Dungarvan observer 6 2 2015 edition

DUNGARVAN

OBSERVER Vol. 102

Friday, 6th February, 2015

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page 2

Cullinane selected as SF’s General Election candidate page 3

St. Valentine’s giveaway at Shopping Centre page 62 05

€2.00

Waterford’s thatched roof structures under threat

By Paul Mooney

Night of Stars at SGC for Patrick’s Day

NIAMH B R I G GS M A K ES I T A DOUBLE

HISTORIC thatched roof structures, which are prevalent in County Waterford, particularly in the Comeragh area, are under threat due to insufficient grant aid from the government - something which was recently highlighted when the Council had to completely bulldoze the former ‘Kilmeaden Inn’ to the ground, to make it safe.

Despite a conservation order on the thatched iconic landmark pub, work was not carried out by the owners and the building fell into a derelict state, resulting in its inevitable levelling by the Council.

At the recent meeting of Comeragh District Council, Councillors noted the drastic action had to be taken by the local authority in the interests of public safety, but lamented the loss of a protected building.

Director of Services,

Brian White, stated that unfortunately, the Council were obliged to take action with regards to the derelict site in Kilmeaden.

Cllr. John O’Leary said the Kilmeaden Inn, formerly Kelly’s Pub, which had not traded in many years, ended up in very bad condition.

Cllr. O’Leary said more input is needed at a national level to protect such structures.

“Funding needs to be made available so that buildings like the Kilmeaden Inn can be enhanced and not see such old historic buildings being demolished,” he said.

According to a report commissioned by the Department of Environment (Report on the Present and Future Protection of Thatched Structures in Ireland, dated 2005), County Waterford has the largest number of thatched roof buildings in the country - well over 300.

Mr. White, told the Comeragh District Council that the structure of the Kilmeaden Inn, which was collapsing, was also falling onto the public road.

“We have, over a number of years, been in touch with the owners who are living abroad, to try and protect what was there,” Mr. White said.

However, despite the combined efforts of the Environment Section and Conservation Officer, “the lack of action by the owners meant that the structures on the site began to collapse, putting users of the minor road adjoining the premises, at risk”.

“Reluctantly, given the protected status of the Kilmeaden Inn, and its landmark status, the Council arranged for the demolition of the structures and the clearing of the site - a sad end to an historical and unique premises,” he said.

Continued on page 2

Fr. Alphonsus Cullinan has been appointed the new Bishop of Waterford and Lismore by Pope Francis. The announcement was made in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford after Mass on Monday morning. Picture shows Fr. Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop elect of Waterford and Lismore, speaking in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford on Monday.

[John McElroy]

New Bishop appointed to Waterford and Lismore HIS Holiness, Pope Francis, has appointed Father Alphonsus Cullinan as the new Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, which was announced in the Vatican last Monday at 12 noon (11.00 a.m. Irish time), writes Paul Mooney.

The announcement was celebrated at the same time with Mass at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford, attended by parishioners.

Also in attendance were: His Excellency, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles Brown; Bishop William Lee, Bishop Emeritus of Waterford and Lismore; and Monsignor Nicholas O’Mahony, Diocesan

Administrator.

Father Cullinan replaces Reverend Dr. William Lee, who held the position of Bishop of the Diocese since 1993.

Bishop Lee (now Bishop Emeritus of Waterford and Lismore) retired from the position in October, 2013.

Monsignor Nicholas O’Mahony was acting as the Diocesan Administrator of Waterford and Lismore since October, 2013.

Speaking after the announcement on Monday, Father Cullinan expressed thanks to Pope Francis on appointing him as Bishop of Waterford and Lismore.

Continued on page 6

2

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Yo u r Observer S Inside O this week …

N DUNGARVA

BSERVER Friday, 6th February,

Vol. 102

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Waterford’s thatched roof structures under threat

NIAMH B R I G GS M A K ES I T A DOUBLE

PORT

Vol. 102

Friday, 6th February,

2015

Niamh Briggs makes it a dou at The Park ble Hotel

€2.00

2015

sport@dungarvano bserver.ie

By Tom Keith

AS always, for Hotel Awards excitement and anticipation, Saturday night, did not disappoint when, the Park of the Jury’s for the 24th successive year, on last attendance to deliberations brought the the result its feet as they capacity Supreme Champion applauded in the new Captain a worthy Women Rugby of Ireland’s Team, Niamh Briggs.

Special Guest, all it was worth, George Hook tapped the moment for surprise to an but his announcement came audience who victory, true grit know the value as little mitment such and a wealth of skill, ability of every as Niamh has brought to her and comThis represents game. back-to-back Hotel Awards for the popular victories in The Park could not be present because Abbeyside girl, who her new office, of but was ably the commitments of parents, Ger represented and by her emotion, acceptedMike who joyfully, and with some the magnificent her behalf. crystal trophy on Pierce Flynn, presents the Park (CONTINUED ON PAGE THREE) Hotel Supreme behalf of their Lismore by daughter, Niamh Sports Star Award of Waterford and Trinity in the new Bishop Briggs, the supreme award Holy for 2014 to Michael has been appointed in the Cathedral of the Most winner for 2013. Overall Winner. Included is George and Ger Briggs, made Cullinan, Bishop Fr. Alphonsus Cullinan who accepted Hook, Special Guest announcement was shows Fr. Alphonsus Holy Trinity in it on on the night. Niamh Pope Francis. The morning. Picture Most Mass on Monday Cathedral of the was also [John McElroy] Waterford after speaking in the

told the Mr. White, Council stated that Brian White, Comeragh District of the the Council the structure unfortunately, take action that which was were obliged to Kilmeaden Inn, roof regards to the derelict collapsing, was also falling HISTORIC thatched are with and Lismore, public road. in Kilmeaden. elect of Waterford said onto the structures, whichCounty site a number Cllr. John O’Leary forin “We have, over Waterford on Monday. prevalent in touch with Kilmeaden Inn, of years, been in Waterford, particularlyarea, the Pub, which are living merly Kelly’s Comeragh the owners who the due to traded in many abroad, to try and protect are under threat aid from had not bad Mr. White ended up in very what was there,” insufficient grant - some- years, the government recently condition. more said. the Cllr. O’Leary said However, despite thing which was has Administrator. when the input is needed at a national combined efforts of the replaces Reverend Pope Francis, highlighted strucFather Cullinan held the position such Section and completely level to protect HIS Holiness, Environment Lee, who Council had to Alphonsus Cullinan former tures.

Officer, “the appointed Father of Waterford and Dr. Williamof the Diocese since 1993. the bulldoze to be Conservation by the owners to the as the new Bishop announced in the of Bishop (now Bishop Emeritus of “Funding needs of action ‘Kilmeaden Inn’ safe. was so that lack Bishop Lee it the structures on Lismore, which retired from the made available at 12 noon ground, to make the meant that Monday last collapse, Waterford and Lismore) like to Vatican Despite a conservation buildings the site began time), writes Paul position in October, 2013. the minor thatched Kilmeaden Inn can be (11.00 a.m. Irish O’Mahony was putting users of order on the Monsignor NicholasAdministrator of pub, work enhanced and not see such the premises, at Mooney. road adjoining iconic landmark was celebrated the Diocesan out by the old historic buildings being October, The announcement Mass at the acting as at risk”. was not carried and Lismore since with the building fell demolished,” he said. the same time Most Holy Trinity, Waterford “Reluctantly, given the owners and the a report on of resulting 2013.

Cathedral of the According to the announcement protected status and its into a derelict state, by parishioners.

Speaking after levelling by commissioned by the Inn, Waterford, attended His Excellency, Cullinan expressed in its inevitable of Kilmeaden status, were: the Cullinane selected Monday, Father on appointing Also in attendance Department to Ireland, the Council.

Francis landmark Pope on of Nuncio to the and (Report thanks arranged for the Apostolic At the recent meeting as SF’s General Brown; Bishop him as Bishop of Waterford Future Council of the structures District Environment of Present and Archbishop Charles noted the Bishop Emeritus Thatched demolition of the site Lismore.

Election candidate Comeragh 6 William Lee, Council, Councillors to be Protection of and the clearing Lismore; and Monsignor Continued on page had in Ireland, dated - a sad end to an historical Waterford and Diocesan the drastic action Structures 3 he authority O’Mahony, Waterford page premises,” Nicholas taken by the local public 2005), County of and unique of the largest number in said. in the interests the loss has buildings on page 2 safety, but lamented thatched roof Fiona Flynn, Park 300. Continued Hotel presents country - well over of a protected building. the George the Supreme Award Services, Hook, Special Director of

By Paul Mooney

[Sean Byrne//Deise

nted to New Bishop appoi re Waterford and Lismo

Night of Stars at SGC for Patrick’s Day page 2

Guest, Monthly

Winners Trophy to Ger Briggs, who Winners and their accepted it on behalf representatives as well as the adjudicating of her daughter, Niamh Briggs. Included panel.

O’HALLORAN POINTS WATERFORD TO FIRST LEAGUE WIN Page 7

St. Valentine’s giveaway at Shopping Centre page 62

BRAVE LISMORE PUT TO THE PIN OF THEIR COLLAR IN ALLIRELAND SEMI-FIN AL Page 9

05

are Pierce Flynn,

Proprietor Park

Media]

Hotel;

[Sean Byrne//Deise

Media]

A DAY TO REMEMBER ON THE STREET OF DUNGARVANS

Pages 16 & 17

SECTIONS .........................……………………………. PAGES News .............................…………..…………………….. 1–27 Classifieds ..........................…..……………............ 28–31 Park Hotel Sports Star Awards ..………........ 32-33 County News ...........………….…………………….. 34–47 Schools ...........………….……………………............ 48-53 Obituary .............………....................................... 54-55 Farming .....................………….…………………….. 55–59 Entertainment ........………….…………………….. 60–63 News ..............………………………..........................…… 64 Includes your 24-page Sports pull-out

News on the move: Web: www.dungarvanobserver.ie Find us on Twitter: @DungarvanObserv

WEATHER OUTLOOK WEDNESDAY, will be dry, with sunny spells, but still very cold.

Afternoon temperatures will range 3 to 6 degrees, in a light north to northwest breeze.

Wednesday night: Most areas dry, but cold and frosty, with min. temperatures of 0 to minus 4 Celsius.With light winds, patches of mist and fog are likely. North and northwest coasts will be less cold, with cloudy conditions, bringing a little patchy rain and drizzle.

Thursday: Becoming a little less cold everywhere. Most areas will be dry, with bright or sunny spells, but cloudy periods also, with a few spots of light rain or drizzle. Max. 5 to 8 or 9 Celsius, in a light to moderate north to northwest breeze.

Thursday night will be mainly dry, but a few light wintry showers may occur along southern and eastern coasts.Widespread frost also. Mist and fog patches later, as winds slacken.

Friday: Mainly dry, with sunny spells and light variable winds.

Very cold once again, with max. temperatures of 3 to 6 Celsius and with widespread frost on Friday night, with a risk of fog.

Weekend: Dry in most areas, with bright or sunny spells, but a little rain and drizzle will occur at times along north and northwest coasts. Cold, but frost will not be as severe on Saturday and Sunday nights, with a moderate northwesterly breeze.

WED 6º

THUR 9º

FRI 6º

SAT 7º

SUN 7º

Moe is pleased with the sign promoting 'Patrick's Day'.

Night of Stars at SGC for ‘Patrick’s Day’ WITH three cinemas at SGC, Dungarvan, all but booked out and just a handful of tickets available at the box office, tonight’s (Wednesday) Premiere of the film ‘Patrick’s Day’ is set to be an unmissable event. The Irish made film starring Dungarvan’s Moe Dunford is continuing to garner accolades and has this week been chosen to take part in the 3rd Annual Feature Film Project to take place in over 50 cinemas across the United States, March 5th8th, 2015. Audiences at each cinema will vote on whether this film should return to these cinemas for a theatrical release in 2015.

The New York report explains that a team of programmers and cinema owners from of some of the USA’s most prestigious Art House cinemas have selected Patrick’s Day from

Ireland as their official selection for this project.

The Feature Film Project was conceived by MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival founder Nicholas Mason (whose 18year-old, week-long film festival programmes a slate of short films in 300 cinemas on the six continents one week of every year).

“The focus of Feature Film Project’s is about taking films from the festival circuit and moving them into cinemas,” says Mason. “We know from MANHATTAN SHORT how popular film events are when we hand the judging over to the public and I feel confident that Patrick’s Day will receive a very favorable response.”

The US report says that Patrick’s Day has played to enthusiastic audiences on the festival circuit, winning Best Film and Audience Awards at the

Cork Film Festival, the Galway Film Fleadh and the Woodstock Film Festival to name a few. In addition, lead actor Moe Dunford won the Shooting Star Award at the Berlin Film Festival of 2014, which has been previously been won by such notables as Daniel Craig and Rachel Weisz.

Scriptwriter and Director of the film, Terry McMahon says that growing up he was obsessed with the cinema of the American dream.

“My imaginative life was played out on the streets of America. My cinematic influences were American. My favorite actors and directors were American. So at the risk of sounding sentimental, this embrace of our Irish movie Patrick's Day feels like the American dream come true," stated the outspoken Terry.

The report recommends their American audience to find the growing list of participating theaters by visiting www.TheFeatureFilmProject.co m and join MANHATTAN SHORT and the Feature Film Project March 5th-8th, 2015 as they help bring one of the greatest recent triumphs in Irish cinema to theaters around the country!

With both Moe Dunford and Terry McMahon attending on Wednesday night, as well as the film’s Cinematographer Michael Lavelle and Patrick O’Neill from Wildcard Distributors, the Question and Answer session after the show is set to be a lively one.

The post-screening party will be held in Lawlors Hotel with finger food and music by Bealtaine, all are welcome to attend.

Waterford’s thatched roof structures under threat FROM FRONT PAGE Mr.White said at one stage, the owners did put in tarpaulin to try and preserve the thatched roof, “but it didn’t work; investment didn’t come, and eventually, the building collapsed - the walls weren’t able to hold the weight”, he said.

Mr. White said that to make the area safe the Council had to demolish the remains of the Kilmeaden Inn and clear the site.

He pointed out that the Council will “certainly be seeking” to recoup the cost of the work from the owners, but if that is not successful, then there will likely be a ‘charge’ put on the property.

Mr. White confirmed that County Waterford has a very large number of protected structures and buildings, and highlighted the importance of thatched roof structures, which

he described as “of regional importance”.

He said there are grant schemes available nationally in relation to thatched roof structures, but they came too late for the Kilmeaden Inn. “Often the level of grant aid is not sufficient for types of work necessary,” Mr. White pointed out.

“We have suffered very badly in the county and particularly the Comeragh area in recent years, in relation to the demise of thatched roof structures,” he said.

Several years ago, a thatched roof cottage in the West Waterford area was destroyed in a blaze, destroying the thatch roof and gutting the building, resulting in it being completely demolished.

Mr. White said the grants and level of funding from government for protected structures

have not kept pace with what’s required.

“As a local authority, we have written to the Minister in the past looking for increased incentives.”

He said that while the government has brought out a ‘buildings at risk’ fund and ‘work schemes’, some works undertaken are economical, but others are not.

Mr. White said that unless there is economic activity, it can be hard for owners to find an economic use for the building.

However, Mr. White pointed out that there is an obligation on owners of such protected structures to prevent the premises from becoming endangered.

“We find that when we go after people in relation to allowing the premises to deteriorate and become endangered, they do not have the resources to do them up,” he said.

Mr. White said the Council will continue to press the Minister for extra funding for County Waterford in relation to thatched roof structures and protected structures.

“The fact that we have so many protected structures listed, means Waterford gets an advantage in relation to quantum of funding, but there is not enough to spread around,” Mr. White said.

Meanwhile, Cllr. Mary Butler noted that following the complete levelling of the Kilmeaden Inn last December, visibility has increased for nearby residents, particularly in relation to road safety.

She requested the Council carry out a clean-up of the site.

Mr. White confirmed the Council would examine the site again in relation to a further tidy up.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Cullinane selected as Sinn Féin General Election candidate for Waterford AT a selection convention in Waterford the Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane was selected unopposed to run in the forthcoming General Election.

Speaking after the convention Senator Cullinane said: “I am delighted to have been selected as the party candidate for the forthcoming General Election.

Waterford City and County needs strong and effective political representation. I hope to build on the fantastic success the party had in Waterford at the last local and EU elections.

“Waterford City and County has a lot to offer and has huge potential.

However, it is being held back by poor political representation from the Government parties and a failure of Government policy. The City and County has unacceptably high levels of unemployment and is operating with one hand tied behind it's back.

“As a member of the Oireachtas committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation I published comprehensive proposals aimed at tackling unemployment, creating jobs, supporting enterprise development and building critical infrastructure. This includes the need for a University for the region, the roll out of dark fibre broadband, support for the regional airport and the creation of a regional IDA Office based in Waterford City. These proposals need to be delivered.

“I will be a strong advocate for low and middle income workers and the unemployed. I have a track record of robustly challenging unfair Government policies and standing up for ordinary citizens. I will also champion rural development and challenge rural decline and the closure of vital services.

“Sinn Féin is committed to a fair recovery, progressive taxation, investment in public services prioritising

3

We’re bringing homes from all over Waterford to the UK Property Show.

Did you know that 10% of property buyers in Ireland are UK sourced? It’s why REA Spratt will be exhibiting Waterford properties of all types at the UK Property Show on March 21st.

To have your property listed, call us in Dungarvan on 058 422 11 or visit spratt.ie

Senator David Cullinane who was selected as the Sinn Féin General Election candidate for Waterford. health, housing and childcare and championing decent work and pay. I

SPRATT

DEDICATED, PROFESSIONAL & PASSIONATE

look forward to debating all of these issues in the time ahead.”

Garda strategy to ensure people are free from impacts of crime, danger and disorder THE Garda mission for the Waterford Divisional area is to ensure people live in thriving communities are free from the impacts of crime, danger and disorder.

Delivering a presentation at the recent meeting of Waterford City and County Council’s Joint Policing Committee, Chief Superintendent Pat Murphy said 2015 was the last year of the statutory required three-year Garda Strategy, which will be aimed at safety, security and service.

He said in order for people to be free from the impacts of crime, danger and disorder, the Gardaí will engage “collaboratively with our communities and partners in the creation and delivery of impactful services that protect our people, challenges criminals, enhances community confidence and resilience, and satisfies our diverse people’s service needs and expectations”.

Chief Supt. Murphy said the strategic imperatives of the Gardaí will be ‘service excellence’, ‘community safety’, and ‘community

spirit and resilience’.

In relation to ‘community safety’, Chief Supt.

Murphy said the aim is to prevent criminality and reduce the impact of crime, disorder and danger through: Diverting children and youths towards productive citizenship; Prioritise treatment and restorative interventions for addicted offenders; Tackle, disrupt and constrain active criminals; Prevent public disorder and anti-social behaviour; disrupt and prosecute organised and subversive criminals; Challenge dangerous road users and promote road safety.

Chief Supt. Murphy said that in 2013 / 2014, Gardaí noticed a “significant passage of children into very serious crime and very destructive behaviour regarding road safety”.

He said that in some cases, these children can be victims themselves.

Cllr. Jason Murphy said he was delighted to see the Garda focus on youths and pointed out that at the October meeting of

Waterford City and County Council, he had a Notice of Motion passed in relation to encouraging local primary schools to have ‘active citizenship’ programmes for their pupils.

Cllr. Murphy’s proposed active citizenship programme aims to provide a greater understanding to young people of what it means to be an ‘active citizen’ and promote real and meaningful involvement in communities.

He encouraged the Gardaí’s Community Garda officers to get involved in the Active Citizenship Programme.

“We need to get at that age - 11 and 12 years old before the peer pressure really comes on board,” said Cllr. Murphy.

In relation to Service Excellence, Chief Supt.

Murphy said the aim is to deliver high quality Garda services: Timely impactful response to emergencies and critical incidents; Accessible assured response to citizen’s needs; Quality assured victim engagement and support; Right first time duty execution and task comple-

tion; Deliver on time quality assured investigations.

Transparent, accountable response to citizen complaints; Address the causes of reoccurring service demands.

In relation to Community Spirt and Resilience, Chief Supt.

Murphy said the aim was to grow community resilience, confidence and pride: Promote community identity and pride through effective community-led safety initiatives; Drive confidence through committed presence and robust challenging of organised and intimidating criminality; Drive prevention through environmental design and target hardening; Promote pro-social and citizenship behaviours among young people; Promote community identity, stability and resilience through collaborative partnering; Leverage community capacity and resolve to resist and defeat criminal exploitation.

Cllr. Eddie Mulligan asked if there were plans for

greater visibility of Gardaí throughout Waterford City and County.

“One of the deterrents of crime is increased visibility of Gardaí out and about,” said Cllr. Mulligan.

He said it was a pleasure and a reassurance to see Garda mountain bike patrols out and about in the community and asked if that form of Garda patrol would be increased.

Chief Supt. Murphy confirmed that “every effort is being made to maximise as much engagement and presence of Gardaí in communities as possible”.

Cllr. James Tobin asked if there was much crosscounty co-operation between the various Garda divisions.

Chief Supt. Murphy said that the mission and purpose of the Gardaí is to protect people and avert danger, “so crossing boundaries is no problem” particularly when it comes to serious incidents and life threatening incidents.

“When a three ‘9’ call comes in, Gardaí always respond, with the nearest Garda responding to stabilise the situation,” said Chief Supt. Murphy.

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Works to start on old Ormonde Cinema Site, Dungarvan in next 6 weeks – Coffey FINE Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey who has special responsibility for Housing has said that works for the delivery of 15 new housing units at the old Ormonde Cinema site on O’Connell St. in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford will start in the next six weeks. Minister Coffey said that officials from his Department had recently met with Waterford Council and they informed him that works would now commence shortly and the total cost of the project would be €2.2 million.

Minister Coffey said; “This development will lead to the provision of four one bed apartments; three two bed apartments and a further mix of three and two bedroom homes. This

project will be a boost for local construction workers and for the Dungarvan economy.

“This project has been approved by my Department and €2.2 million has been allocated for these works. It is expected that units will be ready for use before the end of this year. This is the kind of development that is needed in Dungarvan to tackle the housing shortage.”

“It is very positive to see this historic site that has been lying idle in Dungarvan Town Centre for a period of time, being brought back into use for essential housing. These units will be well serviced and will be a huge boost for the town of Dungarvan.”

Intake for 2014 rates expected to be 87 percent THE intake for rates to Waterford City and County Council should be around 87 percent for 2014, the January meeting of the local authority was told.

Cllr. John Cummins noted in the Chief Executive’s report that figures up to the end of November, 2014, showed a collection percent for rates of 79 percent.

Head of Finance, John Murphy, said there was a “substantial intake” of rates in December and said he reckons the net position will be around 87 percent

for 2014.

Cllr. Joe Conway noted that the Council made a ‘write-off ’ of €4.3m in rates in 2014 and queried if that was normal for a local authority.

Mr. Murphy said the Council was required to include vacant property in the report and write-offs would be in relation to vacant property.

“There will be some write-offs, but the majority are in relation to vacant buildings,” Mr. Murphy pointed out.

Council handed out over €2m in housing grants last December JUST over €2.052m in grants for housing adaptation / mobility aid / housing aid was paid out to 239 applicants

by Waterford City and County Council last December.

According to the Chief Executive’s report to the January meeting of the local authority, just over €1.155m was paid out to 63 applicants in total for housing adaptation grants in December, 2014; while there was just over €495k paid to 96 applicants for mobility aid grants; and just over €400k to 80 applicants for housing aid grants for older people.

Cllr. Joe Kelly queried how people access the grants and how they are awarded.

Director of Services, Michael Quinn explained that the grants work on a priority basis.

“There is a limited grant available to us so we have to prioritise,” Mr. Quinn said, pointing out that ‘Priority 1’ those with a high priority - are applicants who are prioritised to receive funding first.

He said applicants can contact the housing section to apply for grants and their requirements will be progressed.

Labour’s Cllr. John Pratt and Ciara Conway T.D. say they’re concerned about the state of the old Waterford Crystal Factory in Dungarvan, noting that the car park is overgrown with weeds. They have written to the receivers asking them to clean up the site to help encourage investment.

Dungarvan Glass Factory ‘an overgrown eyesore’ “AN EYESORE.” That’s what Ciara Conway T.D. had to say about the state of the old Dungarvan Waterford Crystal Plant after visiting the site with Cllr. John Pratt recently.

The pair are calling on the receivers to clear the weeds and clean-up the site.

“The glass factory used to be a source of pride for the town- but now the run-down site is anything but,” commented Labour TD, Ciara

Conway.

“Myself and Cllr. Pratt went out for a proper look after receiving complaints from concerned residents who live nearby”.

“It’s not an attractive vista. The carpark, for example, is completely overgrown with weeds, and the place has fallen into a state of shabby disrepair. It seems like there’s been no effort whatsoever to ensure the place is kept in reasonable shape.

It wouldn’t encourage investors in its current state. I have written to the receivers outlining my concerns” Cllr. John Pratt said relatively minor work could improve the condition of the former glass factory.

“It’s in the hands of the receivers at the minute so obviously they’re not going to be doing any major structural work – but the point that we would make is that it wouldn’t

take much to make the place look a bit better”, John Pratt points out.

