhraigh linn agus a thug tacaíocht dúinn agus an tairgead á bhailiú againn agus gab-

haimd buíochas faoi leith le Darren Ó Droma, a stiúraigh, agus na baill de Chór Fear na nDéise a ghlac páirt, sa chór a chan in Ionad Siopadóireachta Dhún Garbhán roimh Nollag. Táimid an-bhuíoch díobh go léir. COISTE LOURDES - AN RINN AGUS AN SEAN PHOBAL Táimid ag glacadh le ainmneacha don turas go dtí Lourdes i mí an Mheitheamh 2018. Is féidir ainm a thabhairt go dtí an tAthair Ó Ceallaigh, nó déan teagmháil le Siobhán De Faoite 058 46191 nó Seosaimhthín Uí Mhuiríosa 058 46262. We are taking names of sick people in our Parish who would like to travel on the Waterford & Lismore Dioceson Pilgrimage to Lourdes in June, 2018. Please give your name to An tAth. Ó Ceallaigh, or contact Siobhán De Faoite 058 46191 or Seosaimhthín Uí Mhuiríosa 058 46262. 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 10r.n. go 12i.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 10.30r.n. go 12i.n. Beidh scéalaíocht, rannta, ealaíon agus cluichí. Tuilleadh eolais: téigh i dteagmháil le Cabríní 0834455914 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 3i.n. in Ionad Pobail na Rinne. Tá fáilte is fiche roimh cách. COISTE TUISMITHEOIRÍ MHEÁNSCOIL SAN NIOCLÁS – BAG2SCHOOL Beidh Bailiúchán Éadaí á reachtáil ag Coiste na dTuismitheoirí ar mhaithe na Meánscoile ar an gCéadaoin, 21ú Feabhra 2018. Glacfar le héadaí, bróga, málaí láimhe agus bréagáin bhoga (ach cuma maith a bheith orthu) sa scoil aon am idir seo agus an 21ú 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. 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.

IS ar an Aoine, 9 Feabhra a thosnóidh Tionól Niocláis Tóibín na bliana seo leis an oscailt oifigiúil ar siúl i dTigh an Cheoil. Bronnfar Gradam Niocláis Tóibín ar John Dwyer i mbliana ag an ócáid seo. Buacphointe na deireadh seachtaine i gcónaí ná an ceolchoirm a bheidh ar siúl arís i mbliana i Halla Pobail na Rinne oíche Dé Sathairn. Tá slua an-mhór d’amhránaithe agus de cheoltóirí bailithe le chéile don cheolchoirm agus oíche iontach ar fad geallta. Is i dTigh Uí Mhaonaigh a bheidh club an Tionóil oíche Dé Sathairn. Craolfar an tAifreann beo ar RnaG ó Shéipéal San Nioclás maidin Domhnaigh ag 11.30 agus beidh deis ag daoine cuairt a thabhairt ar uaigh Niocláis ina dhiaidh. Críochnóidh an deireadh seachtaine i dTigh Mhuirithe le seoladh dlúthdhiosca agus ceol is amhráin den scoth. Irish music and song will be celebrated at Tionól Niocláis Tóibín which will take place in An Rinn beginning Friday, 9th February with the official opening in Tigh an Cheoil at 9.00 p.m. The well know musician John Dwyer will be presented with the Gradam Niocláis Tóibín this year. Saturday morning will see some of the best musicians and singers taking part in workshops in Meánscoil San Nioclás & Scoil Náisiúnta na Rinne offering participants the chance to learn from the best of musicians and singers. Registration for the workshops is at 9.00 a.m. in Meanscoil San Nioclás and the cost is €10. Classes will begin at 10.00 a.m. and the fiddle & flute/whistle classes will be held in Scoil Náisiúnta na Rinne. Here are a few of the workshop masters. FLUTE/TIN WHISTLE – COLM GUILFOYLE Colm is a native of Kilcummin, in the heart of Sliabh Luachra. He considers himself lucky to come from a musical family, being introduced to music from an early age. Early influences on Colm were his mother Geraldine and aunts Noreen and Kathleen (RIP) who began to teach him the local tunes. It was from teacher Padraig Buckley that Colm developed a keen interest in flute and whistle music. Padraig introduced him to a variety of regional styles while maintaining ties with the music of Sliabh Luachra. It was through his friendship with the late Sliabh Luachra accordian player Stephen Carroll that Colm became submerged in the music of the locality. Influenced by recordings of the fiddle and accordion legends of the area such as Denis Murphy, Julia Clifford, Paddy Cronin and Johnny O’Leary, and living local musicians such as Joe O’Sullivan, Jimmy Doyle, Paudie O Connor and Billy Clifford, Colm became engrossed in Sliabh Luachra Music. Colm is keen to promote the local music through performance and has done so on numerous occassions afforded to him by RTE,TG4 and Radio na Gaeltachta as well as renowned festivals/concerts such as The Doolin Folk Festival, Killarney Folk Festival, Seachtain Ceoil Chois Fharraige in Spidall, NPU’s Ace and Deuce of Piping. Colm enjoys tutoring and has previously taught at the Killarney School of Music and at numerous festivals throughout the country including The Gathering and The Corofin Trad Festival. GIOLCAIGH – MICK O’BRIEN Deis iontach ag daoine rang a thógáil le Mick ar an Satharn ag na ceardlanna i Meánscoil San Nioclás. Mick O'Brien is one of Ireland’s bestloved uilleann pipers, performing regularly as a solo artist, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and with the Norwegian groups Vamp, Hanne Krogh, and Secret Garden. Mick was born in Dublin

into a very musical family, with all five boys playing Irish music. Dinny, Mick’s father, an accordion and whistle player, nurtured the love of traditional music in all the lads. At the age of nine, Mick started learning the pipes in the famous Thomas Street Pipers club in Dublin, which was also a meeting house for musicians from all over the country. Now much in demand as a tutor, Mick has travelled to Europe, Canada and the USA conducting master classes. As a performer, Mick has broadcast on TV and radio extensively both as a soloist and with various artists with whom he has made numerous recordings. He has recorded with Charlotte Church, The Dubliners, The Boys of the Lough, Altan and Charlie Lennon, to name a few and also performed on Braodway with the internationally renouned show Riverdance. His first solo album 'The May Morning Dew' (1996) was received with great critical acclaim, and his duo album with Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh 'Kitty Lie Over' (2003) has since become a classic. He comes from a great Dublin musical family, and now his own children are becoming fine performers in their own right. BODHRÁN – COLM MURPHY Colm Murphy is perhaps best known as the bodhrán player with seminal group De Dannan to whom he supplied the distinctive percussive backbone for almost two decades. Murphy's original style is rooted in the philosophy that "less is more"; allowing room for melody players to breath. Consequently as a session player he is to be heard on over fifty disparate recordings, many landmark collections from musicians of the calibre of Martin O’Connor, Micheal Ó Súilleabháin, Conal Ó Gráda, Altan, Jackie Daly, Cathal McConnell, De Dannan, and many more. His CD "An Bodhrán-The Irish Drum"(cefcd)1996, is regarded as the benchmark recording of traditional Bodhrán accompaniment. FIDIL – JOHNNY McCARTHY Johnny McCarthy hails from Cork and is widely known throughout Ireland, Europe and the US as a highly accomplished musician in both classical and Irish traditional music. From a traditional Irish music beginning, in his teens he explored the world of classical music and studied at the Cork School of Music. He later studied at the Conservatorium und Music Hochschüle in Zürich, Switzerland under professor of flute, Jean Poulain. He has featured as both soloist and as a member of many ensembles on prominent platforms. He has performed as soloist with the Irish Chamber Orchestra and has recorded with such artists as Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, The Four Star Trio, John Gibson, John Spillane and many others.The highly acclaimed CD, ‘Fool’s Dream’ featured music composed in collaboration with pianist Pat Crowley. Johnny has frequently appeared on Irish and international TV both as a performer and as a presenter of many productions in both Irish and English. He currently lectures in classical flute, traditional music and music technology at The Cork School of Music CIT. Táimid fíor bhuíoch don tacaíocht ón Oifig Ealaíon, Comhairle Contae agus Cathrach Phort Láirge, Ealaín na Gaeltachta agus Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tuilleadh eolais ó Mac Dara Mac Donncha 086 8565569. For further information and details on this year’s Tionól check out our facebook page – Tionól Niocláis Tóibín. Cífimíd ann sibh.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

WEST WATERFORD DEATH OF JOHNNY DURKAN The death has occurred in Leicester, Massachusetts, USA of Mayo native John (Johnny) Durkan, husband of Mary Ellen (nee Joyce, Clashmore). Although in his 89th year Johnny had been an annual visitor to Clashmore and he had a huge Irish family gathering planned to mark his 90th birthday this Summer. Sadly this was not to be and he died unexpectedly but peacefully on Monday last following a short illness. To his wife Mary Ellen; his seven children, grandchildren and all his relatives, family and friends we extend our deepest sympathy. CLASHMORE & PILTOWN LOURDES COMMITTEE Are you or someone you know in this Parish of Clashmore and Piltown sick or in need of healing in any way? Nominations for anyone from the Parish wishing to go to Lourdes with the sick on the Diocesan Pilgrimage this June must be submitted this coming week. Names can be given to Bridget in our Parish Office at the Parochial House, Clashmore on Tuesday or Thursday mornings or to any of our priests at the weekend Masses. 2018 is a very special time in Lourdes history, as it marks the 160th anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady in that beautiful place. It also marks a very special time in our Diocese of Waterford & Lismore, as this is the 60th anniversary of the first Pilgrimage from this Diocese to Lourdes.This year the Waterford & Lismore Pilgrimage will travel to Lourdes from June 6th to 11th. SYMPATHY Our deepest sympathy is extended to Pat Nolan, Ballyheeney, Clashmore on the death of his mother Mrs. Marcella Nolan of Ballycarney, Enniscorthy, Wexford. Mrs. Nolan’s funeral Mass will be celebrated today, Wednesday morning at All Saint's Church, Castledockrell, followed by burial afterwards in the New Cemetery, Castledockrell. May she rest in peace. DEATH OF NOEL O’MAHONY INCH, KILLEAGH, CO. CORK The death has taken place peacefully following a long illness, in the wonderful care of the staff at Youghal and District Nursing Home, Gortroe, and in the presence of his loving family, of Noel O’Mahony, Inch, Killeagh. A wellknown and dearly loved man, Noel worked and was well known throughout the West Waterford area. Requiem Mass for Noel will be celebrated today, Wednesday at 12 noon in St. Patrick's Church, Inch, with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. To his brother Willie; sister-inlaw Bridie; nieces Orla and Sharon; nephews Declan and Shane; grandnephew and grandnieces, relatives, neighbours and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy. May he rest in peace. DEATH PATRICK (P. J.) LANDERS, AGLISH The death has occurred of for-

mer Clashmore businessman, P. J. Landers, Aglish. P. J. died peacefully following an illness on Monday, 29th January at University Hospital, Waterford. To his sisters Anne and Mary; brothers John and Thomas; brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, relatives and friends, we extend our deepest sympathy Funeral Mass for P. J. will be celebrated today, Wednesday, 31st January, at 2 pm in The Church of the Assumption, Aglish followed by private cremation in The Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy. May he rest in peace. ACT - 30 YEARS ON The Aid Cancer Treatment (ACT) held their annual collection in Youghal, Ballymacoda and Gortroe in November last and the total amount collected was: €1,537.90 as follows: The Holy Family: €327.47, The Strand Church: €468.30, Saint Mary’s: €378.53, Ballymacoda: €230.60, Gortroe: €133.00. The Aid Cancer Treatment (ACT) group was first set up by a group in Cork in 1993. They have a room for their headquarters in Cork University Hospital (CUH). The late John Trihy, having gone through treatment himself, wanted to give something back so he decided to set up a ACT - Group in Clashmore (affiliated to the group at CUH) in October, 1988. The group has continued on since. 2018 will be our final year, with 30 years behind us, our “Age profile’’ is high! Proceeds in 2017 came to €12,919.98. The total raised so far for ACT in CUH is between €11 and €12 million. Clashmore group gave €10,000 to S.E.R.T. (mini bus service to Cork and Waterford) in 2008; €1,000 to Youghal Cancer Support Group & Centre also. Having first seen the Radiotherapy unit in 1987, the expansion there and changes in it continues to amaze us all. A lot of this, is due to the help of ACT, plus in so many more areas in cancer treatment, too numerous to note. It has been a privilege to be a part of it. The Clashmore group thank you all for your support over the past 29 years, but hopefully you will all do your best in 2018, our final year, and maybe increase our proceeds! We very much appreciate all our collectors, who have stuck with us over the years, (in all types of weather!); others came along too and helped us out, thank you all. Our first collections in 2018 are on 10th & 11th February, in West Waterford’s twenty-five churches. NEW ARRIVAL Congratulations to Judy Fleming, Creggs and her husband Tom Bracken, Tullamore on the birth of their second daughter Sally Maria who was born on the 3rd January, 2018. A welcome little sister for Emma. Best wishes from all your family and friends in Clashmore. MUSICAL BINGO Villierstown Parents’ Association will host a Fundraising Musical Bingo Table Quiz on Friday, March 2nd (please note date) at An Cruiscin Lan, Villierstown.

Registration at 8.30 pm and the quiz begins at 9.00 pm sharp. We will also have a raffle on the night. The Annual Villierstown National School Quiz dates are 17th April and 24th April. More details will follow in the coming weeks. REPORT KINSALEBEG COMMUNITY ALERT GROUP - JANUARY 2018 Liam Daly chaired the first meeting for 2018 of the Kinsalebeg Community Alert Group (KCAG). It was a lively and well attended meeting with representatives from Kinsalebeg and Ardsallagh. Garda Colm O’Callaghan attended the meeting and brought those attending upto-date on levels of crime in the area. He complimented the community on their proactive approach in helping to lessen the opportunity for crime in the Kinsalebeg/ Ardsallagh area. The dark evenings has made it easy for robberies from the cars of those attending Mass in Piltown church. Members of KCAG have been patrolling the car park to help prevent this happening again. Members of KCAG attended a meeting in Dungarvan regarding crime prevention in the area. They advised that householders be aware that many burglaries take place during daylight. They said that many robberies are opportunistic so simple precautions (always locking the house doors, never leaving keys in your car, telling a neighbour if you plan to be away) will make it more difficult to commit crime. It was also suggested that the public take pictures of valuable objects and mark them with an indelible pen. The text alert operated by KCAG alerts those signed up to suspicious activity in the Parish. It also helps the public to be the eyes and ears of the Gardai. If you would like to be a member of Text alert for Kinsalebeg/Ardsallagh contact 087 9338192. THANK YOU On behalf of the Asthma Society of Ireland a big thank you to the parishioners of Clashmore and Piltown who donated €232 to our weekend church gate collection. Your generous support was very much appreciated. CLASHMORE AND KINSALEBEG COMMUNITY COUNCIL Healthy Day Saturday 3rd February, 10.00 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. at the GAA Hall: Clashmore and Kinsalebeg Community Council has arranged for the Irish Heart's Mobile Unit to visit Clashmore on Saturday, 3rd February at the Clashmore GAA Hall. Triona Hennessy, Public Health Nurse, will also be there to check blood sugar levels for diabetes. Over the past twelve months, Irish Heart’s Mobile Health Unit has tested the blood pressure of more than 11,000 people in 26 counties across Ireland. Two in five people who availed of a free blood pressure check at the pop-up mobile clinics around the country were found to have high blood pressure — putting them at risk of heart attack and stroke. This “silent killer” often goes

undetected as many of those who suffer from high blood pressure often feel fine. “We would advise people over the age of 25 to have it checked at least once a year.” Heritage Centre: We have received support from Waterford Leader Partnership in supplying a person to open the Heritage Centre every Wednesday. There will be coffee and biscuits every Wednesday from 10 - 12 noon, and this Wednesday we need your ideas for what the Centre can be used for. Ideas so far are - camera club, knit and natter, choir, book club, library, computer help, art classes, tea dances. Study Group: There will be a Study Group for Leaving year students in the Heritage Centre from 2 - 4 pm on Wednesdays. This will be supervised and there is no charge. Internet Service: With the support of West Waterford Community Broadband, we have also secured high-speed internet access for the Heritage Centre. Niamh, our Centre member of staff, will be able to help with setting up tablets and laptops. A printer is also available to print out tickets and motor tax etc. CPR Training: There was a good turnout for the CPR training in Clashmore and Kinsalebeg and we are very grateful to Youghal Community First Responders for giving up their time and sharing their expertise. Operation Transformation: The last family walk for Operation Transformation this year will take place at Whiting Bay at 2.30 pm on Sunday, 4th February. Please come along. AGLISH OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Aglish Operation Transformation will commence next Tuesday night in Aglish Community Hall. Weigh-in at 6.30, which will be private. Walk will commence at 7 p.m. Only €2 per night with all proceeds to Children’s Hospital Crumlin. CLASHMORE RAMBLERS Our weekly Clashmore Ramblers Alpha Lotto draw took place on Sunday night last, January 28th. Our letters drawn were:Y, V, M, R. We had no winner of our Jackpot so next week it will be 3,750. The following were our lucky weekly prize winners of €20 each: Gavin Dower, Peter Deady, Kate Hourgian. Well done to all our winners and thanks for all your support. CLASHMORE & PILTOWN PARISH NEWS Mass Times: Friday (First Friday): Mass in Piltown at 10.00 a.m. Vigil Mass of Sunday in Piltown at 6.00 p.m. Sunday: Mass in Clashmore at 9.00 a.m. CLASHMORE / KINSALEBEG GAA LOTTO Our Clashmore Kinsalebeg GAA club weekly lotto draw took place last Monday night, January 30th and the following were the numbers out of the drum: 3 13, 16, 23.We had no jackpot winner. Our next draw takes place on Monday night at the Rising Sun and our Jackpot will be €2,400. Our

RUBY ANNIVERSARY – Congratulations, to wonderful parents Kay and Liam Allen of Moord, Kinsalebeg on the occasion of their Ruby wedding anniversary on the 4th February. A beautiful marriage which began on the 4th of February, 1978, when best friends, Kay (nee Cassidy) and Liam were married at St. Joseph’s Church in Rathmore, Co. Kerry. Family and friends joined them on that special day for the ceremony and celebrated with them afterwards at their reception in The Castle Heights Hotel, Killarney, Co. Kerry. We all join with your family, your six loving children, your grandchildren, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law to wish you both a very happy anniversary Kay and Liam, we hope you have a lovely day.

weekly lucky draw ticket winners of €20 each were: Fergus Mahony, Roger O’Halloran, Jason Seward, Liam Curran, John Fitzgerald. Thanks to everyone for supporting our draw. CLASHMORE 45 DRIVE Joint winners of our Clashmore 45 Drive on Monday night, January 30th at the Decies Bar were Anne Ledingham and Noel Nugent, Kathleen Osborne and Carmel Buckley on nine games. In third place on eight games we had Paddy Kelleher and Edmond Og Ledingham. Best of the last five were Terri McGrath and Mary Foley. Our lucky last game winners were Eugene O’Halloran and Aine Curran, Gabriel Hynes and Tony Keane, Jim McGrath and Jack Douris. Well done to all our winners and thanks to everyone for your support. AGLISH BALLINAMEELA & MOUNT STUART PARISH NEWS Church Unity Week: During Church Unity Week a special service for Christian Unity was held on Wednesday, January 24th for the unity of Christians in Aglish Church. Our parish priest, Fr. Gerard O’Connor welcomed all that attended, and Dean Paul Draper, Lismore preached the sermon. Fr. Conor Kelly, P.P. led us in the prayer of intercessions. Our thanks to Mary Landers and the Choir for their music and thanks

to all whom attended. Feast of St. Blaise: Next weekend sees the feast of St. Blaise on Saturday. Throats will be blessed before Masses from 7.15 pm in Ballinameela; on Saturday evening, from 9.45 am in Mount Stuart and from 11.05 am in Aglish. Feast of the presentation of the lord: First Friday Masses February 2nd also marks the feast of the Presentation of the Lord and Blessing of Candles. This will take place in our parish in Ballinameela Church at 9.30 am and in Aglish Church at 7.30 pm. Ash Wednesday: Ash Wednesday, February 14th 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 school during Ash Wednesday morning. First Holy Communion: Our Liturgy for First Holy Communion will take place at the Sunday morning Mass in Aglish Church on February 18th at 11.15 am. Confirmation: Our Liturgy for Confirmation will take place at the Vigil Mass in Ballinameela Mass on Saturday, February 17th at 7.30 p.m. Mass for the sick: Mass of the Sick and Sacrament of the Sick takes place on Friday, February 9th at 7.15 pm in Aglish Church and all are welcome.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Abbeyside, Ballinroad, Garranbane Senior Citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Party Photographs by John Pelham

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Great turnout for Waterford Operation Transformation Walks ON Saturday, 13th January, RTĂ&#x2030;'s Operation Transformation teamed up once again with Sport Ireland and Local Sports Partnerships to organise the Operation Transformation National Walks 2018. This year Waterford Sports Partnership was delighted to host three walks along the Waterford Greenway in Dungarvan, Kilmacthomas and Waterford. Almost 400 participants turned up on a cold, damp morning, to explore the Waterford Greenway and start their 2018 in a positive, healthy and active way! Waterford Sports Partnership staff led warm-ups at each loca-

tion before participants young and not so young headed off on the walks. Participants were spoiled for choice as they had the option of taking on a 3km and 5km walk as they kick started their own Operation Transformation. The Greenway is off road as it has been built on the old Waterford Railway Line from Waterford City to Dungarvan and is predominately flat so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fully accessible, safe and enjoyable for all levels and abilities.This scenic route has been well used and enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Keep your transformation on track and join one of our many programmes taking place this January across Waterford. Check out www.waterfordsportspartnership.ie for more information or follow us on Facebook There are already local communities in Waterford that are running their own Operation Transformation programmes including Ardmore, Kinsalebeg and Aglish. Why not get something up and running in your community or start a group with your friends, family or work colleagues - it's never too late to take the first step!

SCHOOL NEWS Waterford Student Enterprise EXPO THE breadth of talent was amazing at the 3rd Waterford Student Enterprise Expo on the morning of Thursday last, January 25th, with over one hundred businesses showing their enterprise ideas, products and services. 300 transition year students from Ring, Lismore, Dungarvan, Tramore and Waterford City were represented at the bigger and better Waterford Student Enterprise Expo in the WIT Arena, hosted by the Waterford Local Enterprise Office.

Morgan Wood, Abbie Roche, Laura Landers and Rachel Geary, Blackwater Community School.

[Garret Fitzgerald]

Sarah Phelan and Aoibh Casey, St. Augustine's College, Dungarvan.

[Garret Fitzgerald]

Cian Nugent, Jack Foley and Ríain O'Donoghue, Meánscoil San Nioclás, Ringaphuca.

[Garret Fitzgerald]

Kate Fleming and Anna Hickey, Ard Scoil na nDeise, Dungarvan.

[Garret Fitzgerald]

bed linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts, boots, wellingtons, work boots and soft toys. Wearable clothes will be recycled and re-used and other items will be recycled for items such as industrial wipes and soundproofing. Laptops (must be intact with power lead) and Mobile

phones are accepted but please separate. To make arrangements for collection of items please contact: Noreen Geary 086-0781326; Louise McGuinness 086-1859727. Thank you for your support and taking the time and effort to support our fundraising drive.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

ST. MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL, DUNGARVAN

Healthy Eating Week ST. Mary’s PS promotes a healthy eating policy all year round; but we dedicate one particular week each year reinforcing the benefits of leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Our aim is to lay the foundations for healthy living in all its aspects; physical, social and emotional. Healthy Eating Week took place from Monday, 22nd of January to Friday, 26th of January and the children took part in many activities which demonstrated the benefits of choosing the healthy option. All the children were given the opportunity to taste many different types of fruit and vegetables. Various classes prepared healthy meal options; from breakfast quiches to omelettes, a variety of sandwich fillers to smoothies and many more. The children were certainly full going home each evening. Trisha Ferncombe spoke to all the children in the school about the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle. She spoke about the necessity of including all the main food groups in your diet and having an odd treat, now and again. She also reminded them that it is very important for growing children to get at least 1hour of physical exercise each day. Screen time should be limited and children should be getting at least 10 hours sleep a night. Feeling good and being happy is also paramount to staying healthy. We were also very lucky to have Aisling Bannon, our local dentist, in to ensure all children are aware of the damage that too much sugar can do to our teeth. She reminded them of the correct procedure for cleaning their teeth and the benefits of drinking lots of water instead of sugary drinks. Fifth Class were afforded the opportunity to see Lena, our local chef, in action. She helped them to prepare many alternative breakfast choices. Conor Lannen, of Country Store, is on hand every year to help pro-

Healthy Eating Week in St. Mary’s Primary School. mote our healthy guidelines. The junior classes enjoyed trips to visit his store, to see and sample some of his wonderful produce.The highlight for many children being the cold storage unit! All classes took part in activities in the assembly area, under the guidance of the fourth class students.They took part in a physical activity, played games with fruit, studied the Food Pyramid in more detail, made various shapes with pasta and were able to view the actual amount of sugar in various drinks that they consume. The activities were thoroughly enjoyed by all. We had colouring competitions, poetry writing, menu creations, jingles, procedural writing and much

more throughout the week. The week culminated in a quiz for the senior classes. The high scoring was testament to just how much the children learned during the week. Mini hampers of fruit were presented to the prize winners of the various competitions. We sincerely thank all who contributed to our week; the speakers, the chefs, the fruit choppers, our dentist, our greengrocer, our teachers and all the staff of St. Mary’s Primary School and of course our wonderful children who were so willing to partake in all activities. I’m sure they will continue to choose the healthy option under the guidance of their parents and guardians.

Junior/Senior/1st and 2nd class pupils receiving their prizes.

4th Class pupils Food Tasting.

4th Class pupils creating pictures from pasta.

3rd to 6th class receiving their prizes.

4th Class pupils studying the Food Pyramid.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

SCHOOLS

Waterford Schools Operation Transformation Cross Country MODELIGO NATIONAL SCHOOL

THE children in Modeligo have been really working out over the last few days, following the Operation Transformation 10 at 10.We have been doing ten minutes of exercise every morning at 10 o' clock. We have been warming up and cooling down, as well as using a great variety of exercises. We have been working out a lot of different muscles and most of all having lots of fun! This week is also Catholic School's Week. We, in Modeligo School are busy preparing for Grandparents Day. Remember, all grandparents are welcome to visit our school on Wednesday 31st at 2.00 p.m. for some fun and refreshments.

ON Friday, January 26th, twentyfour students from C.B.S. travelled to St. Augustine’s College to take part in the annual Waterford Schools Cross Country competition. There were four teams, minor boys, junior boys, inter boys and senior boys. The minor boys had to run 2000m. The minor boys team included, Kieran Cosgrave, Gearóid Cosgrave, Cian O’Regan, Donal O Faolán, Darragh Vincent, Tom Gardner, Darragh Cosgrave and Fionn

Nagle. All the minor boys ran very well from beginning to end. The Junior boys race was up next. Involved in the Junior Boys Team were Mark Blackwell,Tym Niedwiedz, Kevin Butler, James Fennell, Jack McCarthy and Eoin O’Callaghan. They crossed the finishing line after running 3000m. The next race was the Inter Boys who ran 4500m on the day. Scott Lennon, Oisín O’Riordan, David Condon, Finn Roberson

First Year students participated in the Friary last week.

Operation Transformation i n G a r ra n b a n e N . S .

Junior boys.

Intermediate boys.

Senior boys.

and Eoin McGrath ran very well resulting in first place in the team race. Oisín O’Riordan had a very strong race, finishing in fourth place. Finally, the last race of the day was the Senior Boys 5000m race. The Senior Team consisted of Patrick Power, Gavin McGrath, Luke Ryan and Brendan Maye Twomey. All students ran very well on the day. The East Munster Cross Country will be on February 8th in WIT.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

BLACKWATER COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition THE Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition is a competition for Transition Year students is aimed at promoting Agricultural Science amongst young people and raising awareness of the benefits of the Aberdeen Angus breed of cattle. The first stage of the competition involved submitting a three minute video about ourselves and how we would promote the certified Irish Angus Beef brand. We were delighted to receive the news over the Christmas holidays that we have progressed to the next stage of the competition. This will involve a twenty interview where we will expand

on our plans in front of a panel of judges. This will take place on Tuesday, January 23rd. The Certified Irish Angus Beef Schools Competition run by the Irish Angus Producer Group, along with its processor partners, ABP Ireland and Kepak Group, aims to encourage second level students to gain an understanding about the care and attention that is required to produce and market the highest quality beef for consumers. Each year, five school groups are chosen to receive five Irish Angus Cross calves. As part of their Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science project the

students are required to set milestones through the lifetime of the animals, rear them through to slaughter and visit processing and retail facilities to understand how the food chain works. The project aims to allow students to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to a real life setting. The ultimate prize at the end of the competition is five Aberdeen Angus calves which will be presented to the five winning schools at the National Ploughing Championships in September. Best of Luck to Lucy and Fiona at the interview to be held in Limerick.

BCS students are presented with their winning prizes in the Lismore & Cappoquin Credit Union Art competition recently. By Fiona Kenny & Lucy Massey LISMORE / CAPPOQUIN ART COMPETITION Well done to students who

were presented with their winning prizes in the Credit Union Art competition recentlyt. PARENTS COUNCIL NEWS Reminder to all to get your

tickets for the Ball in The Hall on Saturday night, 10th February. Contact any member of the Parents’ Council or ring the School Office to book your tickets.

DUNGARVAN C.B.S.

Social gathering to encourage friendships ON Friday last, our First Years took breakfast as part of a social gathering to encourage friendships and the development of new ones.This bonding venture took place at the school canteen and was hosted by

Noleen, Mr. Barry, Mr. Fergal McGrath and Mr. Kelly. A choice of five breakfasts were available.The morning went superbly well with all pupils enjoying a balanced healthy meal.

First years congregated in the main assembly for their healthy breakfast.

Cleaning up after their breakfast treat.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE

Transition Year Musical OUR Transition Year musical is Saul Swimemr's Musical Extravaganza, Queen, featuring the fabulous music of rock band Queen. Running from February 28th to March 3rd at 8.00 p.m. Emily Murphy (left) and Anna Spratt share the lead role of

“Meatloaf ”. As usual you can be guaranteed a great evening of music and dance. Tickets will be available from the usual outlets; David Walsh, Office and School Suppliers, Lower Main St., Dungarvan and from Helen at the college office. Book early to

Sponsor, Dungarvan Nissan: Eddie Fitzgerald presenting senior soccer jerseys to team captain Ben Flynn and Eoin Flynn (Vice-Captain). Also in photo, Mr. Williams (Manager), Mr. Kelly (Coach), and Mr. Power (Deputy Principal). avoid disappointment, be sure to bring along a fried or two! UNDER 14 SOCCER Congratulations to our U-14 soccer team who best Abbey Community College, Waterford 5-4 on penalties after the game finished 1-1 in normal time,

Seanie Callaghan with our goal. Seanie, Charlie Treen, Dale Duggan, Tommy and Rory Fennell all scored their penalties while Ed Spratt saved the 4th Abbey CC penalty. Squad: Eoin Beunaventure, Oisín Brazil, Séanie Callaghan, David Carlton,

Gavin Christopher, Leon Cummins, Ryan Doherty, Dale Duggan, Rory Fennell, Tommy Fennell, John Gleeson, Trevor Kenneally, Eoin Kiely, Jack Kiely, Gabriel McGovern, Ferghal Slevin, Edmond Spratt, Seán Spratt, Cathal Sweeney, Charlie

Treen, Jamie Whelan. LCVP NEWS Suzette Bliss of Cafe Bliss Abbeyside addressed Ms. Margo McGann's, 5th Year, LCVP Students. She gave a very informative talk on setting up a cafe in our local area.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

ÁRD SCOIL NA nDÉISE

‘Minding Me Week’ in Árd Scoil na nDéise JANUARY can be a hard month. The Christmas holidays are over. The days are still short and the nights are long. School is busy with course work to be completed and, for some students, pre exams are on the horizon. Bad weather can keep us cooped up inside when we would love to be outdoors. Sometimes this time of year can take a toll on our wellbeing and our mental health. With that in mind, a dedicated group of staff and students got together to organise ‘Minding Me Week’ to help us all beat those January blues. Ms. K. Gleeson, Ms. Troy and Ms. Pickering worked very hard with our Amber Flag committee to put together a programme of activities and guest speakers that would appeal to a wide variety of tastes and interests. Monday, 15th January We started off the day with a very informative talk from the Samaritans about how to reach out if you are struggling with your mental health. Everyone found this talk interesting and definitely felt as if they had learned something new. We would like to say a big thank you to the Samaritans for taking the time to talk to us. Also, today was amber day. Everyone had to wear something orange to school to raise money for Pieta house. The cheque would be presented when they came to visit us later in the week.

Tuesday, 16th January Today we started our gratitude tree. A tree was placed in the Junior and Senior Buildings and students were invited to hang pieces of card on the trees saying something they are grateful for. Not only did the trees brighten up the school, but they gave us all an opportunity to think about our lives and things we take for granted. Wednesday, 17th January On Wednesday we had the teacher baby photo competition, where pictures of the teachers when they were young were placed in both buildings. Students had the chance to guess who each one is and enter it into the box. The winner would be picked from the correct answers on Friday. Also, Steve from Aware came in to talk to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd years about the impact of technology and social media. Thursday, 18th January Michael from Pieta house came in to talk to the TYs, 5th and 6th years about suicide, selfharm, and the impacts they can have. The talk was very informative and really opened a lot of our eyes. Afterwards, before going back to class we stayed in the hall and had a coffee morning to chill out. The members of the Amber Flag committee in TY presented Michael with a cheque for the money raised for Pieta house from Amber Day on Monday. Over €500 was raised and we are

Students hanging their cards on the Gratitude Tree in the Junior Building.

very proud of this. For TYs, after the talk we had a workshop for two classes. It was called ‘Beat the Blues’ by Steve from Aware. We learned about the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and coping strategies to deal with stressful situations.We would like to thank both Steve and Michael for coming in to talk to us. ALL WEEK Activities such as yoga, just dance and walks have been going on throughout the week. There was yoga for the 3rd and 6th years and lunchtime yoga for anyone who wanted to join in. Everyday there has been a motivational song played over the intercom to get everyone going, such as “Don’t Worry be Happy”. And, there was a competition running all week where there is a slight change somewhere in the school that you have to notice. All of the talks, activities and competitions throughout Minding Me week have been thoroughly enjoyable and on behalf of everyone, we would like to thank Ms Gleeson, Ms Pickering and the Amber Flag Committee for putting so much work into organising everything. Written by Shannon Cockwell and Robyn Power,TY A STUDENT’S EXPERIENCE OF TRYING YOGA FOR THE FIRST TIME Last Wednesday, during Minding Me Week, lots of students, including myself participated in yoga with Ms. Barry.The theme was self-belief and knowing your capabilities. As it was my first experience of yoga, I found it very enjoyable and relaxing.We learned poses such as the downward dog, mountain pose, tree pose and the reclined twist. The soft, soothing music in the background enhanced the experience. We learned that yoga is the connection of the mind, the body and the spirit, and how the mind and the body are very much interconnected. For those of you who are looking for ways to relax or improve your fitness level, I would highly recommend yoga. It really is suitable for everyone!

A packed hall on Friday afternoon for the presentation of prizes and one last motivational song.

All of our winners of the Minding Me Week Poster Competition.

Prizewinners from the competition to identify teachers from their baby photos.

Our Amber Flag Committee who worked so hard throughout Minding Me Week.

SCHOOLS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

ST. DECLAN’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Mental Health Awareness Week THE Amber Flag Initiative Group organised a Mental Health Awareness Week in St. Declan's Community College to promote positive mental health and wellbeing in the school community.The T.Y. students organised several activities including classroom activities for all groups, a gratitude wall, wellness packs for 3rd and 6th Year Students and face-painting. The Student Council organised breakfast for all staff on Wednesday morning. 4th, 5th and 6th year students attended Mental Health talks throughout the week. ENCOUNTER DAY An Encounter Day took place at the school on Tuesday 23rd January for all T.Y. and L.C.A. students. It was facilitated by a team from Net Ministries of Ireland. They are a team of fully trained and vetted young adult missionaries from around the world. The net team leads in a dynamic and interactive way, giving young people an opportunity to hear about the message of the gospel from people close to their own age. The theme chosen for the day was Life Choices - "Road Trip" It gave students the opportunity to ponder on the real purpose and meaning of life, and to reflect on where God fits into their lives and future Thanks to the team, Sean, Marie, Patrick and Rekina for making the experience fun and engaging for all the students. Thanks also to Mrs. O'Connor for organising the event. NEW JCPA AWARDED TO STUDENTS IN ST. DECLAN’S Congratulations to Transition Year and LCA Year 1 students in St. Declan’s who were presented with the JCPA recently. The students pictured here have received their JCPA from school principal, Ms. Gráinne Walsh.The JCPA is a new kind of award. It has been introduced as part of Junior Cycle reform and it has replaced the Junior Certificate. The JCPA captures student achievements in a number of assessment elements undertaken over the three years of junior cycle, including the grades in State-certified final examinations at the end of the three years. It also reports on students’ achievements in Classroom-Based Assessments (CBAs) in subjects and short courses. It provides an opportunity for schools to comment on student achievement and participation in other areas of learning that students may have been involved in during the 3 years of junior cycle e.g. extracurricular activities and subjects which students engage in but do not do a final exam such as PE, SPHE and Religious Education. UNDER 14 FOOTBALL COUNTY FINAL St. Declan’s 3-6; St. Augustine’s 3-7. St. Declan’s had victory snatched from their grasp in the

Hollie Dunphy and Erinn Whelan enjoying lunchtime activities during Mental Health Awareness Week.

6th year students attending the Coffee Morning during Mental Health Awareness Week, where they received their Wellness Pack. dying seconds of a wonderful U14 County Final played in Carriganore. The Kilmac team were utterly dominant for long periods of the game and led by six points entering the last three minutes. However, injuries to a number of key players disrupted the St. Declan’s team, and combined with some wastefulness in attack allowed the Dungarvan side to stay in touching distance.

In the last three minutes St. Declan’s unluckily conceded two deflected goals quickly followed by what proved to be the winning point. The St. Declan’s players deserve massive praise for the quality of their play, and their day will undoubtedly come in the future. Our thanks to the very large crowd of supporters, staff and

parents who were there with the team to share in the heartbreak. St Declan’s: Scott Searson, Donnchadh Dunphy, Mike O’Brien, Andy Phelan, Sean Fitzgerald, Jack O’Donnell, Bryan Dowdall, Ryan Hennessy, Frank Kavanagh, Scott Halligan, Paudi Barry, Nathan Power, Jack Hennessy, Adam Murray. Subs used: Evan Burrows, Alex Whelan, Dylan Mooney.

Rena Behan and Niamh McKeon attending the Coffee Morning during Mental Health Awareness Week, where they received their Wellness packs.

T.Y. members of the Amber Group who organised the Mental Health Awareness Week. Also included is their teacher Ms. Denn.

Members of the Student Council along with their teacher Ms. Mannix who organised breakfast for the staff at St. Declan's Community College, for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

JCPA Awarded to students in St. Declan’s Community College by Ms. Gráinne Walsh, School Principal.

SCHOOLS

OBITUARY/NEWS EILEEN TOBIN (nee O’Keeffe) Ard na Gréine, Boola, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, and formerly of The Cats Bar, Melleray

Margaret Long and Sheila Coady pictured at the Kinsalebeg Community Group New Year’s party.

James Flynn and Angela Collins pictured at the Kinsalebeg Community Group New Year’s party.

With deep and sincere regret we record the passing of Eileen Tobin (nee O’Keeffe), Ard na Gréine, Boola, Cappoquin, Co.Waterford, and formerly of The Cats Bar, Melleray, loving wife of the late Jim Tobin, which sad event occurred peacefully on 25th January, 2018. Lying in repose at her home Ard na Gréine, Boola, Cappoquin, on Saturday evening where Rosary was recited by Rev. Fr. P. Gear, P.P., in the presence of her loving family, relatives and friends. Reposing on Sunday, where Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E., recited Funeral Prayers, before removal took place to St. Mary’s Church, Cappoquin, where members of Melleray Glenrovers GAA Club and Melleray Community formed a guard of honour to St. Mary’s Church. On arrival her remains were receive and blessed by Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E. On Monday morning Funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. P. Gear, P.P., and was assisted by Rev. Fr. Patrick, O.S.C.O. Symbols representing her life were presented to the Altar by Joe Power (son), cigarettes and lighter; Daniel O’Keeffe (nephew), crossword book & Thesaurus; Con Power (son), apron and rolling pin; Ross Power (grandson), jigsaw; the significance of these were narrated by Liam Power (son). Readings were recited by Joe Murtagh (nephew) and Simon Power (grandson).The Psalm was sung by Christina O’Flynn. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Katie Power (grand-daughter), Mary Carew (cousin), Bart Flynn (relative), Ciaran Power (grandson), Ross Power (grandson). Soloist Christina O’Flynn and organist Dina Walshe provided a lovely selection of music and hymns throughout the Mass.The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by daughters-in-law Kitty and Tina Power. Following Communion, son Michael delivered a eulogy recalling fond memories of his mum and acknowledged the support that their family received from the local community during this difficult time. Cremation Service took place privately. May we extend our deepest sympathy to her loving sons Joseph, Michael, Liam and Con; sister Philomena Murtagh; daughters-in-law Kitty and Tina; grandchildren Jeanette, Ross, Cheryl, Katie, Cillian, Simon, Ciaran and Shauna; great-grandchildren Ella,Tomás,Tadgh and Rian; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan Frank and Angela Cummins pictured at the Kinsalebeg Community Group New Year’s party.

Just think of it! A FEW evenings ago I heard a flock of sparrows twittering happily in a nearby shrub. That, and the stretch in the amount of daylight, morning and evening, cheered me up. And we all need some cheering up during this long Winter. Hearing the birds set me thinking about why sparrows twitter: maybe they’re letting other birds know, “this is our bush, all others keep away.” Or are they sending out a message to any possible spouses, “We’re here, come and get us!” It’s OK for birds, but when human beings start twittering and tweeting, that’s rather different. It appears that there are people and, as soon as some thought enters their mind, they decide it has to be broadcast to the whole world. Instead of assessing the thought and thinking it through, they have to publish the thought, even though it may be quite useless or, even worse, be damaging to someone else. People have been driven to taking their own lives as a result of the irresponsible spreading abroad of unkind, mocking comments made about them. As one of the books of the Bible tells us, “There is a time for speaking, a time for being silent (Ecclesiastes, Chap. 3) Not every thought that enters my mind is of worldwide importance nor is it of interest to every man, woman, and child! Fr. Robert Arthure, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Job 7:1-4, 6-7 - Restlessly I fret till twilight falls. 1 Corinthians 9:1619, 22-23 - I should be punished if I did not preach the Gospel. Mark 1:29-39 - He cured many who were suffering from diseases of one kind or another. Feast of St. Brigid: On Thursday, February 1st we will celebrate the Feast of St. Brigid, one of the Patron Saints of Ireland. A copy of an icon of St. Brigid is on display at the top of St. Mary’s Church. Feast of the Presentation of the Lord or Candlemas Day: This feast will be celebrated on Friday, February 2nd. Candles can be bought in the Parish Office and you are welcome to have them blessed on the day and take them home after Mass. World Day of Consecrated Life: Friday, February 2nd also marks the annual World Day for Consecrated Life. This year to mark World Day for Consecrated Life, a Liturgy of Appreciation for the ministry of Men and Women Religious of the 20 Religious Orders and Congregations in the diocese will take place in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity,Waterford on Friday at 7.00 p.m. Followed by light refreshments in the Granville Hotel. The priests, religious and people of the diocese are invited to this celebration. Feast of St. Blaise: Saturday, February 3rd is the Feast of St.

Blaise. Masses at 11.00 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. Blessing of throats either during or after Mass. Catholic Schools Week 2018: Continues until February 4th.The theme this year is ‘Catholic Schools called to be a Family of Families and Catholic Schools: Families of Faith’. Let’s Talk Family: An important part of the preparation for the WMOF next August will take place this spring in parishes throughout Ireland when people will be invited to come together to talk about family, using a programme called: Let’s Talk family. ‘Go and make Disciples’: Copies of Bishop Cullinan’s Pastoral Letter: ‘Go and Make Disciples’ are available in St. Mary’s Church and in the porches. Every Life Counts: ‘Every life counts from the beginning to the end, from conception to natural death’. Pope Francis Tweet, 19th January, 2018. 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, 2 February, 2018

MARIA FENNESSY (nee Duggan) 13 Abbeyglen, Cappoquin It is with profound sorrow and regret we record the passing of Maria Fennessy (nee Duggan), 13 Abbeyglen, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, loving daughter of the late Edward (Eddo), sister of the late Cecelia Paxton, which sad event occurred peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on the 24th January, 2018. Lying in repose at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, on Thursday evening, where Rosary was recited by Rev. Fr. Pat Gear, P.P., in the presence of her loving family, relatives and friends. On Friday evening, before removal took place to St. Mary’s Church, Cappoquin, Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E., recited Funeral Prayers in the presence of her loving family and many friends. On arrival her remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday morning by Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E. Readings were recited by sister-in-law Bríd Roche and Paul Savage; the Psalm was sung by sister-in-law Áine Uí Fhiannusa. Prayers of the Faithful were read by Maria’s sons Jamie and Peter Mullins and James Roche. A lovely selection of music and hymns were provided by sister-in-law Áine Uí Fhiannusa and accompanied by organist Donal Kennefick. The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by Fionnuala Savage and Marie Kelly. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in St. Declan’s Cemetery, Cappoquin. Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E., officiated the graveside prayers where Maria was laid to rest in the presence of her loving family, relatives, neighbours and many friends. May she rest in peace. We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving husband Paudie; mother Audrey Duggan; sons Peter, Jamie and Luke; daughters Nina and Laura; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren, uncle, aunts, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

MAUREEN POWER (nee Scanlan) Aglish, Cappoquin With sincere sadness and regret we record the passing of Maureen Power (nee Scanlan) (Publican E. Cotter), Aglish, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, loving wife of the late Michael Power (Castletownbere, Co. Cork), which sad event occurred peacefully on 21st January, 2018, surrounded by her loving family at Bandon Community Hospital, Co. Cork. Lying in repose at Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Home, Cappoquin, Rosary was recited on Sunday evening by Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., in the presence of her loving family, relatives and friends. Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., recited Funeral Prayers on Monday evening in the presence of her loving family before removal took place to the Church of Assumption, Aglish. On arrival her remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday morning by Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., and was assisted by Rev. F. J. Kiely, P.E., and Mgr. P. Osborne. Maureen’s son John delivered an account of his mum’s life events and acknowledged the support that their family received from the local community throughout the years. Readings during the Mass were recited by grand-daughter Sarah Power and niece Helena Costin. Prayers of the Faithful were read by grandchildren Anna, Katie and David Power, great-grand-daughter Clodagh Power and niece Ann Fitzgerald and nephew Joe Conway. Liam Dalton provided a lovely selection of music and hymns throughout the Mass. Daughters-in-law Bernie and Mary presented the Offertory Gifts to the Altar. Following Communion Mgr. P. Osborne spoke on behalf of the family, sharing memories of Maureen’s life. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers and was assisted by Rev. Fr. J. Kiely, P.E., and Mgr. P. Osborne where Maureen was laid to rest in the presence of her loving family, relatives, neighbours and friends. May we extend our deepest sympathy to her loving sons John and Michael; sisters Birdie Conway and Eileen Meskill; daughters-in-law Bernie and Mary; brother-in-law Joe Conway; sisters-in-law Lal Scanlan, Mary Lordan and Kathleen Power (Castletownbere); nephews, nieces, grandchildren, great-grandchild, relatives, neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

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

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

MARY FLYNN Faha (1925-2018) On 9th January last, the community of Faha, near Kilmacthomas, mourned the passing of Mary Flynn. She was predeceased by her parents Jack and Bridget, her brothers Tom, Percy (Pierce), Brendan, Joe and Billy, and her sisters Helen, Kitty and Philomena. Born on 1st November, 1925, Mary used to say her most vivid early memory was of opening a gate and letting her father's horses out onto the road, where they naturally galloped off. Panic-stricken at the thought of the various consequences, she said a prayer to the Sacred Heart. Somehow the horses then turned around and quietly returned to their field. She was a deeply religious woman, with a special devotion to Padre Pio, and travelled on many pilgrimages to Rome and San Giovanni. She also made numerous trips to Lourdes, often twice a year. Having boarded at the Mercy Convent School in Carrick-on-Suir, she went to England during the War to train as a Nurse in Stoke-onTrent. She often spoke of the air raid sirens and of having to drop everything then and run for cover. In her time in Stoke she nursed the famous soccer player Sir Stanley Matthews, who once told her the Irish Nurses were the best. After she returned to Ireland she ended up working as a Ward Sister under the late Dr. Bob O'Driscoll in the Orthopaedic Unit in Ardkeen, now UHW. More sporting heroes came under her care there, as she treated several players among the great Waterford hurlers of 1957-’63 and the very successful Waterford soccer team of 1966-’73. She never lost her interest in the fortunes of our hurlers in particular and, in 2007, gave Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh a Padre Pio relic to pass on to goalkeeper Clinton Hennessy before a big Munster championship match against Cork. Waterford won, narrowly, after a Cork shot came back off the bar in the last minute.The ‘Brick’ later informed her that Clinton said that it wasn't him but Padre Pio who had pushed that ball onto the crossbar. In 2010, Mary and her late sister Philomena Dobbyn were interviewed by a researcher from Trinity College who was compiling a study of the lives of Irish Nurses in England during the War. Thanks to Kieran Foley, their story also subsequently featured in the Munster Express. After her retirement she had returned to Faha where she was devoted to the care of several of her brothers, most especially Brendan, who had Down Syndrome and who passed away in 2006. As always, this kind and generous woman also gave medical advice and assistance to relatives and neighbours from far and near. In June 2013, Mary moved to CareChoice Nursing Home in Abbeyside. For the first two or three years, she spent most of her time in the upstairs day room, where she kept an experienced eye on the more vulnerable residents. Mary was well treated at CareChoice and more than once she said the food was too good there. The blue and white scarves and wrist bands she knitted will long be remembered by the staff. On 12th January, Mary was laid to rest in Faha after a Funeral Mass that was con-celebrated by Fathers G. Condon, M. Enright and M. Byrne. Dina Walshe sang ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ beautifully at the graveside. Mary is survived by her brothers Ned and Paddy, her nephews and nieces and her many friends. Mary’s Month's Mind Mass will be celebrated in Faha Church at 7.30 p.m. on Friday, 9th February. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Director, Dungarvan).