“Things like cutting and spraying the weeds would be a huge help and wouldn’t cost much. In fact, when we were on the premises the Netwatch alarm sounded with a voice telling us to clear off - so they’re paying people to watch the security cameras - it’s just a shame that they can’t keep a closer eye on the state of the place while they’re at it!” added Cllr. Pratt.

Overall strategy for social housing assistance THERE are a number of different options and proposals being used as part of an overall housing strategy to be fully implemented by the government.

At the January meeting of Waterford City and County Council, Cllr. Joe Kelly said that while people availing of the Rental Accommodation Scheme (RAS) will help to reduce the social housing lists, there was a downside to it people have no security of tenure, particularly in schemes like RAS, where they only last as long as the landlord commits to the scheme for a period of

time.

He said there are families who want to set down their roots, but have no prospects of having a house in their own name, like the previous generation.

“People can’t look forward to that position. It is more like the European model where everyone is in rented accommodation,” said Cllr. Kelly.

“The State is handing the social housing needs of the country to the private sector, which could certainly cause a lot of problems.

“Some people might get a nice house through RAS and other schemes, but they

will never own it, or be able to call it their family home.”

Director of Services, Michael Quinn, said the government have an overall housing strategy with a number of different options and proposals to address the country’s housing need, which includes the construction of social housing, and the leasing of houses from the private sector.

“To meet the needs of social housing, there are a range of options,” said Mr. Quinn, pointing out that some people are receiving housing assistance payments.

He said those people will

also be able to transfer to a local authority house in the future, if they so wish.

“That option is still there,” he said.

Mr. Quinn agreed that local authority housing for people would be more long-term and a more secure family home for some.

“We would not meet all the needs for social housing, through local authority housing - some of those needs would be better met through the private sector and assistance payments,” Mr. Quinn said.

“It suits some people, but for some families, it doesn’t

suit,” he acknowledged.

“But, they do have the option to transfer to local authority housing, when housing is available.”

Cllr. Kelly questioned if a person loses their position on the housing list if they avail of the other options.

Mr. Quinn replied that the applicant comes off the ‘in need of housing’ list, but they maintain their standing in relation to priority.

“While we have sorted their ‘housing need’, they still carry a standing on the transfer list,” Mr. Quinn explained.

Householders own bins from Council’s waste service HOUSEHOLDERS who used Waterford Council’s waste collection service actually own the bins, the January meeting of the local authority was told.

Cllr. Mary Butler said she had received queries from householders about the Council bins and whether they would be taken back, following the Council

scrapping their bin collection service from 2015.

Director of Services, Fergus Galvin pointed out that householders actually owned the bins they used

for the Council’s former waste collection service. He confirmed the Council has also received queries from householders about taking back the bins, and said they

would try and organise it.

“People can contact the Environment Section, we’ll take their details and we’ll get around to collecting their bins,” Mr. Galvin said.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

5

Shops selling batteries required to have ‘bring back’ facility ink cartridges, Mr. Moloney said schools and community groups usually take them in to recycle because they can generate revenue by sending it back to the suppliers.

MORE BRING BANKS SOUGHT Cathaoirleach, Cllr.

Michael J. O’Ryan said he previously requested that the Council place more ‘bring banks’ in villages and rural areas, to entice people to recycle more.

He said glass bring banks were only located in towns and larger urban areas.

Mr. Moloney said there are no plans for additional bring banks, but said he would examine the sugges-

tion by Cllr. O’Ryan.

“We do have extensive bring bank facilities throughout the county,” said Mr. Moloney.

“If Councillors area aware of any particular area where there is a deficit of bring banks, let us know and we can examine it. If we get agreement to put the bring banks in, we’ll certainly facilitate that.”

Cllr. O’Ryan said that some providers used by the Council stipulate ‘no glass’.

“Which is why I think there is a deficiency of bring banks,” he said.

Cllr. O’Ryan suggested the Council approach the providers in relation to

locating more bring banks in less populated areas.

Cllr. Butler pointed out that the location of the bring bank in Portlaw is still causing problems for people.

It is temporarily located at Portlaw GAA Club, one mile from the village.

“People who don’t have cars to get to the bring bank are complaining,” said Cllr. Butler.

Mr. Moloney said the Council are still trying to find a suitable location for the bring bank and said it may come to have Council staff driving around Portlaw looking for a suitable site and speaking with residents.

(Est. 1989)

C

%

Agent appointed to carry out ‘snag list’ on Portlaw estate WATERFORD Council has said it is pleased that receivers of the Cúl Rua Estate in Portlaw have appointed an agent to carry out a snag list to be completed.

At the January meeting of Comeragh District Council, Cllr.

Mary Butler noted that the Council has met with ‘Mazars’ the

receiver of the housing estate.

She pointed out that as part of the snag list, a section of road, just opposite the estate entrance at Portlaw Credit Union, should be included, as there are up to five large pot holes.

“It is the most used entrance to that estate. It needs to be kept in

mind for the snag list,” said Cllr.

Butler.

Director of Services, Brian White, said the Council is pleased that the receivers have appointed an agent to carry out a snag list and said the condition of the road will be brought to their attention.

Mr. White said he expected a

draft snag list and site resolution plan sometime this month.

“Our job is to ensure the receiver brings the estate to the right standard before we take it in charge and we’ll be doing our best to reach agreement when we get the schedule of works,” Mr. White added.

a r tin b e l e 26 years g

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may be throwing their used batteries out with the ordinary household rubbish,” said Cllr. Butler.

Senior Executive Officer with Environment Section, Ray Moloney, pointed out that any shop which sells batteries should have a ‘take back’ facility, which will likely be a box or receptacle to take used batteries.

He said shops which sell batteries are required, by law, to have such receptacles for used batteries.

Mr. Moloney pointed out that the Council also has a receptacle at their offices to receive used batteries.

However, in relation to

20

SHOPS which sell batteries are obliged by law to provide a ‘bring back’ facility for used batteries, the January meeting of Comeragh District Council was told.

Cllr. Mary Butler had queried if the Council could address an issue in rural areas, where the only place it seemed people could bring used batteries was the local primary school.

She said that while there are bring banks for glass and clothing, there were no bring banks for used batteries and used ink cartridges.

“This issue needs to be addressed because people

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

N ew B i s h o p a p p o i n te d to Wa te r fo rd a n d L i s m o re FROM FRONT PAGE Fr. Cullinan noted that the Diocese has a Christian heritage going back to the earliest days of Christianity and said he was proud to be called on to do something to continue that wonderful tradition and described it as an honour and privilege to be chosen as Bishop of Waterford and Lismore.

“I don’t have any illusions about the difficulties of the job which I have been given and I know my own unworthiness and limitations,” said Fr. Cullinan.

“In that sense I have a mountain to climb, but mountains are made for climbing! And I am not the only one with a mountain to climb. There are so many people with troubles of their own – illness, loss, worry about children, about making ends meet, depression, loneliness, lack of meaning in life, being marginalized, - the list of human suffering and pain is long.

“I look forward to meeting you all. I will try my best to be a good shepherd and I wish you all joy and peace.”

Father Cullinan, a native of Lahinch, County Clare, was Parish Priest of Rathkeale, Limerick, since 2011.

Father Cullinan studied at Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth from 1989 to 1995 where he completed an STL (Licentiate in Theology).

He was ordained a priest by Bishop Jeremiah Newman in 1994 in Saint John’s Cathedral, Limerick, and appointed Curate in Saint Munchin’s Parish Limerick City from 1995 to 1996, before being appointed as chaplain to the Regional Hospital in Limerick from 1996 until 2001.

He studied for his doctorate in moral theology in the Alfonsianum in Rome from 2001 to 2004. He was appointed chaplain to the Limerick Institute of Technology from 2004 to 2011, when he then took

over as Parish Priest in Rathkeale, Limerick.

Bishop Emeritus, Reverend Dr. William Lee, warmly welcomed Fr. Cullinan to the Diocese.

He said he was “very conscious” of how happy and blessed he was as Bishop of Waterford and Lismore and will be “forever grateful for the warmth of the welcome and indeed for the encouragement and support I have received from priests and people over the past twenty one years”.

“I know that you will receive that same kind of welcome, encouragement and support as you lead this Diocese into the future,” Bishop Lee told Fr. Cullinan.

“In Waterford and Lismore you will find dedicated priests, committed religious and enthusiastic lay men and women, young and not so young, who greet you warmly today and who are eager to be your co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord.”

New Bishop appointed for Waterford and Lismore. Father Alphonsus Cullinan has been appointed the new Bishop of Waterford and Lismore by Pope Francis. The announcement was made in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford after Mass on Monday morning. Picture shows Fr. Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop-elect of Waterford and Lismore, taking a selfie with pupils from St. Stephen's De La Salle in Waterford.

[John McElroy]

Bishop William Lee congratulates Fr. Cullinan McGrath says on appointment as Bishop-elect new Bishop has “prayers and goodwill behind him”

The text below is the speech given by Bishop William Lee, Bishop Emeritus of Waterford and Lismore, at the Mass last Monday morning, to welcome Father Cullinan as the new Bishop of Waterford and Lismore.

YOUR Excellency, Archbishop Brown Apostolic Nuncio, Monsignor O’Mahony, my brother priests, religious and people of the diocese.

It is my great privilege and honour this morning to inform you that our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has appointed Father Alphonsus Cullinan, a priest of the Diocese of Limerick, to be my successor as Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. The priests religious and people of the diocese have been waiting expectantly for this day and I have no doubt that the news of Fr. Cullinan’s appointment will be received with great joy.

On behalf of the priests and people of the Diocese, I want to extend to Father Cullinan this morning a most sincere welcome among us.

A native of Lahinch, Co. Clare, Father Cullinan is currently P.P. of Rathkeale, Co. Limerick. Prior to his ordination in 1994 he worked as a Primary Teacher for six years in

Castleconnell, Co. Limerick. Since ordination he ministered as a curate in Limerick City and was chaplain to the

Regional Hospital, Limerick. He studied for his doctorate in moral theology in Rome and served as Chaplain to L.I.T.

Limerick until his appointment as P.P. of Rathkeale in 2011. As you see, he comes to this Diocese with a wealth of experience in

many different ministries.

Father Cullinan, as we gather to introduce you to the Diocese, I am very conscious of how happy

Fr. Alphonsus Cullinan, Bishop elect of Waterford and Lismore, being congratulated by Bishop William Lee, Bishop Emeritus of Waterford and Lismore, on Monday in the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Waterford.

[John McElroy]

and blessed I have been as Bishop of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore. I will be forever grateful for the warmth of the welcome and indeed for the encouragement and support I have received from priests and people over the past twenty one years. I know that you will receive that same kind of welcome, encouragement and support as you lead this Diocese into the future.

In Waterford and Lismore you will find dedicated priests, committed religious and enthusiastic lay men and women, young and not so young, who greet you warmly today and who are eager to be your co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord.

It is a happy coincidence that you come amongst us on the Feast of the Presentation when Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the Temple to thank God for the gift of their Son and to ask the Fathers protection and blessing on their new-born. Like Mary and Joseph, I give thanks for the gift Pope Francis has given us in you as Bishop and this morning, as we warmly welcome you, I ask God’s blessing on your life among us as you courageously proclaim the Good News to the people of Waterford and Lismore.

INDEPENDENT TD Mattie McGrath has offered his congratulations to Father Alphonsus Cullinan, who has been appointed as the new Bishop of Waterford and Lismore.

Deputy McGrath extended his best wishes to Fr Cullinan after it was confirmed that the County Clare native was chosen by Pope Francis to succeed Bishop William Lee who had retired on health grounds: “I want to offer Bishop elect Cullinan my warm good wishes as he prepares to take over the stewardship of the diocese.

As he has himself acknowledged, he will face many challenges trying to strengthen and grow the church at local and parish level.

I have no doubt however, that he will prove himself more than capable of rising to the task.

The people of the diocese will certainly support him with their prayers and goodwill as he embarks on this new phase of his priestly ministry,” concluded Deputy McGrath.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Bishop-elect keen to foster links with his new county

7

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BY his own admission, the newly appointed Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Fr. Alphonsus Cullinan is not very familiar with his new county.

That said, what previous connection he does have with the district is strong and one that he is looking forward to strengthening as he settles into his new role.

His biggest connection with Waterford is his father, Christy.

“He was a teacher and trained at De La Salle College” says the bishop, who reveals that he was approached by a De La Salle brother following his acceptance ceremony in the city this week.

“He was so kind and gracious,” he begins, “and told me that he would love to show me the records of the time, around 1939, when my father was there.

He has photos as well and I’m really looking forward to seeing them.” Christy died in 2004, aged 86.

The bishop adds that he was hugely impressed by the building’s exterior during his visit to Waterford and is keen to see the interior.

Certainly, the new bishop would seem set for a welcome. Yesterday, he was still in the process of responding to 123 messages of goodwill on his phone, very many of them from Waterford.

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Fr. Alphonsus Cullinan, the Bishop-elect of Waterford and Lismore. administrator transmits as born on a golf course” in soft-voiced, friendly and his native Lahinch. Further compassionate. The 56 emphasising a classical year-old says he thanks influence, he also enjoys God for his new oppor- painting.

Bishop Cullinan is eager tunity and pays tribute to his predecessor Bishop to refer to inspiration of the William Lee. “He looked late 16 year old Tralee after the diocese in tough teenager Donal Walsh, who times but was and is a succumbed to cancer last gracious gentleman,” he year. “He had a big influintones.“If I can do half the ence on me. He was a job that he did, I’ll be tremendous kid,” he states.

In his speech at the happy.”

Cathedral of the Most SINGING THE Holy Trinity in Waterford PRAISES Recalling this week’s the bishop recalls the words ceremony he observed that of the young boy as he “a local school choir sang heard them on a TV3 ‘Walk in the Light’ twice broadcast and comments, and did so wonderfully.The “If he were here he’d probeffort was not lost on a ably say; ‘Look, keep climbman who cites singing as a ing the mountain because particular interest. The it’s God’s mountain –and blind Italian operatic tenor God is asking you to keep Andrea Bocelli ranks climbing’”.

NOT SO GOOD amongst his favourite perFRY DAY formers as does Tony As for his own personal, Bennett.

Other leisure interests of and professional, challenge, His Lordship include golf, Bishop Cullinan considers pressures on having been “practically “the

[John McElroy]

Christians throughout the modern world to forget about God. To that end he recalls being informed of Stephen Fry’s recent conversation with Gay Byrne or, as the bishop references to it, his “rant against God”. “There would be,” he counters, “suffering even without God. It’s part of human life”.

Were existence considered part of a large picture the bishop and keen painter would agree that our time on earth is perhaps but a small portion of it. We cannot see the fuller picture; we do not know the before and after, he concurs and man needs to be humble and understand that there is a larger perspective to be considered.

In the meantime he thanks the people of Waterford for their “kind welcome” as he prepares to take up residency in a new job and a new county in the coming months.

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“The maintenance of our road network is crucial for connectivity across Waterford City and County and will mean that our roads will be kept in a proper condition over the coming year,” said Minister Coffey.

“This is a significant investment for Waterford City and County and will hopefully mean that there will be less accidents on our roads in 2015.”

Deputy Conway welcomed the funding and said a good road network is vital.

“The money will be used for improvements and upgrades.

Waterford takes in a very large area with a huge road network - much of it in rural areas,” said Deputy Conway.

“Many people are travelling considerable distances every day, so the network needs to be maintained.

Good roads are also vital if we’re to

keep attracting investment to the region.

“Hopefully, this money can be put to work straight away and people will soon see the benefits,” she added.

The €217k for bridge rehabilitation works will include: Ballyvoile Bridge; Camphire Bridge; Lemybrien Bridge; Rathnaskillogue Bridge; and Bonmahon East Bridge.

The €265k for low cost safety improvements will include work at: Ballyheist Cross Roads; Ballinameela on the R671/L2010; Junction of New Ross Road and Abbey Road; Junction of Hennessy’s Road and College Street – Waterford City; Pouldrew Phase 2; Tramore Road at Shinganagh, Butlerstown; Tramore: Control Pedestrian Crossing on Coast Road; Tramore: Junction with Priests Road/Church Road; and Whelan’s Bridge on the L4411-0.

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The allocation, €9,152,555 in total, was welcomed by Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey (FG) and Deputy Ciara Conway (Lab).

Of the total funding for roads, just over €7.7m will go towards total improvement allocations; over €1.38m will go towards total maintenance allocations; €217k will go to fund bridge rehabilitation works on regional and local roads; and over €256k will go towards low cost safety improvement works on regional and local roads.

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NEWS

8

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Fantastic turnout for West Waterford Right2Water march

Local Sinn Féin Councillor Siobhán Whelan marching in solidarity with West Waterford Right2Water in Dungarvan last Saturday.

Margaret Revins, Upper College Road, Ardmore, pictured with her dad Billy Revins, after she graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Exercise and Health Studies. She is daughter of the late Mary Peters-Revins, Mountain View, Tipperary, and is a member of the Waterford Ladies Football team.

LOCAL Sinn Féin Councillor Siobhán Whelan marched in solidarity with the many groups and individuals who turned out on Saturday to protest against the water charges.

Dungarvan was one of many marches across the country which saw thousands of people turn out to call a stop to water charges.

“Far from dying out, this

protest is strong and will continue until the government listens to the people,” commented Councillor Whelan, continuing “this is a regressive tax which many people simply cannot afford. The message from the people is clear by the thousands who have turned out across Ireland today: scrap this tax or the Government must go.”

Increase in theft from shops last year THEFTS from shops increased in Dungarvan in 2014, compared with 2013.

According to figures presented to the recent Joint Policing Committee of Waterford City and County Council, there was a 17 percent increase in theft from shops in Dungarvan in 2014.

Across the Waterford Garda Division area, there was a three percent increase in

the crime in 2014; with Waterford City also experiencing a four percent increase in the crime.

Tramore was the only area in 2014 to record a drop in the crime - a 28 percent reduction in Tramore.

Superintendent Chris Delaney, Waterford, told the JPC that detection rates are generally high for theft from shops.

Drop in public order offences Mealla Fahey, Lismore Heritage Centre, with Germaine and Thea Bailey, daughters of the late Joan Bailey, visiting the Waterford stand at the Holiday World Show. Mrs. Bailey was at the forefront of tourism in Dungarvan in the 1960s and Thea remembers working in the tourist information office when it was a caravan in The Square.

THERE was a 15 percent drop in public order offences in the Waterford Garda Division area in 2014, according to figures presented to Waterford City and County Council’s Joint Policing Committee recently.

The figures, which compares 2014 and 2013, showed that there was a reduction in public disorder and drunkenness.

However, it was noted that there was a slight increase in minor assaults in the Waterford Garda Division area in 2014.

Presenting the figures to the JPC, Superintendent Chris Delaney, Waterford, pointed out that serious assault (assault causing harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act) also decreased in 2014 by 11 percent, compared with 2013.

“There are very high detection rates for assaults causing harm,” said Supt. Delaney.

“In most cases, the victim knows the perpetrator.”

Signage sought for flytipping blackspot MORE signage warning people not to flytip was requested in the Kilmeaden / Portlaw area.

At the January meeting of Comeragh District Council, Cllr. Declan Clune said it has come to his attention, following a large amount of calls from concerned citizens, about flytipping taking place from Kilmeaden roundabout along the Bog Road.

“There are bags of rubbish in that area and every day it seems there are more

and more dumped there,” said Cllr. Clune.

He said signage recently erected in the Butlerstown area has proven effective and requested the Council do something similar along the Bog Road.

“It is a heavily used road,” Cllr. Clune added.

Ray Moloney, Senior Executive Officer, Environment Section, said the Council will examine the matter with a view to placing additional warning signage in the area.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

NEWS

Antisocial Behaviour Unit received 170 complaints in 2014 THE Antisocial Behaviour Unit of Waterford City and County Council received 170 complaints last year, according to a report presented to the recent Joint Policing Committee meeting.

Don Tuohy, Senior Executive Officer with the Council, told the JPC meeting that the 170 complaints related to 94 different addresses, of which 32 were referred to other agencies; on 13 occasions, suitable advice was offered to complainants; 14 verbal warnings were given; four first warning letters were issued; one second warning letter was issued; while two adult male sons of a tenant, who were involved in antisocial behaviour, agreed to leave the house and subsequently provided proof that they had alternative accommodation.

The JPC heard that an appeal made to the Circuit Court by a person subject to an ‘Excluding Order’ dropped his appeal on the day of the court hearing.

9

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Council creating social housing strategy for county WATERFORD Council is currently putting together a social housing strategy to address the social housing needs in the county.

The strategy will provide a means of determining the order of priority in the allocation of houses.

While that strategy is currently being put together, the Council still needs to await further guidelines from the Department of Environment to reflect recent changes in national policy.

At the January meeting of Comeragh District Council, Cllr. Liam Brazil sought an update on social housing for the Kilmacthomas area.

“I’ve been pushing for social housing in Kilmacthomas for years,” said Cllr. Brazil.

Concurring, Cllr. Mary Butler sought an update on funding from Government in relation to building social housing.

She said that Portlaw was another area which needed social housing.

Claire Hartley, of Waterford City and County Council’s Housing Section, said the Director of Housing and the Senior Executive Officer are currently putting together a social housing strategy based, and determined, by the waiting list and the number of people on that list.

Ms. Hartley confirmed that the Council would be identifying a need

for social housing in the Comeragh area, in large urban areas like Kilmacthomas and Portlaw.

NEW LENDING RULES COULD SEE INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR SOCIAL HOUSING Cllr. John O’Leary believes that there could be a huge demand for social housing following concerns over strict new lending rules introduced by the Central Bank.

The new rules stipulate that first time buyers can be approved housing loans of up to €220,000 with a deposit as little as ten percent; but house loans over €220,000 will require a deposit of 20 percent. Non-first time buyers will also have to come up with a 20 percent deposit.

Cllr. O’Leary said it was possible that if young people couldn’t come up with a deposit to purchase a home, it would likely fall back upon the Council to fill the vacuum by providing social housing, placing a heavy demand on local authorities around the country.

Ms. Hartley pointed out that the Council is still governed by regulations, which have not changed.

She said income bands are taken into consideration when an application is made, and until there are changes, they have to apply the assessment as it currently stands.

DEMAND STILL HIGH FOR TENANT PURCHASE SCHEME Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan, queried about a Tenant Purchase Scheme and if there was any update on it, as there were people, who are Council tenants, interested in purchasing their home.

Cllr. O’Ryan requested the Council to maintain the pressure on the minister to bring forward a Tenant Purchase Scheme. Ms. Hartley agreed there was a big demand for such a scheme and that would be reflected back to the Department.

UPDATE ON CEOL NA MARA ESTATE Cllr. Brazil sought an update on the housing estate Ceol na Mara, based in Kill.

“We were told last year that Respond was close to making a deal with NAMA,” said Cllr. Brazil.

Concurring, Cllr. O’Leary said many people were asking about the housing estate and when houses would become available.

Ms. Hartley said the Council was preparing a list of nominations for housing in that estate, which would then be passed to Respond.

She said the Council does not have a definite allocation date yet, and discussions are still taking place between Respond and NAMA.

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10

EDITORIAL

New Bishop welcome IT is now over a year since Bishop William Lee retired as the Spiritual Leader of the Catholic Diocese of Waterford and Lismore on the grounds of ill-health and the faithful have waited patiently in the months since to learn who his successor will be.

In his years in Waterford, Bishop Lee gave devoted service to the people in his care and his departure occasioned much sadness.

This week, Pope Francis announced that he had appointed 56-year-old Father Alphonsus Cullinan, who also has experience as a hospital and college chaplain, as the new Bishop of our Diocese. Fr Cullinan comes with a wide breadth of experience and is also very highly recommended by his peers.

In this modern age, the people whom he will serve will look to their new Pastor for guidance and an understanding of the problems which a modern society can cause.

There is no doubt that looking at the wide experience he brings to his new office that Fr. Cullinan will be readily accepted by his flock and that he will serve them loyally and well.

It is interesting to note that since the Reformation of the 16th Century, there have been only 22 Bishops of Waterford and Lismore, - now twenty-three - thirteen from outside the Diocese and nine from the Clergy within the Diocese. The longest serving was Fr. Richard Piers who was Bishop for forty three years from 1695 to 1739, only one of which he spent in the Diocese itself. The Bishop with the shortest service was John Egan, whose tenure was only a year and a half long.

Of the six Bishops of Waterford and Lismore over the last Century, three came from Cashel, two from Cork, one from the Redemptorists and none from Waterford. We can now add a Clare born Ordinary as Fr. Cullinan was born in Lahinch, Co. Clare.

On behalf of the people of Dungarvan and County Waterford, we welcome Fr. Cullinan and hope he has a long, fruitful and happy ministry amongst us.

Incorp. Munster Industrial Advocate

A tide of discontent THE careless misuse of power in this country through bad governance, unconscionable mistakes and a neglect of the least well off in our society, has created a disenchanted and, in some cases, a disaffected society.

This is reflected in the great numbers of otherwise quiet people who have taken the opportunity presented by the shambles which has been made of Irish Water to come on the streets in protest.

Phil Hogan, from the comfort of his ivory tower in the heart of Europe is unrepentant about the mess he left behind and uttered the same old platitudes on the farming programme on RTE Radio 1 last Saturday.

If the alternative is a rise in income tax as is the mantra - but not the only option – then, so be it, raise the tax. At least it will be paid by those who probably have a job and are earning sufficient to pay some amount. The flat levy on everyone is a blunt instrument which does not take into account ability to pay.

The Government has failed to read the signs of discontent and is content to ignore them. It has allowed the country to fall into a situation where the law is being brought into contempt through its obduracy and inability and unwillingness to find an acceptable solution to the problems caused by its approach to water management.

There comes a point where it must be accepted that the government took a wrong decision, implemented it in clumsy fashion and refused to recognise its mistake.

If, as they claim they take their messages through the ballot box, they missed a very important one last May.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

The Government of the day is there to implement the will of the people, provided it is not wrong, illegal or immoral. To change its course on its approach to Irish water does not fall into any of these categories. To continue to ignore the will of the people at the expense of allowing an unruly and violent element to emerge and dominate that debate, is reckless and dangerous. The Government needs to be pro-active in removing any opportunity for aggressive discontent, rather than just to face down the majority.

The ball is firmly in their court.

A worthy champion THOSE who attended The Park Hotel Awards night last Saturday night could have been under no illusions of the popularity of Irish Rugby Captain, Niamh Briggs. Loud and sustained cheering accompanied by a standing ovation heralded Niamh’s parents, Ger and Mike Briggs to the stage to accept the award on her behalf. Beaming with justified pride, Niamh’s overjoyed mother accepted the magnificent trophy with aplomb and will be happy to assist her daughter in accommodating it for another year.

Womens Rugby is fast becoming fully accepted amongst the traditional rugby fraternity and there is no doubting the popularity of the game with the public at large. If anyone needed proof that our women are at, or near the top of the world in their game, then the defeat of the mighty All Blacks last summer left no room for doubt.

We add our congratulations to Niamh on her personal achievement in earning the Captaincy of the Irish team, her winning the Park Hotel Award and also on her contribution as a true team player in the successes which her national team has registered.

As they begin their 2015 Six Nations campaign, Niamh will take with her the congratulations and good wishes of her town and county and a fervent hope that Ireland through her leadership will once more dominate Europe in their magnificent sport.

Reg. in GPO as a Newspaper • Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • 058-41205/42042 • www.dungarvanobserver.ie • news@dungarvanobserver.ie Munster GAA Awards Dinner held in Dromoland Castle – Waterford award winners MacDara MacDonncha (Media Award) and Jim Wall (Football Hall of Fame Recipient) pictured along with Brendan Tobin (Munster Council Delegate), Paddy Joe Ryan (Central Council Delegate), Anthony Walsh (Treasurer, Munster Council), Tom Cunningham (Chairman), Joe Cleary (Treasurer) and family and friends.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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Council will continue support for Comeragh Clean-up THE Comeragh Clean-up which is held annually every Easter Monday will still goahead this year, despite the Council pulling out of domestic waste collection services.

At the January meeting of Comeragh District Council, Cllr. Liam Brazil asked if the Comeragh Cleanup would still go-ahead, as the Council no longer operates a waste collection service.

“It is essential that the Comeragh Cleanup goes ahead,” Cllr. Brazil said.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr.

Michael J. O’Ryan concurred, but said he was adamant that the cleanup would continue despite the Council pulling out of waste collection services.

Ray Moloney, Senior Executive Officer, Environment Section, pointed out that the Comeragh Cleanup is a community initiative in conjunction with the Council.

“If the community are willing to get together and get involved in a cleanup, then the Council will certainly back that up, whether it is the Comeragh Cleanup, or any other community cleanup, we’ll support them and take away the waste materials collected,” said Mr. Moloney.

“Just because the Council is out of the domestic refuse business, doesn’t mean we are out of the waste business, and we’ll assist in any of the community cleanups,” Mr. Moloney added.

Over €350k in housing grants for Comeragh area JUST over €350,000 was handed out in the Comeragh District area in housing grants in December.

According to a report presented to the January meeting of Comeragh District Council, a total of €238,959 was handed out in grants for housing adaptation; €31,510 was handed out for mobility aids housing grants; and €86,326 was handed out under housing aid for older people.

MEANYS SHOES Huge Selection of Communion Shoes

Tallow A.C.U. – Shane Hayes, Vincent Hayes, Denis Fitzgerald (F.D.C. Accountants) and at back John O'Mahony of Tallow Area Credit Union at the information meeting which was held in Tallow Area Credit Union on Thursday, 29th January last.

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High level of registration for new PPN Structure

By Christy Parker WATERFORD Council is reporting a very satisfactory uptake on registration for the new Public Participation Network (PPN), the representative and policy assisting system that has replaced the community forum under the new local Government structure.

Registration for the Waterford network began last September 29th and over 400 organisations across the county have signed up, according to a council spokesman. These groups have elected over 26 representatives onto council committees such as the Joint Policing Committee, Waterford City and County Policy Committees and the Local Community Development Committee.

The PPN is made up of three pillars: Environmental, Social Inclusion, Community & Voluntary Organisations who are registered to the PPN. Groups who register with the PPN are asked to select the pillar they feel is most relevant to their aims and activities.The network effectively serves as ‘a hub’ around which information is distributed and enables groups to have a voice on a wide range of issues.

Every local authority in Ireland will operate a PPN in due course. At present progress on its implementation varies amongst the authorities.

TWO LEVEL PARTICIPATION Waterford PPN operates on two levels, i.e. Municipal District level and County wide. The Municipal District level is further subdivided into separate units for Dungarvan/Lismore, the Comeragh, and the M e t r o p o l i t a n area/Waterford City East, Waterford City West and Waterford City South. The membership is presently defined by Comeragh 20%, Dungarvan/Lismore 31% and Metropolitan area 49% The PPN will, according to official guidelines, implement and abide by good governance; work in an inclusive, respectful, transparent and collaborative manner; act as the vehicle to gather feedback and input into policies and plans being developed by local authorities, reflect the range of views being expressed, including areas of disagreement. The PPN will evoke a ‘one voice response’ but will reflect the issues and opinions of its broad range of membership groups.

Where contradictory responses are presented to the local authority, the ulti-

mate responsibility for policy decisions will abide with the elected members.

PLENARY GOVERNANCE Additionally, the Municipal District PPN is ruled by a Plenary board comprised of all registered organisations in the District. Each member organisation has one vote.

They may select two people to represent them on the Plenary, one of whom will be the main representative and the other an alternate. The Municipal District PPN Plenary will meet formally at least twice a year. A similar governing system applies to the County/City PPN, which will meet at least twice yearly.

All PPN representatives represent the PPN on each committee and not the organisation of which they are a member. Should a representative stand down, they are replaced by whoever came second in their nomination process The benefits of PPN membership are considered to include: may nominate individuals to sit on boards/committees as Network participants/representatives; members will receive regular updates on the network and its members’ activities and will receive opportunities to

feed into policy and plans that may be relevant to the group; can participate in Network training courses and workshops that support the development of the sectors involved; engage in a wide variety of activities organised by the Network; can be elected on to policy making bodies in the city/county; can be part of a collective voice.

ONGOING REGISTRATION The PPN registration process is continual and new members are welcome.

The PPN is currently working on a Facebook page, web page and a Twitter presence rather than a newsletter. That said, an eleven person Secretariat has been elected to administer the Waterford PPN and is currently working on a newsletter to inform all groups of progress to date.

Registration forms are available from: Muriel Tobin, PPN Co-Ordinator, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co Waterford Tel. (058) 21198; e-mail: mtobin@waterfordcouncil. ie Also, John Hawkes, PPN Co-Ordinator City Hall, The Mall, Waterford. Tele: 051 849597/ 087 9809985; e-mail: jhawkes@waterfordcouncil.ie; Or see: www.waterfordcouncil.ie

Council congratulates successful swimmer THE January meeting of Comeragh District Council expressed a vote of congratulations to County Waterford swimmer, Shauna O’Brien, who won a gold medal in Sweden

recently. Shauna, 20, from Kilmeaden, is part of University College Dublin’s swimming team, which was participating in the Grand Prix at Uppsala in Sweden, last week.

Cllr. John O’Leary told the Council that Shauna is after winning a gold medal in the women’s 50 metres swimming event during the Swedish Grand Prix.

“She is a wonderful athlete and is doing Kilmeaden very proud,” said Cllr. O’Leary.

Cathaoirleach of the District Council, Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan concurred with the sentiments.

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Canty Residents Group pictured on the occasion of their Annual Dinner Party hosted by West Waterford Golf Club on Saturday, 24th January, 2015. Front row (l. to r.): Honor Looby, Vicky Sheehan, Mary McCarthy, Mary Stack, Trish O’Donovan, Mary Proban, Margaret McCarthy, Reena Landers, Noreen Stack, Maura Ahearne, Phil O’Brien. Middle row: Caroline Kiely, Paddy O’Keeffe, Eddie Stack, Mike Dobbs, Michael Stack, John O’Brien, David Proban, Robert Betts.

Back row: Ena O’Shea, Tom Ahearne, Pat Looby, Terry McCarthy, James O’Shea, Liam McCarthy, Vinny O’Brien, Lar Looby, Elaine Looby, Colin Smith.

Road safety a continuous ‘work in progress’ for Gardaí GARDAÍ are continually trying to reduce fatalities on the roads and to get the message across to people never, ever drink and drive.

At the recent meeting of Waterford City and County Council’s Joint Policing Committee, Superintendent Chris Delaney, Waterford, said road safety is a continuous ‘work in progress’ for the Gardaí, who will continue to campaign on road safety measures and prevention of road traffic offences.

Despite this, Supt. Delaney noted that there was a three percent increase in the number of people caught for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), in the Waterford Garda Divisional area for 2014, compared with 2013.

“The increase in DUI detections show that the Gardaí are doing their job,” said Supt. Delaney.

“However, it also shows that the public still haven’t got the message never, ever drink and drive,” he pointed out. He pointed out that the figures for ‘Driving Under the Influence’ includes drink driving as well as those people driving under the influence of drugs.

“Our detection rate is rising which means more people are involved in these offences. Driving under the influence is a serious risk and contributes to more serious collisions and deaths on the roads,” he said.

“We will continue throughout the year and beyond to try and reduce those figures.”

Meanwhile, the figures presented by Supt. Delaney to the JPC meeting showed that there was a 25 percent increase in the number of fatalities in

Waterford in 2014, compared with 2013, while there was a 14 percent decrease in the number of serious traffic collisions last year.

Supt. Delaney noted the reduction in serious collisions, but pointed out that it was a “serious work in progress” for Gardaí to continually campaign on road safety measures.

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. James Tobin, queried if a breakdown of the figures is available, between those caught for drink driving and those caught drug driving.

Supt. Delaney said ‘DUI’ includes both types of offences, but said it was possible to have a breakdown of those figures for the next meeting.

BOYRACERS Michael J. Walsh, representing Public Participation Network (PPN) Dungarvan-Lismore District area, drew attention to ‘boyracers’ on the roads of County Waterford and said it was a serious road safety issue that needs to be examined by Gardaí.

He said many of these young motorists put a lot of their money into their vehicles and suggested a “controlled environment” for them to help take them away from the public roads.

“You see the ‘donuts’ on most rural roads,” said Mr. Walsh.

He said if there was a controlled environment for these young drivers to go to, it would take them off the road and address a health and safety issue.

Chief Superintendent, Pat Murphy, concurred that young people with the ‘suped-up’ cars can be in great danger on the country’s roads.

“The most dangerous place in the

country is on the roads,” Chief Supt.

Murphy said.

He said that while road user behaviour has improved slightly, some people can ‘lose the run of themselves’ from time to time.

Chief Supt. Murphy said the challenge is still there in relation to dealing with dangerous road users, including those motorists who do not wear seat belts, use mobile phones while driving, and driving while under the influence of an intoxicant.

HI-VIS NEEDED BY PEDESTRIANS / CYCLISTS Mr. Walsh also drew attention to some pedestrians who continue to walk on the public roads without wearing a hi-visibility jacket or vest.

He noted that people exercising, using the roadways, is on the increase.

However, he noticed that many people were not wearing hi-vis jackets.

“For some strange reason, they are not wearing hi-vis jackets,” he said.

“This is something that needs to be highlighted - regardless of time of day - wear a hi-vis jacket!” Mr.Walsh said.

Concurring, Chief Supt. Murphy pointed out that the Garda Traffic Corps and the Road Safety Authority hand out free hi-vis jackets, particularly to schools and young people.

He also highlighted the importance of cyclists wearing hi-vis jackets.

“While many cyclists wear colourful outfits, they are not hi-vis,” Chief Supt. Murphy pointed out.

“And because cyclists can travel really fast, they need to be seen - hivis first, aerodynamics second!” he added.

Gardaí welcome decrease in possession of offensive weapons THERE has been a 30 percent drop in people being convicted for possession of weapons and offensive weapons in 2014, according to figures presented to the recent meeting of the Joint Policing Committee of Waterford City and County Council.

Superintendent Chris Delaney, Waterford, said the reduction in the crime was across the whole Waterford Garda Division area for 2014, compared with 2013, which he welcomed.

Possession of offensive weapons included people being in possession of screwdrivers, blades, knives, etc.

Supt. Delaney said there was a serious

problem, particularly in Waterford City, where individuals were going around carrying these types of weapons and Gardaí made a major push to prosecute people found carrying such weapons.

“This is the first time in three years that those figures have dropped, which is a good thing,” said Supt. Delaney.

“There is no doubt that more serious type offences have been prevented through that reduction.

It can be hard to measure, but the less knives, blades and screwdrivers being carried around by individuals will certainly prevent more serious crime.”

Decrease in number of arrests in 2014 THE number of arrests in the Waterford Garda Division area decreased in 2014, according to figures presented to the recent meeting of Waterford City and County Council’s Joint Policing Committee.

Presenting the figures, Superintendent Chris Delaney, Waterford, told JPC members that there was a 16 percent decrease in the number of arrests for all types of offences in the divisional area in 2014, compared with 2013.

Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald queried why there was a drop in the arrest figures.

Supt. Delaney pointed out that in 2013 there were a large number of Garda operations, particularly in the Waterford City area, where multiple people were arrested in relation to serious incidents.

“It was a combination of a reduction in itself, plus the major operations in 2013

involving a significant number of arrests which did not occur in 2014,” Supt.

Delaney said.

Cllr. Breda Brennan asked if it was possible to find out how many convictions were secured against those people who were arrested in 2014.

However, Supt. Delaney said conviction figures from arrest figures was “an extremely difficult figure to compile”.

“Arrests in 2014 could relate to offences in previous years. It would be really cumbersome to try and break down those figures because there is a ‘roll over’ factor involved,” Supt. Delaney explained.

“Plus there are cases pending and cases under appeal. Final convictions from the number of arrests made in a particular year is an extremely difficult figure for us to come up with,” he added.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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Council aims to prevent and reduce anti-social behaviour WATERFORD City and County Council continues to be proactive in relation to antisocial behaviour and in dealing with housing tenants of Council housing who are, or have been, involved in antisocial behaviour.

In a report presented to the recent Joint Policing Committee, Don Tuohy, Senior Executive Officer, told JPC members that the proactive approach by the Council would not be possible without the help of the Gardaí who provide information.

The JPC was told that checks are carried out on all housing applicants for any housing provided by the Council.

It was pointed out that in 2014, nine housing applications were deferred, one indefinitely, while the others were deferred for periods of between two and four years.

Cllr. Mary Roche pointed out that there were many estates experiencing problems with antisocial behaviour, where the tenant was resident in a privately rented accommodation, not a Council house.

She pointed out that there are people / families living in private rented accommodation who are causing havoc and antisocial behaviour.

“If they were Council tenants, we could deal with them,” she said. “But the neighbours are stuck because the Private Rented Tenancies Board or

HSE doesn’t deal with it and we, as a Council, can’t deal with it.”

She queried whether the Gardaí could become involved.

“We need some process put in place where people could be warned and the matter can be taken to the next level,” Cllr. Roche said.

Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald said speeding in housing estates was another form of antisocial behaviour.

“And it is not always a boyracer!”

Cllr. Fitzgerald pointed out.

“Some people will be reluctant to call the Gardaí on neighbours. But speeding in estates is a danger to people. We need to educate people causing these problems.”

Cllr. John Pratt pointed out that the government are currently carrying out a consultation process in relation to limiting the speed of vehicles in housing estates.

Chief Superintendent Pat Murphy said the Gardaí liaises with other agencies in relation to tackling antisocial behaviour and Gardaí are trained up to deal with situations.

He said that matters should be discussed in the community with the antisocial offender, so they get an understanding of the fear and danger they are causing others, so that matters can be resolved in a mutual way.

Chief Supt. Murphy encouraged anyone who has issues in their community to contact the Gardaí and talk

Abandoned houses investigated for anti-social behaviour ABANDONED houses are investigated by the Antisocial Behaviour Unit of Waterford City and County Council, to prevent antisocial behaviour.

According to a report presented to the recent Joint Policing Committee, 25 investigations were carried out on abandoned houses in 2014.

Delivering the report, Don Tuohy, Senior Executive Officer, said that seven tenants of abandoned houses were traced and surrendered their tenancies.

In two of those cases, an abandonment notice was served.

Mr. Tuohy said that two houses were taken back into the Council stock for reasons of good estate management after the Council had firm evidence that the former tenants were not in a position to continue their tenancies.

Three tenants were traced and returned to continue the tenancy, one of which only returned after the service of an abandonment notice.

One house was taken back into Council possession following service of an abandonment notice.

In one case, a house was taken back by the Council, after it was ascertained that the former tenants had complied with eviction notices, due to rent arrears.

In another case, it was found that the former tenant was in long term care.

UNAUTHORISED OCCUPIERS There were four cases of unauthorised occupiers for the Council to deal with in 2014.

In two cases, the occupiers left the house following discussion with the Housing Department, before any requirement to service notices.

In another case, where the investigation started in 2012, the Council successfully applied to the District Court in November, 2013, for a Warrant for Possession.

The District Judge put a two month stay on the warrant granted, which was subsequently executed in February, 2014.

to them.

“We can send out the Community Garda, who will sit down and talk about these things, and the Gardaí can make interventions if need be,” he said.

“But it will only work if people talk to their local Gardaí.”

ANTISOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AT HALLOWE’EN Meanwhile, Cllr. Declan Doocey claimed there was plenty of antisocial behaviour in rural West Waterford towns last Hallowe’en when children aged 12, 13 and 14 were travelling around “armed with a full van load of eggs”.

He pointed out that the youths couldn’t drive, so they had someone driving the van for them.

It is believed the eggs were being sold on for the purposes of antisocial behaviour.

“There was definitely three or four thousand eggs!” said Cllr. Doocey.

“And there are people hungry in the world!”

Cllr. Doocey said that youths copy their peers when it comes to antisocial behaviour.

“The people who are training these youths in antisocial behaviour, should be identified,” said Cllr. Doocey.

“Antisocial behaviour is handed down to youth by older people in the community,” he added.

Irish Water comes in for rare praise at Council meeting IRISH Water came in for some rare praise at a Council meeting recently.

Cllr. Mary Butler, speaking at the January meeting of Comeragh District Council, said Irish Water are making themselves available to meet with Councillors, and she recently approached them in relation to three water issues.

“The results were very good and the correspondence in relation to matters I raised with them was excellent,” said Cllr. Butler.

“It is nice that they seem to be listening to us at the moment,” she added.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael J. O’Ryan acknowledged, “credit where credit is due”.

Councillor welcomes planning permission for school extension A COUNCILLOR has welcomed the Council’s decision to grant planning permission for a school extension in Ballyduff Lower.

The Board of Management at Ballyduff National School had applied, and was granted last December, permission for construction of a new classroom and adjoining corridor extension and other works.

At the January meeting of Comeragh District Council, Cllr.

John O’Leary, welcomed the Council’s decision.

“It is a further benefit to the community and I’m delighted that planning was granted. I hope work will begin soon,” said Cllr. O’Leary.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Dance Hall memories in demand

By Christy Parker A YOUGHAL film making company is seeking memories, stories, pics, posters, photos and even film footage for a new documentary based on a once iconic dance hall frequented by west Waterford patrons.

Complete Control Films is focusing on Redbarn dancehall, the bastion of beachside romance that stood by the ebbing tide for 21 years, from 1957 to 1978.To aid and abet their mission the film makers they are “asking people to come forward with material that pertains to people, fashion, music, occasions, performers associated with Redbarn,” says Complete Control Films co-founder Kieran McCarthy. “Basically,” he elaborates, “we’d like to hear from people who danced, worked or performed there.”

Complete Control Films comprises IT tutor and website designer, Kieran along with author and teacher Michael Twomey. The company’s two previous documentaries were Town out of Time, about Youghal’s industrial decline and Another Way Home, narrated by Jeremy Irons, which dealt with a young girl’s positive experience when she undertook alternative treatment for mental illness in a west Cork community. Both works were highly acclaimed within and beyond the town walls as it were, with the latter film featuring in the Cork (2012), Fingal (2013) and Dingle (2014) Film Festivals.

The Redbarn venture also sees UCC Michael Hussey coming on board as co-producer and the UCC Film making and Media student is believed to have sparked the idea for the documentary in the first place.

A WIDE APPEAL Those of a certain vintage will recall that Redbarn, idyllically set four miles from the town centre, was the social focus for a 60 sq. mile region stretching from Dungarvan to Fermoy and Cork city. Like all dancehalls of the era, it was where dreams were made and nightmares were perpetrated, depending on one’s luck on the night!

All the big names frequently played there - Joe Dolan, Brendan Bowyer, The Memories, Dickie Rock, Gina Dale Haze & the Champions, Rob Strong, Red Hurley and so on across the genres.

Even Marianne Faithfull once sang there, to a packed audience of about 1,200, as did former US heavyweight

boxing Champion Smokin’ Joe Frazier circa 1978, apparently to about 200 people (Youghal was always an Ali town anyway!)

The ballroom was jointly founded by brothers Murt and Gerry Lucey, who also owned the Majorca in Crosshaven and the Stardust in Cork.Youghal had near full employment, a robust tourist industry and the region was relatively prosperous. With a 1,500+ capacity, full houses were not unusual at Redbarn.

THE SUNDAY SHIFT At the time Sunday night was generally a prime socialising night. Monday morning, and work, was just an unfortunate coincidence that should and would fail to dislodge the pursuit of love.

Redbarn was like a second mass on a Sunday and equally obligatory. The fateful drove there from throughout west Waterford, or distant Cork and all points in between, to queue with the locals arriving by beach or by car. Usually it didn’t matter much who was playing; as long as there was a congregation there was life.

Later, the miles of sand dunes that beyond the venue would have their own stories to tell long after the strains of lonesome guitars had subsided. It could take two days to get home.

UP IN FLAMES For some inexplicable reason, towards its latter days a glowing fire, surrounded by railing, was installed near the centre of the dance floor!

Somewhat appropriately then, it all ended when the venue was destroyed by a fire on 1978.

Times had been changing anyway; in the distance the beat of disco grew ever louder on the social horizon.

The ruins stayed evocatively untouched for decades afterwards until the apartment complex and the Quality Hotel finally struck a new chord. “But there must be an awful lot of memories floating around out there,” Kieran observes. Undoubtedly there is.

Complete Control Films intends to commence production on a mix of script, interviews and fil footage within four weeks. Several well-known entertainers who performed at the venue have been approached to contribute and “the signs are positive,” say Kieran.

Contact: Michael Twomey on 087-211819; Email: townwalls@eircom.net or completecontrolfilms@gmail.com . Also, https://www.facebook.com/RedbarnBallroo mDocumentary

Speakers at the joint IFA/Tallow Area Credit Union Information Seminar on Budget 2015 and the Basic Farm Payment in Tallow, Co. Waterford. Included are Vincent Hayes and Shane Hayes, FDC, Dungarvan; Denis Fitzgerald, FDC Cahir; May Rea, CEO Tallow Area Credit Union; Paul Condon, Chairman, Tallow IFA and John O’Mahony, Chaiman, Tallow Area Credit Union.

Coffey attends official sod turning of new €59m facility at Smartply FINE Gael Waterford Minister Paudie Coffey last week attended the official sod-turning of the new plant at Smartply with Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and The Marine Tom Hayes TD. €59 million will be invested in Smartply in Belview Port that will create 300 construction jobs.

Minister Coffey said; “The money for this development was approved by the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney TD last year and I worked closely with him at that time to secure this funding.

“SmartPly is a wholly owned subsidiary of Coillte and it currently employs just fewer than 200 people between its bases at Belview, Waterford; Kent, England and Hoest, Holland. There are currently 160 employees at its plant in Belview Port in County Waterford. This business is extremely important for the South East Region from an employment and export point of view.

“300 construction jobs will be created as a result of this investment that will help in continuing with the government’s commitment of getting people back to work. In the longer term when this construction project is complete it will have a positive impact on Waterford Port as it has

direct links to Rotterdam Port in Holland; that will allow for the export of these highly demanded products.