OBITUARY NANCY DALY (nee Morrissey) Acres, Ballinacourty, Dungarvan The passing of Nancy Daly on Wednesday, 3rd January, in the loving care of staff at CareChoice, The Burgery, Abbeyside, evoked feelings of deep sadness and regret. Predeceased by her husband Dick; parents Patrick and Bridget Morrissey (nee Boland); sister Peggy; grandson Ruaidhri; we express our sincere condolences to Nancy’s son Gerard; daughters Mary Carvajal, Breeda O'Brien, Ursula Daly and Alma Daly; sons-in-law Simeon and Michael; grandchildren Wayne, Shawn and Eoin; extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. A native of Ballinacourty, Nancy was educated at Ballinacourty National School. She married Dick Daly and together they worked hard, farming the land. The essence of good company, Nancy was a person of great energy with an outgoing personality. She was much travelled, visiting various parts of the globe including China, The Philippines, Thailand, The Holy Land, United States and virtually all the European countries. A member of many organisations, she was very much community oriented and was a valued member of The Flower and Garden Club, I.C.A., Museum Society, Bowling Club and Probus. Nancy was a lady who enjoyed many hobbies, her knitting and embroidery was much admired with her bainín socks and throws a particular specialty. She also made tweed pictures using various collages of materials, and spent many hours painting, Nancy’s artistic talents were much acclaimed by her family and friends. Indeed one could say that Nancy had a tremendous enthusiasm for life, her Sunday walks with Biddy Drohan would take them for miles as they caught up on news, she loved her days out with her best friend Mary Looby and in recent years her carer Geraldine Flynn became a loyal friend. Over the past two years Nancy had been a resident of CareChoice and had enjoyed good health up to very recently but passed to her eternal reward on Wednesday, 3rd January. Nancy’s passing is deeply mourned by her loving family, relatives, neighbours and friends, a void has been left that can never be filled but her warm and kind personality will always be remembered. May Nancy rest in peace. Nancy lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on Thursday evening, 4th January. Many people came to pay their respects and consoled her bereaved family. In the presence of a large gathering the Rosary was recited. Removal took place on Friday morning, 5th January, to St. Laurence’s Church, Ballinroad. En route the cortege paused in prayerful remembrance at Nancy’s residence in Ballinacourty. On arrival at St. Laurence’s an impressive Guard of Honour from Dungarvan Flower and Garden Club stood in tribute to Nancy. Requiem Mass was celebrated in thanksgiving for Nancy’s life by Fr. Ned Hassett, P.P.The Liturgy of the Word was shared with the congregation by Cáit Ryan. The Offertory Gifts of Bread and Wine were presented at the Altar by Breeda (daughter) and Mary Looby (friend).Throughout the Mass beautiful, uplifting hymns were played and sung by Ballinroad Parish Choir. Afterwards Nancy was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Fr. Hassett, P.P., led the Rite of Committal and imparted the graveside blessing. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

55 JOHN (Whity) POWER Silversprings and formerly Keating Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford It is with deep sorrow we record the passing of John (Whity) Power, Silversprings, and formerly Keating Street, which sad event occurred at Waterford University Hospital on 29th December, 2017, after a short illness. John passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. John and his twin Michael were born in June 1943, to their parents Michael Power and Bridget (nee Hayes) of Ballyknock Upper. John’s brother died at the young age of two years (R.I.P.). John’s early school days were with the Sisters of Mercy, and later the Christian Brothers. When he finished his education, John started his first employment at Peter Quealy’s in O’Connell Street, and also worked unloading the many ships that used to dock at Dungarvan Quay. He later got a part-time job in the Creamery, which soon after, lead to full-time employment. John remained working in Waterford Co-Op until his retirement. John loved his sports. In his schooldays, he played hurling in the Schoolboys’ League for The Mitchels. He was also goalkeeper for Dungarvan Soccer Club and Waterford Co-Op Inter-Firms League. Many of John’s friends and former work colleagues, who came to pay their last respects to John, recalled and told stories of many a match, which brought a smile to the faces of John’s grieving family, as they remembered happier days. John was a life-time supporter of Waterford Football Club and travelled to all their games, home and away. He was also an avid supporter of Manchester United. One of the highlights in his life was when he attended, in 1968, Waterford -v- Manchester United in Lansdowne Road and the “Away” game in Old Trafford. John was a quiet, gentle and unassuming man with a great love of animals. He was quite happy to sit and watch TV with his dog asleep on his lap. He had a particular soft spot for Cocker Spaniels. John was held in high esteem, and was greatly respected by family and friends and he will be sadly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May he rest in peace. Following Rosary, recited by Sr. Philomena, removal, from Drohan’s Funeral Home, took place on Monday, 1st January, to St. Gobnait’s Church, Kilgobinet, for Funeral Mass on arrival. Mass was celebrated by Canon Ryan. Bernadette Kirwan spoke about the symbols that represented John’s life and that were brought to the Altar by his nephew Michael (Manchester United jersey); grandnephew George (Waterford Hurlers’ calendar); brother-in-law James (photograph album) and grandniece Rachel (DVDs). The readings were delivered by Siobhan Mullin and Collette Kirwan (nieces). Prayers of the Faithful were read by Emily Power, Caroline Power, Ciaran Walsh and Deirdre Power. The gifts were brought to the Altar by Jim and Breda Power. Hymns and music were provided by Dinah Walsh. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Chief mourners were: Jim (brother); Mary (sister); James (brotherin-law); Breda (sister-in-law); Michael (nephew); Collette, Liz, Deirdre, Caroline and Siobhan (nieces) and grandnieces and grandnephews. John’s family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and staff of Dunabbey House and St. Vincent’s Ward for the care and attention they gave to John, and also the Doctors and Nurses at Waterford University Hospital. Thanks to John’s friends and neighbours who attended his repose and interment, for their help, kindness and support to John’s family, during this difficult time. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Director, Dungarvan).

Liturgy of Appreciation for the work of Religious Orders and Congregations in our Diocese LITURGY of Appreciation for the work of Religious Orders and Congregations in our Diocese on Friday, 2nd February, at 7.00 p.m. in Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford. On 2nd February in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford, at 7.00 p.m. there will be a Liturgy of Appreciation for all the work which the Religious Orders and Congregations have carried out in this Diocese. There are 20 Religious Orders working and praying among us. The Diocese wishes to acknowledge the great work carried out by the Religious in the ceremony on 2nd February, the Feast of the Presentation. The ceremony will include scripture readings, hymns and a homily and will be followed by light refreshments in the Granville Hotel afterwards. Parishioners throughout the Diocese are invited to attend.

PATRICIA (Patsy) FAY (nee Mullins) Ballycoe, Dungarvan We record with feelings of deep sorrow and regret the passing of Patricia (Patsy) Fay which occurred on Wednesday, 24th January, at University Hospital Waterford. Predeceased by her husband Carl and parents James and Margaret, we express our deepest sympathy to Patsy’s son Edwin; daughters Jean and Karla; daughter-in-law Blánaid; sons-in-law Loren Harnett and Paul Twomey; grandchildren Alex, Gregory, Ella, Olivia, Faye and Ali; sister Gabriel; brothers Jim, Donal and David; sisters-in-law Kathleen, Una and Joan; nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Patsy lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, on Thursday evening, 25th January. In the presence of her loving family, relatives, neighbours and friends Sr. Alice (Sisters of Mercy) led the recitation of the Rosary. On Friday morning, 26th January, Requiem Mass in thanksgiving for Patsy’s life was celebrated by Fr. Ned Hassett, P.P., in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan. Also in attendance was Canon W. Ryan, P.P. Cremation took place afterwards at The Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, County Cork. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

PEGGY O’BRIEN (nee Collender) Millstreet, Cappagh We write with feelings of deep sorrow and regret of the passing of Peggy O’Brien which occurred, peacefully, in the loving care of staff at CareChoice, The Burgery, Abbeyside, on Monday, 29th January. Predeceased by her husband Joe, we express our deepest sympathy to Peggy’s sisters-in-law Eilish Collender and Nellie Collender, nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and neighbours. Peggy lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home on Tuesday, 30th January. Her family, relatives and friends prayed the Rosary which was led by Fr. Michael Collender, O.S.A. Removal will take place at 11.00 a.m. on Wednesday, 31st January, to St. Mary’s Church,Touraneena (via Millstreet, Cappagh), for Requiem Mass at 12 noon. Afterwards Peggy will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

FARMING Round-up … New thinking needed on SMP intervention stock IFA National Dairy Committee Chairman Tom Phelan has said that, rather than changes to the SMP intervention buying-in rules, it would be far more important for the EU Commission to develop an effective strategy to dispose of the 380,000t intervention stock of SMP currently overhanging dairy markets. Tom Phelan called on Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed, who will be discussing this topic with his EU colleagues at the next Agriculture Council on 29th January, to insist on an intervention management policy that will minimise pressure on dairy product prices during 2018, and will not undermine a proven market management tool into the next CAP. “It is proving very difficult to sell this stock. Just over 2000t of SMP was sold out of intervention in the last 16 months, of which 1864t last week. Based on the bids received, the EU Commission set last week’s price at €1190/t, around €100/t less than feed-grade powder - by any measure an unsustainably low price,” Mr Phelan said. “The large stock of intervention SMP is depressing fresh prices to unsustainable levels, when production is actually down 5% in the EU, and the supply/demand balance for the fresh product would justify higher prices,” he added. “The EU Commission is seeking approval from the Agriculture Council to change the rules for intervention buy-in in a manner which could further depress prices,” he said. “Minister Creed must insist that the integrity of the regulations, and the safety net they provide, are preserved, especially as intervention is a key market management tool with a proven track record of helping rebalance market disturbances,” he said. “The Minister must also demand new thinking in the EU when it comes to the disposal of the accumulated intervention stock, to minimise pressure on dairy product prices. All potential uses which optimise its value must be considered, including non-food uses,” Tom Phelan concluded.

Sheep farmers frustrated with meat factories and department over clean sheep policy IFA National Sheep Chairman Sean Dennehy said there is growing frustration among sheep farmers with the overzealous way some meat factories and Department of Agriculture officials are attempting to implement the Clean Sheep Policy. “In some meat plants, sheep have been sent home, factories have imposed very unfair charges and others have threatened farmers. This over-the-top approach is damaging the clean sheep policy among farmers,” said Sean Dennehy. He said it is

clear some plants are losing lambs on the back of such action. The IFA sheep farmer leader said factories and the Department must take into account the continuous wet weather over recent weeks in the implementation of the Clean Sheep Policy at the slaughter plants, and adopt a more practical and sensible approach. Sean Dennehy said, despite working in very difficult weather conditions at this time of year, as quality food producers sheep farmers will strive to have their

sheep as clean as possible but neither the factories nor the Department can expect the impossible. He said it is totally wrong that some factories have threatened farmers and moved to ramp up charges on clipping, with some imposing 80c per head for dagging. He said IFA is opposed to clipping charges. In addition, he said some meat plants have imposed unfair, across the board charges of 30c per sheep regardless of whether the sheep are clean or dirty. He said this is totally unfair and wrong.

IFA reaction to transport subsidy for fodder

IFA sets out major challenges for Minister Creed in Phase 2 of Brexit WHILE the conclusion of the first phase of the Brexit negotiations was positive and welcome, the outcome of Phase 2 will determine the fate of Irish food exports to our largest market, the UK, with serious implications for farming. This was the key challenge IFA dairy and livestock leaders put to Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed and the Department of Agriculture at a meeting of the Stakeholders Brexit Consultative Committee in Dublin. The IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan and National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods attended the Brexit meeting and made it very clear that Minister Creed must deliver a positive outcome with full unimpeded market access to the UK for agriculture and farming in the negotiations on the post-Brexit relationship agreement between the EU and the UK. IFA National Dairy Chairman Tom Phelan said, “Keeping an ‘invisible’ border between Northern Ireland and the Republic is crucial for our integrated agri-food sector and dairy industry. Maintaining the east-west trade flows may be even more important as the UK accounts for 35% of our food exports, with cheddar cheese, beef, poultry, pig and sheep meat especially dependent on British sales. “Not only is continued access critical post-Brexit, ensuring that the value of the UK market is not undermined by imports from third countries is key. Minister Creed must press for the EU to demand that, as an agreed part of the future relationship between the UK and the EU, trade deals cannot be made by the UK that would allow for cheaper and lower standard products from outside the EU to be imported into the British market, displacing Irish and EU quality foods”. Focusing on Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ), which typically form part of trade deals and allow imports of certain products at low or zero tariffs, IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods added, “Trade deals made over the years by the EU involved all member states, with the UK benefiting to varying degrees. The UK’s exit must give rise to a recalculation of the TRQs agreed under the main trade deals for beef and other agricultural products, to ensure the other 27 member states do not end up having to continue importing post Brexit what the UK would have consumed. “Also, pre-existing tariff-free import quotas of lamb and butter from New Zealand, which were brought into the EU by the UK when it joined in 1973, must also be reallocated in a manner that reflects actual utilisation in recent years,” Angus Woods said. IFA will continue to lobby at home, in Brussels, and all around the EU to press for continued, unimpeded access to the valuable UK market for Irish food exports.

The IFA sheep farmer leader said factories should not be imposing charges under the Clean Sheep Policy and any costs associated with required action at factory level should be incorporated into normal running costs of the factory. Sean Dennehy said farmers will make the best possible effort to have their sheep as clean as possible. However, he said any significant delay in slaughtering sheep at a factory is very bad news as it will reduce kill out and cost the farmer.

The IFA 2017 Waterford Young Leader Padraig Daly pictured receiving his Certificate at the Farm Business Skillnet “Personal Development & Leadership” programme in the Irish Farm Centre. From left to right: James Murphy, Farm Business Skillnet Chair, Padraig Daly and James Kelly, IFA Director of Organisation.

Winter finishers need cattle price increases not cuts IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said moves by the factories on cattle price are sending the wrong signals to winter finishers and damaging confidence at farm level. He said that while there was the usual seasonal change in demand in the new year, cattle prices in our main export market in the UK have remained very strong, at the equivalent of €4.42/kg for R3 steers. Across the main EU markets, cattle prices are trading 20c to 30c/kg above 2017 levels. Angus Woods said winter finisher need a strong price increase at this time of year, “Farmers feeding cattle in sheds since last

autumn have run up considerable costs and the factories need to send a positive signal on price.” He said there was a full sellout of beef over the Christmas period, with exceptionally strong demand and there is no beef in store. In addition he said the manufacturing market and burger sales were particularly strong. Angus Woods said the base price for steers is varying from a low quote of €3.95/kg to €4.00/kg and heifers are varying from a low of €4.05/kg with €4.10 and €4.15/kg paid in places. The IFA livestock leader said the official paid prices recorded

by the Department of Agriculture are much higher, reflecting the higher prices above quotes that factories actually pay and also reflecting the in-spec bonus payments. He said for the week ending January 21st, the official R=3= average steer price paid across the country was €4.07/kg. For heifers the average R=3= price paid was €4.22/kg. For young bulls the average prices paid by the factories were U= €4.17, R= €4.02 and O= €3.89/kg. On cows U grades were paid an average of €3.76/kg, R grades €3.64/kg, O grades €3.43 and P+ grades €3.33/kg.

IFA President Joe Healy said the transport subsidy scheme announced by the Minister for Agriculture will help to alleviate fodder problems, but more is needed. Joe Healy said IFA had made a strong case to the Minister since the problem of fodder shortages, particularly in the North West, emerged last Autumn. Two meetings of the Fodder Action Group took place ahead of the IFA AGM last week, at which the Minister committed to the introduction of a transport subsidy scheme. On the 100km rule to avail of the subsidy of €12 for hay and silage, and €8 for straw, Joe Healy said this is too inflexible and will have to be re-visited, along with any other aspects that are impractical. He said the scheme should have the minimum of bureaucracy as this is a busy time of the year on farms. IFA Connacht Regional Chairman Padraic Joyce said the IFA believes a meal voucher system would have been the best and most efficient means of providing support, but in the absence of such a scheme, it is vital that the transport subsidy scheme is opened immediately as farmers are under extreme stress and are in dire need of feed for animals.

FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Agri Aware seeks entrants for their inaugural photography competition #agrishoot ARE you a budding photographer? Love to take a selfie? Agri Aware Ireland’s independent agri-food educational body wants to see agriculture through your eyes, from a snap of your Mammy’s hearty stew to your favourite view! The inaugural Agri Aware #agrishoot photography competition was launched today by Irish international rugby player and farmer Sean O’Brien at his farm in Tullow, Co. Carlow. The competition is part of Agri Aware’s year-long CAP communication campaign entitled “My land, your land – Ireland” celebrating the impact the Common

Agricultural Policy (CAP) has on people from both urban and rural Ireland. One lucky winner will have their photograph featured in Agri Aware’s “My land, your land – Ireland” CAP advertising campaign in Dublin Airport. The chosen image will be seen by over 3 million passengers passing through the airport in Spring 2018! Speaking at the launch of the competition Deirdre O’Shea, Executive Director, Agri Aware said “We are thrilled to launch our inaugural photo competition. It’s a great opportunity to showcase the very best of Ireland’s farming, food and landscape in a unique and novel way. From life on the farm to your

favourite brunch in the city, we want to see what agriculture means to you, and we look forward to seeing the entries pouring in!” TAKING PART You can enter instantly on Instagram by tagging @AgriAware and using the hashtags: #Agrishoot Photographs can also be emailed to info@agriaware.ie, with subject line #Agrishoot. The first-place winner will have their photograph featured in Agri Aware’s Airport advertising campaign in Dublin Airport and will also receive a brand new Samsung Galaxy S8. For further information on the competition you can visit www.agriaware.ie

IFA welcomes changes to the State Pension that values the contribution of carers IFA Farm Family and Social Affairs Chair, Caroline Farrell has welcomed changes to the calculation of the Contributory State Pension proposed by Minister for Social Protection Regina Doherty that better value the contribution of those who took time out of employment to care for families and older relatives. Caroline Farrell said, “The proposals will address the some of the anomalies in the system. The new Home Caring credits, as well as the option for pensioners to avail of the total contribution approach when calculating entitlements, will improve the pension rate received for many retired women farmers.” The Farm Family Chairprson

continued that she knew many women farmers who have worked all their lives on the farm, caring for their families and older relatives, only to find that they were entitled to a reduced pension as a result of the yearly average approach to calculating payment rates. The situation for many more women worsened following the introduction of the additional bands in 2012. The main changes, which will take effect from the 30th March 2018, are that Home Caring credits will be available for a period of 20 years for homemaking and caring duties, previously not available to homemakers pre-1994. There will also be an option to avail of

a total contribution approach for those who reached pensionable age on or after the 1st September 2012. “Overall the response from women farmers have been very positive to the proposals”, said Mrs. Farrell, “however there is disappointed that the losses incurred since 2012 would not be back-dated” The Farm Family Chair concluded by saying that IFA would continue to work with the Minister to secure changes to the system to ensure that the situation facing low income farm families who availed of Farm Assist pre-2007 and were excluded from making contributions is addressed and that they are credited for these years.

IFA President rejects comments by UK Brexit Secretary IFA President Joe Healy on Tuesday rejected the claims made by UK Brexit Secretary David Davis, that the December 2017 EU-UK Joint Report on the Article 50 Negotiations allows the UK flexibility to diverge from EU rules. Joe Healy said, “This is a totally unacceptable attempt by the UK to rewrite the December agreement and escape its commitments.” The Brexit Secretary reportedly said that, although Britain and the EU would enjoy full regulatory alignment at the moment of Brexit, they could diverge as time went on. Mr Davis also claimed that, “Full alignment is really about alignment of outcomes, of regulatory outcomes.” Mr Healy was addressing the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union in Dublin today, following David Davis’s appearance before the Committee in London yesterday. The IFA President said that in the December agreement the UK had given its “guarantee of avoiding a hard border” and in the absence of agreed solutions had committed to “maintain full alignment with those rules of the Internal Market and the Customs Union”, which

support the all-island economy, where the agriculture and food sector is crucial. Mr Healy continued “IFA is clear that Ireland and the EU cannot allow the UK off the hook – there can be no deviation or flexibility away from full alignment with EU rules”. He warned that the UK would exploit any flexibility on the EU side to pursue a cheap-food policy with lower standards, which would have disastrous consequences for the value of Irish food exports to the British market” The IFA President said, “The best outcome for the Irish and EU agri-food sector would be for the UK to stay within the Single Market and Customs Union or for the EU and UK to reach a new arrangement that binds the UK within the existing trading arrangements without undermining the integrity of the Single Market. “If the UK is to honour the commitments it gave in the December agreement, the reality is it must abandon any ambitions it may have for an independent trade policy in agriculture and food products,” Joe Healy concluded.

Pictured at the launch are (L-R) Deirdre O’Shea, Executive Director, Agri Aware and Sean O’Brien, Irish international rugby player at Sean’s farm in Tullow, Co. Carlow. For more information visit www.agriaware.ie

EU Mercosur trade talks on a knife edge for beef SPEAKING from the EU Mercosur trade negotiations in Brussels, IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said he is extremely worried that Europe, led by Trade Commissioner Cecelia Malmstrom, will concede more to the Brazilians on beef. He said “All the the key politicians are here locked in a room in Brussels haggling over the details of a possible deal. Commissioner Malmstrom is prepared to sacrifice more on beef to get more for big business and the automobile sector, with big companies like Volvo from Sweden benefiting”. Angus Woods accused

Commissioner Malmstrom of favouring big business over citizens and abandoning the European principle of a ‘Union of Equals’. He said it is a scandal that an EU Commissioner is allowed to bulldoze her way on trade to satisfy big business over the interests of EU citizens. He called on the Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and EU Commissioner Phil Hogan to stand up to Trade Commissioner Malmstrom against her sellout to the Brazilians on beef in the negotiations. “Commissioner Malmstrom has already conceded way too much in the giveaway of an addi-

tional 70,000t of EU beef market access. Now the Brazilians want more. Ireland and Commissioner Hogan need to say bluntly: enough is enough.” The IFA Livestock Leader accused the EU Trade Commissioner of blatantly undermining European policy and values on the environment and animal welfare. “There is a clear contradiction at EU level. One arm of the Commission is prepared to do this deal and undermine the environment and animal welfare, while European farmers are asked to play their part on climate change and maintain the highest welfare standards.”

READER’S QUERIES Question: I am a Nitrates derogation participant. I was talking with a neighbour over the weekend and he was telling me that derogation farmers can’t use the splash-plate anymore and that they must use the trailing shoe for spreading slurry from this year. I only signed up to this derogation last year and wasn’t told anything about this rule.This wouldn’t suit me at all. Is this the case? Can you please advise? Answer: Not all free advice is accurate or independent so one should take weekend advice with a grain of salt.Yes there are changes coming in but nothing as drastic as your advice. 50% of Winter produced slurry must now be spread by the 15th June annually on derogation farms. This measure is necessary to reduce Nitrogen losses into the atmosphere and therefore save money in unnecessary bought in nutrients. All slurry spread for the remainder of each year must then be spread by low emissions methods such as the trailing shoe, band spreader or injection methods. There is good news however as

grant aid is available for low emissions slurry spreading equipment at a standard rate of 40% or 60% for young farmers. Contractors also have this equipment. I trust this will clear things for you. Tip of the Week: Contact your adviser to discuss N & P requirements and limits before ordering the annual fertiliser.This should avoid unnecessary penalties down the line.

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, 2 February, 2018

Teagasc APPLYING SLURRY IN SPRING Cattle slurry, as a valuable source of N, P and K, should be applied on the fields that need it most and at the time of year that will give you the best response. All of the P and K in slurry is available to be utilised and fields that are low in both of these nutrients need to be targeted to receive slurry. On a lot of farms, this will be the silage fields as this is where the feed that eventually produced the slurry came from in the first place. The time of year that slurry is spread does not affect the availability or utilisation of P and K.This is not the case with N. N in cattle slurry Half of the nitrogen that is in cattle slurry is in an organic form and the other half is as ammonium, the very same as the form of nitrogen that is in purchased urea fertilizer. It is the ammonium half that can replace bought in bagged N. Similar to urea fertilizer there are times of the year during which you can expect to get the maximum value of N from slurry and this is very much weather dependent. Ideal conditions for getting the best nitrogen utilisation from cattle slurry are: • Overcast with very little sunshine. • Slight drizzle of rain. • Little or no wind. Where the weather conditions are only average, there is a 50% loss in utilisation rate and where the conditions are poor, i.e. a dry, sunny day with a strong breeze/wind, there is a further 50% loss in utilisation rate. A good rule of thumb is that a day

that is very good for drying clothes on a washing line is a bad day for spreading slurry if you want to get the maximum amount of N in it utilised. Recommendations In order to get the maximum value out of the N that is in cattle slurry, the majority of it should be spread in the Spring when the weather conditions favour it most. • When weather conditions are suitable, apply 2,500 to 3,000 gallons of slurry to the paddocks/fields that you will be grazing first at least six weeks before turnout. • Paddocks that have heavy covers of grass should not get slurry until immediately after they are grazed. • When fields are grazed and closed for silage, apply between 2,500 and 3,000 gallons of cattle slurry before applying any bagged N. Reduce the amount of bagged N spread by taking into account the units that have been supplied in this slurry. Trailing shoe There are three main advantages with using a trailing shoe slurry spreader in the Spring compared with using a splash-plate spreader: • They widen the window of opportunity in getting slurry out on farms with heavier soils. • They allow you to spread slurry on paddocks/fields with heavier covers of grass and still be able to graze them six weeks later, i.e. less contamination of grass. • They increase the utilisation rate of the N that is available in slurry by up to 40%.

While there are advantages to using a trailing shoe spreader in comparison with more conventional spreaders, at their current cost they are still only justifiable in most cases on a contractor scale. Individual farmers should negotiate the best rate possible (per 1,000 gallons spread). DAIRYING Clean dry housing = less mastitis Mastitis occurs because bacteria gets into the udder through the teat end. These bacteria can come from other cows (via milk), or from the environment. When cows are housed, their exposure to mastitis-causing bacteria in the environment is higher. Bacteria such as E. coli and Strep. uberis, which survive in the cow’s environment, can cause severe cases of mastitis. Plan ahead and reduce the risk of mastitis problems in your cows and in-calf heifers this spring. Reduce the risk of mastitis by making sure housing is clean, dry and comfortable. 1. Cleaner houses = cleaner udders = less bacteria at the teat ends. • Scrape passageways, cubicles and yards at least twice a day, or run automatic scrapers at least six to eight times daily; • don’t forget, cubicle mats and bedding should be clean; and, • in straw-bedded houses, bedding should be refreshed daily. 2. Dry housing makes it harder for bacteria to grow. • Good ventilation is essential;

IFA campaign for €200 suckler cow support IFA President Joe Healy said the suckler cow herd is the backbone of our €3bn beef and livestock sector and suckler farming, which is vitally important to every rural Parish across the country. He said, “Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Agriculture Minister Michael Creed must fully support the suckler herd and appreciate its importance for Irish agriculture and rural Ireland. “At the recent IFA AGM, the Taoiseach set it out when he highlighted the importance of the beef sector by stating that without it ‘Ireland would not be Ireland’. It is crucial that this expression of support translates into real Government measures that make a difference,” he said. “It has been well flagged that the Government is planning to spend an extra €3bn in the next Budget due to the improvement in the national finances. This provides an ideal opportunity for the Government to back up their words of support for the sector.

Minister Creed needs to invest in the suckler herd and tackle the income crisis on livestock farms.” Joe Healy said, “From our lobbying work with public representatives across the political parties, there is strong support for sucklers. Minister Creed needs to take the lead, harness this political support and turn it into real delivery in the form of additional payment for sucklers”. IFA National Livestock Chairman Angus Woods said the IFA and the Farmers Journal will be holding meetings in a number of marts across the country in the coming weeks where the campaign for increased support for sucklers will be ramped up. Angus Woods said there was too much negative talk about the demise of the suckler cow herd. He said there is no doubt that suckler farmers are under intense income pressure and additional direct support was critical. However, he said the suckler herd was well worth investing in as it delivers an

immense return across rural areas. An IFA study by UCD showed that for each €1 of support invested in the beef and livestock sector underpins over €4 in output in the Irish economy. IFA is undertaking further research in to quantify the full contribution the Suckler herd is currently making the economy in rural areas. Angus Woods said IFA will continue to campaign and support a strong live export trade, which he said was essential for price competition and market outlets. In addition, he said IFA was committed to ensuring that farmers are properly rewarded for quality in terms of the price they receive for their stock. He said IFA was opposed to the spurious argument made for flat pricing. He said last week IFA was lobbying TDs and Senators across the country on defending the beef and suckler sector in the EU – Mercosur trade deal, with the negotiations set to resume in Brussels next week.

• liming of cubicles (twice daily) will help keep them dry; and, • make sure straw bedding isn’t damp.Wet knees after kneeling on it means its damp. 3. Comfortable cubicles = cows using them more = cleaner udders and teats. • Don’t overstock cubicle housing this Winter. • Aim to have 10% more cubicles than cows. Don’t forget about your in-calf heifers! Good environmental conditions now are just as important as when they join the main herd. Calf Care Getting the right amount of colostrum into calves as early as possible is the secret to good calf management. Calves that get enough colostrum are less likely to get sick and will thrive better. Although it is preferable to feed each calf its own mother’s colostrum, this is not always possible. Once colostrum from healthy, disease-free cows is collected in clean churns/buckets, and refrigerated within three to six hours of collection, it can be stored in a fridge for up to two days or frozen. Research has shown that it is possible to move directly to feeding milk replacer after following the ‘123 rule’ (although many farmers will feed transition milk initially). The ‘123 rule’ for colostrum: Use milk from the 1st milking to feed calves; feed within 2 hours of birth; and, feed 3 litres of colostrum. Remember that a young calf will spend up to 80% of its time lying down, so a dry bed is essential. Allow 1 .5m2 (1 6ft2) of space per calf.

Gardaí to address Waterford ICMSA meeting in Dungarvan WATERFORD ICMSA will hold their first meeting of 2018 this Thursday, 1st February, in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan, at 8.30 p.m. The local members will hear from one of the association’s policy officers, Dr. Aine O’Connell, and the agenda covers dairy and beef outlook as well as the slurry-spreading and nitrates situation. There will also be a presentation from Sgt. Alan Kissane on the broader question of rural security and given the interest and media coverage of that problem an interesting Q and A can be expected. A large crowd is expected and queries should be directed to the local Area Officer, John Wallis, 087-1732455.

Minister has to get transport scheme Decision to increase compulsory broadleaf for fodder moving area to 15% is the wrong approach NATIONAL Farm Forestry Chairman, Pat Collins has said that the decision taken by the Forest Service to increase the compulsory broadleaf area from 10% to 15% is the wrong approach. Mr. Collins said the solution to Ireland meeting its broadleaf target is not to reduce the commerciality of the overall afforestation scheme but to encourage more farmers to plant broadleaf forest by increasing the premium rate, the duration of premiums or by introducing a payment for the additional environmental services provided by broadleaf forests. “I am very disappointed by the decision

taken by the Forest Service and fear it will have major repercussions for the afforestation programme,” Pat Collins said. He continued, “Farmers plant trees to produce timber, but now the productive area has been reduced further, for every 10 hectares they plant they are required to set aside 3 hectares to biodiversity enhancement and broadleaf landscaping”. He recognised that Ireland needs to improve the level of broadleaf planting but said that there are a number of reasons for the decline, predominantly the removal of ash and larch as approved species as a result of disease but also that farmers are being offered a zero

value for their broadleaf forests if they are selling or entering into partnerships. “If it does not make commercial sense to plant broadleaves, it is unrealistic to expect farmers to carry the burden of Ireland not meeting its broadleaf targets. Farmers do not have the luxury of planting a crop that is uneconomic that will not provide a sustainable income for their families”. “The planting programme in 2017 was the lowest in more than 60 years with approximately 5,500 hectares of new forest established, 25% below the 7,400 hectares target in the Forestry Programme,” Pat Collins said.

IFA Connacht Regional Chairman Padraic Joyce has said there is frustration among farmers and concern for the welfare of livestock as the full details of the transport subsidy for fodder have not yet been released. Padraic Joyce said the application forms should be made available immediately to allow farmers to make arrangements. "The Minister gave this commitment when I raised it at the recent IFA AGM. On Wednesday the Department announced some details but we are still waiting for the application forms." On the 100km rule to avail of the subsidy of €12 for hay and silage, and €8 for straw, Padraic Joyce said this is too inflexible and will have to be revisited, along with any other aspects that are impractical. He said the scheme should have the minimum of bureaucracy as this is a busy time of the year on farms. Padraic Joyce said the IFA believes a meal voucher system would have been the best and most efficient means of providing support, but in the absence of such a scheme, it is vital that the transport subsidy scheme is opened immediately as farmers are under extreme stress and are in dire need of feed for animals.

FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

M o n ey i n Tre es

Nicholas Dwane AUCTIONEER & VALUER

www.nicholasdwane.com • info@nicholasdwane.com

087 2629 539 Bawnabraher, The Burgery, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

WANTED British Fresian, Angus, Hereford and Continental Calves • Bulls and Heifers ALSO STORE CATTLE

TO LEASE FOR FIVE YEARS 46 Acres of Good Grassland for Grass or Tillage CAPPOQUIN AREA Box No. 6066

TOM Hickey and Patrick Trihy of Waterford Forest Owners Group measuring the diameter of a “Spruce” plantation in preparation for a second thinning. This particular forest was planted 1997/98. Experts tell us that milk is the most profitable farm enterprise followed by forestry as the second highest earner in farming. Waterford Forest Owners’ Group committee (voluntary body) with our friends in IWP (Irish Wood Producers) put in a big effort so

that the primary producer (farm forest owners) gets a fair return on our investment. With the support of Teagasc we also try to transfer as much forest knowledge as possible to our members. Our AGM is on Thursday, 8th February in the Teagasc Office Dungarvan 7.30 p.m. (please note time). At this AGM we will have two tax consultants to give presentation on tax liabilities on selling timber standing, processed timber, sell-

ing forest land with trees standing or harvested ground, also the tax consultants will cover inheritance tax on this asset. John Casey Teagasc forester will give information on “Ash Dieback” and regulations. We will have update on changes to planting premium grants etc. If you are a forest owner or might be interested in planting you are welcome. Any queries to Tom Hickey Sec., 087-9386209. [Photo courtesy of Josephine Hickey]

IFA seeks fresh agreement on habitats directive IFA SAC Chairman Padraic Joyce is insisting that a new agreement be established to set out the terms under which the EU Habitats and Bird’s Directive is to be implemented. IFA on Thursday last set out the key issues that must be addressed in the new agreement at a meeting with the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Padraic Joyce said, “It is now 11 years since the last agreement on the implementation of the EU Habitats and Bird’s Directive. Many of the commitments entered into have not been honoured, particularly in the area of providing proper compensation for designations imposed on landowners. “The new Heritage Minister, Josepha Madigan and her Department must recognise the frustration designation is causing

among farmers and landowners and must commit to a fresh agreement that will deal with farmers’ concerns, provide proper compensation for the restrictions imposed, and allow for increased flexibility in how farmers manage and make use of designated land.” IFA is seeking to conclude an agreement within three months and believes that until such time as the new agreement is put in place, the designation process which involves formalisation of previous proposed designations should be immediately halted. The measures IFA is seeking in the new agreement include: 1. The NPWS service must engage in a positive way when it comes to planning so that developments are allowed on designated areas subject to the protection of the environment. Flexibility is required to ensure

that both the development and the environmental objectives are respected. 2. In relation to compensation, the NPWS Farm Plan Scheme was an integral part of the compensation mechanism, along with measures under the Department of Agriculture agrienvironmental programmes. IFA is insisting that the Farm Plan Scheme is fully restored with proper funding. This will allow farmers to have the option of an NPWS scheme or a DAFM scheme or both and will ensure that all aspects of the designations can be covered by a compensation scheme. 3. IFA is particularly concerned at the delay in producing the Threat Response Plan for Hen Harrier area promised 3 years ago and is insisting that afforestation be allowed in Hen Harrier areas under guidelines.

4. In relation to devaluation of land, an arbitration process must be formally established with personnel appointed who can access disputes where landowners feel their property has been devalued. 5. A proper notification process must be put in place, including ensuring that the consequences of designation are explained fully to farmers on a one-to-one level. 6. In relation to appeals, the designated appeals body should produce an annual report of its work and must be shown to be truly independent. In addition, the landowner’s representatives should be financially supported to challenge the designation process. This will improve the outcome of the appeals process ensuring that all aspects are taken into account in the designation process.

Dungarvan Mart Prices Monday, 29th January, 2018 DRY COWS 1 A.A. 830 kgs made €1,270. 1 Fr. 720 kgs made €1,150. 1 Fr. 640 kgs made €1,005. BULLOCKS 3 Fr. 540 kgs. made €1,000 each. 3 Fr. 553 kgs made €1,015 each. 1 Her. 540 kgs made €1,120. 6 A.A. 536 kgs made €1,110 each. HEIFERS 3 A.A. 458 kgs. made €845 each. 2 Lim. 263 kgs made €685 each. 3 Lim. 303 kgs made €680 each.

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

Dungarvan Junior Musical Stage School FOLLOWING our hugely successful production of Annie at the Sports Centre last week we will be holding our Open / Registration evening for our new term this Friday, 2nd February, at St. Joseph’s School, Dungarvan, from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.The new term will commence on Monday, 5th February, and run until June. We cater for students aged 4 to 6, 7 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 18 in our classes that take place every Monday and Wednesday in St. Joseph’s. If you like to sing, dance, act and perform, or you just like to have fun and make new friends, then Dungarvan Junior Musical Stage School is the placed for you. The stage school is now in its tenth year and going from strength to strength with each passing term. We have a strong emphasis on confidence building and having fun while learning all the skills of the performing arts from the industries most professional, talented and experienced professionals. So why not see for yourself why so many happy students can’t be wrong, no experience is required to join the stage school as all levels of ability are catered for and all our students get to perform on stage in our full scale end of term musical productions and we are delighted to announce that our next end of term production will be the sensational musical Legally Blonde. For more information or to secure your place you can call or text David or Brian on 0872360330 and we will answer any questions you might have or you can contact us on our Facebook page. Places are limited in all our classes so don't delay and secure your place in Dungarvan and West Waterford's premier stage school. We would like to say a huge thank you to every-

one who helped us in any way on our production of Annie and to all who came to see the show we say a huge thank you also, your support is very mush appreciated. Let the fun begin.

the Solas Cancer Support Centre, explains that the Dance for Life event is one of the key annual events that funds the services ‘The services in Waterford and in Dungarvan are completely funded by donations and fundraising events and we really appreciate all the support that family, colleagues and friends give the dancers in their fundraising activities. We also want to acknowledge the support of Schivo Medical, the main sponsor of this event, for

In association with SGC Dungarvan

The Post

Solas Cancer Support Centre – Dance for Life THE Solas Cancer Support Centre’s ‘Dance for Life 2018’ promises to be the biggest and best event to date with 42 participants now rehearsing for the show on Friday, 9th March, in The Theatre Royal, Waterford. Michelle Condon is the Choreographer for the event and is putting the dancers through their paces with an energetic Group Dance and an individual dance per couple. ‘With six weeks to go, the pressure is on to get the final touches to the dances and polish the routines. The Group Dance is great fun and coordinating 42 novice dancers for a 4 minute opening number is certainly a challenge but it’s a challenge that everyone is embracing’. Clare Shanahan, Client Services Co-ordinator of the Solas Cancer Support Centre, thanks the dancers for their time and enthusiasm in preparing for the show ‘We really appreciate the efforts of all the dancers, particularly Dungarvan couple Richard and Breda Power. Not only are they putting in a huge amount of time to rehearsing they are also actively fundraising for the Solas Cancer Support Centre.’ Tracy McDaid, Manager of

Movie Reviews

their continued support of this event’. The Solas Cancer Support Centre offers free cancer support to those affected by cancer, their families and carers in the South East. These services are available in their Centre at Williamstown in Waterford City and in their West Waterford service based in the Alternative Health Clinic in Dungarvan. For details on these free services visit the website – www.solascentre.ie

Breda and Richard Power

By Bill Tubbritt IF you’re looking for a movie packed with big names, then 2018 will be hard pressed to find any bigger names then Steven Spielberg, Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, all involved in the same movie. Spielberg, of course, directed the movie and fast tracked it into production due to his excitement after first reading the script. The Post has been receiving high praise with the critics and has also received two Academy Award nominations, Best Picture and Best Actress (Meryl Streep). The movie is a fascinating view at the story behind the infamous Pentagon Papers and the desperate cover-up attempt by multiple United States administrations in preventing the American public from finding out the truth by attempting to block all media coverages of leaked Washington reports that would reveal the real truth the Government were so desperate to keep from public knowledge. Then US President Richard Nixon placed an injunction on the newspapers at the time reporting on the story which lead to a legal battle with the media and, in particular, The Washington Post and its owner Katharine “Kay” Graham (Meryl Streep). The Post must be one of the most relevant movies of recent times as it’s really not hard to see the similarities between a certain Trump administration and the events portrayed in the movie, in particular between President Nixon and his dealings with the media at the time. This is probably the main reason why Spielberg fast tracked production in the first place and also the

main reason for the huge hype and interest about this movie. There is no doubt that The Post is a fascinating view at the events of that time and is kind of done by splitting the movies into two parts. The first part may be the hardest to follow as it sets up the back story and facts leading up to the newspapers receiving the leaked reports. It’s from the second part where the movie really takes off and become quite an exciting watch right up until the end. Rating 4/5.

Early Man By Bill Tubbritt MANY had been waiting to see what director Nick Park would put his name to next after taking a long break after his Oscar and BAFTA success for the similarly animated styled Wallace and Gromit from 2009 and 2010.With Early Man the animations on screen looks identical which is one of the pluses for the movie along with an excellent vocal cast made up of Johnny Vegas, Eddie Redmayne,Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams and Timothy Spall. The movie has set itself up as the next Wallace and Gromit but I’m not sure many with agree with that analogy. Early Man is set in the prehistoric ages and surprisingly turns out to be more of a football movie than an ancient adventure tale. The story centres around a young caveman named Dug and his wild boar Hobnob. When their valley home is overtaken by Lord Nooth, who wants to use it to mine bronze at the beginning of the Bronze Age. Dug must reunite his tribe to challenge Lord Nooth to a winner takes all football match where dug will lose his home and have to spend the rest of his life mining bronze for the Lord if he loses. The movie does let itself down in a few ways as although it is funny in some places there just ends up being too many other places where cheap humour is used far too often for easy

laughs.The story and script are also a little on the weak side and that is the main gripe with the movie. That being said, it will entertain and is very watchable with smooth animation look great particularly with the fast action footballs scenes. Rating 3/5.

ENTERTAINMENT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Paddy O’Brien’s 24th Annual Get-Together Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • Tel. 058-41122 • info@lawlorshotel.com FRIDAY 16th, SATURDAY 17th & SUNDAY, 18th FEBRUARY IT’S nearly that time of year again when Paddy O’Brien brings together Ireland’s top Country entertainers at Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan, County Waterford. This will be Paddy’s 24th year staging his annual get-together and it continues to be one of the biggest entertainment events in the Irish

Paddy O’Brien

Gerry Guthrie

Country Music calendar. This year it will be held on Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday, 18th February. There will be a super line-up each night and it’s going to be a super weekend of entertainment featuring Paddy and his band, plus the following artists and their bands –

John McNicholl

Robert Mizzell

Barry Doyle

Gerry Guthrie, John McNicholl, Robert Mizzell, Barry Doyle, Pat Daly, New West, Tradstone and Pat Tobin. Doors open each night at 8.45 p.m. First band on stage at 9.30 p.m. sharp. Admission to nightly dances is just €20. Saturday afternoon dance is from 3.00 p.m. –

Pat Daly

New West

5.00 p.m., while Sunday afternoon is from 3.15 p.m. – 5.15 p.m. Admission is €10. For further details on this great music spectacular in Dungarvan see advertisements on forthcoming editions of the Dungarvan Observer or go to Paddy’s website on www.paddyobriensinger.com

Tradstone

Pat Tobin

Knockenpower musician to compete for Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal Just one week to Some Girl(s) AFTER a very busy weekend in Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre, the set for our upcoming production of Some Girl(s) is in – just a few finishing touches from Brian Sheehan, our amazing stage manager, and we’re ready to rock! We take to the Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre stage from Thursday, 8th – Saturday, 10th February (3 performances). While the sets for our last two productions, Closer and Cheshire Cats, were minimal, the set for Some Girl(s) sees us return to a more traditional set… but (like the plot of the play) with a twist! Thanks to all who helped build & dress the set and source props etc. over the weekend. Now that the set is in, the director and cast are busy fine-tuning the production. It always becomes more real when you’re rehearsing on the actual set with the genuine props and costumes. Characters develop, movements become more exact, and the words sometimes take on a new life. So there’s still plenty of work for our hard-working cast to do over the next week or so before opening night! ABOUT THE PLAY Some Girl(s), written by American playwright Neil LaBute, tells the story of “Guy,” an up-and-coming writer, as he meets up with four of his many ex-girlfriends just before he gets married. Although the women are different ages, from different cities and backgrounds, they all have one thing in common: “Guy” walked out on their relationship… and never looked

back – what would nowadays be called “ghosting.” Although social media and technological advances now allow us to easily find out about someone’s recent activities, back in the early 2000s, when this play is set, these women had no way of finding out what had happened and where “Guy” had disappeared to… or why. So when they hear from him out of the blue years later asking to meet, it proves to be an opportunity too tempting to pass up. Each has their own reason for agreeing to meet “Guy,” and each meeting reveals the heartbreak and destruction he left in his wake all those years ago. Of course, some of the revelations don’t show “Guy” in the best light… and some of his attempts to explain his actions… and to make up for them… prove comical in the extreme. DIRECTOR & CAST Director Fidelma Meaney directs a strong cast of Kris Cowming, Catherine Whelan, Megan Marriott, Vanessa Hyde and Emma Walsh in an unmissable production, which will then tour the Amateur Drama Council of Ireland’s festival circuit, competing for a coveted spot in the 2018 All-Ireland Finals. BOOK YOUR TICKETS So come see Some Girl(s) in Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre from Thursday, 8th – Saturday, 10th February (3 nights only) before it takes to the road! Tickets (€15) are now on sale in The Wine Buff (058-24523) and Kelly’s Pharmacy, Abbeyside (058-44433).

CONCERTINA player Clara Mannion from Knockenpower will be one of the competitors taking to the stage on Friday, 2nd February to compete in the final for the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal in Cork, which will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. 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. There will be 16 musicians in total taking part in the final in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork on 2nd February, which features box and concertina players this year. Eimhear Flannery, 13, from Rockchapel in Cork has the honour of being the youngest competitor, and John Paul Wick will be the competitor with the furthest to travel, coming all the way from New Jersey in the US. Peadar Ó Riada will present the event live on his Cuireadh chun Ceoil programme on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta from 7 pm and it will also be streamed live to the Raidió na Gaeltachta Facebook page. Tickets can be purchased from the Rochestown Park Hotel for €10, and overnight accommo-

Clara Mannion

dation and a ticket to the final are available for the bargain price of €40 pps. The judges on the night will be esteemed musicians Noel Hill, Charlie Harrison and Mick Mulcahy. The final takes place as part of a series of events over the weekend in the Rochestown Park Hotel. On Saturday afternoon, there will be a conference for musicians to advise them on recording rights, jobs, supports, insurance and the like, with rep-

resentatives from IMRO, Comhaltas and more. Comhdháil na gCeoltóirí kicks off at 2.00 p.m., with €5 entry fee. Then on Saturday night at 8 pm, there will be a concert with previous winners of the medal, An Coirm Órdha, to include Oisín Morrison, Tim McHugh, Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn and Úna Ní Fhlannagáin. The event is free, and offers a wonderful opportunity to hear top class musicians perform.

ENTERTAINMENT

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

The Dungarvan Observer, in conjunction with Curtain Call Productions Dungarvan, are pleased to offer ONE LUCKY WINNER the opportunity to WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS to attend the Opening Night of Neil LaBute’s Some Girl(s) on Thursday, 8th February, in Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre. Just answer the following question and return your entries to: Curtain Call Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 6th February. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Dungarvan Rugby Football Club

Answer: …………………………………………………………

has invited a Welsh Choir to Dungarvan the weekend of the 6 Nations Championship IRELAND v. WALES rugby inter-nationals on the 24th February, 2018. THE NAME OF THE CHOIR IS

Name: …………………………………………………………..

‘Côr Clwb Rygbi Castell Newydd Emlyn’

✄ Question: Who wrote Some Girl(s)?

WHICH TRANSLATED MEANS NEWCASTLE EMLYN RUGBY CLUB MALE VOICE CHOIR. The Rugby Club is hosting a concert with the Welsh Choir and our own all Ladies Dungarvan choir VoiceOver; in addition we will have a Welsh/Irish (Teifi/Clancy) family as guests. This family is stepped in Irish tradition and music, coming from Ring and the Clancy connection and Ryland Teifi’s dad is in the Welsh choir. In ST. MARY’S CHURCH OF IRELAND, Dungarvan, on the FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE THE MATCH on the 23rd FEBRUARY at 7.30 p.m. Doors will open at 7.00 p.m. 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.

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LA TRAVIATA WIN @ SGC Dungarvan

LA TRAVIATA from Sydney Harbour (OperAfternoons Season) Saturday, 17th February, 3.00 .pm. Fallen woman, courtesan, escort, high class call-girl - call her what you will, Violetta Valéry is one of those women who fathers warn their sons about. When the opera opens she is hosting a lavish party for her many admirers. One of them, Alfredo Germont, manages to catch her alone and confesses his love to her. She has heard such declarations many times before, but this young man intrigues her. But can their two very different lives be reconciled or is too much standing in the way of their love? The Dungarvan Observer, in association with SGC Dungarvan, has a pair of tickets to give away to the lucky winner of our competition. All you have to do is answer the following question and post your entries into La Traviata Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 6th Febraury. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

✄

The Park Hotel

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

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Pictured at the launch of the West Waterford Festival 'Friends Circle 2018' in the Crow's Nest at the Lady Belle Bar are Caroline Senior, CEO; Claire Dalton, Festival Programmer; Anita Geoghegan, ViceChairperson; Donal Connolly, Chairman and Deirdre Morrissey, Lady Belle Bar. [Dan McGrath]

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Déise Newsround ’68 was a very special year! tomekeith@hotmail.com

THIS is a photograph which has been going the rounds of Facebook for a few months now, but there has been no difficulty in identifying all those pictured in the group. The photo, probably by Rory Wyley, is of a group from the Dominic Savio Youth Club, founded in the Autumn of 1968 as a result of some teenagers parading to Grattan Square demanding that a Youth Club be set up so that they would have somewhere to go in their leisure time.This must have been one of the few occasions when placards were seen being carried around town which were in favour of some cause rather than being against. Remember that that was the Summer of ’68, the year of protest, when Martin Luther King led the Civil Rights marches in the US; when the people of Northern Ireland also marched for Civil Rights and when the students revolted in France occupying the Universities. It was also the year after the ‘Summer of Love’ when the Hippies of San Francisco urged

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Where the news is always good!

clubs and get them on their feet. These were Fr. Clinton, Jim Hally and Jack Fraser from Tallow. They sponsored an initial Youth Training Course which lasted from Hallowe’en 1968 to about Easter 1969. It was devised by Fr. Clinton, newly back from service in England where their youth movement was a couple of years ahead of us. The course began with a residential weekend for about fifty potential young leaders and was facilitated by the Committee of the Dominic Savio Club in the old Friary College, now the Enterprise Centre. Clubs from Tallow, Clashmore, Clonmel and several from the City, perhaps others as well, sent representatives for what became an ad hoc Diocesan Youth Council. The group in the photo formed the working party for the weekend which was filled with lectures, discussions, games and an informal concert each evening.The photo was taken at From left: Danny Byrne, Ria Russell, Gerry Cummins, Pat Kenneally (Clancy), J. D. Hally, (RIP), Elaine Neylin (Flynn), the back of St. Augustine’s Rosarie Donnelly, Nuala Cotter (Ryan), Tom Keith, Marianne Kenneally (Mulcahy), Rosarie Dwane and John Tobin. College in what is now the carpark of the Glanbia Offices. Apologies to those whose present status I do not know.

us to ‘wear a flower in our hair’ if we were going to visit. Unfortunately, it took me another 34 years to get there! It was the year in which Martin Luther King was assassinated in April and Bobby Kennedy in June. The young people of Dungarvan were heeded and a Committee was set up to promote the establishment of a club. This was the time of the

emergence of young people who were willing to stand for some cause and demand their rights. Among the founders of that first Youth Club were J. D. Hally, the County Engineer of the day, Willie O’Meara of Mitchell Street and Mrs. Bailey who was an early women’s activist. She, along with Mrs. Dowling of Strandside North launched a campaign which would even-

tually see the law changed whereby a woman was no longer the chattel of her husband. There were several parents whose names do not come to mind but who helped launch the Youth Club which was to last for about five years or so. As other clubs sprang up in the County and City, Bishop Michael Russell set up a council of three to help organise the

Lectures and discussions continued weekly during that Winter and Spring, alternating between Dungarvan, Clonmel and the City. These gatherings gave a very solid start to the various clubs. Each was asked to host an event for all the Clubs during the Summer of ’69 which proved to be very enjoyable indeed. Dominic Savio held a soccer tournament in the CBS field and a tennis tournament, possibly in the tennis club in the Youghal Road, now occupied by the lower portion of An Cluain. They were heady days and my involvement in the Club gave me an opportunity to make friends of people my own age shortly after my arrival to town. Fifty years on, the memories are still fresh as, I have no doubt they are with the now, not so young people in the photograph. To the best of my knowledge, with the exception of Jim Hally, all of the people in the photograph are still with us. Must be the result of the clean and wholesome lifestyle we lived in those fast-changing times.