“Smartply creates innovative products that have demand both domestically and internationally and this investment will lead to infrastructural improvements at the site, such as plant extension, the replacing of older equipment and the purchase of state of the art machinery. This is positive news for Waterford and the South East Region and will allow for increased capacity at the plant in the medium to long term.”

Paudie Coffey TD, Minister of State and Marian Walsh, Project Manager of Construction of new Facility.

Paudie Coffey TD, Minister of State; representative from Malone O’Regan (Consultant Engineers of Project) Deputy Ciara Conway TD; and Marian Walsh, Project Manager of Construction of new Facility.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Wedding Stationary with a difference . . . .

Council staff commended for tackling water pressure issue in Portlaw WATERFORD Council was commended for its efforts before Christmas in repairing an issue with water pressure in Portlaw.

At the January meeting of Comeragh District Council, Cllr. Declan Clune acknowledged the efforts of Council staff, in the weeks before Christmas to resolve the water pressure issue in Portlaw.

“They identified quite a number of leaks and repaired them,” said Cllr.

Clune.

“But everytime they repaired the leaks, another seemed to pop up. In fairness, the Council staff were on top of it, so I want to acknowledge the work and effort they put in and it seems to be working out fine,” Cllr. Clune added.

GARDEN MACHINERY Unit 2B3, Dungarvan Business Park, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford

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From Hen Nights to Thank Yous!

WITH Valentine’s Day drawing closer and following a great turnout to its stand at the Park Hotel’s recent Wedding Showcase, Printmaster has never been so excited about the print possibilities of Romance!

Weddings are all about a unique and true reflection of the couple’s hopes and dreams and, long after the flowers have faded, and the dancing has stopped, the wedding stationery, along with the bridal attire and the photographs are some of the few tangible items that can be appreciated for years after the event – giving a true reflection of how the dream nuptial scene was set in motion and unfolded. “Couples are becoming far more discerning about their wedding invitations,” says Printmaster’s Fidelma Meaney “Lots of people like to stay traditional and choose designs from our in-house Lantz range but others come to us with their own individual designs and we look after all of their printing. Lantz has a really great array of designs, textures and finishes in its portfolio and the quality is second to none. Everything from Save-the-date cards to full invitations, evening invitations, reply cards, ceremony covers, place settings, Thank You cards and Guest books etc – it can all be tailor made. The ordering process is quick,

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We also repair Power Tools Authorised Briggs & Stratton Agents Car / Van Bulbs, Batteries & Wipers Fitted straightforward and if couples call into us in Printmaster they can go through our on-site catalogue and decide what best reflects their personalities, their wedding theme and their budget, essentially their vision for their big day.

I find that couples like to see the physical version of the invitations, to feel the paper texture etc – it’s something that they can’t do online,” comments Matt.

More recently though, Printmaster has found itself printing individualised and unique wedding stationery, designed by the couples themselves. “It’s great fun,” says Matt “I think people are realising that their own creativity can be produced in professional quality print

and in large numbers and it makes for truly unique designs.We are even getting involved with printing at the Hen Party stage – lately we printed baseball caps and polo shirts for a hen party group (they were fun and not too extreme, so they could be used afterwards by the bride’s friends), we did fun signage for the mini-bus that took the group of friends to their party destination and even a life-size version of the groom-to-be so the bride did not feel too alone !

Later the bridal couple designed all of their own wedding invites, ceremony booklets and Thank You cards and commemorative bookmarks and we printed everything for them. It was

something really special and their guests loved them.

We’ve also recently printed truly alternative and unique invitations and wedding favours such as – wine bottle labels, cloth place mat invites and embroidered coasters.

The possibilities are endless and with sites like pinterest, couples can really let their imaginations run wild. We are delighted to be able to offer an international service right on your doorstep,” adds Matt.

Printmaster truly is your one-stop-wedding-printing shop! ….Trust Printmaster – we have the experience.

For further information call us 058 42077; email info@printmaster.ie or follow us on facebook

Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber - About Us WHAT WE ARE The Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber is here to create, support, maintain and promote a positive environment for business in West Waterford. By encouraging a strong, unified business community, we help create a stable local economy that provides a high quality of life for those who live and work here. As the prime representative forum for business in the area we actively campaign for and contribute to the development of Dungarvan and West Waterford as a preferred destination to work, live, play and stay.

WHAT WE DO • We listen to businesses to assess their needs and concerns.

• We plan training, information sessions, showcasing and networking events based on feedback.

• We lobby contentious issues on behalf of businesses.

• We keep money in our local economy: By selling Chamber vouchers By encouraging people to shop local By encouraging people to do business with members • We promote local events and festivals.

• We promote business and commercial

activities.

• We promote Dungarvan & West Waterford as a destination.

• We liaise with various bodies including government, public bodies, semi state and private businesses involved in public interest projects.

• We compile information relevant to businesses and deliver it to our members in a concise fashion.

• We operate a ‘Business Watch’ text alert system to support retailers.

The following values underpin the Chambers actions: • The Chamber is committed to connecting businesses together, improving prosperity and business opportunities within the region.

• The Chamber is an open, honest and accountable organisation, which bases its decisions on driving and supporting businesses in the region.

• It remains a core value of the Chamber that the contributions of its board, its staff and members are valued and appreciated.

• The Chamber values the strong working relationships that have been developed with other agencies.

• The Chamber is in business for business.

– WHILE YOU WAIT – Tel.

058 45261

Mob:

087 7660336 (6-2)

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Group from GSK Dungarvan, one of the main sponsors of Dungarvan’s Annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, pictured at the 2012 parade in Grattan Square.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and celebrations for Dungarvan “OUR committee are working hard to ensure that the 39th Dungarvan’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade and associated celebrations will be the most exciting and spectacular ever” said Hon Parade Chairman Jim Veale.

“The Parade will start from Coolagh

Road at 3.00 p.m. but all registered participants should be lining up at 2.30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17th.

“The very attractive prize fund similar to last year is proving to be quite a draw!” he added.

“Remember” says Hon. Parade

Secretary Anne Fuller,“the more you tell us about your business and club in your entry form, the better informed our parade MC will be, and he will have more to say about you in his commentary from the reviewing stand!”

“There will be free entertainment on

Grattan Square on Monday, March 16th from 7.00 p.m. with a spectacular display of fireworks in Dungarvan Harbour at 9.00 p.m. But the fireworks are contingent upon funding being available” said Hon Parade Treasurer Damien Dillon.

Information and parade entry forms

can be obtained from the following: Jim Veale 058-45374; Damien Dillon 05842806; Cllr. Anne Marie Rossiter 0872372534; info@butlersicecream.ie; info@joanclancygallery.com Facebook: St Patrick’s Day Weekend Dungarvan.

Council agrees to honour SS Portlairge WATERFORD City and County Council agreed to commission a plaque to honour the SS Portlairge and acknowledge the steam ship’s long service to the Port and City of Waterford.

The Notice of Motion was proposed by Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald at the January meeting of Waterford City and County Council which sought the Council “to commission a suitable plaque, dedicated to the SS Portlairge, to be displayed in a prominent place on the City Quay; to acknowledge the long service of the SS Portlairge to the Port and City of Waterford”.

Cllr. Fitzgerald said the SS Portlairge was an old steam ship (dredger come tug) which was built for maintenance of the Port of Waterford.

The ship served at Waterford Port from 1907 until 1982. The ship ended up being partially scrapped.

The SS Portlairge was

commissioned by Waterford Harbour Commissioners in 1907 as a replacement for the dredger Urba Intacta.

The SS Portlairge worked for 75 years up and down the quays of Waterford keeping the berths free from mud and silt, as well as acting as a tug boat.

The steam ship operated with a crew of eight - the Master, Mate, Engineer, two crane drivers and two deck hands.

Cllr. Davy Daniels seconded the motion, describing it as “a nice motion”.

“I would like to be associated with this motion. It was an elegant boat going down the River Suir for many years,” said Cllr.

Daniels.

“It is nice that the boat should be commemorated,” he added.

Cllr. Eddie Mulligan commended Cllr. Fitzgerald on the motion.

He suggested an amend-

ment to the motion, that the wording include ‘her crew’, and that the Civic Trust be consulted about the plaque and location.

However, Cllr. Fitzgerald said he has the support of the Waterford Historical and Archaeological Society and Waterford Treasures.

“I’m happy to leave the motion go ahead as it is,” said Cllr. Fitzgerald.

Cllr. John Carey, who was a former crew member of the SS Portlairge, also seconded the motion.

“I had the privilege of working on her, on deck and below, for 20 years,” said Cllr. Carey.

He said the ship was eventually stripped and sold off.

“It should never had been sold. It should have been put in a museum,” said Cllr. Carey.

On a show of hands, Cllr.

Fitzgerald’s motion was passed by the Council.

Pictured at the launch of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) National Conference were from left to right: Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford, Cllr. Lola O'Sullivan, Esther Doyle, Chairperson South East Conference Organising Committee, Betty McLaughlin, President IGC and Dr. Ruaidhrí Neavyn, President WIT. The IGC National Conferences takes place in the Waterford Institute of Technology from February 27th-March 1st.

[Dylan Vaughan]

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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W h i tf i e l d C l i n i c p a r t n e r s w i t h m a j o r h e a l t h i n s u r e rs

IF a venue in the South East stated it had 25,000 through its doors in 2014 you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a tourist attraction.

However, this figure represents the number of patients that attended a private and independent hospital in the South East.

These patients attended Whitfield Clinic for elective procedures, thus avoiding the main stream system, availing of their health insurance and proactively choosing Whitfield. This volume of elective work places Whitfield as a major player in healthcare in the South East of Ireland.

Whitfield Clinic, Waterford’s private healthcare facility, now partners with all the major health insurance companies, in order to provide the best level of health care to its patients.

Commenting on the partnership with the main health insurance providers, Mr. David Beirne, CEO,Whitfield Clinic, said,“Since Whitfield Clinic opened in 2006 we have strived to provide the best level of private patient care in the South East region.This standard of quality is endorsed by our CHKS accreditation and ISO 9001:2008 certification.We are the first private hospital in Ireland to achieve this prestigious dual award; it is something we are very proud of. Our services are growing rapidly and along with 60 consultants, a further 300 medical, surgical and administrative professionals are employed here.”

Whitfield Clinic provides 40 private beds, a 24 bed day surgery unit, four operating theatres, an endoscopy suite and an oncology day ward. Private health insurance customers can avail of the extensive range of services, all available to view on www.whitfieldclinic.ie Mr. Beirne added, “By partnering with the main insurance companies, VHI, Laya, Aviva and GLOHealth, anybody that has private health insurance can benefit from Whitfield’s resources to ensure their hospital experience is as comfortable as possible.”

“As all procedures carried out at Whitfield are elective, this reduces the waiting time to as little as one week for most procedures and an average inpatient stay of two or three nights.”

“Patients get invaluable peace of mind knowing exactly when they will be seen and when their procedure will be undertaken. More often than not, it is this uncertainty that causes undue stress and anxiety to anyone who is unwell. That’s why by choosing Whitfield that uncertainty is alleviated.”

Whitfield Clinic also provides a wide range of diagnostic and support provisions including MRI, Ultrasound, X-Ray and CT, with almost 1,100 patients availing of these services last December alone.

To find out more about Whitfield Clinic and the Whitfield Radiotherapy and Cancer Treatment Centre, visit www.whitfieldclinic.ie or call 051 – 337400.

Thousands raised at successful table quiz for cancer research SEVERAL thousand euro was raised at a very successful table quiz held in Minnies, Abbeyside last Friday night in aid of cancer research.

The event was described as “fantastic” and the organisers, Gerardine and the Shine family, were overwhelmed by the generosity, response and support for

the event.

Minnies was packed for the Table Quiz, with 59 tables taking part, and extra tables and chairs having to be brought in.

Entertaining the contestants and delivering the questions was skilled Quiz Master, Bob O’Brien.

As well as the fundraising table quiz and donations,

there was a raffle and an auction, which contributed to the thousands raised.

There were plenty of fabulous spot prizes and items for auction.

Organisers are compiling the final figure of money raised from the night, which will be revealed shortly.

Gerardine and the Shine

family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their wonderful support for the fundraiser last Friday night.

All the money raised from the event will go to Breakthrough Cancer Research to help fund the efficient and effective development of new treatments for cancer.

Consent forms issued to Crystal pensioners ALMOST 1,800 letters are being issued to former Waterford Crystal workers this week, as the process of sorting out their entitlements under the Pension deal gets underway.

“This week 1,774 letters will be issued to deferred members of the Staff and Factory schemes covered by the settlement agreement,” explained Ciara Conway, T.D. “This first letter is from Mercer, who will be calculating and helping to process the payments, and it’s simply a consent form, to fulfil data protection requirements.”

“Basically it’s a straight forward form asking people to allow the

necessary personal data required to administer payments due under the agreement to be transferred to the Department of Social Protection.

Members of the schemes have been asked to respond to this letter by the 10th February- but that’s not a strict date – anything after that will of course be accepted.

The letter also gives details of the point of contact for any queries.

After that there will be a lot of calculating to be done, as each persons entitlement is worked out.

When that’s done, deferred members will be contacted with the details of any proposed payment

under the terms of the settlement together with the “Deed of Release” which will be issued in due course."

Under the terms of the agreement each deferred member will be required to sign a “Deed of Release” to the effect that the payments made by the Department will be in full and final settlement of any claim which a member may have under the agreement before any payment is made.

“But for now the main thing is to look out for the letter from Mercer, sign it and send it back to get the ball rolling,” concluded Deputy Conway.

Patrick Meehan, Knockmeal, Ballinamult, son of Ber and Jack, who recently graduated from WIT with a degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Building Services Engineering.

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Waterford stimulus package being considered

by Government DEPUTY John Deasy has confirmed that a proposed multi-million euro stimulus package for a number of critical projects in Waterford city and county is currently being considered

by Government.

“The overall figure amounts to about €21 million, the bulk of which would come from central government and the rest from local authority and possibly EU funding,” he explains. “It’s anything but clear right now whether we will get the entire amount but so far the meetings have gone very well and I’m hopeful that a substantial sum will be made available for projects in Waterford.”

He and a senior deputation from Waterford City and County Council met the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Robert Watt, and his counterpart in the Department of Finance, Derek Moran, in Dublin in early December.

They presented a case for funding a limited set of focussed investments, which could in turn spur a private capital injection.

One element of the proposed package deals with Waterford city centre,

and plans to deliver a unique pedestrian-friendly ‘public realm’ around a glazed-over Apple Market area, putting the district on a par with any microcity in Europe.

It’s also hoped this could also act as a catalyst for a NAMA-led €30m development of the adjacent Michael Street shopping site.

It’s projected that creating this shopping/tourism hub, freed-up by a new orbital traffic system, could activate hundreds of jobs during construction and in permanent retail/fooddrink positions.

Another project being considered for funding is the Déise Greenway cycling and walking route, which could potentially connect Dungarvan, the city and Tramore eventually.

However, Deputy Deasy has cautioned: “Court proceedings are currently in train involving some landowners and no-one can really tell what will happen. Completing this project depends very much on reaching resolution with the parties concerned, though if these difficulties can be overcome it’s recognised that the Greenway has the potential to generate a very significant extra tourism

spend here.”

The would-be investment package also includes a targeted intervention in Tramore, spread between the old town centre (the Market Square/Queen St axis), rejuvenating the ‘abandoned’ area around the boating lake, and creating a public transportation hub at the former railway terminus; including restoring the train station building for community use.

Funding is additionally being sought to finish WIT’s stalled Carriganore Arena to a 2,000-seater, fully-serviced standard so as to establish it as a regional-scale venue to conferences, expos and entertainment.

Deputy Deasy said: “These are the type of projects identified in the Economic Strategy prepared ahead of last year’s local government merger.

Getting these off the ground would help reinforce the rebranding strategy currently underway in Waterford.”

It’s understood Mr Deasy is separately seeking an advance factory for Dungarvan to attract inward investment to the west of the county.

He met new IDA Regional Manager Anne-Marie Tierney-Le Roux about this last week.

‘Cervical Facet Joint Impingement causing Shoulder Pain

By Tomás Ryan BSc.AHS,

arm movement aggravate Neck & Shoulder Pain Ph.Th. MIAPT, Registered • Ongoing clicking noise in her Physical Therapist (MIAPT) Left shoulder on overhead arm based in Clonmel & Thurles movement • Patient has Forward Head THIS week I will discuss a Patient Posture and mild curvature of her presenting with Neck and Shoulder middle spine (thoracic spine) that has been ongoing for a number • When the Patient looks upwards of months. The cause of their neck to the ceiling coupled with looking and shoulder pain is the C5/6 left over their painful shoulder the neck ment in this joint. The mobilisations facet joint of the cervical spine and shoulder pain are immediately that serve to gap or open the C5/6 (neck). The facet joints are small present. facet joint also stretch the facets joint joints or hinges that link each capsule and collagen fibers of the DIAGNOSIS vertebrae or bony block of the spine A left Facet Joint impingement/ joints ligaments thus improving their together. The C5 and C6 vertebra restriction at the C/6 vertebra of flexibility. Further manual treatment send nerve innervations to the area neck (cervical spine). This confirms is performed on the muscles that suraround the shoulder blade and lower movement restriction between the round the neck joint as these will neck region. Restriction between C5 and C6 vertebra when compared have become tight and affect neck C5 and C6 brings about local nerve to the movement of the vertebra movement.The patient will undergo impingment. joints above and below this level. an exercise plan that will target the PATIENTS SIGNS & Bringing our arm above shoulder following areas A) increase more SYMPTOMS level leads to neck extension hence extension to the middle thoracic • Achy pain behind the left aggravating the painful symptoms. spine due to the presence of a mild Shoulder with referral pain towards curvature, b) strengthen mid shoulMANAGEMENT the neck Patient advised to avoid elevating der blade muscles and neck align• Clicking and grinding sensation arm above shoulder level where pos- ment exercises to improve neck and in her neck when looking over her sible. Treatment will target the shoulder strength & posture, c) shoulder restricted C5/6 facet joint with strengthen rotator cuff tendons of the • Driving, holding the phone, graded manual mobilisation to shoulder to reduce poor stability at working on her Laptop and overhead encourage greater range of move- the front of shoulder joint.

Tomás Ryan is a Registered Physical Therapist with The Irish Association of Physical Therapy (MIAPT) and is based in Thurles & Clonmel. Contact Number: 0504 26672. Email your queries to: tomaspryan@gmail.com

Pictured at the launch of the Institute of Guidance Counsellors (IGC) National Conference were from left to right Mai Kerins, Vice- President IGC, Betty McLaughlin, President IGC and Esther Doyle, Chairperson South East Conference Organising Committee. The IGC National Conferences takes place in the Waterford Institute of Technology from February 27th - March 1st.

[Dylan Vaughan]

Sinn Féin Leadership at Dungarvan Conference A reminder that policy is driven by its members . . .

AN excellent presentation was given in Dungarvan recently by Senator David Cullinane which outlined Sinn Féin’s aims and objectives and proved just how focussed and in touch he is on all local and national issues. David will be going forward as a strong contender in this Friday’s Sinn Féin convention to decide who will run for Waterford Sinn Féin in the next General Election. His presentation was delivered ahead of a lively and informative questions and answers session. Sinn Féin’s Ireland South organiser D. J. O’Driscoll and leadership from the six counties in the North, Sean Oliver, gave a detailed briefing and then answered questions from the floor. Sinn Féin’s six Waterford City and County Councillors attended the meeting along with many members from across the county.

The members were given an update on the outcome of the political talks in Stormont. Restricted by the lack of fiscal power in the North, Sinn Féin managed to negotiate with the British government to double the funds they were initially offered. Following extremely tense and tough negotiations, they will now receive £2 billion which will help to reduce many of the harsh welfare cuts and

defend the most vulnerable in the six counties, vindicating Sinn Féin’s opposition to austerity. It’s also interesting that Sinn Féin have requested information of how much revenue goes back to the British Exchequer through taxes from the six counties but have been refused access to that information.

The Stormont House Agreement is also important for the security of the peace process and will strengthen the possibility of new trade and investment from the US and other countries. Sinn Féin has been very active over many years, forging strong links internationally in many countries as we witnessed at Gerry Adams’ role as part of a guard of honour for Nelson Mandela and closer to home with anti-austerity parties now taking power such as Syriza in Greece.

The importance of a United Ireland was evident in the debate regarding many issues and Sinn Féin will continue to focus on building for this to deliver equality for all. The importance of the link which all local cumainn and councillors have with Europe was also highlighted as Sinn Féin are the only political party to have representation in all four European constituencies including our own MEP Liadh Ní Riada

for Ireland South.

Discussion on Sinn Féin’s upcoming Ard Fheis which will historically be held in Derry this year was a reminder of the democratic structure of the party. Local cumainn submit motions on policy and direct their delegates who will vote on motions from across all 32 counties. Direction and identity remains strong within the party through its constitution based on the 1916 Proclamation which is as relevant today as it ever was. The importance of Sinn Féin’s Commemoration of the 1916 rising was agreed by all at the meeting, inspired

by Sinn Féin’s deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald who said recently “If the 1916 centenary is to mean anything, it must lead to a renewed commitment to the ideals of the Proclamation and the Republic.”

Local councillor Siobhán Whelan said she found the conference helpful and constructive, saying “Countries like Greece have politically turned around now and we can take inspiration from this.

We must continue to fight austerity at local level to send a strong message to the government that we can’t and won’t take any more.

Enough is enough!”

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

19

Waterford Medieval Museum nominated for prestigious European Architectural Award THE European Commission and the Fundació Mies van der Rohe have selected 420 projects to compete for the 2015 European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture – Mies van der Rohe Award, with Waterford Medieval Museum amongst the nominees.

The nominations span 36 countries, with the Waterford Medieval Museum one of only five Irish projects represented in the finals.

Designed by Waterford City Council Architects, Rupert Maddock, Bartosz Rojowski and Agnieszka Rojowska, Waterford Medieval Museum is an architectural landmark and major visitor destination in the Southeast of Ireland. Its location in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle, Ireland’s oldest city, combined with its magnificent collection of artefacts and numerous public events makes it Waterford’s most popular tourist attraction.

In 2014, Bartosz and Agnieszka left Waterford City Council, established ROJO Studio, an independent architecture and design studio. Based in Waterford’s Fumbally Exchange, a collaborative coworking space, ROJO Studio provides services that includes building design, architectural and property related services within the commercial and domestic sectors.

According to Agnieszka,

Agnieszka Rojowska and Bartosz Rojowski. the nomination for the most prestigious European architecture awards is a fantastic achievement for all involved. “To see Waterford Medieval Museum competing on stage with Europe’s most prominent buildings is a wonderful accomplishment. Working on the project under Rupert was a wonderful experience for Bartosz and me and we are particularly proud to have been with the project from the initial design phase right through to completion.”

The Mies Van der Rohe award is regarded as one of the most important awards for European architecture.

Previous winners have included the Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre in Reykjavik, designed by the Danish architectural

[John Power]

firm Henning Larsen and the Neues Museum in Berlin, designed by David Chipperfield Architects and Julian Harrap.

Bartosz added “The challenges with the Medieval Museum were counteracted by the wealth of talent, initiative and hard work from such a capable team. It was a collaborative work involving professionals from diverse backgrounds; architects, historians, artists, engineers and craftspeople. To be recognised amongst Europe’s most talented and successful architectural design teams is a great honour.”

Agnieszka added “Since we set up our independent design studio, ROJO, last year, we have been heartened by the number of people who are aware of

the work we have been involved with; projects such as the Medieval Museum and the Menapia building on the Mall. The premise of our company is to continue to deliver that same attention to detail to all of our design projects, regardless of their scale or budget.”

The Waterford Medieval Museum is no stranger to accolades having won a host of national and international architectural awards in 2014, such as The International Architecture Awards, RIAI’s Best Public Building, The International Civic Trust Award and The Irish Building Project of the Year.

For further information about ROJO Studio visit www.rojo-studio.com or call 051 513868.

Waterford fishing industry representatives must be listened to in Brussels – Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald SINN Féin Councillor Pat Fitzgerald welcomed the hosting of an All-Ireland fisheries delegation in Brussels by Ireland South MEP Liadh Ní Riada.

The delegation will involve fishermen from all around the Irish Coast including from Dunmore East, the Waterford Estuary and Kilmore Quay.

Councillor Pat Fitzgerald said: “The purpose of the delegation will be to brief key policy-makers on the difficulties faced by fishermen in making a living and the ongoing issues affecting the industry.

“I will travel to Brussels alongside Trudy McIntyre, Chairperson of South East Region Inshore Fisheries, Michael Kennedy, Chairperson of Dunmore East Fisheries Local Action Group, and Seán Doherty of Waterford Estuary FLAG. “It is crucial that fishermen are listened to at all levels, both at home and in Europe. They have the experience

and the knowledge, and the policy decisions made in offices and corridors in Dublin and Brussels can make or break them.

“In Brussels the delegates will take part in a number of roundtable meetings with representatives of the Fisheries Commissioner and the EU Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, including the Director in charge of the Atlantic, Outermost Regions and Arctic, the Head of Unit for the Common fisheries Policy, the Commission's Fisheries Scientific and Technical Policy Officer, and the EMFF, which provides funding for the industry and coastal zones.