A n o i s t e a c h t a n e a r ra i g AH, Spring is in the air, or at least it was last Monday as I typed this piece with the sun streaming in the window. There was light well past 5.30, almost an hour back in the evenings and St. Brigid’s Day looming fast. The more traditional schools are making St. Brigid’s Crosses this week in that unique pattern which was the symbol of the newly founded Telefis Éireann for several decades after it came on the air on New Year’s Eve, 1961. We should spare a thought on St. Brigid’s Day for the exemplary life of the Saint who is known as the St. Brigid was born in AD 450 in Faughart, near Dundalk in Co. Louth. This was in the very middle of St. Patrick’s years spent traversing the island of Ireland, known then by the Latin name which the Romans gave us, Hibernia or the land of Winter. Her father, was a pagan chieftain of Leinster and her mother, was a Christian. It was thought that Brigid’s mother was born in Portugal but was

kidnapped by Irish pirates and brought to Ireland to work as a slave, just like St. Patrick was. Brigid’s father named her after one of the most powerful goddesses of the pagan religion – the goddess of fire, whose manifestations were song, craftsmanship, and poetry, which the Irish considered the flame of knowledge. Brigid spent her earlier life cooking, cleaning, washing and feeding the animals on her father’s farm. Having lived during the time of St. Patrick and was inspired by his preachings and she became a Christian. At the age of eighteen, Brigid forsook her father’s home to tend to the needs of the poor to whom she ministered for the rest of her life across the island of Ireland. There are many churches named for her, not only in Ireland, but also in Scotland, the United States and Australia, all places of Irish heritage and influence. She is remembered as a Nun, Abbess and the founder of several monasteries around

the country, but above all, a friend to the poor and the sick. While the Feast Day of St. Brigid is a Christian one, the choice of the 1st February as her day has the same reasoning as the old pagan feast of Imbolc, also celebrating the coming of Spring at that time.

It is one of the four major "fire" festivals, referred to in Irish mythology. The other three are Beltane, Lughnasadh, and Samhain. The festival of Imbolc (literally, in the belly) comes about halfway between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. Looking around the garden

this week, it is not difficult to know why the first day of February is so symbolic. New growth is sprouting up through the flower beds which is the fore-runner of the planting, growing and harvesting seasons ahead. Soon, the farmers will be in the field preparing the ground

for planting in anticipation of a good Summer and bountiful Autumn. The cycle of growth begins again and, as we make our way through the days and weeks, our hope will be that the seasons will be fruitful and especially that the Summer will be a warm and sunny one.

The pupils of 2nd Class in Garranbane National School proudly display their St. Brigid’s Crosses using rushes from the mountainside as well as some artificial crosses which they made from green card. They were shown how to make them by their teacher, Mrs. Eileen Hennessy. The tradition of the St. Brigid’s Cross is carried on in many classrooms around the country for her Feast Day of 1st February.

@DungarvanObserv

Vol. 105

Friday, 2nd February, 2018

FOOTBALLERS TAKE LEAGUE POINT OUT OF AUGHRIM

YOUTHFUL WATERFORD DEFEATED BY TYRONE

Waterford 0-12; Wicklow 0-12 Page 7

SEE PAGES 11, 12, 13 & 14 Ardmore midfielder Kenny Murphy in possession of the ball ahead of Setanta's number 10 Bernard Lafferty in the All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling semi-final in Pairc Tailteann Navan last Sunday.

SPORT

sport@dungarvanobserver.ie

Tyrone 4-11; Waterford 2-11.

ABBEYSIDE JUVENILE GAA CLUB PRESENTATION NIGHT

CODD DOMINATES DUNGARVAN POINT-TO-POINT

Page 9

Page 10

Pages 22 & 23

ARDMORE SHOWS WINNING CHARACTER IN NAVAN

WEST WATERFORD AC

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Forde’s Daybreak Winter League

Times continue to fall as we enter the home stretch on the short route John Geehan, Cathal Dwane Michael Dunford and Niall Barry seem to be enjoying the fun at the recent Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup.

John Foley and Bernie Prendergast pictured on their final lap at the recent Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup.

Catriona Kiely pictured at the recent 30th Annual Kiely Monumental Colligan Cup.

Runners in our “LET’S RUN” group going through their paces last week with coach Jim Fleming.

Run Galway Bay accommodation and discount code RUN Galway Bay will be the club goal race for 2018. There are a choice of 3 distances – Full marathon, half marathon and 10k race. 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 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 2 nights’ bed & breakfast in a double / twin for Friday 5th & 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 48hrs 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. If anyone needs any further information contact Irene on (086) 8242348

WE were back to nice running conditions after last week's rain for week 11 of the Forde’s Daybreak Winter League. This section of the league specifically has first timers and beginners in mind and is a manageable distance for most as it covers 2.5 miles in total. We had a change to venue for registration last Wednesday and we would like to thank Dungarvan Boxing Club for the use of their facilities. We also had a mass start with all runners heading off together. Once again a great crowd of forty-six took part on the night with some excellent times once again recorded. After registering make sure to check your off time on the sheets posted on the wall. First on the night was Michael Landers in 23.24 followed by Martin Hayes in a very quick 14.50 (which was the fastest time recorded on the night). Martin was followed by Mairead Murphy in 19.59 - well done to Mairead on dipping under 20 minutes). Next was Kelly Cantwell in 17.41 who remains a very strong contender to will overall. Fifth on the night was Johnny O'Connor in 15.25. Criostoir Kenneally knocked off nearly a minute when running 20.38. Linda Foley improved her time by 90 seconds when finishing in 20.46. Ann O'Donovan and Jonathan Regan both improved by 30 seconds when running 24.51 and 15.11 respectively. Sharon Murray was another big improver when knocking off a minute to clock 23.03. Well done to all our runners and thanks to all our stewards. there are now just 2 weeks left (31st January and 7th February) SHORT ROUTE OVERALL The tables are now taking shape on the short course and it couldn't be closer at the top. We now have joint leaders with Kelly Shalloe who had been leading now joined by Kelly Cantwell 937. Criostior Kenneally stays third on 911 points (just 26 points behind). Jonathan Regan is fourth on 863 with Michael Coakley fifth on 843 The current top 5 is: Kelly Shalloe 937 Kelly Cantwell 937 Criostoir Kenneally 911 Jonathan Regan 863 Michael Coakley 843 Division 2 - Linda Foley 821 Division 3 - Liam O'Droma 696 Division 4 - Brigid Coffey 567 Division 5 - Sinead O'Rourke 494 SHORT ROUTE TEAM COMPETITION "The Shalloes" (Kelly Shalloe, Tracy Grant and Mary Whyte) remain in the lead on 286 points. But having been the best scorers this week on 26 points, "the Road Liners" (Michael Coakley, Conor O'Neill and Martin Sandford) have closed the gap and are now on a total of 305 (just 19 behind). In third place are "The Crockers"

(Jennifer O'Riordan, Fiona O'Riordan and Jason O'Riordan) on 344 points. RUNNERS FLAT OUT ON LONG ROUTE Well done to all who completed last week's winter league, it wasn't too bad a night for running and stayed dry at least for the duration of the league. A huge thank you last week also to our friends at Dungarvan Boxing club for the use of their premises for registration as the Sports Centre wasn't available to us. Tonight's league will be back to normal 1 minute starts with the first runners off at 6.50 pm. We now have eleven nights completed and just two remaining. Despite the stiff enough wind on the return leg last week the times are really starting to plummet as many personal best were recorded as the runners who are in the shake up for overall and divisional honours start giving it their all. The fastest time of the entire league today was cloaked last week when Alan Kinsella produced a flier from the gun, he ripped down the quay and kept the momentum going all the way round the course which he ran all on his own some, what a run from the Colligan man as he crossed the finish line in a time of 29.23. Fastest lady on the night was Natalie Sheehan with a brilliant time also of 34.47, Natalie has been knocking chunks off her times since Christmas. This week's league sees us back to the normal one minute slots with the first runners going off at 6.50 pm. LEAGUE TABLES As we know now the tables are locked so wherever division you are in now you will stay in that division until the league is over. Division 1 for the top honours is very competitive as indeed are many of the divisions with just a few points separating all the runners. Congratulations to all 10 runners who made it to division 1 this year as this is a great achievement and shows tremendous commitment to the league each week. For the record the top 10 runners in division one are as follows: Alice Fitzgerald 1819 Michelle Finnegan 1776 Paul McGrath 1775 Cathal Gleeson 1737 Kevin Casey 1699 Debra Doherty 1693 Richie Fitzgerald 1690 Patrick Power 1683 Onra Power 1632 Alan Curran 1617 Just 202 points separate the top 10, so we have two weeks to see who will be crowned Forde's Daybreak Winter League for 2017/’18 and as they say it's all to play for. We have 10 divisions in total and at the moment here are the leaders of each. Division 2: Molly Fitzgerald 1578 Division 3: Linda Bradfield 1455

Division 4: Helene Hayes 1335 Division 5: Sean Dwyer 1286 Division 6: Donal O'Donoghue 1194 Division 7: Lorena Mooney 1190 Division 8: Noel Drohan 1020 Division 9: Martina Walsh 1029 Division 10: Michael Tutty 869 LONG ROUTE TEAM COMPETITION The Team continue that is part of the Forde’s Daybreak Winter League continues. On the Long route, the leaders still are "Here we go again" (Linda Bradfield, Onra Power and Michelle Finnegan) on 377 points. They have once again extended their league having been the lowest scoring team last week for the second week in a row with just 88 pts. Remaining in 2nd are Whatever" (Kevin Casey, Cathal Gleeson and David McNally on 547. Staying in third are "Bobs Angels" (Eamon Curran, Sinead Moore and Denise Nugent) on 747. In fourth place are "Happy Feet" (Catriona Lee, Carol Pope and Geraldine Barry) on 772 and fifth place goes to "What about us" (Helene Hayes, Irene Dee and Deirdre Hahessy) on a total of 844 "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 - Marita Murray. Long route Vincent Tutty.

WEST WATERFORD AC

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

It’s all systems go for the 27th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 this Sunday 27th ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 - FIREFIGHTERS TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE IN AID OF SESAME PRE SCHOOL. Pictured are members of the Dungarvan and Cappoquin fire fighters who will be wearing their full uniform while they will be running Sunday's John Treacy Dungarvan 10 in relay raising monies for the Sesame PreSchool in Abbeyside. Come along and give the lads and lassies a shout out in their Fire Brigade Relay challenge.

Indoor Track and Field entries THE Irish Life Health National indoor junior and U-23 is on this Sunday in Athlone. The AAI indoor games are on in Abbotstown on the 4th February and closing date for entries is the 29th January. National Seniors indoors are on in Abbotstown on the 17th and 18th February with closing date of the 9th February. National Masters Indoors are on in Athlone on the 4th March. All paid up members are eligible to compete for the club. If anyone needs more information on the fixtures or help with sprinting you can phone Gregory FitzGerald on 087 6445789 or Jim Fleming on 087 289115.

Bronze for Fitzgerald and Kanash at National Indoors THE club had two pole vaulters in action last Sunday at the Irish Life Health national Junior and under 23 championship which were held at the AIT Athlone. Both athletes took bronze medals on the day with Yuri Kanash vaulting 3.80 the same height as the silver medallist ,but he had to settle for bronze on count back, Patrick Fitzgerald competing in the junior event had a great day when taking bronze with a personal best vault of 3.80. Well done to both athletes.

Johnny O'Connor completes last week’s Forde’s Daybreak winter league.

Marathon mania OUR three marathon stalwarts were on the road again last weekend when they competed on Saturday morning in the Lilliput marathon in Co. Westmeath at the MCI Marathon club of Ireland promoted event. Held over mainly county roads around Lilliput Adventure Centre Ted O'Leary recorded a good 3.27.43 for 4th place overall while Mick Concannon again broke the 4 hour barrier when completing the 26.2 mile race in 3.58.32 for 20th position and Terri Gough rounded off the weekend when she ran a time of 5.57.57. All three will run the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 this Sunday.

Running Quote LET him that would move the world first move himself.

Pictured is Kate Meskill after crossing the finish line at last week’s Forde’s Dyabreak winter league.

MICHAEL ROCHE CARPETS RACE SERIES

Two races remaining 16th Annual Kilmacthomas 4 THE penultimate race in the Michael Roche Carpets Series will be on Sunday, February 25th at 11 a.m. the 16th Annual Kilmacthomas 4. Entries will be taken at the Community Hall Kilmacthomas at

the top of the town with the entry fee being €8. Shower facilities will also be available in this hall after the event for both men and women. With the help of the very generous sponsorship very kindly given by Bausch and Lomb a very

attractive prize fund will be on offer for the top competitors and plenty of spots for down the field finishers also. Sandwiches and refreshments will be available to all after the event.

36th Annual Deise College Dungarvan 10k THE final race in the Michael Roche carpets 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 Mikey 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 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.

THE many months of planning is shortly to kick into action as D-day approaches with the running of the 27th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race imminent. The race day numbers and packs were posted out to all entered in the race last week, so by the time you read this in your local papers you should have received your number along with all the information you need to know regarding the race. This means, of course, all you have to do on race day is to be at the start line no later than 1.15 p.m. with your number pinned to the FRONT of your club running singlet. When you have finished the race and crossed the finish line you will receive your goodie bag with lots of treats for you to enjoy after the race and you will also receive a high quality dri-fit Nike running top. After the race, refreshments will be provided in the Sports Centre. On the subject of refreshments, just to say once again, this is one race where the club really relies on the goodwill and the support of our loyal club members and friends. This race is the biggest undertaking by the club each year and as a result we rely heavily on your support. At the winter league last week and tonight forms were handed out to all the runners as we are seeking people that might be in a position to help out in any way. We need people to steward the course and also to make sandwiches for after the race. If you haven’t already filled out one of these forms and may be able to help out, we would appreciate you filling one out. Each runner is asked to state in what capacity they will be able to help out and to give us their contact details. We will in turn contact you. The club needs as many members and friends to help us make this a great race and a great day for West Waterford AC and for our town. THE JOHN TREACY CLUB CHALLENGE First held seven years ago as part of the John Treacy Dungarvan 10, we introduced the John Treacy Team Challenge with clubs from all over the country battling it out in both the men’s and women’s team competition. West Waterford AC were the inaugural winners here in the men’s event while Eagle AC from Cork

won the ladies team race. In 2017 and the current title holders are Waterford AC in the men's and the ladies title rest with Youghal AC. Teams will consist of three club runners regardless of category whose combined finish times will be added together. Individual/Category prize winners can also count for the John Treacy Team Challenge. This Challenge Cup competition is separate to the race team prizes. Specially commissioned Crystal mementoes will be awarded to the winning teams and, of course, they will have the honour of having their club name inscribed on the magnificent John Treacy silver challenge cups. 2011 - Men - West Waterford AC Women - Eagle AC 2012 - Men - Clonliffe Harriers AC Women - Eagle AC 2013 - Men - West Waterford AC Women - Leevale AC 2014 - Men - East Cork AC Women - St. Finbarrs AC 2015 - Men - Leevale AC Women - St. Finbarrs AC 2016 - Men - Rathfarnham WSAF A.C. Women - St. Finbarr’s A.C. 2017 - Men - Waterford AC Ladies - Youghal AC. IMPORTANT RACE DAY DETAILS Dungarvan Sports Centre Quanns will once again this year be our race headquarters. This year again by kind permission we also have the use of the Fusion Centre and we are most grateful to Dungarvan No Name Club and Dungarvan Scouts for their help here, likewise a big thank you to Dungarvan Boxing Club for the use of their fine facilities for changing also. The presentation of prizes and refreshments will be at the Sports Centre also. The course is the same as last year's one, starting on the Youghal Road, the race will do a short loop around Mitchell Street down Collins Road, back out the Youghal Road taking a right turn down to GlaxoSmithKline, taking another right turn here down through the finish line and onto the N25 going left to the Spring Roundabout, taking a left turn past the former Crystal factory out to Bushy Park, and left down to the Canal Road coming out at Ring Cross, back in Youghal Road again turning left for GlaxoSmithKline but this time taking the first right down the side of the former Stafford Miller Factory, then left to Youghal Road

Roundabout and back to the same finish line as last year in the Industrial Estate at the back of GlaxoSmithKline. So plenty of opportunity for spectators to view the race on a few occasions. We do ask that spectators park well away from the course as they will not have access around the course itself as there will be restrictions in place during the race. Everyone's co-operation is needed here for the smooth running of the event and we thank you in anticipation of this. STEWARDS INFORMATION FOR RACE DAY On behalf of West Waterford Athletic Club, we would firstly like to thank you for offering to steward for our upcoming John Treacy 10 mile road race on Sunday next, 4th February. It is requested that you attend the race briefing upstairs in the Sports Centre at 12 midday where you will be informed by head of stewarding Karen Ryan of your exact position on the route and given the emergency phone number and race day information. If you have a hi-viz jacket please wear it, there will be some available on the day. Thanks again for helping out which is very much appreciated. AIB ASSOCIATE SPONSORS OF JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 Our thanks to associate sponsors of the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 Allied Irish Bank who for the third year in succession have come on board to put up a very special prize for our upcoming race. One lucky person will receives a gift cheque courtesy of AIB of €150. The person man or woman to finish in 1.027th will receive the prize. Our sincere thanks to Nuala Hogan and all at AIB Dungarvan for their kind sponsorship once again this year. 27th ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 SUPPORTS CYSTIC FIBROSIS A huge thank you to all who have supported this year's John Treacy Dungarvan 10 chosen charity Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. Many have donated monies when entering the race already, but for those haven't and who might like to, there will be another opportunity at race HQ in Dungarvan Sports Centre on Sunday where we will have collection buckets available if you feel like giving a few euro for this worthy charity.

PREVIOUS WINNERS FOR THE RECORD Previous winners as follows: 1992 Robert Costello (Limerick AC) 1993 Noel Richardson (Donore Hrs AC) 1994 Jimmy Mulligan (Waterford AC) 1995 James Sullivan (Waterford AC) 1996 Michael Hassett (St. Catherines AC ) 1997 Cormac Finnerty (Mullingar Hrs AC) 1998 Peter Duggan (St. Josephs AC ) 1999 John Kearney (East Cork AC) 2000 John Kearney (East Cork AC) 2001 Peter Duggan (St. Josephs AC ) 2002 Paul Deegan (DSD A.C.) 2003 Philip Harty (K.C.K. A.C.) 2004 George Murray (North Cork AC)

2005 Sandis Bralitis (Ballynonty AC) 2006 Sandis Bralitis (West Waterford AC ) 2007 Sandis Bralitis (West Waterford AC) 2008 Sergiu Turea (Clonliffe Harriers AC) 2009 Sandis Bralitis (West Waterford AC) 2010 Sandis Bralitis (West Waterford AC ) 2011 Mareks Floroseks (Latvia) 2012 Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham) 2013 Gary O’Hanlon Clonliffe Harriers AC 2014 Thomas Fitzpatrick Tallaght AC 2015 Mick Clohisey Raheny Shamrocks AC 48.45 (course record) 2016 Sean Hehir Rathfarnham AC 50.15 2017 Alan O'Shea Bantry AC 50.54

GOLF

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

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

goldcoastgolf@cablesurf.com www.goldcoastgolfclub.com PREMIER BUTCHER AT DAWN MEATS WINTER LEAGUE 2017/2018 Another good week in the league with over 100 playing in competition during the week. Micheal White continues to lead the individual scoring with an average of 40.4. Next is John Flynn with 39.9, John Hughes 39.6, Dave O’Connor 39.3, Tom White 39, Conor Clancy 38.9, Ger Darcy 38.8, Darren O Droma 38.67, David O’Connor 38.6, Mark Lenihan 38.56, John White 38.4, Darren Power 38.38 and Willie Flavin 38.2. There are four weeks to go with the league section finishing on Sunday, 25th February and looking at the overall scores absolutely nothing is decided yet. A number of teams are still in with a chance of

winning the league section while every team still has a chance of qualifying for the knock-out stages of the league. 58 players now have their 10 games in and can only better their overall score. Copper Coast have 5 players in and need 20 games from the remaining players for a full house. Abbeyside have 6 players with 10 in and need 26 games from the remaining players. Dungarvan have 8 in with 10 and need 21 games. Ballinacourty have 11 in with 10 and need 9 games. Dunhill have 12 in with 10 and need 4 games. Deise have 11 in with 10 and need 4 games. Touraneena have 5 players in with 10 and need 27 games for a full house. All the scores up to week 13 are on the website: goldcoastgolfclub.com

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 LIKE Groundhog Day, the weather dominated the conversation topics again last week. Surely, it’s the wettest Winter in history and unfortunately most courses in the country remain saturated. But this week sees the start of Spring and hopefully the weather will improve. We can already notice the stretch in the evenings. Due to ground conditions we have introduced a sensible rule where any ball in the rough can be brought to the fairway, obviously not closer to the hole. Some play was possible and our handicap secretary, Mossie had a great score in the 60.com on Wednesday shooting 21 points. Junior cup and Jimmy Bruen team managers should take note that the elder lemons still show their worth. As we enter the final stages of the Deise Golf Winter League. It’s all to play for and updated standings will be posted this week. On that note we congratulate Winter League sponsor Graham Nagle on his re-

cent engagement to Sarah Butler. We wish them happy days ahead. Other rules that were discussed last week included two disqualifications for no handicap recorded on the card and Rule 25. Golfers are reminded that it is their obligation to know the Rules of Golf. There are only 34 rules and most of them are straightforward. Our resident PGA Professional David is always on hand to explain. The card is the bible and must be filled out correctly. The card requires 4 items, namely scores, name & handicap and two signatures. Rule 25 is offering some confusion, but it is a simple rule. Basically, you cannot lose a ball in abnormal ground conditions. This rule is not about a lost ball, it is about abnormal ground conditions of which there are 3, hole made by burrowing animal, ground under repair and casual water. Recently I hit my teeshot over the mounds on the right of the sixth hole and I was unable to find

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

www.lismoregolf.org

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. ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC The dates for this year’s classic is Monday, 16th to Sunday, 22nd April. A special sub-committee has been set up and already they have procured some fantastic prizes. More details as we go along but for now just mark the dates in your diaries. OTHER 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 WHAT WE HAVE TO OFFER Here in the Gold Coast we have some great facilities, such as a topclass golf course with superb greens, playable all the year round, a leisure centre and gym and a hotel which is renowned for its excellent food. We offer very competitive membership rates in the golf club, the lowest full membership rate in the area and we can provide dual memberships to both the golf club and the Leisure Centre at reduced rates. Now is the time to talk to us if you are thinking of joining as we can offer some very attractive packages at the moment. Members can avail of significant saving on carvery lunch in the Gold Coast by purchasing vouchers in the golf club. We can offer really attractive family packages tailored to suit all requests. For more information contact 058 44055 and talk to Bob or Mark. FIXTURES Mon 29th Jan – Fri 2nd Feb: Winter League Week 14

Tuesday 30th Jan: Open Seniors, Ladies & Gents 50+ Friday 2nd Feb: Open Singles. Sat 3rd/Sunday 4th Feb: Winter League Week 14 Tuesday 6th Feb: Open Seniors, Ladies & Gents 50+ RESULTS Friday, 26th Jan: CSS 38 pts. 1st: Bobby Fitzpatrick (16) 42 pts; 2nd: John Hallinan (6) 42 pts; Gross: Damian Walsh (6) 34 pts. Waterford Golf Club. Sat 20th/Sunday 21st Jan: WL Week 12, CSS 38 pts. 1st: Joe Curran (23) 45 pts. Cat 0-9: Conan Watt (6) 41 pts. Cat 10-14: Sean Carmody (12) 41 pts. Cat 15-18: Tom Reynolds (17) 41 pts. Cat 19+: Nicholas Keane (22) 44 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 starts on Monday, 29th Jan, and will run for two weeks until Sunday, 11th Feb., weather permitting. It is a close contest, a single point separates the top teams, so every point is valuable. E.G.M. An important date for your di-

aries, ladies, is Thursday, February 8th, when Jennifer Hickey (ILGU) will speak to all our members on increasing our membership, which as we all know is the lifeblood of any club. Please attend this meeting in the Gold Coast at 8 pm, and show your support. 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.