“Sinn Féin MEP Liadh Ní Riada is Ireland's only representative on the EU Fisheries Committee and as part of Sinn Féin's commitment to put Ireland first, she is hosting this delegation.

The purpose is for actual fishermen to raise their concerns directly with european policy-makers, and to have their say on the matters that affect their lives and livelihoods.

“The knock-on effects of a weakened fishing industry and maritime sector is felt in coastal communities all around Ireland.

I am delighted that community representatives from Dunmore East will also take part in the delegation to raise this important issue, and to explore how we can keep people living and working on the coast.

“This responsibility of representing Irish Fishermen in Europe can no longer be left to our increasingly out of touch Irish government who are presently imposing punitive, overbearing regulations from Europe, while fishermen, their families and coastal communities suffer economic hardship and deprivation.

Waterford City Council’s Medieval Museum exterior entrance with stone cladding.

[Philip Lauterbach]

Waterford Europe Direct to launch “Proud Latvia” Exhibition THE Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, based at the Central Library in Waterford city, is delighted to announce that it will host an exhibition “Proud Latvia” which will be on display from 3rd–14th February next.

His Excellency, Dr. Gints Apals, Ambassador of the Republic of Latvia in Ireland, will officially launch the exhibition at 3.00 p.m. on Friday, 6th February. The exhibition will feature the best of Latvian design and is divided into six sections showing successful designs in wood, metal, leather, amber, clay and linen and can be viewed at the library’s Index Gallery on the ground floor during library opening hours.

The Republic of Latvia joined the European Union on 1st May, 2004, and currently holds the Presidency of the European Union until the middle of 2015.

The EUROPE DIRECT Contact Centre is a service which helps you find answers to your questions about the European Union. It offers information on all sorts of subjects related to the EU including your rights and opportunities as an EU citizen and how to take advantage of them. It can provide direct responses to general inquiries and, if you have more detailed questions, signpost you to the best source of information and advice at EU, national, regional and local levels.

Waterford Europe Direct

Information Centre, Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford City. 051 849975 www.europedirect.ie The Europe Direct initiative was launched in Ireland in 2005. The European Commission wanted to create a network of accessible, local information centres in all member states.

The mission of the network is to distribute information and advice about the European Union’s policies, actively promote local and regional debate about the European Union, allow the European institutions to disseminate local and regional information and give the public the opportunity to send feedback to the European Union institutions.

20

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Engineers’ week set to inspire next generation of Engineers in Waterford • Engineers’ Week 2015 to run from 8th to 14th February • Log on to www.engineersweek.ie to register for an event ENGINEERS Week, the annual campaign to inspire the next generation of engineers and excite students about the possibilities a career in engineering can offer, is taking place in Waterford from Sunday 8th to Saturday, 14th February.

During the week, themed ‘Engineering is for Everyone’, there will be hundreds of fun, informative and educational events happening around the country. Local authorities, libraries, third-level institutions and industry will open their doors to host events and activities, providing an insight into the diversity of engineering in Ireland today and highlighting the way in which engineering touches the everyday lives of all citizens.

While there are over 500 organised events taking place, people can also organise their own event by availing of resources on the Engineers Week website, including workshop ideas, quizzes, trails and other activity suggestions suitable for primary and post-primary children.

In addition to in-company events, classroom workshops and volunteer visits to schools, Waterford Institute of Technology working together with Calmast have planned an extensive line up of events

for a number of different audiences throughout the week. All the events at WIT are free and require students to register to guarantee a place. Some of the events taking place at WIT include the show entitled, ‘Move It!’ which explores the forces that allow people to move.

During the show primary students will be amazed to discover how propellers can push us forward, how friction and air resistance can hold us back, how to inflate marshmallows using the pressure of the air and will witness the explosive power of rockets.

Primary students will also have an opportunity to discover structural engineering at the event entitled ‘Buildings - how do they stand?’ Director of Calmast, Eoin Gill, a chartered engineer and lecturer in energy and environmental engineering at WIT will examine the materials used in buildings and talk about how they are used to greatest effect. Starting with stone-age buildings and tracing the development of building technology to the most modern and biggest structures Eoin will provide pupils with an understanding of how buildings of all sorts stay up. In a further workshop on structures, students will be given a challenge to build certain

structures using very simple materials. This exercise introduces pupils to the engineering of structures, which involves consideration of materials, strength of those materials and the forces that act on them.

‘Feel the Heat: Junior Cert Heat and Energy’ will encourage students to think about heat and realise it is not as simple as once thought. This interactive presentation will examine heat as a form of energy, its importance to people, how it is produced from fuels and mechanical energy and how it used to create mechanical energy in engines and subsequently electricity. The topics will be covered with reference to the Junior Cert. ‘Rolling with Robots’ is a three hour workshop for transition year students who will be introduced to real working robots and learn how to programme robots to perform fun tasks.

‘Fundamentals of Electricity’ is an interactive and illustrated presentation which leads students through the different types of electricity. Through demonstrations it will examine the relationship between electricity and magnetism.

This event is designed to give transition year students a good introduction to the

Pictured here is Ali Clarke, Engineering and Management student at Trinity College Dublin and engineering enthusiast Caroline Joyce, (age 10) discovering engineering and robotics at Trinity College Dublin School of Engineering. Engineers Week, a national campaign to promote engineering as a career and the importance of the profession to Ireland, is taking place from February 8th to 14th, 2015.

[Naoise Culhane]

Leaving Cert physics electrical content. Information on these and the other events on in Waterford can be found on EngineersWeek.ie.

John Power, Chartered Engineer and director general, Engineers Ireland, said: “Engineers Week is now in its ninth year and it is encouraging to see a steady increase in the number of students choosing to study engineering at third level.

Engineers are in demand in

Ireland because they are essential to the growth and development of our country. In the past few decades, engineers have changed the world by creating the internet, mapping the human genome and helping to send astronauts into space.

Right now, engineers are working on innovative projects from solar energy to synthetic organs, driverless cars to virtual reality headsets.”

Mr. Power continued,

“Students of engineering develop an invaluable set of skills that serve as a strong career foundation and it is important that we educate students and parents about the opportunities in engineering.

Engineers Week allows us to engage with pupils and spark their enthusiasm for engineering. I encourage everyone to try and come along to at least one event during the week.”

Engineers Week will run

from the 8th – 14th February with activities taking place nationwide.

The week is coordinated on a national basis by Engineers Ireland as part of the STEPS programme, which is a strategic partner of Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) Discover Programme.

For further information about Engineers Week 2015 or to register attendance at an event, visit EngineersWeek.ie.

Dunmore East Public Information Meeting

Attending the Afterhours event at McCarthy Insurances in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber were Willie [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Bumster, Bus Hire; Dan O'Sullivan and Jonathan Hughes, AIB Bank and John White, JBW Accountants.

THE community consultation process that captures how the people of Dunmore East wish to see their village and its economy develop in the coming years has been completed. These results give us a real snapshot into the needs of everyone living in Dunmore East and provide us with a collective vision for the next five years. This will be invaluable for informing the five year plan that is being prepared by Waterford Institute of Technology, BIM and Waterford City and County Council to investigate the feasibility of a range of ideas that could stimulate job creation and economic activity in Dunmore East.

We would like to share these findings with everyone at a public information meeting that will be held on Wednesday, 11th February, in the Ocean Hotel between 7.30 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. All are welcome and we hope as many people as possible will come so that we can share these results with you and discuss the next steps.

For anyone who didn’t get a chance to

complete the survey, we are inviting people to complete it online through the FLAG website [www.dunmoreeastflag.com] We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the volunteers who co-ordinated the delivery and collection of these surveys as this process would not have been possible without their assistance. A big thank you is also due to every household that completed the survey as your ideas are very important for informing the actions that will be included in the five year plan for Dunmore East.

This project is being led by Waterford Institute of Technology who secured funding under the Fisheries Local Area Development Scheme and is working with the Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG), BIM and Waterford City and County Council. This project has been funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union under the National Development plan 2007-2013 through the sustainable development of the Fishery Dependant Area measures.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Living by the sword In a second instalment on the life of US Civil War hero Thomas Francis Meagher, Christy Parker sees frailties in the character of the man in whose honour Waterford Council hopes to name the Suir bridge . . .

THE sheer volume of accounts pertaining to the adventures –and misadventures- of Thomas Meagher deny the possibility of reaching definitive conclusions on several aspects of his life.

Reports vary on whether he escaped Van Diemen’s Land alone or with another prisoner; was he rescued by accident or arrangement?

Some accounts document him having a second son after his first child died in infancy (opening the possibility of a direct descendant alive today). Most of all, was his death a drunken escapade or an assassination?

It is unanimously accepted that Meagher was extremely eloquent and brave, while his fondness for alcohol is largely understated. He thrived in conflict and a proclivity to resolve issues by violence probably clouded his judgement.

An intriguing record of Meagher’s life is contained in a file held by Waterford Council. Titled, Thomas Francis Meagher –His Life and Murder. It is accredited to “unknown author and unknown source” and may precede 1922 as the Irish tricolour, which Meagher founded, goes unmentioned.

The following is largely gleaned from that file, interspersed with data from other sources.

Thomas Francis Meagher was born in Waterford on August 23rd, 1823 in what is now the Granville Hotel.

His father was a wealthy merchant and MP, a supporter of Daniel O'Connell’s Catholic emancipation campaign and the city's first Catholic Lord Mayor for 200 years.

Thomas attended Mount Sion primary school and then Clongowes Wood College, County Kildare, from where he was ‘asked to leave’ after swimming across the Liffey to go drinking! At 16 he was sent to Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, graduating with honours and a reputation as a brilliant orator. He returned to Waterford with an upper crust English accent.

IN PRAISE OF THE SWORD Joining O’Connell’s Act of Union Repeal Movement, Meagher grew bored with passive resistance and left for the radical Young Ireland movement. His famous ‘Sword speech’ to the Repealers in which he hailed the sword as “a sacred weapon” that sometimes “blossomed into celestial flowers to deck the freeman's brow”, earned him the epithet ‘Meagher of the Sword.’

Though his accent and wealthy background had the impoverished locals distrusting him, as Young Ireland’s military organiser, Meagher organised hurling clubs by way of recruiting. Pikes were made and guns smuggled from Canada in preparation for rebellion, despite the beginning of the Famine. In

1848 he travelled to France, gaining much sympathy but little support. However, witnessing the unifying effect of the French tricolour, he returned with a similarly unifying design for Catholic-Protestant Ireland.

FAILED REBELLION The 1848 rebellion was disastrous. Many of the 6,000 recruits had enlisted for food and left when there was little provided. The uprising is ignominiously remembered for ‘The Battle of Widow McCormack’s Cabbage Patch’, a skirmish on a Tipperary farm between police and 40 ‘insurgents’ from Liverpool.

Two rebels were shot dead.

The Young Islanders were finished nut Meagher’s subsequent death sentenced for sedition was commuted as he and co-conspirator Terence McManus received life deportation to Tasmania, where the movement’s leader John Mitchell was already ensconced. Meagher fell in love with Catherine Bennett, the 17 year-old daughter of a 1798 participant. They married and had a son who died at four months. As political prisoners, the men were allowed land and private accommodation, provided they promised not to escape.

ESCAPE TO AMERICA After two years’, Meagher, then 28, withdrew his promise by letter, indicating that he felt free to escape the next day –which he did, with the police commander sent to arrest him being Irish too and refusing orders.

Fleeing in a boat provided

by Meagher’s in-laws, Meagher and McManus were rescued within five days by a “violently antiBritish” American whaler captain and eventually wound up, feted, in New York. Over 10 years, Meagher toured the eastern states, lecturing on Ireland and republicanism. He also qualified as a lawyer, ran a newspaper and travelled Central America.

In 1853, Catherine had been smuggled to Waterford and travelled Ireland while waiting to join her husband.

She died of a typhoid illness and lies buried in the Meagher vault at Faithlegg.

An alternative account has the pair united and that she died on a return visit to Waterford, having given birth to their second son.

WAR CAREER Prior to the American Civil War Meagher had sided with Confederate theology but as an immigrant wishing to preserve the country, pledged unbridled allegiance to the Federal (Union) side.

"Never," he declared, "never, I repeat it, was there a cause more sacred, nor one more great, nor one more urgent.” He may also have contemplated leading an experienced ex-pat army to Ireland after the war.

Meagher was commissioned a Captain with the Union’s ‘Fighting Irish 69th’ New York Militia. Suffering an early defeat in the Battle of Bull Run, Meagher was knocked senseless. He was rescued by a former neighbour from New York who recognised him and carried him to safety.

Meagher was then allowed to form an Irish Brigade, with many recruits viewing it as a military training for an eventual armed invasion of Ireland. In battle the brigade carried green flags embroidered with a gold harp and wore green sprigs in their hats. Meagher favoured green jackets embroidered with copious gold lace, set off by a yellow silk scarf.

Now a brigadier general, Meagher led his troops to some appalling losses.

During a seven-day campaign in June 1862, he lost 700 men. Nonetheless he was lauded for always leading from the front –while miraculously avoiding bullets!

The Irish Brigade fought heroically and earned praise from friend and foe alike, even being cheered on one occasion by the Confederates shooting at them. The brigade won several battles but heavy losses were experienced too, particularly in Virginia at both the Battle of Antietam and the Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862 and at nearby Chancellory.

Mocking adversity, Meagher sometimes organised horse races and other entertainments between battles. After Fredericksburg, where 500 of his men died, he threw a party in a shellshattered building, with copious alcohol and food.

Nonetheless, it is said that close exposure to war changed him.

Heavy losses eventually

Waterford born Thomas Francis Meagher, an Irish Nationalist and a Brigadier-General in the United States Service, in full uniform. reduced the Irish Brigade to 250 men and Meagher resigned his post when refused permission to recruit as he had previously done.

Eighteen months later he was assigned to organise a crew of demoralised soldiers but made little effort. In February 1865, he was found drunk on duty and almost court martialled. His military career was in disgrace and he resigned in May 1865 but in appreciation of his service, New York State awarded him a gold medal.

ANNOYING EVERYONE! By now Meagher had remarried, to Bostonian Elizabeth Townsend, whose wealthy, Anglo-Saxon family saw him as an escaped Catholic convict and didn’t much like him. Elizabeth would die in 1901.

Additionally, during a New York sojourn in 1863/64 he had offended many of the local Irish. There had been anti-conscription riots, more than tinged with anti-black racism at which the Irish

had behaved atrociously, but they did not appreciate the undiplomatic Waterford man calling them “obstinate herds” guilty of “gross stupidity” and “the stoniest blindness.”

Meagher’s in-laws then used their political connections to acquire him a post as Territorial Secretary of Montana. He mostly ruled fairly but Montana’s inhabitants were predominantly Southern Democrats and resented the Federal hero and Republican appointee.

The Republicans didn’t like him either for he criticised their treatment of the Indians and their attitude towards the Confederates, comparing them to the British in Ireland.

Meanwhile he was inciting war against rebellious Sioux Indians!

Simultaneously, trappers, mine-owners and professional gunfighters resented Meagher for his support of fair deals for Indians on whose land gold and silver was discovered. Perhaps most crucially, Meagher

defence of freed Negro slaves made him an enemy of vigilantes, the precursors of the Ku Klux Klan.

In December 1865, Meagher upset the court services by over-riding a judge’s decision and ordering freedom for a convicted second degree murderer.

The man was subsequently hung by the vigilantes, who pinned a note on his body, reading, "If the Governor does this again, we'll hang him." Meagher made powerful enemies amongst the rich, famous and racist.

On July 1st 1867, Meagher and a militia company rode 200 miles in sweltering heat to Fort Benton, Montana to collect a shipment of rifles. Thus began the last chapter in the life story of the Waterford-born Governor and the beginning of an enduring mystery unlikely ever to be conclusively solved.

Next week: The final review considers the mysterious disappearance and assumed death of Thomas Meagher.

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COURTS

An Chúirt Dúiche …

Dungarvan District Court

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Suspended jail sentence for man who stole from employer A MAN who stole over €3,000 from his employer, was handed a suspended six month prison sentence last week.

Gary Coady (31) with an address on record as 18 Riverlane, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty at a sitting of the District Court in October, 2012, to theft of €3,219 from the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, on dates between 5th January, 2011 and 24th March,

2011.

The court was told that the accused has previous convictions for similar theft charges and has a “serious gambling addiction”, which he was dealing with through Gambler’s Anonymous.

The case was adjourned for a lengthy period to allow the accused put together compensation to pay back the hotel.

At last week’s Dungarvan District

Court, solicitor David Burke said his client has now paid the balance of the money owed.

“My client has pleaded guilty at an early stage and made full admissions to taking the money,” Mr. Burke told Judge Terence Finn.

“He is in a long-term relationship and is involved in sports and training youths in Waterford City.”

Judge Finn said the accused abused the trust of his employer at

the time by stealing from them.

He noted the accused has previous convictions for similar offences of theft. Mr. Burke said his client has not come to any further Garda attention, which was confirmed by Inspector David Nolan.

Judge Finn handed down a six month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months on condition the accused be of good behaviour and keep the peace.

Teenager sent forward for trial A TEENAGER accused of alleged assault was sent forward for trial last week.

The 16-year-old County Waterford youth, who cannot be named as he is underage, is accused of alleged assault causing harm at a location in the county on 11th July last year.

He is also accused of alleged production of an article in the course of a dispute.

At last week’s juvenile sitting of Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan confirmed that the Book of Evidence has been served on the accused and the DPP consents to have the accused sent forward for trial.

Judge Terence Finn made an order sending the accused forward for trial to the next sittings of Waterford Circuit Criminal Court, commencing from 3rd February, 2015.

Bail with conditions was granted to the accused, along with free legal aid. Solicitor David Burke and one counsel was assigned.

Judge Finn warned the accused that he has 14 days to notify the prosecution of any witnesses he intends to call to the trial to give evidence. Failure to notify the prosecution will result in those witnesses not entitled to give evidence. The accused indicated he understood.

Fine imposed for public order offence A WOMAN observed in an intoxicated state in public was fined last week.

Colette Cleary (21) with an address at 35 Shandon Street, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in public at Byrneville, Dungarvan, on 18th May, 2014.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that at 4.15 a.m. on the date in question, a dispute was taking place in an area between Byrneville and Cathal Brugha Place, involving a number of individuals.

“The individuals, including the accused, were directed under Section 8 of the Public Order Act to leave the area,” said Insp.

Nolan.

“The accused was escorted away by another female. A short while later, the accused was observed

by Gardaí to be entering the estate again.

“The accused was in an intoxicated state,” Insp.

Nolan said.

He said that a fixed charge notice was issued to the accused for the offence, but was never paid.

The court heard the accused has previous con-

victions, but no offences under the Public Order Act. Solicitor Niall King said his client apologises for her behaviour.

He said his client is the mother of a young child.

“She could have avoided all this by moving off in the first instance when directed

by Gardaí. Her returning to the scene prompted the Gardaí to act,” said Judge Finn.

“She then spurned the fine and now has to face the wrath and sharp tongue of the court,” he added.

He handed down a €150 fine.

Poor box donation to be made A BALLINAMULT woman who admitted to possession of cannabis will have the charge struck out if she makes a donation to the court poor box.

Sarah Aldridge (27) with an address at Knockacaharna, Ballinamult, pleaded guilty to cannabis for her own personal use, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, at her home on 5th June, 2012.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that on the date in question, Gardaí carried out a search of the accused’s address and found a small quantity of cannabis resin

and cannabis herb.

“She admitted possession of the drugs for her own personal use,” said Insp. Nolan.

He said the street value of the drugs found was approximately €20.

Solicitor David Burke said his client has no previous convictions.

He said his client cares for her father in Waterford.

Judge Finn said he would seek €200 for the poor box.

The case was adjourned to 22nd April, 2015, to allow the accused to gather the money.

Attending the Afterhours event at McCarthy Insurances in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber were Matt Houlihan, Printmaster; Jerry O'Connor, Dungarvan Shopping Centre; Jim Gow and Eamon Downey.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Judge Poor box donation refuses sees public order jurisdiction THE District Judge refused jurisdiction in a case where a Ballinamult man is accused of alleged assault.

Anthony Harty (60) with an address at Bleantis, Ballinamult, is accused of alleged assault causing harm, contrary to Section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act; and is also accused of the alleged production of an article (namely an alleged golf club) during the course of a dispute, contrary to Section 11 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, at Ballintlea, Killrossanty, on 23rd October, 2013.

After hearing a summary of the allegations at last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Judge Terence Finn refused jurisdiction in the case.

He adjourned the case to 11th March, 2015, for the preparation and service of a Book of Evidence.

charge struck out

A DONATION to the court poor box resulted in a public order offence being struck out for a Dungarvan man.

Shane Griffin (22) with an address at 16 Father Twomey’s Road, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to being intoxicated in public at O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, on 26th January, 2014.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that Gardaí came across the accused in

the early hours of 26th January, 2014, at O’Connell Street.

“The accused was in an intoxicated state and was unsteady on his feet,” said Insp.

Nolan. “They believed him to be a danger to himself and others in the area and he had to be arrested.”

The accused has no previous convictions.

A donation of €120 was made to the court poor box and Judge Finn struck out the charge.

Cannabis charge struck out A WOMAN who was found in possession of cannabis had the charge struck out after she made a donation to the court poor box.

Ann Cahill (34) with an address at 21 Fitzgerald Terrace, Dungarvan, had pleaded guilty, at a previous sitting of the District Court, to possession of cannabis resin for her own personal use, contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act, at her home on 22nd November, 2013.

The case was adjourned to allow the accused to gather a €300 donation for the court poor box.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, solicitor David Burke said his client has paid the donation.

Inspector David Nolan confirmed that the accused has not come to any further Garda attention.

Judge Terence Finn struck out the charge.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Community Service order in lieu of jail sentence A LEMYBRIEN man who admitted to charges of theft and burglary was handed a community service order in lieu of jail last week.

Patrick Veale (21) with an address at Glendalligan, Lemybrien, had pleaded guilty at a previous sitting of the District Court to theft from 21 Glendine Drive, Seapark, Abbeyside, on 15th June, 2013; and burglary at Sip n Surf cafe, Davitts Quay, Dungarvan, on 16th June, 2013.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, solicitor Eamon Hayes said a Probation

Service report on his client was available for the court to consider.

“This marks a turning point for my client,” said Mr. Hayes.

“He is now attending a third level course and is participating well at it.”

Judge Finn handed down 140 hours community service, in lieu of six months imprisonment on both charges, to run concurrently.

“The court is hopeful that this accused has turned a corner and will not frequent this court again,” Judge Finn added.

Man sent forward for trial A MAN accused of the alleged defilement of a child was sent forward for trial to the Circuit Criminal Court.

The 36-year-old County Waterford man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, is accused of the alleged defilement of a child under 17 years of age and alleged sexual assault on a male/female in a County Waterford town on dates in 2012.

He is also accused of the alleged defilement of a child under 17 years of age, at the same location on a date in 2013.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Judge Terence Finn was told that the Book of Evidence has been served on the accused, with the DPP consenting to have the accused sent forward for trial.

Judge Finn made an order sending the accused forward for trial to the next sitting of Waterford Circuit Criminal Court commencing from 3rd February, 2015.

Judge Finn granted the accused man bail with conditions.

Free legal aid was granted, with solicitor

Eamon Hayes and one counsel assigned.

Judge Finn warned the accused that he has 14 days to furnish the prosecution with details of any witnesses he intends calling to the trial. Failure to do so and those witnesses will not be entitled to give evidence.

The accused indicated he understood.

Judge Finn imposed reporting restrictions on identifying the accused, to protect the identity of the alleged victim.

A bail bond was signed by the accused and he was free to leave the court.

Pictured is Patrick Cawley, Principal, Ard Scoil Na Mara, Tramore with Paudie Coffey, T.D. Minister of State at the Department of the Environment with Special Responsibility for Housing, Planning and Co-ordination of the Construction 2020 Strategy during the Minister’s recent visit to the school.

The Principal presented Minister Coffey with a copy of the school journal to mark the occasion.

[John Power]

IRISH FERRIES STILL IRELAND'S BEST FERRY COMPANY – SAY TRAVEL EXPERTS – Irish Ferries has been voted Ireland’s Best Ferry Company 2015 for the 5th year in succession by Irish travel agents and suppliers at the Irish Travel Industry Awards held in the Mansion House, Dublin recently. Pictured receiving the award from RTE's Miriam O'Callaghan, was Irish Ferries' Marie McCarthy and Dermot Merrigan with Martin Skelly, President Irish Travel Agents Association.

Bench Suspended jail sentence warrants for theft of jeans issued A BENCH warrant was issued for the arrest of a man who failed to appear in court last week.

John Ward (21) with an address at 21 St. Catherine’s Grange, Waterford, is accused of alleged: driving without insurance; failing to produce insurance; no tax; provisional driver unaccompanied by a qualified driver; failing to display Lplates; careless driving; using a vehicle without an NCT; and failing to produce NCT, at Shandon Street, Dungarvan, on 19th December, 2013.

Inspector David Nolan said there was no reason for the accused’s absence from court and Judge Terence Finn issued the bench warrant.

A BENCH warrant was issued for the arrest of a man who failed to appear in court last week.

Glen Healy, with an address at 10 Comeragh Crescent, Dungarvan, is accused of alleged: drink driving; driving with no insurance; failing to produce licence; and failing to produce insurance, at Childer’s Estate, Dungarvan, on 10th March, 2012.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan said there was no valid reason for the accused’s absence.

Judge Terence Finn issued a bench warrant for the accused’s arrest.

A MAN who admitted to theft of a pair of jeans was handed a suspended jail sentence last week.

Michael McGovern (36) with an addresses at 52 Kyne Park, Abbeyside, and 10 St. Patrick’s Crescent, Dungarvan, pleaded guilty to theft from Dunnes Stores, Dungarvan, on 20th September, 2013; and being intoxicated in public at Sam McCauley Chemist, Dungarvan, on 14th February, 2013.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that Gardaí were approached by staff of

Sam McCauleys on 14th February, 2013, in relation to the accused, who was in an intoxicated state on the shop floor.

“He was trying to bite off the electronic tag from perfume, using his teeth,” said Insp. Nolan. “He was arrested under the Public Order Act.” The court heard that on 20th September, 2013, Gardaí were called to Dunnes Stores, where the accused and a female were detained on suspicion of theft.

“The accused was searched and a pair of female jeans were found

under his jacket. He was arrested and made full admission to theft.”

The court heard that McGovern has 128 previous convictions.

Solicitor David Burke said his client is now making an effort and has not come to Garda attention since.

“He is in a steady relationship and is doing well,” said Mr. Burke.

Judge Finn handed down a €250 fine for the public order offence and a four month jail sentence, suspended for 12 months, for the theft offence.

Driver disqualified A KILMACTHOMAS woman who admitted drink driving was put off the road for two years.

Shauna McGrath (22) with an address at the Palms, Shanakill, Kilmacthomas, pleaded guilty to driving a vehicle while exceeding the alcohol limit (breath), contrary to Section 4 of the Road Traffic Act, at the Causeway, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, on 27th December, 2013.

At last week’s Dungarvan District Court, Inspector David Nolan told Judge Terence Finn that on the night in question, Gardaí observed a vehicle make a U-turn at Davitts Quay, and take off at speed.

“The vehicle was fol-

lowed. It went around the roundabout at Devonshire Bridge and continued onto the Causeway without indicating,” said Insp. Nolan.

He said that after stopping the vehicle, Gardaí detected a strong smell of intoxicating liquor from the accused’s breath.

After being arrested on suspicion of drink driving, the accused provided a breath specimen at the Garda Station, which revealed a concentration of 54 mg alcohol per 100 ml breath.

“The accused was cooperative with Gardaí. She has no previous convictions,” said Insp. Nolan.

Solicitor Niall King said his client was with a friend

in Dungarvan on the night and were staying some distance away.

“Her friend became ill and my client made the decision to drive her friend to the house,” said Mr. King.

“It was an ill thought out plan.”

He asked the court to consider his client’s plea of guilty, and no previous convictions.

“She is a final year pharmaceutical student and has been driving for three years.”

Judge Finn handed down a €400 fine, endorsing the accused’s licence and disqualifying her from driving for two years.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Bedrooms in family home were turned into a cannabis grow unit A COUNTY Waterford man who developed a serious cannabis addiction turned the bedrooms of the family home into a cannabis grow unit, the Circuit Criminal Court, heard in Waterford, last week.

Up to 39 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of €31,000 were grown in two upstairs bedrooms in the house near Kilmacthomas, where he lived with his partner and child.

Richard Rockett (42) of Ballydurn, Kilmacthomas, was given an 18 month suspended prison sentence when he pleaded guilty to the cultivation of cannabis plants and possession of the drug on February 28th, 2013.

Detective Garda Colm Nolan, Tramore, said confidential information was received by the Gardaí that the defendant had cannabis for sale.

A warrant was obtained and the house was searched.

The defendant was present with his partner when the search party called at the house and he brought them to the bedrooms with the cannabis plants. It was not an elaborate set-up, he said.

The court heard the defendant had a cannabis dependency and he cultivated the plants for his own use. He freely admitted that he needed help and shortly afterwards he went for counselling and returned to education for retraining.

Judge Sean O’Donnobhain said the cannabis grow unit was not an elaborate one. From the amount of cannabis plants involved the defendant was in the initial stages of cultivation and he may have been lucky to be caught by the Gardaí. He was attending Brook House and was well on the way to rehabilitation.

Pictured is Mayor of the Waterford Metropolitan District Cllr. James Tobin, Cllr. Malcolm Byrne, Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council and Pat Millea, Cathaoirleach, Kilkenny County Council, at the European Capital of Culture bid launch which was held at the Waterford Medieval Museum.

[John Power]

Two year sentence for Vietnamese national convicted of operating cannabis factory A VIETNAMESE national Hung Manh Tran (56) was sentenced to two years in prison by Waterford Circuit Criminal Court, last week, for operating a cannabis factory in a rented house outside Dungarvan.

The accused man, who has an address at Clondalkin, Dublin, and Wexford, also pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis for sale or supply to another and to causing criminal damage to the extent of €9,000 to the house, between 20th September, 2013 and 2nd June, 2014.

Garda Adrian Holland, Dungarvan, said the defendant’s car was searched and €7,000

sterling was found in a handbag and a further sum of €850 was discovered in a glove compartment.

The defendant was arrested and detained for four days in Dungarvan Garda Station.

Initially he denied any responsibility in connection with the house but later admitted staying there and watering the 140 cannabis plants.

Two upstairs bedrooms were converted into a grow unit and it was estimated that the plants had a street value of €108,000 at full maturity.

Shortly after renting the house in Kilnafrehan East about three

miles outside Dungarvan, the defendant arrived in the area.

The cannabis plants were sown after a month or two when he became familiar with the area.

It was a remote area with about five houses on the townland.

The owner of the house made an insurance claim for €9,000 damages caused by the conversion of the house and a sum of €4,500 was paid out.

Garda Holland said the defendant was very far down in the “chain of command” in the drugs operation and would have gained very little financially.

Barrister Louis Harkins said the accused man became involved when he came to Dublin to set up a Vietnamese takeway outlet.

He met a fellow Vietnamese who gave him some assistance.

Eventually, he became indebted to his new friend who asked him to repay the debt by going to the cannabis grow house to tend the plants. He realised it was illegal but felt under threat as did his girlfriend.

In 2000 he arrived in Britain and became a British citizen in 2012 and held a British passport and driving licence.

At an early stage he indicated a guilty plea and saved court time in a trial involving 28 witnesses. He was offering the sum of €5,000 in part-payment for the damage to the house.

Mr. Harkins, BL., said a prison sentence would be very tough regime for a man who spoke no English.

The offence was unlikely to be repeated and the court was urged to impose a suspended sentence and allow the defendant to go back to Britain.

Judge Sean O’Donnobhain said the man who rented the house could speak English and the defendant was not the “main

man” in the drugs enterprise.

But he admitted watering the plants and was fully involved.

During interview he expressed remorse and co-operated with the Gardaí and claimed he got involved through indebtedness.

But he was not an indentured slave and he was seen coming and going in his car and he had addresses in Dublin and Wexford.

There had to be a deterrent for this type of crime.

An order was made for the sum of €850 seized by the Gardai to be forfeit and given to the injured party.

Communities encouraged to liaise with CSO A COMMUNITY Plan is being developed for Waterford City and County and the Community Support Officer (CSO) is the link between that plan and communities.

Communities are being encouraged to get to know their CSO. At the recent meeting of Waterford City and County Council’s Joint

Policing Committee, Don Tuohy, Senior Executive Officer, pointed out that each municipal district has their own CSO. Mr. Tuohy said that one of the CSO’s key duties is to facilitate the development of a countywide ‘community plan’.

He said the CSO can be regarded as the ‘face’ of the local authority and is

the key immediate contact for various stakeholders within the Council, including elected members.

The CSO will have regular outreach offices in each of their districts.

Mr. Tuohy said it was envisaged that each CSO will work closely with the Community Gardaí in each area and will work on establishing community

safety structures and approaches at municipal area level.

CSO’s will work collaboratively to address estate management and antisocial behaviour in local authority estates.

CONTACTS Community Support Officers for the Dungarvan-Lismore and

Comeragh District Areas: Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District Area: Henry Moloney,Tel: 051849587; mob: 087-6262654; email: hmoloney@waterfordcouncil.ie.

Comeragh Municipal District Area: Kevin Moynihan, Tel: 0761-102153; mob: 086-7845291; email: kmoynihan@waterfordcouncil.ie.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

NEWS

25

Shortage of housing, rent hikes and rent caps have led to a national crisis SINN Féin’s David Cullinane has said the lack of housing is now a national crisis and he has called on the government to immediately deal with the issue of rent and rent caps.

Senator Cullinane said: “There was a time when the lack of housing, rent and rent controls were seen as a Dublin issue that was confined to the capital and the greater metropolitan region. This is no longer the case.

“Week in week out almost ninety percent of people calling to my Waterford office are seeking assistance with housing.

“The shortage of housing, rent hikes and rent caps are national issues that have ramifications for families and single people Attending the Afterhours event at McCarthy Insurances in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber were David Gaffney, Murray’s Pharmacy; Dermot Arnold, BOI; Mary Beresford and Paul Curran, Comeragh Landscaping. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Climb for Concern ACCORDING to a study published in January a daily 20-minute brisk walk increases one’s chances of living longer by 16 – 30 per cent. Still early in the year but no doubt many people are already struggling with their new year resolutions to get and stay fit.

Climb4Concern offers an interesting challenge in the fitness stakes. Concern Worldwide has pencilled five dates into its keep fit 2015 Diary:The weekend of April 11th it’s Mount Errigal in Donegal, a month later on May 16th and 17th the challenge is the Three Glens in Wicklow. On June 6th, climbers head to the top of

Attending the Afterhours event at McCarthy Insurances in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber were Joe Murphy, Warehouses; Charles McCarthy, Group Chairman; Marian Moloney, Pierce Moloney Sportshop and Paul Kavanagh, MD McCarthy Insurance Group.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

in towns and cities across Ireland.

“The state’s failure to support and sustain a major national public housing programme has landed us in this dilemma.

“Its refusal to regulate the private rental sector and deal with the issue of rent caps has made a bad situation worse.

“The government must deal with this issue – they can no longer afford to stick their heads in the sand and hope it will go away.

“People need a place to live and it’s shameful that in 21st century Ireland we cannot house people.

“I am calling on Minister Kelly to come into the Seanad and debate this pressing issue.”

Sliabh Donard in Co. Down.

A month later, July 11th, walkers take on Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntwohill in Co. Kerry and then in September there is a fiveday adventure in the UK, climbing Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon.

Over the last few years these hikes have proved a tremendous success. They bring people together, give people the opportunity of seeing breath-taking vistas and of course it all involves great walks.

And while you are doing all this you are also supporting the work that Concern is doing in its programmes

in lifting people out of poverty in the countries where it is engaged.

Try one and if you like it why not do the next one.

The events are open to everyone over 18 and people of all fitness levels are welcome but naturally it is recommended that you put on your walking shoes now and begin an easy training schedule.

For further information about all the challenges contact Siobhan O’Connor at 01-4178028; email, siobhan.oconnor@concern.net; postal address, 52-55 Camden Street, Dublin 2. A great opportunity for you to stick with your plans to get fit.

Know Your Rights RENEWING YOUR PASSPORT Question: I have just noticed that my passport is out of date and I am going on a skiing holiday in 2 weeks. Will I be able to renew my passport in time before I travel?

Answer: The time it takes to renew a passport can vary, depending on how you make the application. The Passport Office recommends sending your application using An Post's Passport Express service. In general, this guarantees that you will get your passport within 10 working days, but it may take longer at busy times of the year. Check passport.ie for current turnaround times. The standard adult passport costs €80 through Passport Express, with a processing charge of €9 – a total charge of €89. You can hand in your completed application at any An Post office.

The Passport Office no longer accepts applications submitted by regular or registered post from applicants living in Ireland and it is not possible to apply online.

Attending the Afterhours event at McCarthy Insurances in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber were Breda O'Brien, Ardmore Gallery & Tea-Room; Sheila Hickey and Corinne McGee, Cunningar Pitch & Putt and Rachel Power, Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Applying in person at the Passport Office costs €95 and is only recommended if you are due to travel in less than ten days. In this case, you can use the Passport Appointment Booking Service, passportappointments.ie.

There is an additional urgent fee of €55 if you need your passport issued in 3–5 working days. It is not usually possible to issue a passport in less than three days unless immediate travel is required due to the death or serious illness of a family member or because you need emergency medical treatment.

You can get a passport renewal application form at any Garda station or An Post office.

It is not available online.

To avoid forgetting to renew your passport in time, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides a Passport Reminder Service, which sends you a reminder email before your passport is due to expire.You can register for this service at passport.ie

Know Your Rights has been compiled by Dungarvan Citizens Information Service which provides a free and confidential service to the public. Tel: 0761 076550. Address: Scanlons Yard, Dungarvan. Information is also available online at citizensinformation.ie and from the Citizens Information Phone Service, 0761 07 4000. FLAC (Free Legal Advice) available on the 1st Thursday of each month, by appointment only.

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NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Philip Quinn: The Smallest of Matter

The RNLI Helvick and Dungarvan Fundraising Committee, pictured at their 2015 AGM held in Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club, back row from left: Hon Committee Member Kevin Harty; Hon Fundraising Chairman Oliver Clancy; RNLI Crew & Hon Committee Terence Morrissey; Hon Fundraising Committee Vice Chairman & RNLI Crew Liam Harty; Hon Committee Members John Quealy, Martin Landers, Nicholas Hannigan. Front: Miriam Foley MacLeod; Hon Press Secretary Joan Clancy; Hon Fundraising Treasurer Dolores Walsh; Hon Committee Member RoseAnn Foley; Hon Fundraising Secretary Anne McCarthy; Asst Hon Fundraising Treasurer Deirdre Young; Hon Committee Member Connie Kiersey. Not included in photo are Josephine Harty who has stepped down and Kevin O’Morchoe and Dermot Hickey who have joined the 2015 Committee.

[RoseAnn Foley]

Helvick Lifeboat Fundraising Committee to be honoured with RNLI Regional Award THE well attended AGM of the RNLI Dungarvan & Helvick Fundraising Committee took place in Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club on January 23rd.

In his address Hon Fundraising Chairman Oliver Clancy said “We are very pleased to be honoured for Community Services at the Waterford City & County

Community & Voluntary Awards held in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan in November.

“We were also recognised with Best Overall Award. This is a fantastic achievement made possible not only by our hardworking Fundraising Committee but by the entire community on the Helvick peninsula and around the

whole Dungarvan Bay area.

“In recognition of these well deserved community achievements we have just received news that the RNLI are honouring us with a Regional Award for providing outstanding local and regional support and the impact in the community is huge! This award will be presented to us at

the Supporter Awards in Dublin later this year” he added.

“The RNLI is a voluntary organisation and our goals could not be achieved without the support of our many volunteers, sponsors and the media who are always there for us” said Hon Fundraising Secretary Anne McCarthy after she read the min-

utes.

The fundraising committee work hard to supplement the often heroic and dangerous work carried out by the volunteer crews who risk their lives in all kinds of weather to save life at sea 24-7-365. Facebook: DungarvanBayandHelvickHead RNLIFundraising

AS part of A Space or Lismore, where Lismore Castle Arts hands over St Carthage Hall to members of the locality each Winter, artist Philip Quinn presents an exhibition from Friday, 30th January, to Sunday, 8th February. The exhibition will present several new sculptural works.The exhibition space is open Saturdays and Sundays 1–5 p.m., and by appointment – please contact Philip directly on 087 233 9915 to arrange a time.

The source of energy and life – what is it? The smallest of matter refers to the RuBisCo, spoken about in a talk by Dr. Matthew Jebb at Lismore Castle, an enzyme that converts atmospheric carbon into glucose, forming a bridge between life and lifeless, the most plentiful enzyme on earth, constant since the beginning of life. On my daily journey over The Vee it is hard to believe that no higher being has had a hand in such beauty.

Created in the image and likeness, acting like Gods, lording over all we survey, using up all before us like the terrible beauty that is the rhododendron.

Just when you think you have your mind made up on all of this the world throws out something new, like the Wollemia Fern that has been around for over 200 million years, known only as a fossil until recently. Fossils, thought at one time to have been created by God – Creatio-exnihilo – creation from nothing.

When you rub a wet finger on a stone it reveals its energy and life.

High Standard in Soroptimist Girls Public Speaking THE Local Heat of the Soroptimist International Girls Public Speaking Competition was held in Lawlors Hotel last Thursday evening hosted by the Dungarvan Branch of the organisation.

Taking part were Maebh Power and Doireann O’Brien, Ard Scoil na nDeise; Elaine Murphy, Rachel O’Grady, Clodagh Earley and Aoife French, St. Augustine’s College and Hannah Carberry from Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School.

Waterford.

The topics chosen were: Human Rights “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others”; Empowering Women, “Always be a first rate version of yourself – not a second rate version of someone else”; and Friendship and

Volunteering:“The world is full of willing people – some willing to work and the rest willing to let them.”

The Adjudicators were Clodagh Beresford-Dunne and Nicola Beresford, who declared themselves very impressed by the standard of speaking from all of the girls who were articulate, confident and happy looking despite some inevitable nerves.

Summing up afterwards, Nicola, on behalf of the Jury, said that public speaking is a very interesting pursuit, particularly today when research is made so easy because of access to the vast amount of information through the internet.

“With all of the resources that there are out there, there are no excuses anymore for the content of speeches to be anything but excellent. The content, the level of research, the way we can whip around the world

and take examples from everywhere is phenomenal,” she continued.

“Years ago, we did not have those resources at our fingertips, it meant browsing through large dusty tomes of encyclopaedias, so research was difficult.

Neither did we find all the sad stories.

We did not know about all the atrocities, massacres and murders, but we did hear a great deal about that tonight in one of your topics as a result of instant information from the internet.”

You have your whole lives ahead of you, you are at a wonderful time, but yet, there seems to be a great deal of angst among the contributions.

I am sure that all of you in your everyday lives laugh a lot and the first time people laughed tonight was during the impromptu speeches which were not

rehearsed and contained some lovely rumour.”

In conclusion, Nicola

congratulated all of the girls on excellent performances and announced the results

as: 1st, Doireann O’Brien and Elaine Murphy, Runner-up: Hannah

Carberry and winner of the Ciara Meehan prize for Research: Maebh Power.

Group pictured at Soroptimist Girls Public Speaking Competition held in Lawlors Hotel last Thursday evening. Front from left: Doireann O’Brien, Clodagh Early, Rachel O’Grady and Aoife French. At back: Mrs. Evelyn Simons, Ard Scoil na nDeise, Maebh Power, Elaine Murphy, Hannah Carberry and Ms. Mary Chawke, Our Lady of Mercy Secondary School, Waterford.

NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

27

The Newsreader THE WEEK THAT WAS IN IT . . .

Once bitten …

WE are back to the old chestnut of freedom of expression and the debate on whether the right to free speech is absolute and whether the right to public demonstration is absolute.There is a sizeable body of opinion which says that no right is absolute and that with every right goes a responsibility.

Even the majority of persons who are least schooled in the law, or logic, or ethics will understand that people can not do as they wish and must be restrained by some

code of ethics, the law, common sense or just good manners.The alternative is chaos.

The recent world-wide furore caused by the seventeen murders in Paris is a very enlightening spectacle. In the immediate aftermath of the massacre almost every publication and almost every media outlet trumpeted about the right to free speech and free expression and how they should not be encumbered by any thoughts of offending people, blasphemy – which they

declare should be taken off the statute books – or even breaking the law.

Yet, when the next issue of the infamous Charley was released – thirty times the normal print run – there appeared to be no one ready to publish the cover of the magazine. Free speech and free expression were suddenly not quite the priority they seemed to be a week before. It is the old story of fighting to the last drop of somebody else’s blood.

Humbug!

NINE years ago, a group of people came to Dublin from across Northern Ireland as well as this jurisdiction, to parade through the streets of Dublin, for a reason which never became very clear. If there was one, it quickly became engulfed in the ensuing furore and recriminations. It had been styled ‘Love Ulster’, but there was little love on display as it degenerated into a free for all with severe violence being visited on innocent passers-by.

Now, the man who conceived that memorable occasion wants to do it again and is talking to the Gardai about another such parade in central Dublin. The law may not provide for the principle of ‘once bitten, twice shy’, but it is a factor which must be considered here.

In view of the possible contentious nature of the event, precautions must be taken, the safety of others and THEIR right to walk the streets unthreatened and unmolested must be upheld. If those rights

can not be guaranteed by the organisers – which is probably the case – then a dark cloud must hang over their application.

To be fair to the Gardai, they facilitate demonstrations to a very wide degree. They absorb what is often a high degree of punishment both verbal and physical. The anti-water charge marches are a case in point.Yes, there were some incidents during these in which a tiny handful of Gardai did not distinguish themselves, but this was infinitesimal in the overall series of very demanding operations. It should be zero, but Gardai are human too.

On the other side, the Jobstown operation defending the Tanaiste took a great measure of restraint and the Gardai did their job and acquitted themselves well.

In the light of experience, the request for another Dublin march must be closely scrutinised and guarantees, such as there might be, viewed with a great degree of scepticism.

End of civilisation?

WE know that you cannot import plants or soil into America, or bring a bottle of whiskey across State lines unless you have a special licence to do so. We also know that one of the most valued items in comfort parcels to emigrants along with Barry’s Tea and Tayto Crisps is Cadbury’s Chocolate, but now, according to new rules, it will not be possible to legally send chocolate to the one you love in the US. According to report in the Herald this week, Irish people living in the US will be deprived of one of the tastes of home because of a ban on importing bars of Cadbury's Dairy Milk and other chocolate products.

US chocolate firm Hershey have achieved a legal settlement to stop LBB, a leading importer of foods into America from Britain, from importing Cadbury chocolate products.

The New York Times reported that Hershey claimed successfully

that packaging of the Cadbury chocolate products too closely resembles some of Hershey's chocolate products.

More than 1,000 people expressed disapproval of the outcome of the settlement on Irish Central's Facebook page.

Irish-themed shops in the US have been selling large amounts of Cadbury products to expatriates nostalgic for the tastes of popular products back home.

Cadbury's Dairy Milk, the leading chocolate bar in Ireland, is made by Cadbury's in Coolock in Dublin along with other eightsquare chocolate bars and Twirls and Flakes.The chocolate bars are exported from Dublin to the UK and many other countries.

For us at home, Cadbury’s is just chocolate, for those abroad, it is the authentic taste of home. For us, this is just one more silly legal decision, but for those in Chicago and San Francisco and New York, civilisation as they know it is coming to an end.

Fe a r of f l y i n g co u rs e ta ke s off a t Wa te r fo rd A i r p o r t

Pictured (l. to r.): Sean O Griofa, Course Instructor, EAC, and Gillian Chiavacci, Head of Training, EAC, with Nicki Meade, Marjorie O'Connell, Anne Walsh, Liz Marsh and Catherine Boggon – the first graduates of the European Aviation College’s Fear of Flying Course which was held at Waterford Airport.

[Garrett FitzGerald]

EUROPEAN Aviation College welcomed the first new “recruits” to its inaugural Fear of Flying course which took place last month at Waterford Airport.

The one day course was developed to help people overcome their fear of flying, a condition that affects one in five people.

Gillian Chiavacci, Head of Training at European Aviation College, congratulated the recent graduates on completing the course. She said, “We are very proud of our first graduates of the Fear of Flying course and hope that this allows them to have more pleasant flying experiences in the future. 20% of the population suffer from aviophobia or as it is more widely known, fear of flying. Although it is quite a common phobia, it can be restrictive and debilitating particularly to those who need to or want to travel abroad.”

“Our first group of course participants all experienced varying degrees of aviophobia.

Some found flying uncomfortable and often nerve-wracking, while others were simply unable to get on a plane due to stress and anxiety at the prospect of flying.”

“What we gathered is that the biggest factor in the fear of flying is the fear of the unknown.

Another common condition was claustrophobia as many of our course attendees felt uncomfortable at being in a confined area for several hours on a flight.”

The practical course examined topics such as what causes a fear of flying, how airplanes work, behind the scenes at an airport and ways to reduce anxiety before flying.

The course is delivered by experienced airline pilots.

Waterford pilot Sean O Griofa, Course Instructor with EAC, commented “By the end of the day, all of our participants had a real grasp of how to overcome their fears, through a simple understanding of how planes work, and how to deal with stress and anxiety.”

“By familiarising our attendees with the workings of the aircraft, the causes of turbulence, an explanation of in-flight noises, dealing with anxiety and flight preparation the fear associated with flying became less insurmountable.”

If you would like to find out more about the European Aviation College’s next Fear of Flying course, visit www.europeanaviationcollege.ie, call 051 843436 or email info@europeanaviationcollege.ie

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NEWS/ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

It’s a monster O and it’s roaring C i n to D u b l i n !

For the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show in the RDS from 27th February to 1st March, 2015 DUCATI are renowned for designing stylish, iconic and world beating motorcycles. The organisers of the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter Show announced that they will exclusively unveil the next generation of Ducati's offerings to the Irish public for the first time in the RDS from the 27th of February to 1st March, 2015. On view amongst many other launches at the show will be the new 1299 Panigale Superbike and the exclusive Naked Monster 821 Stripe.