the ball. The area from the mounds to the green contains a lot of casual water but I couldn’t take relief with Rule 25 as I don’t know exactly where the ball is so it’s a lost ball and I must play three from the tee. In other news, following on from a successful Poker night, our social committee have just announced the Valentine’s Dinner to take place on Friday 9th February. This is a very popular event with superb 3 course dinner with music and entertainment for only €35. Tickets are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. SPECIAL MEMBERSHIP OFFER & INTRODUCTORY RATE FOR U-35’S New members can avail of a special Introductory Offer of just €300 including one complimentary lesson from our resident Professional David Hayes. 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. 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. VALENTINE’S DINNER The Social Committee have been busy planning for this event which we will celebrate on Friday

9th February with a special 3 course dinner followed by music and dancing. Numbers are limited so book your table now. Tickets priced €35 are available from Tom, Irene or the Vice Captains David and Maria. Don't miss out on what promises to be a great night out. JACK CURRAN RIP The Club extends its deepest sympathy to the Curran family on the untimely death of Jack Curran 'Camross', Kilrush. Jack was a valued member of the club for many years and served as President in 1986. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS The Club thanks members for making subscription payments, thank you for your continued support. FUN FRIDAY FOURSOMES It was great to see the sun shine and to have people waiting to play in the Foursomes. A big welcome back to Ian Gourlay and hopefully he and his wife Rosie will be regulars to this event . WINNERS: John Moran and Ian Gourlay Second: Maurice Cliffe and Louise Moloney. Looking forward to seeing you all next Friday, 2nd at 9.30 am, with play to start at 10 am. POKER CLASSIC Results of Dungarvan Golf Club Poker Classic held in the clubhouse Sunday, 21st January. 1st Lizzy Comyn; 2nd Danny Barry; 3rd John Queally. Everyone enjoyed the comforts of our clubhouse and noted its suitability for such an event with pleasant surroundings, fellow participants and

ample parking. Date for your Diaries – Next Poker Classic 18th February at 7 p.m. GENTS RESULTS Mon. 22nd 1 Craig Susdorf (16) 29. Thur. 25th Deise Golf World 14H 1 John G Moloney (10) 33. 26th/27th Dermot Walsh (8) 33, David Buckley 5 33, Denis Ryan (18) 32. Sun. 28th 14H Deise Golf World 1 Paul Power (19) 35, 2 Ml Brackett (12) 33, Gross John Reynolds (1) 29. LADIES RESULTS 26/27th Jan. 1. Miriam Matthews (36) 26 pts. 2. Aileen Carroll (23) 24 pts FIXTURES Mon. 29th Open Gents/Ladies Seniors (50+) 16H Singles S/F Tues. 30th Ladies 11H Singles S/F Wed. 31st Open Gents 14H Singles S/F Deise Golf World Winter League Thurs. 1st Open Gents 14H Singles S/F. Deise Golf World Winter League Fri. 2nd Gents/Ladies 14H Singles S/F Deise Golf World Winter League, Fun Friday Foursomes Sat. 3rd Gents Deise Golf World Winter League /Ladies 14H Singles S/F+ LADIES HOME ALLIANCE Sun. 4th Gents 14H Singles S/F Deise Golf World Winter League, South East Junior Alliance SIXTY.COM The winner of the 60.Com competition on 24th January was: First: Mossie Walsh (6) 21 pts. Given the poor weather over the past months we are getting good response to our weekly competi-

tions. 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. YOUNGONES Jan, 24th 1st Marcella McGovern (36) 14 pts. Next competition front 9 on Wed. 31/1 at 12 noon. LADIES ALLIANCE Saturdays ladies alliance has been rescheduled to next Saturday, 3rd February. PROGRESSIVE 45 Results 25th 1st Tom Osbourne and Percy Hallahan, 2 Jack Elstead and Cait Mulcahy, Last 5 Bernie Hayes and Mary Radley, Lucky Table Tomas Carroll and Frank Ryan. Progressive 45 every Thursday night in the Clubhouse, all are welcome. SOCIAL BRIDGE Social Bridge Friday mornings at 11 am, all are welcome. JUNIOR NEWS Obviously, the weather has curtailed our junior activities, but we are busy preparing our fixture list for the upcoming season. Our next event will take place during the mid-term and we will keep you posted. Junior lessons will recommence in the Spring when the weather has improved. Any enquiries relating to junior activities can be directed to David Hayes. David can be contacted at 058-44707 or email to golfpro@eircom.net

MEN’S RESULTS & FIXTURES Results - Monday, 22nd Jan – Sunday, 28th Jan. - 12 Hole singles s/ford - 1st Donal O’Leary (16) 28 pts B2; 2nd John Kenneally (13) 28 pts B6; 3rd Anthony Whelan (13) 28 pts B6. MEMBERSHIP Membership now due for 2018, please contact registrar John McGrath. Please support the club by paying immediately.

FIXTURES Monday, 29th Jan - Sunday, 4th Feb, 12 hole singles s/ford. Round 1 of the Spring League continues. TALLOW AREA CREDIT UNION SPRING LEAGUE Round one of the league is well underway and continues until next Sunday. Good numbers playing despite the wet conditions. If the rest of the league is like week one its going to be very close with some great scores spread across all the

teams so far. Keep playing lads and get the best possible score for your team. LISMORE LADIES GOLF Ladies there is an on-going 9 hole aggregate competition running to the 31st Jan 2018. Remember the Spring League is starting on 4th Feb - get your name down for a team and get your year off to a flying start. FIXTURES Ongoing 9 hole aggregate com-

petition - please see notice board for more details All competitions are subject to change so please check the notice board regularly for any changes. RENEWAL NOTICE As the golfing year started on the 1st of October you should have all received your renewal notices by now - your prompt payment would be much appreciated. Please contact our Registrar Mr. John McGrath with any queries.

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

West Waterford Athletic Club Juveniles

Local Schools excel at County Cross Country Championships

ST. AUGUSTINE’S College, Dungarvan was the ideal venue for last Friday’s Waterford Schools Cross Country. Despite the heavy rain of the last few weeks the course held up well and there was some excellent running across all the age groups. The local schools were out in force and all figured in the medals with Ard Scoil na nDéise winning the overall girls cup and St. Augustine’s won the overall boys cup. West Waterford athletes Ally Cunninghan and Tommy Fennell representing St. Augustine’s won both the WATERFORD SCHOOLS CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS 2018 MINOR BOYS 1 Tommy Fennelll, St. Augustine's 2 Tadhg Connolly, Abbey C.C. 3 Rory Fennelll, St. Augustine's 4 Nathan Bagg, Ardscoil na Mara 5 Colm Roche, Abbey C.C. 6 Harry Colbert, Waterpark College TEAMS 1 St. Augustine's, Dungarvan 25 2 Waterpark College, Waterford 42 3 Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore 53 4 C.B.S. Dungarvan 88 5 St. Declan's, Kilmacthomas 102 JUNIOR BOYS 1 CallumHurley, Ardscoil na Mara 2 Aidan Burke, De La Salle 3 James Eaylward, De La Salle 4 Eoin Bueneventura, St. Augustine's 5 Hubert Homa, De La Salle 6 Daniel Farrell, De La Salle TEAMS 1 De La Salle, Waterford 16 2 St. Augustine's, Dungarvan 44 3 Blackwater C.S., Lismore 66 4 Waterpark College, Waterford 86 5 C.B.S., Dungarvan 95 INTER BOYS 1 Mateo Mary, St. Declan's 2 Jake Bagge, Ardscoil na Mara 3 Ben Keane, St. Declan's 4 Oisin O'Riordan, C.B.S.

minor girls and boys events and led the Friary teams that won both Minor team titles. In the junior girls Emma Hickey finished 2nd and led the Ard Scoil to the team title. Lucy Holmes finishing third led the Ardscoil girls who won the team title in the Inter girls race and Oisin O’Riordan was first home on the CBS team that won the inter boys title. Sophie Landers also led Blackwater CS to the senior girls title as did Conor Coleman, St. Augustines in the senior boys race. Full Results below

5 Eoin Hearne, De La Salle 6 Ethan Hurley, Ardscoil na Mara TEAMS 1 C.B.S., Dungarvan 47 2 St. Augustine's, Dungarvan 53 3 De La Salle, Waterford 54 SENIOR BOYS 1 Craig O'Brien, De La Salle 2 FergusO'Brien, Gael Choláiste 3 Conor Coleman, St. Augustine's 4 Eoin Bohane, St. Augustine's 5 Jack Keane, St. Augustine's 6 David Byrne, St. Pauls TEAMS 1 St. Augustine's, Dungarvan 23 2 Blackwater C.S., Lismore 45 ALL ROUND CUP - St. Augustine's MINOR GIRLS 1 Ally Cunningham, St. Augustine's 2 Shima Lannigan, St. Augustine's 3 Crystal Bray, Ardscoil na Mara 4 Aisling Milner, Ardscoil na Mara 5 Rachel Foley, Abbey C.C. 6 Eve Dwyer, Ard Scoil na nDeise TEAMS 1 St. Augustine's, Dungarvan 11 2 Ard Scoil na nDeise, Dungarvan 23 3 Ardscoil na Mara, Tramore 25 4 Waterpark, Waterford 52 JUNIOR GIRLS 1 Aoife Redmond, Abbey C.C. 2 Emma Hickey, Ard Scoil na nDeise 3 Anna Hickey, Ard Scoil na nDeise

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

www.westwaterfordgolf.com

WILLIE LYONS CAPTAIN 2018 Willie Lyons was born in Dungarvan in 1938, the second youngest in a family of six children. He received his early education at Dungarvan CBS following which he served his apprenticeship as a cabinet maker with Moloneys in Springmount, Dungarvan. Having served a number of years in the trade Willie decided to go to the U.S in 1957. He joined the U.S Airforce where he served for four years and went on to study for an associate degree in construction management at the University of Wisconsin. Following this he took up em-

ployment with the World Bank in Washington DC where he would remain for 34 years until his retirement in 1997. Willie’s golfing career started while he was still in the Airforce. He became a member of Glendale GC in Maryland where he remained for 20 years. Among his memorable golfing exploits were rounds at Augusta, Pebble Beach and Sawgrass. On their return to Ireland in 1997, Willie and his wife Geri took up residence in Ring where they still reside. They both joined West Waterford GC where they have spent many happy hours golfing and socialising with their host of friends. Willie looks forward to the mid-week fourball, followed by a pint and a chat with his long time golf buddies. The annual golf trip to Portugal with the chosen few is another highlight in Willie’s schedule. An ardent GAA fan, Willie is a loyal Dungarvan supporter and also attends most of the Waterford hurling games. Willie and Geri have two daughters, and one son (deceased RIP). They also have three grandchildren and two great grandchildren with whom they meet-up on a regular basis. Having served as club president in 2005 Willie is well up to

4 Saoirse Allen, Mercy 5 Lia Cunningham, St. Augustine's 6 Sarah Nyhan, Ard Scoil na nDeise TEAMS 1 Ard Scoil na nDeise, Dungarvan 11 2 St. Augustine's, Dungarvan 22 INTER GIRLS 1 Una O'Brien, Waterpark College 2 Tara Ramasawany, Presentation 3 Lucy Holmes, Ard Scoil na nDeise 4 SophieJackman, Abbey C.C. 5 Aoife Allen, Mercy 6 Anna Duffin, Ursuline TEAMS 1 Ard Scoil na nDeise, Dungarvan 21 2 Ursuline, Waterford 28 3 Waterpark College, Waterford 32 4 Abbey CC, Waterford 39 5 St. Augustine's, Dungarvan 50 SENIOR GIRLS 1 Isabella Cummins, Mercy 2 Emma Caulfield, Ursuline 3 Sinead O'Brien, Ard Scoil na nDeise 4 Judith Campbell, St. Augustine's 5 SophieLanders, Blackwater C.S. 6 Sarah Mulcahy, Blackwater C.S. TEAMS 1 Blackwater C.S., Lismore 23 2 Ursuline, Waterford 23 3 Ard Scoil na nDeise, Dungarvan 27 ALL ROUND CUP - Ard Scoil na nDéise

speed with club events and the day-to-day duties of the men’s committee. As he put it himself “I am honoured to be selected as captain of this great club and I look forward to giving something back in lieu of the many memorable hours the club has given me.” RESULTS Club Competition 16 Hole Stableford Jan 22nd – 28th Category 1 Brian Foley (7) 37 pts, 2nd Richard Hyde (6) 33 pts b8 Category 2 Jamie Glavin (13) 40 pts, 2nd Robbie Dalton (13) 39 pts b8 Category 3 Maurice Hallahan (15) 37 pts, 2nd Ronan Foley (18) 36 pts Category 4 Edward Hickey (23) 37 pts, 2nd Percy walsh (20) 36 pts b8. CSS: 35 FIXTURES Monday, 29th January – Sunday, 4th February – 16 Hole Stableford in conjunction with round 3 Comeragh Oil Winter league. COMERAGH OIL WINTER LEAGUE We are making steady progress in round 3 of the Winter League. After two weeks there are still a few teams who haven’t managed to return the 4 cards for this round. Due to the fact that some players had booked tee times and could not play due to weather conditions, we have decided to extend round 3 for one more week. This round will definitely finish on Sunday, 4th February, and round 4 will start on Monday, 6th February. This will be the final qualifying round. We earnestly request those teams who require scores to make an extra effort to get 4 cards in by Sunday. With a mere 8 points separating the bottom six teams, any of those still have a very good chance of making the top 8 who will qualify for the match-play stage. Once again we must appeal to players to put their team name on

Caoimhe Prendergast of Caseyville, Dungarvan, and a member of West Waterford AC was the Juvenile Athlete Award winner for December.

St. Augustine's junior girls team who finished second in the team event.

scorecards. It is most annoying having sorted cards for the week to have to go back and check team names. Regarding the weather we unfortunately have no control and we thank you for your patience to date. The stretch in the evenings is already noticeable and with next Thursday, being 1st February, hopefully conditions will improve and we can get back to normal. Please keep up the effort and make this another successful league. COMERAGH OIL WINTER LEAGUE TABLE AFTER TWO ROUNDS Carrigtwohill 291, Helvick 279, An Ghaeltacht 277, Ardmore 273, An Rinn 270, Tivoli 270, Glenbeg 268, Coolcormack 264, Carriglea 264, Blackwater 261, Aglish 260, Kinsalebeg 259, Canty 258, Carrigaline 257, Glenmore 253. Full individual and team details are available on www.westwaterfordgolf.com. SEAMUS POWER PGA TOUR Seamus was playing in the Farmers Insurance Open in San Diego last week. He finished day one on 3 under par and well up the leaderboard. On day two he had to settle for 3 over which brought him back to level par and miss the cut by just a single shot. Seamus is taking a break this week following which he will return to competitive action. SILVER JUBILEE SUNSHINE CLASSIC AT WEST WATERFORD Our Annual Fundraising Classic takes place from Saturday, 24th March to Sunday, 1st April. This being our 25th anniversary year we are making a special effort to give visitors and members a truly memorable experience at West Waterford golf club. Those who have played in our previous Classics will know about the welcome and the personal touch you only get at West Waterford. Maybe it’s the meet and greet,

the refreshments at the hut, the fabulous prizes, or just the game of golf on a top class course that makes the event special that causes players to come back each year. We look forward to meeting you and extending a warm West Waterford welcome to all. Make a note of the dates in your diary and keep the Easter weekend in mind. BEST OF LUCK TO ARDMORE IN ALL-IRELAND FINAL Well done to Ardmore junior hurlers on reaching the All-Ireland Final. All roads lead to Croke Park on Saturday as the boys set out to make history. They carry with them the very best wishes of all in West Waterford. Best of luck lads, we know you can do it. 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 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. 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. CONDOLENCES We offer our condolences to

Nora Spratt and family on the passing of her brother Denis O’Mahoney. Also to Niall Colleran on the passing of his father. We also extend our sympathies to Shaun Moynihan, Margaret, Ann and Mary on the passing of their sister Eileen Carrie. May they all rest in peace. WEST WATERFORD LADIES Winter League: The results of the 2nd round of the Winter League - only 8 points between the top 2 teams the Kittiwakes and Oyster Catchers with The Curlews swooping in. The Kittiwakes will have to be stopped in their tracks. 1st Kittiwakes 208pts 2nd Oyster Catchers 200pts 3rd Curlews 194pts 4th Lapwings 184pts 5th Cormorants 158pts 6th Seagulls 151pts Winner: The deserving winner of the 2nd round was Nora Flynn (31) with a fabulous score of 26pts over 11 holes. A fabulous score in very wet conditions. Well done Nora. Matchplay: The Matchplay round commences Monday 29th – Sunday, 11th February. TEAM 1 V TEAM 6 CURLEWS V KITTIWAKE TEAM 2 V TEAM 5 LAPWINGS V OYSTER CATCHER TEAM 3 V TEAM 4 SEAGULLS V CORMORANTS All matches must end with a result meaning no halved matches. If the match is tied on the 13th hole continue on to 14th and onwards to sudden death. The first player to win a hole wins the match. Competitions: A 13 hole ongoing (or 11 hole depending on holes being rested – keep an eye on noticeboard to see what holes are being rested) is kindly sponsored by our Lady Captain Noreen Byrne and will run along with the matchplay round from 29th January to 11th February. February 9 Hole ongoing (2 cards to count).

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

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

(058) 45590 nicky@mckennacomputers.com

Club Focus Wednesday, 4th February, 1998. NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Heavy defeat for Waterford Tipperary 2-12; Waterford 0-7. FORCED to make four changes before the start of the game, Waterford despite leading at half time by a point were heavily defeated by Tipperary in Section D of the National Football League at Stradbally on Sunday last. Niall Geary. Peter Queally, Stephen Cunningham and Martin Power were unavailable which meant that the selectors had to reshuffle their plans and Ian Walsh, Colin Keane, Liam Daniels and Kevin Walsh were promoted to the starting line-up. In a very lively opening half, the sides were level on four occasions but Waterford finished the half in front by 0-6 to 0-5. Niall Curran who was the homes sides top scorer put Waterford ahead 0-4 to 0-3 when he pointed at the end of the third quarter. Waterford had an escape a minute earlier when Brian Burke’s goal effort crashed off the crossbar to safety. The home side fully deserved their half-time

lead. Waterford were rocked by a Tipperary scoring blitz in the third quarter as the winners scored 2-5 without reply. The first goal came in the 41st minute when Man of the Match Declan Browne finished a rebound to the net when a Brendan Cummins goal effort was saved. Cummins himself slotted home Tipperary’s second goal in the 44th minute to give his side a clearcut 2-10 to 0-6 lead, thus ensuring Tipperary collected two valuable league points. Waterford were restricted to a single point in the second half when Niall Curran pointed a free in the 49th minute. The same player three minutes earlier took a penalty after he had been fouled himself as he shot for goal. The awarding of the penalty actually cost Waterford a goal as Curran despite being fouled found the net but was whistled back. Scorers for Tipperary: D. Browne 1-6, B. Cummins 12, P. Lambert 0-2, D. Lyons and D. Foley 0-1 each. Scorers for Waterford: N. Curran 0-5, I. Walsh and O. Costello 0-1 each. Tipperary: P. Ryan; N. Kelly, C. O’Dwyer, L. Cronin; B. Halessy, M. Leonard, S. Collum; D. Foley, S. Maher; M Spillane, B. Cummins, B. Burke; C. O’Shea, D. Lyons, D. Browne. Subs: P. Lambert for Spillane; T. Anglis for Collins. Waterford: T. Brennan; O. Costello, G. Walsh, M. Fenton; M. Byrne, I. Walsh, M. Kiely; D. McMahon, M. Radley; C. Keane, R. Power, L. Dalton; N. Curran, L. Daniels, K. Walsh. Subs: K. Whelan for Radley; R. Hennessy for Keane; J. Crotty for I. Walsh. Referee: J. Hough (Limerick).

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

TEAMS OF TIMES GONE BY Tournament: Under 9 Indoor Hurling. Venue: Dungarvan Sports Centre. Date: Saturday, 7th February, 1998. Full-time score: Lost out to Dungarvan. Abbeyside: Stephen Enright, Jason Healy, James O’Mahoney, Stephen Slater, Cormac Enright, David Power, Alan Sheil, Owen McCullagh, Cormac O’Neill, Kenneth Kelleher, Jamie Ryan, Richie Ryan, John Fitzgerald, Jamie Organ, Barry Moloney, Rory Moloney, Patrick Bergin, Donal Henley.

Forde’s

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

FORDE’S DAYBREAK FORECAST CORNER Last Week’s Forecasts: 3 Forecasts. 1 Correct. Incorrect. Success Rate: 33.3 % This Week’s Forecasts: All Ireland JHC Final: Ardmore v (Fethard On Sea). NHL: Tipperary v (Waterford). NFL: Antrim v (Waterford). To Date: 8 Forecasts. 3 Correct. 5 Incorrect. Success Rate: 37.5%.

Lismore Camogie Club

"It wasn't to be" for Lismore girls in AIB All-Ireland semi-final Lismore …………………… 0-2; Athenry ………………………0-8. UNDER very difficult conditions in Coralstown, Kinnegad on Sunday last it was a very determined Athenry team that came out as victors in the AIB Intermediate Club Semi-Final propelled by the vastly experienced trio of Therese Maher, Jessica Gill and Rebecca Glynn. They led by 0-5 to 0-2 at half-time, Maher scoring four points (three from frees) and Gill the other. Lismore found it very difficult to penetrate the very strong Athenry defence and were quick to crowd out the speedy Caithriona McGlone when she was about to get possesion. The Lismore defence stood equally strong from the Athenry attack and kept a clean sheet for the game. But Lismore found it very hard to get the ball beyond their half forward line thus finding it hard to come by a score. Nicola Morrissey got Lismore off the mark at the end of the fourteenth minute and Caitriona McGlone doubled their tally six minutes later but they failed to score again, while Niamh Hannon (two) and Noreen Coen pointed to ensure Athenry the prized victory. It wasn’t to be for the Lismore girls on

the day. All in Lismore camogie are very proud of the girls and their team management in their exploits and have achieved quiet a lot winning the County "The Denny Buckley Cup" league, The County Championship V Gaultier and the Munster Final V Cork’s Newcestown which was a great achievement after being beaten in both League and County the year previous. Lismore Panel: T. Morrissey, S. Coughlan, S. Prendergast, E. Curran, A. Houlihan, S. Kiernan, I. Markewicz, M. Russell, S. Williams, G. Kenneally, N. Morrissey, S. Curran, J. Houlihan, C. McGlone, E. Power Substitutes: R. Geoghegan for J. Houlihan, S. Bennett for E. Power. Remainder of Panel: E. Heneghan, C. Walsh, L. Foley, J. Russell, S. O’Keeffe, S.Walsh, B. McGlone, A. Russell, A. Hannon Management: Brendan Landers, Geraldine Barry, Kate Heneghan Physical Trainer: Mark McConnell First Aid; Eilish McGlone Water/Hurley Carriers; Jane Landers, Clodagh Landers and Dylan Conway.

THANKS Lismore Camogie Club would like to say a sincere thanks to the many sponsors who so generously responded to our letters of sponsorship for our girls trip to Kinegad for the All Ireland semi-final. The following are the list of sponsors; Lismore GAA, The Red House, The Vault Cafe, Inka Design, Foley’s on the Mall, FDC, The Classroom Bar, Rose’s West End Bar, Ormonde Kitchens, Lower Main St. Dungarvan; John Fuller Tiling and Timber Flooring, Mace Ballyrafter, Chopstix Chinese Takeaway, Neil Twomey Solicitor, Lismore Post Office, Roche’s Centra, Tony Glavin Accountants, Paul Lennihan of Vee Construction, John Heneghan, GSK Dungarvan, Dave Landers Meats, Doctor Noreen Barry, McGrath’s Butchers, Edward Fenton, Dr. Noelle Quann, Club Deise, Maurice Dunne Garage, Paddy Nugent Garage. Thanks also to all who took the long trip to Kinegad on Sunday to support our girls and to all who wished the girls their best wishes for the game. CHURCH GATE COLLECTION Thanks to all who supported our recent church gate collection.

Allianz National Leagues continue Division 1A Hurling: TIPPERARY V WATERFORD in Thurles Saturday, February 3rd at 7 p.m. •••••••••• Division 4 Football: WATERFORD V ANTRIM in Carriganore Sunday, February 4th at 2.00 p.m. AT first glance here, we are facing two defeats in this week’s National hurling and football league games and perhaps at a second glance too. The funny ones among us are saying that we are bringing just fifteen players to Thurles on

Saturday evening after not using any substitute in the defeat to Wexford last Sunday. Deise followers will travel in their droves one way or the other as they always do but on this occasion we could be facing a lash-back from a Tipperary side that went down to Clare in Ennis last weekend. Hopefully, some of the ring rustiness will have diluted from our performance against the Model County and that we can perform better on this occasion. If some more players turn in a shift like Tadhg De Burca in Walsh Park, then we may be closer to the winning enclosure then at present anticipated. OTHER DIVISION 1A FIXTURES Kilkenny v Clare in Nowlan Park Sunday, 4th February, at 2 p.m. Wexford v Cork in Wexford Park

same date and time. The footballers are probably meeting a team that will be promoted at the end of the league. Antrim defeated a Leitrim side that we always find difficult to overcome, that was on a 0-15 to 0-5 scoreline in Casement Park last weekend and this tells us the task that awaits Tom McGlinchey’s men on Sunday in Carriganore. However, this is an opportunity to pit ourselves against the best in the grade and no doubt this unified group of players will give their all to get something out of the game either point or display wise. OTHER DIVISION 4 FIXTURES All on Sunday, February 4th. London v Wicklow, Ruislip, 1 pm; Leitrim v Laois, Pairc Sean MacDiarmada, 2 pm; Limerick v Carlow, Newcastlewest, 2 pm.

Waterford U-14 Camogie Academy launches successfully in Carriganore By Colin Breheny

HOME FROM HOME – Abbeyside's Seanie Kiely on left and Timmy Organ in centre bring a copy of the Dungarvan Observer out to Richie Cosgrave in Dubai last weekend on the occasion of their visit there to officiate at the Far East GAA Finals.

THE WIT Sports Arena, Carriganore played host to a fresh and innovative new experiment on the Waterford Camogie scene on Saturday morning last, when the U-14 Waterford Camogie Academy kicked off in earnest on a murky January morning. Over 120 girls from 14 different camogie clubs throughout the County came together to kick-start a four week training camp, where the emphasis is firmly placed on enjoyment, the creation of bonds between

Camogie Clubs throughout the County and the development of the girls partaking in the Academy as confident, young adults and camogie players. The camp offers girls the opportunity to train under some of the most prolific GAA coaches in Ireland, alongside educational talks from GAA figureheads, nutritionists and world renowned athletes on the importance of healthy life choices for both mental and physical wellness. The School of Excellence continues this Saturday (3rd February) at 2 p.m. in the WIT Arena, Carriganore.

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Footballers take League point out of Aughrim ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 4 ROUND 1 Referee: Seamus Mulhare (Laois) pictured with team captains Paul Whyte (Waterford), left and Seanie Furlong (Wicklow).

Waterford ………………… 0-12; Wicklow …………………… 0-12. THEY may have been outplayed for most of the game and got the rub of the green when Wicklow’s top scorer Gearoid Murphy missed from in front of the posts with what would have been the winning point from a free with the second last kick of the game but Waterford dug deep during the second half of this first round Division 4 National football league game in Joule Park Aughrim last Sunday to claim a share of the spoils and a valuable first league point of this year’s campaign. The match was changed from a 2.30 pm start to 2 pm during the week but somebody forgot to tell the referee as he arrived at the venue at 1.55 pm with the action getting underway at 2.15 pm. Apart from the first fifteen minutes after which Waterford led by 0-4 to 0-2, Wicklow looked the fitter, faster and more threatening side until the 45th minute which coincided with the introduction of An Rinn trio Donie Breathnach, Fearghal O Cuirrin and Ray O Ceallaigh which added a freshness and a spring in the step of the visiting team in the prevailing against the wind trying conditions. Tom McGlinchey’s men had first use of the strong wind at a venue where Waterford support was like hen’s teeth in contrast to a solid home following. Waterford owned

the ball early on and indeed by the 12th minute they were full value for their 0-4 to 0-1 lead. Waterford have found a very capable free taker in Rathgormack’s in Jason Curry, he ended the match with 0-6 (5f, 1’45’) to his credit, and he opened the scoring in the second minute. Wicklow possessed the ideal right legged and left legged free takers and the latter, Seanie Furlong, levelled for the first of the two first half occasions with three minutes on the clock. The next ten minutes proved to be Waterford’s best period of the half with the hard working throughout Paul Whyte from a Gavin Crotty pass, Joey Veale in an all Kilrossanty move with Tommy Prendergast and Jason Curry from a ‘45’ pushing the visitors in front at 0-4 to 0-1. However, a combination of loose marking, giving away the ball easily, lacking ideas in attack and the influence of Conor Healy (7) and Darren Hayden (12) on the left flank for Wicklow had the Deise in all sorts of bother for the remainder of the half. The scores inevitably came with Daniel Keane kicking a contender for score of the match in the 15th minute followed by a second Seanie Furlong pointed free six minutes later while a good effort into the wind by Gearoid Murphy came back off the upright, 0-4 to 0-3. Gavin Crotty and Paul Whyte

combined again in the 27th minute for the latter’s second point from play but it was wind obstructed Wicklow who finished the half the stronger resulting in equalising scores by Gearoid Murphy, a brilliant pointed free in the 31st minute and Seanie Furlong’s third point and first from play in the second and last minute of added time. At the end of normal time Murphy (f) and Joey Veale were wide off the mark with efforts while of the four yellow cards dished out in this first moiety, Waterford collected three of them per Tommy Prendergast, Dylan Guiry and James McGrath. The second half appeared ominous for the visitors and this became a reality eight minutes in when Wicklow had raced into a 0-4 lead at 0-9 to 0-5 at the end of a very impressive period on their part. Three different players worked the scoreboard in Darren Hayden after just ten seconds and a third pointed free by Seanie Furlong sandwiched between two similar scores by Gearoid Murphy. Credit James McGrath for Waterford, he stopped the rot with a good score in the 44th minute before impressive Wicklow centre back Dean Healy replied one minute later, 0-10 to 0-6 and Wicklow still in control both on the field and on the scoreboard. Credit the visiting side, a serious comeback coincided with the ar-

rival of fresh legs in the persons of Waterford footballer of the year Donie Breathnach and Feargal O Cuirrin and between the 48th and the 52nd minutes, three frees were won by an attacking Deise side which Jason Curry did extremely well to judge and guide over the crossbar against the prevailing strong wind, 0-10 to 0-9. Curry showed he can raise flags from play as well and in the 54th minute he dissected the posts from a pass by Dylan Guiry. Waterford and Guiry weren’t finished yet and the latter placed Joey Veale for the lead point in the 55th minute as the venue went quiet with the large home following disbelieving Waterford’s revival. Jason Curry displayed his human side in the 56th minute when he was off target with a similar free attempt and Wicklow’s Gearoid Murphy made this pay all the more when he kicked a contender for score of the match from play one minute later, 0-11 each. Left legged free taker, Seanie Furlong restored Wicklow’s lead in the 58th minute as the Battle of Aughrim ensued for a scoreless six minutes. Waterford were under all sorts of pressure before contemplating an equalising score. JJ Hutchinson came on for Joey Veale in the 59th minute and one minute later he was blackcarded for voicing his opinion to the referee on a free

being awarded against him. Brian Looby was yellow carded in the 63rd minute but he recovered with some excellent defending in the final minutes. Full back Thomas O’Gorman made a tremendous journey with the ball upfield in the 64th minute, eventually being upended and dissent by the Wicklow defender moved the size 5 into a very scoreable position and Jason Curry did just that for the sixth time in the match, 0-12 each. Six minutes of normal time and four added remained and it was Wicklow who had the opportunities to claim all two league points. Midfielder Rory Finn was wide in the 71st minute before Waterford looked to be heading home pointless when a long delivery was gathered by Seanie Furlong who was deemed to be fouled by Thomas O’Gorman. The resultant free was one of the easier to score from by Gearoid Murphy but unfortunately for his sake he will be remembered not for his brilliant score in the 53rd minute and his contribution overall on the scoreboard but for missing this kick which ultimately gave a grateful Waterford side a share of the spoils. Waterford’s Top Three: Paul Whyte, Jason Curry, Dylan Guiry. Wicklow’s Top Three: Seanie Furlong, Dean Healy, Gearoid Murphy. Observer’s Man of the Match: Paul Whyte.

Number of Scorers: Waterford 4. Wicklow 5. Scores From Play: Waterford 0-6. Wicklow 0-5. Frees For: Waterford 22. Wicklow 33. Wides: Waterford 3. Wicklow 5. Score of the Match: Gearoid Murphy’s 58th minute point from play for Wicklow. Scorers – Waterford: Jason Curry 0-7 (5f, 1’45’), Paul Whyte and Joey Veale 0-2 each, James McGrath 0-1. Wicklow: Seanie Furlong 0-5 (4f), Gearoid Murphy 0-4 (3f), Daniel Keane, Darren Hayden and Dean Healy 0-1 each. Waterford: Stephen Enright; Brian Looby, Thomas O’Gorman, Mark Cummins; James McGrath, Shane Ryan, Aidan Trihy; Tommy Prendergast, Michael Curry; Conor Murray, Gavin Crotty, Dylan Guiry; Jason Curry, Joey Veale, Paul Whyte. Subs: Donie Breathnach for Gavin Crotty and Fearghal O Cuirrin for Conor Murray (both 47), Ray O Ceallaigh for Michael Curry(51), J. J. Hutchinson for Joey Veale (63), Martin Scurry for J. J. Hutchinson (b/c 65). Wicklow: Robert Lambert; Ciaran Hyland, Jamie Snell, Paul Merrigan; Pat Burke, Dean Healy, Conor Healy; Rory Finn, Kevin Murphy; James Stafford, Theo Smyth, Darren Hayden; Gearoid Murphy, Seanie Furlong, Daniel Keane. Subs: Mark Kenny for Daniel Keane (50), Ross O’Brien for Conor Healy (56), David Boothman for James Stafford (59), Padraig O’Toole for Darren Hayden (70). Referee: Seamus Mulhare (Laois).

Pictured above are the Waterford senior footballers who drew with Wicklow in Round 1 of the Allianz NFL in Joule Park, Aughrim last Sunday. Back Row: Left to Right: Michael Curry, Dylan Guiry, Joey Veale, Conor Murray, Tommy Prendergast, Shane Ryan, Jason Curry. Front Row: Left to Right: James McGrath, Gavin Crotty, Stephen Enright, Aidan Trihy, Paul Whyte, Brian Looby, Thomas O’Gorman, Mark Cummns.

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Gaelic Jottings Ardmore heads to Croke Park ARDMORE will be a deserted village this Sunday when the parish’s junior hurling team travel to Croke Park to play Leinster champions Fethard-on-Sea in the AllIreland club final. This is a once off opportunity for the seasiders and all local Gaels wish them the best of luck in their endeavours to be the first Waterford club to win the title.

Waterford’s Football Division ANTRIM proved far too strong for Leitrim, while Wicklow and Waterford shared the spoils in Aughrim. After leading narrowly at the break, 0-6 to 0-4, the Saffrons stepped on the gas in the second half to beat the Connacht side by ten points, 0-15 to 0-5, at Corrigan Park. Ryan Murray made it 0-8 to 0-4 after 41 minutes and it was double scores again five minutes later thanks to Paddy McBride and Conor Murray, 0-10 to 0-5. The hosts landed the last seven points, with CJ McGourty (0-3) impressing after coming off the bench. Meanwhile, the meeting of Wicklow and Waterford finished all-square at Aughrim, 0-12 each, after Jason Curry banged over a late levelling free for the Suirsiders. Inspirational captain Seanie Furlong seemed to have won it for the Garden County but Waterford were in the mood for a takeaway and Curry chipped over the last score of a great game. Carlow made the journey to London worthwhile with a 2-14 to 2-9 win over their hosts while Laois proved that they will be tough opposition for all teams in this division with a 2-12 to 0-9 win against Limerick in O’Moore Park. A brilliant goal from Gary Walsh with 20 minutes remaining was the key score as Laois got their Division 4 campaign off to a winning start thanks to a nine-point triumph over Limerick in O’Moore Park. Walsh’s goal put Laois five up and dealt Limerick a blow they were always unlikely to recover from. And as well as finishing with 1-6, the Laois full-forward also set up Laois’s second goal in injury time when he put Paul Kingston through. ALLIANZ FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIV. 4 P W D L Dif pts Antrim 1 1 0 0 +10 2 Laois 1 1 0 0 +9 2 Carlow 1 1 0 0 +5 2 Waterford 1 0 1 0 evens 1 Wicklow 1 0 1 0 evens 0 London 1 0 0 1 -5 0 Limerick 1 0 0 1 -9 0 Leitrim 1 0 0 1 -10 0

Waterford’s Hurling Division CLARE picked up a valuable two points as they got their Allianz National Hurling League Division 1 campaign off to a winning start defeating Tipperary by 1-21 to 0-19. Leading by five points, ten minutes into the second half, Clare could have wrapped things up a lot sooner than they eventually did. Instead they allowed Tipperary to equalise and put themselves under pressure for the final quarter. During this period, David Reidy got the only shot on goal and the Ennis man left Paul Maher with no chance raising a green flag with the final puck of the game. Meanwhile, Cork’s hurlers sampled Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the first time since the extensive refurbishment and got their time in the stadium off to a winning start

against Kilkenny. 16,189 fans watched on as an entertaining encounter unfolded with Shane Kingston’s early goal proving the difference on the scoreboard at the final whistle as new boss John Meyler saw his team have three points to spare. Kilkenny were ahead by a narrow margin, 0-15 to 1-11, at the midway mark but it was evenly contested stuff and the prospect of a draw looked real when Walter Walsh lobbed over a superb score to bring Kilkenny level at 1-19 to 0-22. But Cork generated a forceful finish to the game with points from Conor Lehane, Jack O’Connor and Shane Kingston pushing them ahead by three. TJ Reid and Lehane swapped frees before a Conor Fogarty score deep into injury-time left Kilkenny adrift by two. Captain Seamus Harnedy stepped up to apply the finishing touch to Cork’s victory when he clipped over the last point of the night. As we are only too aware Wexford’s David Dunne contributed 2-2 in the second half as Wexford pulled off an emphatic victory against Waterford at a packed Walsh Park. In blustery conditions, Davy Fitzgerald’s charges led from beginning to end and clearly benefitted from their Walsh Cup exertions. Economical long distance shooting built a six point halfway lead and they never looked back after Dunne stung the net on 44 minutes. Free-taker Lee Chin compiled eight points from centre-forward while goalkeeper Mark Fanning hit three wind assisted efforts. A rusty Waterford leant heavily on Pauric Mahony who accounted for twelve points. Centre back Tadhg De Burca was their leading light as he prompted a home recovery in the third quarter. Derek McGrath chose not to use his subs bench and the Déise face a trip to Tipperary next Saturday. ALLIANZ HURLING LEAGUE DIV. 1 P W D L Dif Pts Wexford 1 1 0 0 +7 2 Clare 1 1 0 0 +5 2 Cork 1 1 0 0 +3 2 Kilkenny 1 0 0 1 -3 0 Tipperary 1 0 0 1 -5 0 Waterford 1 0 0 1 -7 0

April reserved for Clubs – an illusion – Brolly JOE Brolly has said there was little prospect that county managers would observe the directive that April be reserved for club matches. And he said that if the new director general was to drastically tighten the inter-county schedule and allow greater time for the club season then he would find "overwhelming" support. "That April month for the clubs is an illusion. Everyone knows it's an illusion. I mean, there was a 'bully-batter' at the Meath county board meeting a few weeks ago when they realised that was an impossibility. "And what they're trying to do now is reduce their club championship from a six-game round-robin to a three-game round-robin. Because they realised that county managers are not going to release the players for the month of April. And that's happening everywhere.

Michael Lyster’s last year ACCORDING to a report in The Sunday Times, the popular Galway man is obliged to retire from RTÉ when he turns 65 next April. That means he will no longer be able to host the national

PRESENTATION TO WESTERN BOARD REFEREES – Pictured in Cappoquin GAA Club last Wednesday evening at a presentation of tracksuits by the Western Board to their panel of referees were front row, left to right: Cian O’Halloran (Brickeys), Tricia Walsh, Western Board Secretary; Tommy O’Sullivan (Affane/Cappoquin), Emer Barry (Western Board PRO), Thomas Walsh (Modeligo). Back Row: Left to right: Domhnall O Murchadha (An Rinn), Paddy Smyth (Na Seamroga), Seanie Murphy (Na Seamroga), Tadhg Tobin (Brickeys) and Tom Mansfield (Affane/Cappoquin). The referees wish to thank the Western Board for this generous gesture and to inform anybody who is interested in becoming a knight of the whistle that they can contact Tommy O’Sullivan on 087 4146890.

broadcaster's flagship GAA show, with Darragh Maloney and Joanne Cantwell among those tipped to succeed him. He first hosted The Sunday Game highlights programme in 1984 before concentrating solely on the live show over a decade ago. Pat Spillane initially replaced him as host of the highlights programme before Des Cahill took over in 2007. Lyster, along with regular panellists such as Colm O'Rourke, Joe Brolly and Pat Spillane, has covered many of the GAA's most memorable moments in a long broadcasting career. He suffered a "massive heart attack" in 2015, but thankfully regained full health. Known as a Galway man, Michael was born in Dungarvan 64 years ago before heading west.

“Never Doubt Their Character’’... McGlinchey IN the aftermath of last Sunday’s thrilling draw with Wicklow in Aughrim, County senior football manager Tom McGlinchey was loud in his praise of the character shown by his players who despite playing into a strong wind clawed back a 0-4 second half deficit and came away from the venue with what could prove to be a very valuable league point. “We got the rub of the green at the finish when Gearoid Murphy misplaced his free kick but we deserve a change of luck after losing a number of games last year by the minimum score.’’ “We were rusty early on, and we made some poor mistakes which the players acknowledged at half time but we deserved to take a point on the way we played in the final twenty minutes.’’ “Jason Curry was outstanding in his first seventy minute game for the team and he was the cause of us getting a league point with his accuracy from frees and from play. Paul Whyte held the ball well in defence and attacked when

needed while Joey Veale used all of his experience to score two fine points. Overall the players showed great character when it looked like curtains for us midway through the second half and never doubt this group’s ambition to improve Waterford football,’’ concluded the team manager.

Western Board Meeting WESTERN Board Vice Chairman Neil Moore of the Abbeyside/ Ballinacourty club presided at the Championship Format and Draws meeting in Lawlors Hotel last Monday night. Delegates voted in favour of no team being out of contention after the Group games in some championships especially where there are Groups of four teams as they feared their championship year after just three games could be done and dusted early on. The Board’s Blue Ribbon championship, the intermediate hurling is comprised of two groups of four with Ballysaggart, Ardmore, Cappoquin and Clashmore in Group 1 and Modeligo, Shamrocks, Stradbally and Brickeys in Group 2. The first round games in April will be as follows: Group 1: Ballysaggart v Ardmore. Cappoquin v Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg. Group 2: Modeligo v Shamrocks. Stradbally v Brickeys. The first round games in the other championships are as below: Intermediate Football: Modeligo v Emmetts. Geraldines v Sliabh gCua. Ballinameela v Ballinacourty. Junior ‘A’ Football: Shamrocks v Sean Phobail. Kilgobinet v Affane. Under 21 ‘B’Football: Preliminary Round: Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg v Ardmore. Stradbally v Affane. There is no losers’ Group. Quarter Finals: Cois Bhride v Stradbally or Affane. Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg or Ardmore v Brickeys. An Ghaeltacht v Kilrossanty. Dungarvan v

St. Olivers. Junior ‘A’ Hurling: Kilrossanty v Tourin. Colligan v Ballinameela. Geraldines v St. Mary’s. Junior ‘B’ Hurling: Dungarvan v Lismore. Fourmilewater v Tallow. Ballyduff –Bye. Junior ‘C’ Hurling: Ballysaggart v An Rinn. Kilgobinet v Cappoquin. Abbeyside v Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg. Shamrocks v Brickeys. Melleray v Modeligo. Under 21 Hurling: It was decided not to draw these ‘A’ and ‘B’ championships until later at the request of the Board.

The Reason..... McGrath WATERFORD manager Derek McGrath has explained why he didn't call for reinforcements from his bench during last Sunday’s seven-point defeat to Wexford. "We felt once the boys were struggling that there was no point giving lads a token run," "Leave the guys to get the fitness into them for that 15-minute period when it looked like the game was gone from us. "Our feeling at that stage was that regular fellas, Kevin (Moran), Jamie (Barron), Pauric (Mahony) could do with the full 75 or 76 minutes. That was the reasoning behind it.’’

Scór Na Seachtaine ARDMORE’S 53rd minute goal in the AllIreland Junior Hurling semi final in Pairc Tailteann, Navan, engineered by Seamus Prendergast and executed by David Gartland.

Fraher Field Classics THIS week’s Fraher Field Classics, courtesy of the editor of the Dungarvan Observer and from the pen of John A. Murphy features the Waterford County Convention of 50 years ago on the newspaper dated February 3rd, 1968.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Allianz National Hurling League Division 1A Round 1

Early reality check for hurlers as Wexford collect vital points Wexford …………………… 2-20; Waterford ………………...…0-19. ALMOST six months on from being beaten in the All-Ireland quarter final in Páirc Uí Caoimh, far more decisively than the final four point margin, Wexford exacted some degree of revenge in Walsh Park on Sunday last where they were in no way flattered to come away with a seven point victory. Having achieved Division 1A status against all the odds under Davy Fitzgerald last year Wexford showed their determination to retain it as they carried the game to the home side from the opening whistle, moving into a seven point lead before Waterford’s first point came in the 19th minute and retaining the upper hand for all but a brief seven minute spell at the start of the second half when the Wexford lead was cut to just three points. Overall, this result can be seen as a stark reminder to Waterford that getting back to Croke Park this year will be even harder with the road map now changed and there

are no easy games out there in either league or championship. With Stephen O’Keeffe still nursing a hamstring injury Ian O’Regan was named in goal for this game and with Noel Connors, Shane Fives, Kieran Bennett and Michael Walsh of the starting All Ireland fifteen left out Conor Gleeson, Shane McNulty, Stephen Bennett, Maurice Shanahan and Tommy Ryan filled in to make up, what was on paper, a very strong starting fifteen. Wexford showed seven changes in personnel from the side that went down to Waterford in Pairc Ui Caoimh. Waterford lined out very much along the lines of the side announced on Friday night though for some reason Kieran Bennett was listed as no. 14 on the official programme. As expected Kevin Moran dropped back to midfield leaving a five man full forward line with Maurice Shanahan and Tommy Ryan the front men. Waterford appeared to win the toss and elected to play into the stiff

breeze blowing from the dressing room end. While Wexford set the pace with the opening point from Paudie Foley no one would have imagined that it would take Waterford all of almost twenty minutes to put a score on the board. The fact that the six further points for Wexford in that period all came from frees, three from inside the Wexford half off the stick of goalkeeper Mark Fanning, was a reflection of careless indiscipline on Waterford’s part during that time. After Jake Dillon opened Waterford’s account in the 19th minute the game did open up somewhat tfor the home side but while the next five Wexford scores all came from play Waterford’s five all came from Pauric Mahony frees, clearly demonstrating just how confident and competent Wexford were when on the ball throughout the first half. Only once did Waterford mange to threaten the Wexford goal when Stephen Bennett got clean through to see his shot brilliantly saved for a ‘65’ by

Mark Fanning. At the other end Ian O’Regan was busier with one stand out save from Aidan Nolan. While the six point half-time deficit was by no means insurmountable, given the breeze, Waterford supporters had reason to be concerned for the manner in which Waterford were being outmuscled and outplayed in the middle third with Matthew O’Hanlon, Kevin Foley, Diarmuid O’Keeffe Jack O’Connor and Lee Chin dominating against Waterford’s big men in Darragh Fives, Jamie Barron, Austin Gleeson, Kevin Moran and Pauric Mahony. After Lee Chin opened Wexford’s second half account from an early free on the resumption the anticipated Waterford fightback looked set to take off with Pauric Mahony’s free followed by a Jamie Barron point and two great scores from Tommy Ryan and Tadhg De Burca who looked set to be the man to lead the comeback. The Waterford revival was stopped in its tracks however, in the

44th minute, with David Dunne bursting on to the scene to make a great catch from an Aidan Nolan delivery and, in one move, sweeping past Conor Gleeson to give O’Regan no chance in the Waterford goal. Jamie Barron did hit back with a point from a superbly struck sideline cut but Wexford continued to tighten their grip on the game with scores from Chin, Morris and Dunne giving their side a 1-18 to 0-13 lead before Dunne all but sealed the victory as he streaked away from Barry Coughlan to beat O’Regan for the second time in the 59th minute leaving Waterford with an eleven point deficit to make up in the closing ten minutes. It was not the case that the players on the field were not trying. They were, but were being outplayed with no intervention coming by way of change from the line. Though Waterford outscored their opponents by 0-6 to 0-2 in the closing ten minutes and Austin Gleeson went close to pulling a

goal back when his shot hit the upright Wexford were full value for their seven point win. Scorers – Wexford: David Dunne 2-2, Lee Chin 0-8 (6Fs), Mark Fanning 0-3 (Fs), Kevin Foley and Diarmuid O’Keeffe 0-2 each, Paudie Foley, Aidan Nolan and Paul Morris 0-1 each. Waterford: Pauric Mahony 0-12 (9Fs,1’65’), Jamie Barron 0-2 (1S/L), Jake Dillon, Austin Gleeson, Tommy Ryan, Tadhg De Burca and Darragh Fives 0-1 each. Wexford: Mark Fanning, Damien Reck, Liam Ryan, Shaun Murphy, Paudie Foley, Matthew O’Hanlon, Simon Donohue, Kevin Foley, Diarmuid O’Keeffe, Aidan Nolan, Lee Chin, Jack O’Connor, Paul Morris, David Dunne, Conor McDonald. Subs: Jack Guiney for K. Foley (61), Cathal Dunbar for Morris (86), Harry Kehoe for O’Connor (70), Aaron Maddock for Nolan (71). Waterford: Ian O’Regan, Conor Gleeson, Barry Coughlan, Shane McNulty, Tadhg De Burca, Austin Gleeson, Philip Mahony, Jamie Barron, Darragh Fives, Kevin Moran, Pauric Mahony, Jake Dillon, Stephen Bennett, Maurice Shanahan, Tommy Ryan. Referee: Sean Cleere (Kilkenny)

Waterford ladies football team who were defeated away to Tyrone last weekend.