Designed, engineered and built in a state of the art factory in Bologna, Italy, the 1299 Panigale Superbike has an impressive new 1285cc engine which produces an outstanding 205 horsepower.

The bike has been developed with improved traction, a smart electronically controlled semi-active suspension and an updated Ducati Quick Shifter that works on downshifts as well as up shifts. All of these and the many other improvements combine to provide unrivalled track performance while also making it a bike that is easy to use on a daily basis.

Ducati have had great success on the world racing circuits over the years. For the company it is about pioneering new technology and they are always looking to incorporate some of these incredible track born innovations into their road bikes.

Something that they have achieved across their whole range of motorcycles.

In addition to the Panigale Superbike, Ducati will also launch the new, exclusive Naked Monster 821 Stripe at the show.

Aimed at the most demanding motorcyclists: the Stripe sports the exclusive red colour scheme with double white side-stripe on mudguard, tank and passenger seat cover, plus the red frame and black wheels.

With its T1198 cm³ Testastretta 11° DS engine, LCD instrumentation, Ducati Safety Pack as standard, Bosch Brembo Braking system with 3-level ABS, Adjustable 43 mm Kayaba forks and a height adjustable seat, this mid-size version of the iconic Monster model will appeal to a wide range of

motorcycle enthusiasts. For Ducati the Monster is more than a motorcycle, it is destined to become a style icon, both minimalistic and essential.

Ruth Lemass, event organiser stated: ”Ducati have always been a dominant force in the world of motorbike racing.

It is great to see the features that have helped their motorbikes produce world champions become available for the day to day rider. Their brand has always embodied the spirit of great styling and high performance. It is a real treat for Irish bike fans to

have a company like Ducati exclusively display so many new bikes for our show visitors.”

Rosso Ducati Dublin will be displaying these bikes alongside other new bike launches for the brand that include the Multistrada and Scrambler Models.

For spectacular displays of truly amazing motorbikes and explosive live action entertainment plus fun stuff to do for all the family, visit The Carole Nash Irish Motorbike & Scooter Show. RDS, Dublin. 27th February 1st March, 2015.

W in Tickets!

www.irishmotorbikeshow.com

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Acknowledgement † MATTHEW DINNEEN West Street, Tallow Acknowledgement and First Anniversary

His wife Mary; daughters Siobhán and Síle; their families and extended relatives, of the late Matthew Dinneen would like to thank most sincerely all who sympathised with us and supported us on our recent sad bereavement.

A sincere thanks to all who attended the Rosary, removal and Funeral Mass and burial.

Those who sent Mass cards, letters of sympathy, floral tributes and to those who travelled long distances to be with us. We thank all our kind neighbours and good friends for their support and kindness.

A most sincere thanks to Dr. J. O’Keeffe and his team at Tallow Health Centre; to Professor Power and Dr. O’Gorman at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, for the care and attention that they gave to Matthew.

Thanks to Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P., for celebrating the Funeral Mass and burial; to Chapelman Eddie Cunningham; Caretaker Dick Tobin; Altar servers; Tallow Parish Choir for providing a lovely selection of hymns and music; to our gravediggers, many thanks. Thanks to Clancy’s Bar, Tallow, who did an excellent job providing refreshments following the funeral. To Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, for their kindness and support throughout which is greatly appreciated.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our appreciation and gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for all your intentions.

First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 7th February, 2015, in the Immaculate Conception Church, Tallow, at 6.30 p.m.

† JIM SHINE Ballinacourty, Cappagh, Co. Waterford Died: 6th February, 2014 Acknowledgement and First Anniversary As we lovingly remember Jim on his First Anniversary, Geraldine, Claire, James, Joe, Rob and his extended family wish to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us on our sad loss. We wish to thank everyone who travelled from near and far, especially Jim’s work colleagues in the Dept. of Agriculture; those who called to the house, attended the Rosary, removal and Funeral Mass.

A special thank you to family, friends and neighbours for their wonderful support, acts of kindness and assistance in so many ways throughout the funeral and the past year and to all those who sent Mass cards, messages of sympathy and floral tributes. Our sincere thanks to Fr. Anthony O’Brien, Fr. Gerard O’Connor and Fr. Liam Lawton who concelebrated Jim’s memorable Funeral Mass and to all those who participated in the ceremonies in any way.

To Tom and James Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan, for their kindness and professionalism; to the Sacristan, Altar servers, choir and gravediggers. We are extremely grateful to Micheal O Riordáin, Criostóir O Suilleabháin, Professor Seamus O’Reilly and his Oncology team at CUH and MUH; to Dr. Maurice O’Sullivan and the staff at High Street Medical Centre, Dungarvan; to Liz and staff at Murray’s Pharmacy; to Nora, District Nurse; to Regina, Carole and the Palliative Home Care team for all their support and kindness. Thanks to all who provided the guard of honour; to Ballinameela and St. Oliver’s GAA for their assistance with parking and to those who provided outside lighting.

As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this as a token of our deepest gratitude.

Mass has been offered for your intentions.

Jim’s First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 7th February, 2015, in St. James’ Church, Ballinameela, at 7.30 p.m.

A Fun Family Day Out with...

- Ace Global Stunt Starz Competition - Alpha Obedience Dogs - Motorcycle lifestyle fashion shows - Interviews with top motorbike racers - AMD International Custom Bike Building Competition - Superbike Launches - Ace Café Classic & Retro Zone - Latest Accessories & Gear - Pitbike Racing - Racing Heroes - Classic Motorbike displays - Flat Track Racing - Miss Motorbike Show ..and much, much more Visit www.irishmotorbikeshow.com for more information For your chance to win tickets all you have to do is answer the following question and post your entries into Carole Nash Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 17th February. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

Question: Where will the Motorbike & Scooter Show take place?

Answer: ………………………………………………………

Name: ………………………………………………………..

Address: …………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………... ………………………………………………………………...

Tel. No.: ………………………………………………………

Ms. Caoimhe Fennell, formerly of Clonea Road, Abbeyside, Dungarvan, who graduated recently from The Wollengong University, Sydney, Australia, with a Master of Science Degree in Occupational Health and Safety.

Mark Hayes, son of John and Margaret Hayes, Garranbane, who recently graduated from WIT with a B.Sc. Hons. Degree in Food Science and Innovation.

IN MEMORIAM

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

O

C

In Memoriam

†

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O

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Birthday Remembrance

Advertising

Classifieds

†

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

CURRAN (15th anniversary) – In loving memory of James (Jimmy) Curran, late of The Vee, Leamybrien, who died on 7th February, 2000.

They say there is a reason, They say that time will heal, But neither time nor reason, Will change the way we feel.

For no one knows the heartache, That lies behind our smiles, No one knows how many times, We have broken down and cried.

Since that fateful Monday morning, When our world just fell apart, Because losing you dear Jimmy, Just broke all of our hearts.

–Lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all your family.

LENANE (11th anniversary) – In loving memory of Mark Lenane, late of Island View, Ballinamona, Ardmore, who died on 5th February, 2004, aged 21 years.

Please do not be unhappy, Just because I’m out of sight, Remember that I am with you, Every morning, noon and night.

And when you feel that gentle breeze, Or the wind upon your face, That’s me giving you a great big hug, Or just a short embrace.

And when it’s time for you to go, From that body to be free, Remember you’re not going, You are coming here to me.

–Always loved, never forgotten, by Mam, Dad; brothers Declan, Paul, Padraig and Nicholas; sisters Sandra and Teresa; all your extended family and friends at home and abroad.

Will those who think of Mark today, A little prayer to Jesus say.

XX.

GEE (3rd anniversary) – Cherished memories of a wonderful husband, father and grandfather Christy Gee, late of ‘Scintillas,’ Ballintaylor, Dungarvan, whose Anniversary occurs on 12th February.

Anniversary Mass will be celebrated in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan, on Saturday, 7th February, at 7.30 p.m.

Though absent, You are very near, Still loved, still missed, And very dear.

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

For Quick Results Use the Small Adverts. Section Call our Office or use your Credit or Debit Card by Phone Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

Tel. (058) 41205 / 42042.

Fax: (058) 41559.

McKEOWN (16th anniversary) – In loving memory of Mary McKeown, late of Chapel Road, Stradbally, who died on 9th February, 1999. R.I.P. We think of you in silence, We talk about you too, We have lovely memories, But we wish we still had you.

Nothing can replace you, Nothing ever will, In life we loved you dearly, In death we love you still.

–Sadly missed and never forgotten by your loving husband Dick; son Michael and daughter-in-law Patricia.

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Lands Preserved

TAKE NOTICE that the lands in my possession at Coolbagh, Creggs and Knockaneris, Clashmore, are strictly preserved. Fur and feather. All trespassers will be prosecuted. Signed: Redmond Foley.

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Samaritans

W O R R I E D ?

D I S T R E S S E D ?

SUICIDAL? – Whatever you're going through, we're here to listen and help, 24 hours a day, every day.

Call SAMARITANS in confidence 1850 60 90 90, or e-mail us jo@samaritans.org (ind.)

O’SHEA (2nd anniversary) – In loving memory of Mary O’Shea, late of Ballylaneen, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, whose 2nd Anniversary occurs on 7th February, 2015.

Anniversary Mass will be offered on Sunday, 8th February, at 11.00 a.m., in St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen.

I miss you so much Mary, The pain is hard to bear, Do I have to go through life, Knowing you’re not there.

Please someone explain to me, Why you had to go, Are there any reasons, I really need to know.

I sit here and remember Mary, All the lovely times we shared, The talks, the laughter, Of everyone you cared.

I am told the pain will ease in time, And I will think of you without a tear, But that will be impossible Mary, As I need to have you here.

You were my very world Mary, My ever guiding star, Just kiss me softly on the cheek, And tell me where you are.

–Always loved and remembered by your loving husband Paddy.

–––––––––––––– Mam you will always be, My mother so loving and so loved by me, For God has taken you to be by his side, Now in Heaven is where you will reside.

You have blessed my life, In so many ways, I will cherish our memories, Until the end of my days.

You left me too soon, And this was not part of our plan, But God’s wishes always come, Before those of man.

Without you I must travel, The path alone, No longer my guide, The way you had shown.

Your heart may have been weak, But you were strong, For your loving embrace, I will always long.

God sent you to me, As a special gift from above, To teach me life’s lessons, And shower me with your love.

I wil always remember, Your beautiful and smiling face, In my heart you will always, Have a very special place.

A special bond, We shared like no other, For this is possible, For only daughter and mother.

I thanked God for each day, We were able to share, But without you in my life, It is too difficult to bear.

Being with God, I hope you will find joy and peace, In this I can find comfort, And some happiness at least.

Mam you will always be, My mother so loving and so loved by me.

–Always loved and remembered by your loving daughter Helen and son-in-law Lar. –––––––––––––– If we listen really close Mam, In the silence of the night, We hear your voice to comfort us, And say that you’re alright.

But it’s often hard to understand Mam, Why certain things must be, And the reasons why they happen, Are so often hard to see.

But we find comfort in the knowledge Mam, That God is always there, To keep the one we love so much, Forever in His care.

–Always loved and remembered by your loving son Michael and daughter-in-law Lisa.

–––––––––––––– To our dearest darling Nana, Up in Heaven, high above, We know today you’re with us all, And sending all your love.

Today we all remember you, And bid you one last goodbye, Celebrate the life you’ve had, And maybe have a cry.

You’ll never be forgotten, Nana, Although you’re no longer here, In our heart is where we will keep you, Forever you’ll be near.

–Always loved and remembered by your loving grandchildren Dean and Erika.

–––––––––––––– Your smile alone warmed hearts, Your laugh was like music to hear, We would give absolutely anything, To have you well and standing near.

No a second passes, When you’re not on our minds, Your love we will never forget, The hurt will easy in time.

Many tears we have seen and cried, They have all poured out like rain, We know that you are happy now, And no longer in any pain.

–Always loved and remembered by Annie, Ger, Phil, Emma and Philip.

POWER – Birthday remembrance of Michael (Mick) Power, late of 1 Railway View, Kilmacthomas, whose birthday occurs on 4th February.

Telephone: (058) 41205 / 42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

A tribute of love to a father so dear, So close to our hearts each day of the year, We will always have memories to cherish and hold, Of a wonderful father more precious than gold.

–Happy birthday Dad from Johnny, Rose, Dale and Emmie.

––––––––––––––– To us you were someone special, Someone good and true, You will never be forgotten, Because we thought the world of you.

–Happy birthday Dad from James, Michelle, Colyn, Ryan and Jamye.

––––––––––––––– Softly the leaves of memories fall, Gently we bend to gather them all, Unseen, unheard, yet always near, Still missed, still loved, still very dear.

–Birthday wishes Dad from Eleanor, Tom, Jessica and Lynsey.

––––––––––––––– Thinking of you on your birthday, We talk of you still, We have not forgotten you, And we never will.

–Birthday wishes Dad from Joe, Tara, Ben and Zach.

––––––––––––––– Put your arms around the Lord, We know he’s not on his own, For today it is our Dad’s birthday, His first away from home.

–Happy birthday Dad, love from Martin, Annie, Dylan and Cory.

––––––––––––––– Each of us in our own way, Have special thoughts of you today, Deep in our hearts your memories are kept, To love and cherish and never forget.

–Birthday wishes Mick from your sister Ag and family.

––––––––––––––– Of all the gifts in life, However great or small, To have had you for our friend, Was the greatest gift of all.

–Happy birthday Mick from Brendan and Gemma.

Dungarvan Observer

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

† Drohan Monumentals † Headstones in Marble, Granite & Limestone Inscriptions Cut Existing Stones Cleaned & Restored Graves Chipped Tel. (058) 43211.

Mobile: (087) 2540295. www.drohanfuneraldirectors.ie

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

Fax: (058) 48712. www.davidkielymonumentals.com

HEADSTONES IN LIMESTONE, MARBLE, POLISHED GRANITE We restore existing headstones, kerbs, graves, chipped, inscriptions, etc.

FULL RANGE OF COMPUTER OPTIONS + DESIGNS

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

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

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

Floral & Artificial Wreaths Supplied Obituary Notices

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

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CLASSIFIED

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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SERVICES AVAILABLE

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BIG AND SMALL SQUARE BALES OF HAY AND STRAW FOR SALE – Also Big Round Bales of Hay, Straw and Silage. Delivery can be arranged. Noel Blanchfield.

Tel. (086) 2539144. (ind.)

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

HAY, HAYLAGE AND SILAGE FOR SALE – West Waterford area. Tel. (087) 2547715.

(13-2)

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

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

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

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Tree Felling

HEALY TREE FELLING AND LANDSCAPING – Fully insured and certified.

Specialising in tree felling, tree pruning and reducing, chipping and removal, landscaping and garden construction including grass and hedge cutting, lawn laying, gravel gardens, paving, decking and fencing Contact: Eamonn (085) 7784335.

(6-3)

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Gardening Services

COMERAGH LANDSCAPING – The landscaping professionals. Garden design and layout.

Planting, water features, patios, stonework, kerbing, fencing, etc. Lawn laying turfed and seeded. For a professional and affordable service contact Paul Curran (087) 2908403. www.comeraghlandscaping.ie (ind.)

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Language People

THE LANGUAGE PEOPLE, DUNGARVAN – New adult language classes commencing soon.

• Irish: beginners-intermediate • Spanish: all levels • French: all levels • German: all levels • Italian: beginners • Morning and evening classes available. We also provide grinds to all secondary school students preparing for Junior and Leaving Cert exams. For more information please contact The Language People on: 0879753783 or email dungarvanlanguagepeople@g mail.com (6-2)

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Decorating Service

DECORATING SERVICE – All internal / external painting. New house spraying before second fix.

Tired old kitchen units hand-painted, hygiene coatings. Epoxy floor paint systems. Qualified local tradesmen. Free estimates.

Insurance work. Fully insured. VAT registered.

Call: Prodec Painters.

Padraig (087) 7730520.

Steve (086) 8410901.

(31-12)

RE-UPHOLSTERY CARPETS, CURTAINS, FURNITURE – Free estimates in your own home.

Collection and delivery.

Sofas and Couches made to order. Curtains and Pelmets made to measure.

Extensive range of fabrics to choose from. Colour co-ordinating service free in Showrooms. A visit to our Showrooms is a must.

Open Monday to Saturday incl. All work guaranteed.

Ned O’Connell, Seafield, Youghal. Tel. (024) 93106.

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Computer Services

COMPUTER AND LAPTOP REPAIRS – On Site Repairs, Set-ups, Upgrades, Data Recovery and Training. Virus and pop-up removal. Qualified computer Engineer and Trainer.

20 years experience. Reasonable rates. House calls. Tel. Shane Deevy (087) 9872006. (ind.)

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Meditation Group

MEDITATION – Helps to calm your mind, reduce stress and promote your health. Evening Meditation: Wednesday evenings, 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. €10 per evening.

Tea and coffee afterwards. Morning Meditation also available if interested! Tea and coffee afterwards. Join me for a wonderful hour of meditation.

Contact: Rosemary Phelan (087) 7083030 to book your place.

Health Clinic, Tournore, Abbeyside.

Therapies: Bio Energy, Corrective Sounds, Living Threads.

(27-3)

Re-Upholstery

Counselling Psychotheraphy

LOW COST COUNSELLING/PSYCHOTHERAPY, Dungarvan – Personal Counselling for Adults, Adolescents and Children. Member of IACP and PSI. Contact: Dr. Kay McKiernan (Psychology) 086-8578521 • email: kay@aonahouse.com (27-2)

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Telecoms Engineer

TELECOMS ENGINEER – Extra Phone / Data Points • Broadband Set-up • Telephone Systems • Fully insured • 40 years experience • Call: John (086) 8281612.

(13-3)

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Air Compressors

AIR COMPRESSORS – Sales / Service / Repairs.

New and Used Compressors. Air Tools / Sandblast Units / Aluminium Air Lines. Spray Guns / Air Line Hose and Fittings. Full After Service and Spare Parts. AIRCO COMPRESSED AIR SERVICE. Deelish, Dungarvan. Tel. (086) 8664555 / www.airco.ie (31-7)

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Agri

CALF SCOUR – Use 4:1 Bolus, Rota, E Coli, Corrona, Sal. Crypto – Use Crypto Bolus. Cell Count – Treat Herd in water for 10 days. Or Bolus High Cows. Warts – Use Uraw. Pneumonia – Use Bovis / Hipra, BVD, Lepto, IBR, – Use Britt.

Ringworm – Use Rino.

Spillane’s Waterford 051 877076 087 2573645.

(13-2)

Villierstown Joinery STAIRS CUSTOM JOINERY 087 2420124

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TUITION GIVEN IN MATHS AND IRISH – To Leaving Cert. level.

Teacher has vast experience of correcting Department of Education and Science Exams and has reputation for achieving excellent results. Tel. (087) 7985533.

(27-2)

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Soccer Coaching

SOCCER COACHING – Vinny Sullivan runs Just4Strikers Soccer Coaching School in Dungarvan every Sunday morning for Boys and Girls aged between 6–14 years old. For more information call Vinny on (087) 7501059.

(27-2)

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Charity / Donations

THE SUNFLOWER SHOP – Supporting Waterford Hospice City & County – Welcomes donations of Clothes, Brica-Brac, Furniture and Toys, etc., in good condition. We also recycle Old Clothes / Linen. House Clearances welcome. Happy to collect.

Call HELEN. We are located at Main Street, Kilmacthomas. Tel. (087) 2756576.

(20-2)

4x4 ROUND BALES OF HAYLAGE FOR SALE – Aglish. Must collect. Tel. (087) 2226046.

(6-2) ASH AND OAK FIREWOOD BLOCKS FOR SALE – Delivered.

Contact: (087) 7888701.

(6-2) QUALITY SILAGE / HAYLAGE FOR SALE – No rain.

Extra wrapping.

Ballinamult area. Tel. (087) 2604048.

(6-2)

(ind.)

FODDER BEET FOR SALE – Can be washed and chopped. Ex-yard or delivered.

Tel. (086) 8136796.

(6-2) HAY FOR SALE – Round Bales 4x4. Cappoquin / Aglish area. Tel. (087) 9485082.

Youghal, Co. Cork.

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For Sale

Tel. (024) 92850 / 93469 blackwaterblindsltd@eircom.net

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

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

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Agri Sale

GALVANISED GATES – Barriers, Cubicles, Cattle Crush Panels, Cow Mats.

Ryan Brothers, Ballymacarbry / www.ryanbrothers.ie / Laurence (087) 7994737.

(6-15)

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Nail Technician

NAIL TECHNICIAN AND MAKE-UP ARTIST AVAILABLE – At French’s Hair Salon, Main Street, Ardmore.

Tel. (086) 1769088. Salon opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

ROUND BALES OF SILAGE, BARLEY AND OATEN STRAW FOR SALE – Delivered if required. Kieran Hallahan (087) 2549759.

(13-3) CERTIFIED HOMEGUARD BRITISH QUEEN AND ROOSTER SEED POTATOES FOR SALE – Tel. (087) 7888701. (27-2) ROUND BALES OF HAY AND SILAGE FOR SALE – Tel. (087) 9924422.

(13-2) POINT OF LAY PULLETS AND BROILERS FOR SALE – Outside Dungarvan Mart on Monday next, 9th February, from 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. Tel. (026) 41905 / (087) 2208061.

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Tarmacadam

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

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

3 BEDROOM COTTAGE TO LET – Ballinacourty area. Central heating and stove.

Long-term.

Overlooking the sea. Tel. (087) 2451961.

(6-2) HOUSE TO LET IN BALLINAMULT – Shortterm only. 5 Bed. Modern, well equipped. Fully furnished.

Daft.ie add 618314.

Call: (087) 9446662.

(27-2) MODERN 3 BEDROOM HOUSE TO LET – Abbeyside, Dungarvan. All mod cons. Immediate availability. Reasonable rent. Tel. (087) 6646152.

(20-2)

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Land Wanted To Rent

LAND WANTED TO RENT – Long or short term lease. Clashmore or surrounding areas. Tel. (086) 8386750 after 6.00 p.m.

(6-2)

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DEAD & DISABLED CATTLE COLLECTED IN ALL AREAS – Ring: Fitzgerald’s Licensed Knackery, Coolagown.

(025) 36662 or (086) 8193202 / (087) 8193202. (ind.)

15 FRIESIAN BULL CALVES FOR SALE – Tel. (058) 68024.

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Animal Houses

TIMBER BUILT ANIMAL HOUSES – Dog Kennels / House, Chicken Coups, Rabbit Hutches, Bird Houses. Tel. Michael (087) 6793961.

(20-2)

Notice to Advertisers It is a condition of acceptance of advertisements orders that the proprietors do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a special date or at all.

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

ADVERTISEMENTS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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Novena

A PRAYER TO ST. JUDE – O holy St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracles; near kinsman of Jesus Christ, faithful intercessor for all who invoke your special patronage in time of need; I have recourse from the depth of my heart and humbly beg, to whom God has given such great power, to come to my assistance; help me now in my present and urgent petition; in return promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked. Say three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys and three Glor Glorias. St. Jude pray for us and all who invoke your aid.

Publication must be promised. This Novena has never been known to fail.

E.R. MIRACLE THANKSGIVING PRAYER – Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked you for many favours. This time, I ask you for this special one (mention favour). Take it, Dear Heart of Jesus, place it in your own broken heart, where your Father sees it; then in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. Say for three days, promise publication and your favour will be granted. Never known to fail.

M.M. THE MIRACLE PRAYER – Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked many favours. This time I ask you this special one (mention favour). Take it, Dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your heart, where your Father sees it. Then, in his merciful eyes, it will become your own favour, not mine. Amen. Say this prayer three times for three days and your favour will be granted. Never been known to fail. Must promise publication of prayer. A.P. PRAYER TO ST. JUDE (Never found to fail) Novena 20th – 28th October – O glorious St. Jude, Apostle and Martyr, great in virtue and rich in miracle, near Kinsman of Jesus Christ. Powerful intercessor for all who invoke you. Special Patron in time of need. To Thee do I come with my earnest request and beg of you to whom God has given such great favours to help me now in my urgent need (state request). I will never forget the graces and favours you have obtained for me and I will do my utmost to spread devotion to you, Amen. St. Jude pray for me and for all who honour Thee and invoke Thine aid (repeat three times).

Publication promised.

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Situations Vacant

PERSON WANTED FOR SPRAY PAINTING LARGE TRAILERS, ETC. – 1 to 2 days per week. Must have experience. Dungarvan. Reply in writing to Box No. 5482. (6-2)

CHILDMINDER REQUIRED TO MIND TWO SCHOOLGOING CHILDREN IN THEIR OWN HOME – Car essential. Stradbally area. Four days per week. Reply in writing to Box No. 5483.

(6-2) LADY WANTED TO DO HOUSEWORK IN FAHA AREA – For a few hours a week. Own transport essential. Reply by letter to Box No. 5484.