Youthful Waterford defeated by Tyrone WATERFORD LADIES SENIOR FOOTBALL: ROUND 1, DIVISION 2 LEAGUE Tyrone ..............................… 4-11; Waterford .........................…..2-11. OUR senior ladies football team had a disappointing opening to their division 2 league, away to Tyrone Ladies and losing on a scoreline of 4-11 to 2-11. The game was due to be played in Drumragh GAA club however due to poor weather conditions and heavy rain this pitch was deemed unplayable and was moved to the Tyrone Centre of Excellence on an allweather pitch. A youthful team lined out on the day and several made their senior

debut including Kate and Aisling Hahessey, Laura Cusack, Sally Kelly and Keeley Corbett Barry. The opening five minutes saw two quick points by Tyrone as the Déise girls got off to a slow start. The first Waterford point came from the left leg of Roisín Tobin as the Déise girls found their feet and settled into the game. A great move started in the back line which was worked up the field, ending up with Eimear Fennell who stuck it in the back of the Tyrone net after a lovely pass by Aileen Wall. Sinead Ryan who was fantastic on frees all day then scored her first point of three in the first half. Tyrone had a few goal chances

but were denied by Sally Kelly who made a few great saves. Megan Dunford was also very impressive on the day making many selfless runs and winning important frees. Roisín Tobin and Aileen Wall finished Waterford’s scoring in the first half which left Waterford with a one point lead going into the second half on a score line of 1-6 to 1-5. The second half started with high intensity with both teams exchanging points from placed balls. We were then awarded a penalty as Katie Murray was pulled down in the square however the Tyrone goalie got a touch to Eimear Fennell’s shot and denied the

Déise girls a goal. The experienced Michelle Ryan was then introduced and within a minute she had the ball batted to the back of the net giving Waterford a two point lead. Tyrone started to put pressure on the Déise defence and attacked with speed which resulted in two quick goals. A few substitutions were made but Tyrone had built momentum and even though the Déise girls worked tirelessly they couldn’t bridge the gap. Liz Devine finished the scoring with a great point but it was too late and the scoreboard finished with Tyrone taking the three points. Waterford will play their second League match at home to Clare in

Carriganore, WIT Sports Campus this Saturday, 3rd February TBC. Waterford Team: Sally Kelly, Rebecca Casey, Michelle McGrath, Kate Hahessey, Laura Cusack, Emma Murray, Megan Dunford, Mairéad Wall, Aisling Hahessey, Roisín Tobin, Keeley Corbett Barry, Katie Murray, Sinéad Ryan, Eimear Fennell, Aileen Wall. Subs used: Karen Mcgrath for Laura Cusack, Michelle Ryan for Keeley Corbett Barry, Lauren McGregor for Roisín Tobin, Kelly Ann for Aisling Hahessey, Geraldine Power for Eimear Fennell, Liz Devine for Aileen Wall. UNDER 16 Our u-16 girls had a great game

against Cork in Old Parish on Saturday 27th. Everybody played really well and are looking forward to the Championship which will commence in March. UNDER 14 The under 14 girls played Offaly in a challenge last Sunday in WIT. CLUB DÉISE Thanks to everybody who has supported our senior girls in their fundraising efforts but becoming members of club Déise, it is greatly appreciated. COUNTY BOARD The next county board meeting will be held on Monday, 12th February.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Waterford fights back to grab precious point WATERFORD COUNTY CAMOGIE LITTLEWOODS IRELAND CAMOGIE LEAGUE DIVISION 1 Waterford ………………..…2-13; Clare ……………………...…2-13. WATERFORD and Clare shared the spoils after a topsy turvy encounter at the WIT Arena on Saturday night. The Banner recovered from seven points adrift to lead by three entering the closing stages. Beth Carton proved Waterford’s saviour yet again. She cracked a shot to the far corner of the net on 57 minutes and followed it up with a brilliant solo point to give the Déise a slender advantage. The unmarkable full forward totalled 1-8 over the hour. Chloe Morey nailed an injury time leveller from a 60 metre free. This result leaves Waterford on four points from two games ahead of Sunday’s trip to table toppers Kilkenny. Donal O’Rourke made five changes from the comfortable win over Meath as Ciara Jackman, Jenny McCarthy, Claire Whyte, Claire Murphy and Annie Fitzgerald

all got the nod. The home team played with the breeze at first and captain Niamh Rockett fired over the opening point after just 30 seconds. Orla Devitt levelled immediately. In the third minute, a Carton free was batted away but Kaiesha Tobin reacted quickest and swept it past Lauren Solon. On the all-weather surface, Waterford’s nippy forward line attracted frees and four Carton conversions left it 1-5 to 0-4 after the first quarter. At the other end, Clare skipper Orlaith Duggan rattled Ciara Jackman’s crossbar after bursting through the middle. The energetic hosts hassled and harried their opponents. Pressure on the Clare puckouts yielded three points in two minutes. White flags via Carton, Fitzgerald and Rockett during that mesmerising spell put them 1-8 to 0-4 ahead. The industrious Rockett finished the half with three from play. Clare rallied approaching half time. Morey recorded four wides before she landed two frees in quick succession. Jenny McCarthy kept a close eye on the

Sixmilebridge ace throughout. Two minutes before the break, Duggan sprinted down the spine of the Déise defence once more and hand passed to the net despite a suspicion of overcarrying. That goal reduced the deficit to three at the midway stage (1-9 to 1-6). The tempo dipped in the third quarter. Eimear Kelly and Deirdre Fahey traded points under the floodlights. Annie Fitzgerald forced a save out of Solon. Morey registered her first from play on 43 minutes as Clare started to turn the screw. From their next attack, Morey fed Niamh O’Dea and the number eleven planted it past Jackman (2-8 to 1-10). Points followed from Morey (free) and O’Dea. Fahey won a much needed free for Waterford and Carton duly ended a sixteen-minute wait for a score. Morey and Duggan maintained a three point gap. With three minutes remaining, Carton latched onto a long delivery and smashed to the net. In her next magic trick, she soloed along the sideline bypassing the Clare chal-

lenges and struck the lead point off her right side. Morey had the last word of this entertaining tussle with a huge effort. Scorers for Waterford: Beth Carton 1-8 (6fs), Kaiesha Tobin 10, Niamh Rockett 0-3, Annie Fitzgerald, Deirdre Fahey 0-1 each. Scorers for Clare: Chloe Morey 0-6 (5fs), Niamh O’Dea 1-2, Orlaith Duggan 1-1, Orla Devitt, Andrea O’Keeffe, Roisin McMahon, Eimear Kelly 0-1 each. Waterford: Ciara Jackman; Jenny McCarthy, Iona Hefferan, Sibeal Harney; Aoife Landers, Aine Lyng, Claire Whyte; Lorraine Bray, Clara Griffin; Claire Murphy, Annie Fitzgerald, Niamh Rockett; Aisling Power, Beth Carton, Kaiesha Tobin. Subs: Deirdre Fahy for Murphy, Becky Kavanagh for Griffin, Mairead Power for Whyte. Clare: Lauren Solon; Eimear Kelly, Claire Hehir, Carol O’Leary; Ciara Grogan, Maire McGrath, Laura McMahon; Roisin McMahon, Orlaith Duggan; Andrea O’Keeffe, Niamh O’Dea, Orla Devitt; Chloe Morey, Amy Keating, Doireann

Murphy. Sub: Regan Conway for Keating. Referee: Ray Kelly (Kildare) LITTLEWOODS NATIONAL LEAGUE Waterford vs Kilkenny Sunday, 4th February Venue: Kilkenny Venue Best of luck to our senior team who play Kilkenny in the third round on the National league on Sunday next at a venue in Kilkenny at 2 p.m. Please come out and support the girls on Sunday next. WATERFORD UNDER 14 SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE The Under 14 school of excellence commences next Sunday in WIT Carrignore at 2.30 p.m. There are 115 girls registered. A parent is needed with the girl on the day for registration. ALL IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP Lismore 0-2; Athenry 0-8 Hard luck to Lismore who came up a very strong Athenry side. The Conditions were very difficult in Coralstown, Kinnegad and it was an Athenry team propelled by the

vast experienced trio of Therese Maher, Jessica Gill and Rebecca Glynn that adapted best. They led by 0-5 to 0-2 at half-time. Maher scoring four points (three from Frees) and Gill the other. Nicola Morrissey got Lismore off the mark at the end of the first quarter and Caitriona McGlone doubled their tally six minutes later but they failed to score again, while Niamh Hannon (two) and Noreen Coen pointed to ensure Athenry the prized victory. Lismore did very well to get as far as they did. They did Waterford proud and hold the title of Intermediate Munster Champions 2017. WATERFORD CAMOGIE OFFICE Waterford Camogie office is opened every day Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm. Our Office is located in Dungarvan Nissan. If you have any queries or want to get in contact with us please contact us on 086 8113531 or John Flood on 087 6684474. You will also find us on Facebook and twitter.

Abbeyside Juvenile GAA Club Presentation Night

Abbeyside Juvenile GAA Club Presentation Night. U-16 Football Team, County Champions 2017 with Mentors Ian Kiely and Fergal Slevin. Included is Special Guest, Neil Montgomery and Joe Cleary, Club Chairman. [Sean Byrne]

Abbeyside Juvenile GAA Club Presentation Night. Joe Cleary, Chairman Juvenile Club making a presentation to Charlie Gough, who played for Waterford in the Primary Game. Included is Special Guest, Neil Montgomery. [Sean Byrne]

Abbeyside Juvenile GAA Club Presentation Night. Joe Cleary, Chairman Juvenile Club making a presentation to Sean O'Callaghan, who played for Waterford in the Primary Game. Included are Special Guest, Neil Montgomery [Sean Byrne] and Sean’s Grandfather Michael Mernin.

Abbeyside Juvenile GAA Club Presentation Night. U-14 Hurling Team, Waterford Feile Winners and Western Champions 2017 with Mentors Benny Flynn, Pat Walsh and Brendan Kent. Included is Special Guest, Neil Montgomery and Joe Cleary, Club Chairman. [Sean Byrne]

AIB All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling Semi-Final

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Ardmore shows winning character in Navan AIB ALL-IRELAND CLUB JUNIOR HURLING SEMI-FINAL Referee Alfie Devine (Westmeath) pictured with team captains Declan Prendergast (Ardmore) on left and Kevin Campbell (Setanta).

Ardmore ……………………4-12; Setanta (Donegal) …………0-13. DESPITE playing into the strong wind in Pairc Tailteann in Navan last Saturday afternoon in the All Ireland Club junior hurling semifinal, Ulster champions Setanta weren’t long in informing all Ardmore followers that they were well able to play the ancient game. At the end of the first quarter the Donegal senior champions led by 0-4 to 0-2 and they were full value for their positive start to the game. Setanta’s first touch and hurling knowhow impressed and for the first time since the Western final against St. Mary’s, serious questions were being asked of Ardmore’s resolve to win and advance to a historic first All Ireland appearance. Despite the slow start to the game, Ardmore responded as required and goals and vital stages by proven green flag raisers in both halves proved to be the difference at the end of the day. Ardmore lined out as expected with Wayne Hennessy back in midfield after his recent suspension while the recovered from injury Sean Barron came in from the start for the unavailable Kieran Conway. Setanta possessed a very strong midfield pairing in former Galway minor Danny Cullen and Niall Cleary while former Armagh senior hurler and top scorer Declan

Coulter was on the edge of the square. The referee for the match was Westmeath’s Alfie Devine who proved to be a very capable and sensible knight of the whistle for the occasion. Setanta were registered on the scoreboard after just 31 seconds when centre forward Colm Melaugh clipped over a fine point from play. John Gartland responded similarly one minute later following which Setanta’s Richie McKee was carded, the first of five yellows and one red for the Donegal outfit with Ardmore’s improved discipline confining them to just two yellows during the hour per Niall Hennessy and Kenny Murphy. Three minutes into the action Seamus Prendergast popped over the first of his five pointed frees but Setanta deservingly shot in to the lead courtesy of a brace of fine points from play from Declan Coulter who was causing problems for Declan Prendergast at the edge of the square, 0-4 to 0-2. IMPORTANT GOALS James Flavin was wide with a 14th minute point attempt before Seamus Keating who was operating as a spare man in defence courtesy of Setanta’s tactics against the wind landed a mighty point from his own 45 metre line. Ardmore received a much welcomed boost in the 18th minute

when James Flavin was quickest to react to a ball breaking off James Kennedy and he worked hard to split the Setanta defence and plant the ball in the back of the net, 1-3 to 0-4. Seamus Prendergast and Niall Hennessy shot points from play and after 22 minutes of the game at last wind assisted Ardmore were opening some daylight between the sides, 1-5 to 0-4. Setanta free taker Kevin Campbell reduced the difference to one puck of the ball before David Gartland, Seamus Prendergast (f) and James Kennedy from a Richie Hennessy pass eased the worries of the Ardmore following with the scoreboard reading 1-8 to 0-5 in their favour. Setanta paid the ultimate price for their delaying first half tactics when four minutes of added time were announced and it was halfway through these that the very in form Niall Hennessy placed Seamus Prendergast for the winner’s second goal and a 0-9 advantage heading back to the dressing rooms. Ardmore’s improved play was demonstrated in their new hunger out on the field in the latter minutes of the first half, epitomised by a number of players tackling Niall Cleary at one stage and forcing the sliotar out of play.

Ardmore Junior hurlers who beat Setanta (Donegal) to reach the AIB All-Ireland Club Final.

A DOZEN WIDES However, the Munster champions could have made life easier for themselves in that first half, they shot twelve first half wides, seven of them ‘holy mary’ pucks from the defence when the natural tactic would have been to play the ball either low or high in front of Seamus Prendergast who was very much on top of his marker in front of goal. Tom Cronin’s charges displayed great second half character against the wind and they maintained their 0-9 advantage up to the end of the third quarter with Seamus Prendergast adding three pointed frees and a resolute defence confining Setanta to one point from play per Danny Coulter and two pointed frees by Kevin Campbell. SUPERB DEFENCE The Ardmore defence was really on its game in this period helped by a brilliant rob by the hardworking Kenny Murphy on Setanta’s Richie Kee heading for goal while an attempted goal from a free was stopped on the line by a determined line of blue. Setanta’s frustration of not eating into Ardmore’s advantage resulted in picking up yellow cards in the 41st, 44th and 48th minutes. Ardmore introduced the returned from New Zealand Michael Cronin and in his time on the field he

showed his value to the side. The Ulster champions Niall Cleary reduced Ardmore’s half time lead of 0-9 for the first time in the 51st minute with a good stroke from play but David Gartland replied immediately with an even better one and an important first Ardmore score in ten minutes and their first from play of the second half. KEY SCORE It was a notable score as it got Ardmore back on track on the score board and following a Danny Coulter white flag, Seamus Prendergast pinpointed a pass to a defence evading David Gartland who rattled the net and finished of the game in this 53rd minute on a score of 3-12 to 0-10. The icing was put on the cake four minutes later when Gartland, on receipt of the ball from Gavin Williams, made great progress along the endline and before being taken out by Setanta goalie Ciaran Bellew for which the Donegal player received a red card, he directed the sliotar to James Flavin who bravely batted home hid side’s fourth green flag and his own second one. Both teams emptied their benches for the remaining seven minutes of play and credit Setanta, they kept the winners scoreless and added 0-3 themselves via

Danny Coulter (f), Bernard Lafferty and a ‘65’ by Danny Coulter, who despite being on the losing side was a real contender for man of the match. The final whistle was greeted loudly by the large Ardmore following whose thoughts quickly turned to a trip to Croke Park for this Sunday’s All Ireland final against a fancied St. Mogues side from Fethard-on-Sea in Wexford. Scorers – Ardmore: S. Prendergast 1-6 (5f), J. Flavin 2-0, D. Gartland 1-2, J. Gartland, S. Keating, N. Hennessy and J. Kennedy 0-1 each. Setanra: D. Coulter 0-3 (1f),K. Campbell 0-3f, D. Cullen 0-3 (1 ’65’), B. Lafferty 0-2, C. Melaugh and N. Cleary 0-1 each. Ardmore: J. O’Donnell; D. Power, D. Prendergast, N. Hennessy; G. Williams, S. Keating, R. Hennessy; K. Murphy, W. Hennessy; J. Kennedy, D. Gartland, J. Gartland; J. Flavin, S. Prendergast, S. Barron. Subs: M. Cronin for D. Power (46), Stephen Keating for J. Gartland (50), C. Hennessy for J. Kennedy (58), E. Conway for K. Murphy (59), A. Stenson for S. Prendergast (61). Steanta: C. Bellew; M. Callaghan, S. Mac Menamin, J. McBride; S. Anderson, M. Bonner, B. Tourish; N. Cleary, D. Cullen; R. Gee, M. Kane, B. Lafferty; C. Melaugh, D. Coulter, K. Campbell. Subs: D. Brown for C. Melaugh (42), J. Cronolly for M. Kane (59), J. McGettigan for D. Coulter (61), A. McConnell for S. Anderson (64). Referee: A. Devine (Westmeath).

12 & 13

AIB All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling Semi-Final

''Eye on the ball''. Ardmore supporters deep in concentration in Pairc Tailteann.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

The Gartland Family.

John and Ber Quinn.

The Fraher Family.

Former Ardmore players Bertie Hallahan on left and Tommy Power Senior.

The Walsh Family.

The Flavin Family.

The Troy Family.

Liam Lynch on left and Noel Rooney.

Margaret Lynch on left and Esther Byrnes.

Celebrating Ardmore's third goal were from left Mary Lincoln, Michael Hennessy and Lucy Brabazon.

Group of young Ardmore supporters pictured in Navan last Saturday.

The Conways and Hennessys.

The Stilwells, Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Mahonys and Foleys.

The Moloney Family

From Left : Billy Harty, Lindsey Prendergast and Louise and Johnny Carlton.

''The Winning Feeling'' From Left: David Walsh, James Flavin and Niall Power.

From left : Joe Callaghan, Declan Hurley and Liam Foley.

Eileen and Ella Hennessy on left and Aisling and Jamie Prendergast.

Francis Keating on left and Brian Keane.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

AIB All-Ireland Club Junior Hurling Final

Ardmore in action in Croke Park ARDMORE V ST. MOGUES (Fethard, Wexford) Sunday, 4th February In Croke Park at 2.00 p.m. IT’S rare if never that a small rural club gets the opportunity to play at the GAA headquarters but whoever came up with the idea of introducing club championships in the junior and intermediate grades in recent years have done the GAA a great service. These championships give clubs a new lease of life and on this Sunday from a Waterford viewpoint, it is Ardmore’s turn to challenge for All Ireland greatness at the most famous grounds in the country. However, straight away, in the lead up to this final, all concerned with the Ardmore effort will have to put at the back of their minds where they are playing and the occasion that is in it once the ball is thrown in because nobody will want to underperform and not leave their best out on the course because of the day that is in it. It will be up to the team management and the older and experienced players in the team to focus all concerned during the week and before the match in what at the end of the day is in reality another game with goalposts at either end of the field.

Any side that gets to an All Ireland final is there on merit alone and the Wexford team have beaten the Kilkenny champions on their way there as well as scoring a comprehensive win over Connacht champions, Slyne from Galway in the semi-final two weeks ago. Arguably, last week’s performance by Ardmore will not be good enough this time round as in essence not enough of their side played up to form. In our own opinion just Niall and Richie Hennessy, Seamus Keating and Seamus Prendergast played to their full potential and a similar occurrence on Sunday will not do against an opposition that is going to be a few steps better than Setanta. As the championship goes on the standard gets higher and a lot of soul searching after last week’s game will have to be done if the ultimate goal is going to be achieved. BIG CALLS Team management has a number of big calls to make in the composition of the side that is going to be sent into action and none more so than who will receive the number 1 jersey. Jack Walsh returns from suspension but James O’Donnell has done nothing wrong between the posts since his call up and his experience and steady temperament may win him his place on the starting line up. On his return from his year in New Zealand, Michael Cronin was back in action as a second half substitute in Navan and he did enough to remind us all of his ability and value to the team. If he was at

home all the time he would be a certainty to start and one way or the other in this All Ireland final against top opposition he will be required from the throw-in. He has given great service to the club since his under age days and if he is fully fit then his time abroad should not militate against his selection. IMPROVEMENTS REQUIRED One of the mainstays of the team has been the midfield pairing of Kenny Murphy and Wayne Hennessy. They experienced their first off day last week but no doubt quality characters such as these two will regroup for Sunday where their best form will be required in the wide expanses of Croke Park. Likewise, team captain Declan Prendergast took a while to exert his influence on the edge of the square in Navan but if he can repeat his leadership of the second half in the Munster final in Mallow, this should inspire his colleagues to raise their game also. Niall and Richie Hennessy played their best game in a long time in Navan and hopefully this can be repeated eight days later. Setanta gave Seamus Keating a loose man role in Navan which he performed very well in general play in defence. However, apart from a superb score from his own ‘45’ he shot four first half wides, Richie Hennessy, two and Niall Hennessy, one, out of a first half tally of a dozen in total and this is unforgiveable of a defence with a player of the calibre of Seamus Prendergast up front.

Niall Hennessy

Seamus Keating

Jack Walsh

Prendergast was one of the few players who performed to his potential and as Del Boy would say, ‘’You know it makes sense’’ to deliver the ball in front of him either low or in the air. Prendergast is still the key player on the side and every effort should be made on Sunday not to waste balls with ‘holy mary’ shots. James Flavin and David Gartland were the other goal scorers on Saturday, the latter stormed into the action in the second half but in an All-Ireland final, a two half display will be required. Flavin scored two fine goals and again here is a player who needs to be fed more of the ball. Ardmore’s opposition, Fethardon-Sea have proven to be worthy

contestants on Sunday. Beating the Kilkenny champions is always a sign of quality while they scored 0-18 in their All Ireland semi-final game which shows the strength of the side around the field. On the negative, they tend to leak goals and this will not have gone unnoticed by an Ardmore forward division who possess proven green flag raisers. FETHARD ST. MOGUES JUNIOR HURLERS Fethard St Mogue's are through to this Sunday’s All-Ireland Club JHC decider after they saw off the challenge of Galway's Sylane by 0-18 to 0-9. The winners enjoyed a 0-9 to 0-5 cushion at the halfway point. Fethard St Mogues: S. Foley; M. Power, R. Tubrid, D. Mullan; R.

Waters, K. Rowe, Joe Sutton (0-1); G. Foley, J. Tubritt; E. Power (0-2), M. Wallace (0-11, 9f, 1'65), D. Barden; C. Dwyer (0-2), D. Foley, M. Dwyer (0-2). Subs: B. Power for D. Foley; J. Foley for C. Dwyer; B. O'Donoghue for J. Tubritt; Jimmy Sutton for E. Power. Playing in the All-Ireland final may well be akin to playing opposition of the same quality as Modeligo, An Rinn, Cappoquin etc in the intermediate grade and that gives a picture of the task facing the seasiders on Sunday. However, a final is a two horse race and hopefully all concerned in the Ardmore camp can raise their game to bring an All Ireland title to Waterford in 2018. Best of luck to Tom Cronin and his charges.

Unexpected return to Croker.... Declan Prendergast THE Ardmore captain walked off the hallowed turf on August 7th, 2011, in a state of anguish after a six-point loss to Kilkenny in an All-Ireland semi-final. With his 37th birthday fast approaching, Prendergast can't but use the word "dream" when describing the feeling of facing into a junior AIB All-Ireland final clash with Fethard St. Mogues this Sunday. The defender won three Provincial medals and a League title during his Waterford career, but never did he expect that this club run could return not only

County and Provincial medals, but a shot at the ultimate honour. "Look it's a dream come true," says Prendergast at the AIB All-Ireland club finals media day. "You never think of your own club getting to Croke Park and this is a serious dream, being honest with you, to go to an All-Ireland. "My brother Seamus is 38 years old now, and I’m 37 in a couple of weeks. To get to Croke Park at that age is a great adventure really. We're delighted. We're playing for Ardmore since we were minor so we are probably at this 20 years now.

"2011 I think when we lost to Kilkenny," he says of his most recent Croker outing. "I thought it'd be my last day here, so this is great. I brought the two kids up with me today and the wife, so it's great for them to see that. "Just to see what's underneath the stand, because you'd never really get to see those things when you're not playing. The kids are seven and three so they love all this." The main man on the Fethard team is Wexford county panellist, Garrett Foley. He's been setting the junior championship

alight, and no doubt Ardmore will hope to tie him down. At the AIB club launch, the two men got acquainted, and bonded over experiences with Prendergast's former Deise boss. "Yeah, I was just talking to him there and he said he's on the county panel with Davy Fitzgerald. We know plenty about Davy down in Waterford. I played with him while he was down there and I found him a very good trainer. “You can only listen to him for so long” he laughs, “but his drills were good”. This Sunday, though, it's all about

parish pride and a battle of two club sides who know very little about each other. "To win a Munster final with your club was a big thing. Croke Park on Sunday will have to be one of the biggest games ever. Because the club has never seen this and this is a real adventure for the club. So to get to Croke Park even. "We don't know a whole lot about them and it's only since Sunday that we've been hearing different things about them. They're going to be good, they wouldn't be there unless they were good."

The best of luck to Ardmore Junior Hurlers Next Sunday in the AIB All-Ireland Final From:

QUINN’S FOODSTORE, Ardmore

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018

Cappoquin Affane GAA Club Lifetime Achievement Award Unbeknownst to special guest Michael O’Connor his presence on the evening was not just to assist in the presentations. In honour of his numerous sporting accomplishments including victorious All-Ireland campaigns in both the 1948 Minor and 1959 Senior grades Michael was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Club President Rev. Fr. Patrick Gear.

Cappoquin Affane GAA Club Special Recognition Award - This year Jimmy Collender stepped down as Club Chairman after many years of dedicated service to all aspects of player and Club development the culmination of which being the Club’s hosting of the 2016 Féile Tournaments which were such a success due in no small manner to Jimmy’s organisation skills. In making the presentation incoming Chairman, Padraig Nolan thanked Jimmy for all his hard work throughout the years and wished him well with the teams he will continue to mentor in 2018.

St. Olivers Juvenile and Ladies Football presentation night. Ray Kelly, Chairman St. Olivers Juvenile Club makes a presentation to Special Guest, [Sean Byrne] Waterford Senior Hurler Shane Bennett.

St. Olivers Juvenile and Ladies Football presentation night. U-16 Hurling team, Co. Div. 3 Champions with mentors Declan Sheridan, Matthew Fogarty and Sean Osborne and Special Guest, Waterford Senior Hurler Shane Bennett. [Sean Byrne]

Cappoquin/Affane Juvenile GAA Club Awards night. The Under 10 Hurling team that won the Ballyduff Hurling Blitz Winners 2017

Abbeyside Juvenile GAA Club Presentation Night. U-13 Team, Western Champions Hurling & Football 2017 with Mentor Justin Walsh. Included is Special Guest, Neil Montgomery and Joe Cleary, Club Chairman. [Sean Byrne]

GAA CLUB NOTES

Dungarvan

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 2 February, 2018