(13-2)

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VAN SIGNAGE €99

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WATERFORD CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL – Bawnfune / Sillaheens / Curraheenavoher / Russellstown / Boolabrien Upper / Russellstown New, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford. Ecopower Developments Limited, Sion Road, Kilkenny, intends to apply to Waterford City and County Council for planning permission to erect 8 No. wind turbines, overall height of up to 127 meters, crane hardstands, 1 No. meteorological mast up to 80 meters in height with wind measuring equipment attached, access roads, electrical cabling, electrical substation compound, substation equipment and control building, visitor carpark, borrow pits, ancillary drainage system and ancillary site works at Bawnfune / Sillaheens / Curraheenavoher / Russellstown / Boolabrien Upper / Russellstown New, Ballymacarbry, Co. Waterford. The application is for a 10 year permission, under Section 41 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. The application will be accompanied by an Environmental Impact Statement, which includes a Screening for Appropriate Assessment and a Natura Impact Statement. The Planning Application, Environmental Impact Statement, Screening for Appropriate Assessment and Natura Impact Statement may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority (Menapia Building, The Mall, Waterford), during its public opening hours (9:30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m.). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application 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.

Signed: Pat Brett, Ecopower Developments Ltd.

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ABBEY BRIDGE CLUB – 1st Kay Shanley & Angela Freyne; 2nd Sheila Veale & Patricia Murray; 3rd Ann Moran & Margaret Foley; 4th Sharing: Phil Barry & Theresa Sullivan, Cait Christopher & Austin Fenton.

KILMACTHOMAS BRIDGE CLUB (28/1/15) – 1st Anna Harney & Maeve Coghlan; 2nd Mary Cummins & Claire Shanahan; 3rd Brenda Cummins & Mary Flahavan; 4th Beth Spollen & Ann Murphy; 5th Shane Prendergast & Mary A. Coffey.

DUNGARVAN BRIDGE CLUB (29/1/2015) – 1st Pauline Dempsey & Des Cleary; 2nd Justin Spratt & Theresa Doocey; 3rd Marianne Mulcahy & Des O'Toole; 4th Michael Kirwan & Maeve Coghlan.

RATED

W. www.printmaster.ie

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Notice

CHILDMINDER REQUIRED IN THE DUNGARVAN AREA – To look after two children in the children’s own home. 3 to 4 days per week. Own transport required.

Please reply in writing to Box No. 5487.

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INCORPO

Westgate Business Park, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford T. 058 42077 F. 058 48726 E. matt@printmaster.ie

FARM LABOURER REQUIRED – Full-time. Milking experience necessary. Full Driver’s Licence. Dungarvan area. Reply in writing to Box No. 5485.

(13-2) CHILDMINDER REQUIRED, PART-TIME – To look after two children. Car essential for school run. Experience and details to: Observer Office, Box No. 5486.

(13-2)

ACME

FROM

CUNNIGAR BRIDGE CLUB (28/1/2015) – 1st Cait Christopher & Kay Kirwan; 2nd Betty Prendergast & Nuala de Paor; 3rd Doreen Keane & Eithne Keevers; 4th Joan Ronayne & Maureen Morrissey; 5th Phil O’Brien & Peg Hennebry.

DEISE BRIDGE CLUB (2/2/2015) – 1st Michael Kirwan & Sadie Ui Mhiachain; 2nd Helen Russell & Ina H Considine; 3rd Mary Casey & Mary Fenton; 4th Cait Christopher & Pierce Casey.

AFFANE BRIDGE CLUB (12/1/2015) – 1st Bernadette & Des Cleary; 2nd Kathleen McGrath & Claire Meaney; Joint 3rd Una Mason & Maureen Morrissey, Pat Murphy & Mary Fives. (19/1/2015) – 1st Des Cleary & Eileen Tinnelly; 2nd Bernadette Fives & Pat Murphy; 3rd Mary Fletcher & Andrew McGrath; 4th Margaret Clancy & Helen McGrath.

Cappoquin Transport Ltd. REQUIRES

RIGID TRUCK DRIVERS

Notice under Part XVI of the Planning and Development Act 2000

ctransport@eircom.net

Waterford City & County Council shall within 2 weeks from the date of this notice apply for a licence to hold an event, the West Waterford Festival of Food, in accordance with Part XVI of t he Planning and Development Act 2000. The event will be a farmers’ market to be held in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford on 12th April 2015 as part of the West Waterford Festival of Food. It will include a food and craft market and live music with the anticipated audience expected to be in excess of five thousand people.

MOUNT MELLERAY ABBEY is seeking a suitably

The application for a licence may be inspected at the offices of Waterford City & County Council, Dungarvan during office hours for a period of 4 weeks from the receipt of the application by that authority. Submissions or observations may be made to Waterford City & County Council at the Civic Offices, Dungarvan within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt of the application by Waterford City & County Council.

Please reply with CV to:

Qualified Book-keeper Initially on a six month full-time contract with the possibility of part-time work, after that.

The person appointed will be responsible for keeping the accounts of the Monastery, the Farm, the Guesthouse and Shop. Other duties will include creditors, bank reconciliation and VAT. Applicants should have experience in a similar Book-keeping role, have used Sage or another computerised system and be able to use Word & Excel.

Applications to – FR. DONAL DAVIS, Mount Melleray Abbey, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

TOTEM are a progressive, award winning design studio that create innovative and enduring design solutions that help our client’s businesses thrive.

We are currently recruiting for a

PART TIME OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR This important role in the organisation is responsible for the efficient day to day running of the office.

You will be required to produce accounts to Trial Balance.

Work with Purchase and Sales Ledgers – including Debtor Chasing & Sales Queries. You will conduct VAT Returns, daily banking and Payroll.

The chosen candidate will also manage reception, including answering phones, general administration and sales duties.

A minimum 3 years’ experience as an Office Administrator is essential.

So, if you are a born organiser with a talent for multi-tasking then please email your CV with a letter of introduction to Maeve Phelan.

Email: maeve@totem.ie The Brewery, Fairlane, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. T 058 24832

www.totem.ie

NOTICE TO LANDOWNERS/ OCCUPIERS TO TRIM OVERGROWN ROADSIDE HEDGES Owners or occupiers of land are obliged under the Roads Act, 1993, to take all necessary care to ensure that trees, shrubs, hedges or any other vegetation on their land is not, or could not be a danger to those using a public road or to somebody carrying out maintenance or improvement work on the road.

Trimming of roadside hedges can take place between 1st September and 28th February in any year. In accordance with the Wildlife Act 2000 this period is deemed most suitable to have minimum wildlife disturbance.

IN THE INTEREST OF ROAD SAFETY IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT ALL NECESSARY WORK IS CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY. Paul Daly, A/Director of Services, Transport & Infrastructure.

4th February 2015

NEW OBSERVER EMAIL ADDRESSES The Dungarvan Observer has updated their email addresses as follows: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie news@dungarvanobserver.ie sport@dungarvanobserver.ie features@dungarvanobserver.ie info@dungarvanobserver.ie

PARK HOTEL SUPREME SPORTS STAR AWARDS

32 & 33

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Orla and David Morrissey pictured with George Hook at The Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star Awards.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Oisin Langan and Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaigh pictured at The Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star Awards.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star Awards – Pictured (l. to r.): Pat Stephens, Ger Briggs, Dermot Keyes, Stephanie Stevens, Dan McGrath, George Hook, Michelle O'Connor, Shane O’Conor, Stephen O'Connor and Kieran O'Connor.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

George Hook and Marita Kelly pictured at The Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star Awards.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet with Special Guest George Hook were Tom and Carmel Keith.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Eoin Phelan, Sean French, George Hook and Eamon Spratt pictured at The Park Hotel Waterford [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images] Supreme Sports Star Awards.

Mike and Ger Briggs, Eddie and Elaine Quinn, Tomas Kiely, Stephanie Wadding and Shane Briggs at The Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star Awards.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Joe and Eilish Gough pictured at The Park Hotel Waterford Supreme [Dan McGrath/Editorial Images] Sports Star Awards.

Ger and Mike Briggs, who accepted the overall Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star Award 2014 on behalf of their daugher Niamh, at the banquet on Saturday night. Included are Cllr. James Tobin, Mayor of Waterford City and County; Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, Mayor of the Dungarvan-Lismore Municipal District, and Pierce Flynn, Park Hotel.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Helena Byrne, Conor Lannen, Donnacha Gough, Lucia Queally, Patricia Walsh, Geraldine Dunphy and Tom Cunningham pictured at The Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star Awards.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Martha Ronayne-Ware pictured with George Hook at The Park Hotel Waterford Supreme Sports Star Awards.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

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NEWSREEL …

Anxious or Depressed?

COME to our Support Group Meeting in Dungarvan.

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

Interested in volunteering with Dungarvan Citizens Information

WE offer you: • a rewarding and worthwhile experience • the chance to learn new skills • induction, training and ongoing support We ask you to: • share your time and skills • attend training as required Contact Dungarvan CIC, Scanlon’s Yard, Friary St., Dungarvan. Tel. 0761 07 6550. Closing date 6/2/15.

St. Michael’s Hall Ballyduff Upper Card Results

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Two Waterford musicians to compete for Seán Ó Riada Gold medal on Friday TWO Waterford musicians will be among fifteen fiddlers taking to the stage this Friday in Cork for the final of the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal competition that will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta at 7 pm.

Sarah O’Gorman, 16, will be the youngest competitor on the night. Sarah is from Ballinamult, and is a member of the Comeraghs Comhaltas Branch. She started playing fiddle when she was just six years old, and is the current Under 18 All-Ireland Fiddle Champion.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl is from the Waterford Gaeltacht of An Rinn, and started playing when he was just seven years old. As well as fiddle, Seán also plays concertina.

He has a Masters in Music

from the University of Limerick, and released the CD Lá ag Ól Uisce with his brother Caoimhín, and fellow musician Tomás Ó Gealbháin, in 2013.

The winner of the competition, to be held in the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork, will receive the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal and €2000.

This year, for the first time, the traditional music will extend into Saturday as well, with a special concert of past winners of the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal taking place in the Rochestown Park Hotel at 8 pm featuring Aoife Ní Bhriain, fiddle, winner of the inaugural Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal in 2011, Tim McHugh, flute, Tiarnán Ó Duinnchinn, pipes, Oisín Morrison, harp, and

Cormac Begley, concertina.

Tickets are €10 and can be purchased on the door on the night. For those interested in attending the competition, the Rochestown Park is offering special rates – contact the hotel directly on 021-4890800. Tickets can be bought at the door, or booked online at cuireadhchunceoil.ie.

Sponsors of the competition are Iontaobhas Fódhla, Gael Linn, Rochestown Park, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann.

The final for the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal will be broadcast live on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta on Friday, 6th February at 7.00 p.m., presented by Peadar Ó Riada. Tune in on fm, or online at www.rte.ie/rnag

28/1/’15 – 1st John Conway & P.J. McInerery; Eileen Callaghan & Maura Lindsey. Lucky Tables – Mary Whelan & Christy Higgins; Bill Leddy & Helen Cunningham; Tom & M. Ryan; Lizzie Keane & Helen Cunningham. Raffle – Pat Kirby, Eileen Callaghan, Hugh Collins, M Ryan, Ann Geary, Lizzie Keane, Joan Hannon, Mary Whelan, Eddie Byrne, Ml. Whelan.

Tipperary Goldsmith Padraig O Mathuna with the Sean O Riada Gold Medal.

Portrait of The Artist as a Young Man at Theatre Royal THE New Theatre, Dublin in association with Richard Ryan Promotions present the stage adaptation of James Joyce's iconic novel “A portrait of the Artist as a Young Man”. Irish Times 2015 Nominee Director, Jimmy Fay directs a production which has received critical and public acclaim. This stage adaptation makes use of the techniques that would make Joyce famous-and infamous-with his stream of consciousness narration.

“A portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” is Joyce's reworking of the classic coming of age and it mirrors the author's life up to 20, when he left Dublin for Paris challenging attitudes to family, homeland and the Catholic Church. See this play at Theatre Royal on Wednesday, 18th February at 8.00 p.m. Tickets are €16/€13 concession with a special student price of €8.

All are available online on theatreroyal.ie or through the box office on 051-874402.

Danny Dunford Debut acoustic solo gig - Downey’s - Saturday, February 7th WHILE CIDER WASPS members Tommy, Stephen and Colin are busily studying for their Leaving Cert, Lead Vocalist DANNY DUNFORD is stepping into the limelight on his own, beginning on Saturday February 7th in DOWNEYS BAR. DANNY will be playing covers by various well known artists such as The Script / Ed Sheeran / Mumford & Sons / UB 40/Kodaline/Palo Nutini and U2 to mention a few.

CIDER WASPS gig on Main Street on Christmas Eve raised €220.00 for The Simon Community and while they have been quiet on the gig circuit, they have been busy writing new material for a forthcoming EP due to be launched later in the year. So watch out for CIDER WASPS who will be gigging again during school breaks and the summer and in the meantime come along to DOWNEY’S on Saturday, February 7th, for DANNY’S debut solo acoustic gig.

Sean O Fearghail

Sarah O’Gorman

Lyre Heritage News

By Marie O’Shea

“What cannot be cured, love, must be endured….!”

JANUARY is a wicked month. Edna O’Brien wrote “August is a wicked month” – for a different reason to mine. I thought I had done well to avoid the flu in December but it hit me hard in January. A virus is a storm to be weathered so I stocked up on the usual meds to ease my way! Almost well again and I had to go to the hospital for a routine x-ray. Within hours I realised I had picked up the Winter Vomiting bug there. Misery again.

“This too will pass,” I told myself. It did, to be replaced by a horrid attack of Shingles, which had apparently

been brewing for it’s incubation period all the while. Back to the Doc. More medication.

“I had shingles 20 years ago – I thought you could not get it again?”

There is a new form about, it seems, and it is highly contagious, particularly to pregnant women, older people, those who have had chemotherapy or whose immune system is currently low. The flu had left me in the final category.

Apart from the nasty pain along the nerve path affected, there are side effects of general malaise and

drowsiness from the meds so I have been confined to barracks for nearly the whole month of January. Be warned. Do not be gadding about if you have an attack. It is not a trivial illness.

Yesterday being St. Brigid’s Day I ventured out to attend Mass in Kilrossanty. A glorious morning and the topping of snow all along the mountain range glistened in the sun.

The breeze from that direction was very chilling so nobody delayed to chat! It felt so good to get a breath of fresh air. Spring has arrived.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

35

Portlaw IRISH RED CROSS The Portlaw Cardiac Response Group is delighted to announce that one of Portlaw’s Public Access Defibrillators, situated at the Dr. Martin Day Centre, will be formally dedicated to the late Freddy Kelly R.I.P. in a ceremony on Saturday, 14th February at 11.00 a.m.We would like to thank the Kelly family for their support. Freddy’s community spirit will always remain in the village.

Well done to the Portlaw Branch and its two Cardiac First Response Groups on reaching the finals of the national Local Authority Community and Council Awards recently. It was a great honour to be named

as one of three finalists in the Emergency Response Team of the Year next to the West Cork Rapid Response Group and the Bundoran Lifeboat (category winner).

Well done to our cadet unit members who worked hard and enthusiastically on their projects to combat bullying – we had some great insights and tips into how we can all work together to stop it! Well done also to our team who visited a Foroige Group in Kill last week to introduce the young people to basic life-saving skills such as CPR, how to deal with a choking patient and how to place an emergency call correctly. If your group would like a visit, please give us a call on 087-6646824.

Kill COMING SOON: YOGA Planning is in progress to introduce Yoga classes to Kill Community Centre’s weekly schedule. The classes are envisaged to commence in the next few weeks – watch this space for further details or contact 0868569358 or 087-4133522 for more information or to book your place.

MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL SWIM The wait is over! Come along for our big Presentation Night this Friday evening in Kirwan’s Bar – enjoy the craic, the fingerfood and music and give yourself a pat on the shoulder for organising, swimming, sponsoring the 2014 Christmas Swim in aid of CRY. See you all there!

SOCIAL DANCING Dancing classes under the direction of Helen Kealy continue each Wednesday morning from 10.45 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. in Kill Community Centre.This is a very popular and enjoyable class. Complimentary home baking and tea and coffee are served – give it a try!

FOROIGE Congratulations to Aaron Guiry O’Shea, Aaron Murray, Aoife Power, Jessica Hallahan and Mark Lenihan who were delegates at the recent Waterford and South Tipperary Regional Foróige Conference held in Ballyduff Upper on the 24th January, 2015.

All did their club proud. A great day was had by all with a beautiful meal in Ballyduff Upper Community Centre.

We would like to wish our club member Coady Moore a speedy recovery.

A big well done to all our members who took part in our life saving class last week.

You all did fantastic and showed great interest in learning the skills needed to help someone choking, the steps to be taken in a life threatening situation and great CPR technique. Big thanks to the team from Portlaw Red Cross for visiting and teaching us, the ambulance tour was the icing on the cake!

PARISH NEWS The Diocesan Safeguarding Children Co-ordinator Mrs. Avril Healy will host a meeting for those involved in all aspects of Parish Ministry (i.e. readers, Eucharistic Ministers, choir etc in our four churches.)

It is important that all those involved in the various Parish ministries attend this meeting in Newtown church on Thursday, 5th February at 7.30 p.m.

COMMUNITY BINGO Our neighbours in the village of Fenor have arranged a Community Bingo Night for this Friday, 6th February to take place in the Community Hall at 8.00 p.m. All proceeds will go to community causes.

BIRTHDAY WISHES Best wishes to Jack Kearns on his 7th birthday this week – have a great day Jack!

Keith Kirwan also celebrates his birthday this week, we would like to wish you a very happy birthday and a great year ahead!

The St. Brigid’s N.S. Mosaic in Kilrossanty is on the way!

Bonmahon SINCERE SYMPATHY We are deeply saddened to report the death of Catherine Ann Dalton whose remains were laid to rest in St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen on Friday last. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. May she rest in peace.

PRESENTATION NIGHT The proceeds of the Christmas Day Swim in Stradbally Cove organised by Stradbally Soccer Club will be presented to representatives of the Bonmahon Lifeboat this Sunday night in The Bally Inn at 9.30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

ASTRO TURF The Astro Turf Pitch at Stradbally Soccer Club is now available for hire.

Contact Tadhg Crowley for time slot availability at 087-2306341.

THE SPOOKY LADY IS BACK! The Spooky Lady Disco returns to the Barron Hall, Stradbally for One Night Only on Valentines Night. Old School tunes, mineral bar and mirror ball. Dig out your flares and boogie on down! Over 18s only, admission €10.

Tickets from any committee member or The Cove Bar.

COUNTRY MARKETS Stradbally Country Market takes place in The Cove Bar each and every Saturday morning from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. Fresh fruit and vegetables, bread and confectionery, teas and coffees and much more are available.

ALLIHIES TO BUNMAHON MINERS TRAIL Since its inception in 2011 many adventures were had and new friendship formed along the walk from A to B. Now in its 5th year, the walk has grown and evolved into a family and community tradition and is now known as the Allihies to Bunmahon Miners Trail, paying tribute to the copper miners and their families from the 1800's whose plight inspired our event. Folklore and Sean-nos kept the memory of their journey alive in the hearts of the villagers from both Allihies in West Cork and Bunmahon on Waterford's Copper Coast for years, now you can take a step in their shoes and help to pass stories old and new onto the next generation. The dates for the 2015 Miners Trail are August 15th to August 22nd, mark the dates

in your diary, and come out and join us- for mile, a day, or the whole 250 kilometres.The search for work forced entire families to leave the Beara peninsula when the copper ore ran out, travelling on foot eastward to the Deise county.

The miners of old couldn't have completed the journey without the kindness of strangers, so get involved in a support capacity or sponsor a walker if you prefer. Funds raised each year are used for community causes.

For more information see www.atobminerstrail.wordpress.com or e-mail atobminerstrail@ gmail.com KNOCKMAHON NS Congratulations to Ben Lees who celebrated his birthday recently.

Preparations are in full swing for our Confirmations which are taking place in Kill Church on February 12th at 11.00 a.m. Due to unforeseen circumstances our celebration of Grandparents Day has been changed to Tuesday, February 10th at 1.00 p.m. in the school. Once again thank you to all who are supporting us in the Bonmahon Community Lotto.

Deise Day Care Centre Annual Pool Tournament ON Friday, 23rd January, 2015, we held our annual Pool Tournament. The tournament took place in our very own centre on our pool table. As you can imagine, there was excitement in the air all morning as everyone was practicing hoping they could end the day as the champion. Fourteen contestants competed with each other for the much sought after title of ‘Pool Champion’, the contestants were; Patrick Holland, Billy Allen, Tim Clancy, Willie O’Driscoll, Denis Daly, Jim Byrne, James Noonan, Pat Healy, Denis McGovern, Michael Sandford, Eamonn Meehan, Eoin Power, Paul Landy and Terry McCarthy.

The tournament went on under the watchful eye of our referee for the day, Timmy Coughlan.We also had a very

eager group of spectators, wanting to see which way the tournament would swing.

A draw was made to decide who plays who and then we got underway. The standard of pool we were seeing here at the Deise Day Care Centre was amazing.

Every one of the lads who competed were showing us that they most definitely have still got it. As we got to the later stages of the tournament, the tension was building, although the atmosphere around the centre was brilliant.You could really tell that the tournament was being enjoyed by not just the players, but also everyone who was watching.

We got to the semi-final stage and the excitement in the room was contagious.

Our first semi finalists were Michael Sandford vs. James

Noonan, the match was tough and it was hard to call which way it was going to go at the start, but eventually, James Noonan came to be the winner. Our second semi-final was an equally great game; it was Denis Daly vs. Willie O’Driscoll. An impressive performance from Denis Daly led him to be the winner despite the efforts of a very skilled Willie O’Driscoll.The final was held between two players who deserved to be there, James Noonan and Denis Daly.

With all of the spectators that couldn’t take their eyes off of the table, the game began.

Every ball was followed by nervous eyes from each finalist who would have loved to be the champion. It wasn’t until the last few shots of the game that we knew who would win, it was just that

close! James Noonan proved to be the winner and showed his delight in his celebrations.

Everyone was happy for James. Denis Daly showing

his great sportsmanship congratulated James.

A great day was had here by all at the Day Care Centre, and we just cannot wait for

next year’s Pool Tournament to see who will challenge James for his title.

Well done to all of the contestants who took part

and we would especially like to give a big thank you to Timmy Coughlan who gave up his free time to be our referee.

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COUNTY NEWS

Pictured at the joint IFA/Tallow Area Credit Union Information Seminar on Budget 2015 and the Basic Farm Payment in Tallow, Co. Waterford are John Condon, Tallow, Patrick and Karen Higgins, Curraglass.

Dungarvan Mens Shed DU

AN ARV NG

menssheds.ie GOOD start to the week in the Shed with the woodwork course in full swing under the eye of Jim Egan, with the lads getting really into their projects. Well done lads. The workshops are as busy as I've seen them, with planters, wheelbarrows and crafts being moved along nicely.

Preparations also being made for the first heat of the Star Awards in

Limerick, and the best of luck to the DMS and all involved.

Busy at the Shed all week, with the woodwork course, craft room and plenty of visitors! The Ladies from Lismore, "No Limits" Active Retirement Group visited the Shed on Tuesday and were highly impressed with our premises and the work carried on here.Thanks girls for the visit and kind words of encouragement.

The lads on the woodwork course are going from strength to strength with some of their projects already finished. Well done to all involved.

Johnny marks up before turning a leg on the lathe.

Maurice paints a barrel he's converting into a planter.

Tom decorates his locker.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

ERNEST WALTON COMMEMORATIVE COIN ON DISPLAY IN MUSEUM This limited edition collector coin is issued to commemorate the life and work of Ernest Walton, the only Irish person to win a Nobel Prize in science. It is a €15 Silver Proof Coin issued by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Ernest Walton was born in Abbeyside, County Waterford. In 1922 he won scholarships to Trinity College, Dublin for the study of mathematics and science.

He was awarded bachelors and master's degrees from Trinity in 1926 and 1927, respectively. The "Walton Causeway Park" in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford was dedicated in his honour with Walton himself attending the ceremony in 1989.

He died in Belfast on 25th June, 1995, aged 91.

LOCAL HISTORY DUNHILL LODGE On Tuesday last, two process-servers entered the house of William Power, of Dunhill Lodge, Esq., County of Waterford, and flung a tithe notice on the kitchen table, saying to the servant that it was intended for his master.They then proceeded on their way homewards; but were followed and overtaken by a number of the country people, by whom we understand they were severely beaten, and compelled to eat the original of the writ. The writ, we have heard, was directed, not for Mr Power, of Dunhill Lodge, but to another person of the same name. (Dublin Weekly Register 13th February, 1836).

UPCOMING EVENT AT DROMANA Series of Talks 2nd to 5th July 2015 celebrates the 800th anniversary of the charter from King John to the Norman knight Thomas Fitz Anthony, Seneschal of Leinster, granting Thomas the present-day counties of Waterford and Cork in Ireland. From the time when Thomas Fitz Anthony’s daughter married John Fitz Thomas FitzGerald, their descendants have lived at Dromana house, Villierstown.The FitzGeralds have been an integral part of the community since the thirteenth century.

Dromana 800 is a celebration of people and place. There are few families in Ireland today whose history is so well documented.To mark this historic anniversary there will be a series of talks and events at Dromana, Villierstown from the 2nd to 5th July. On 3rd July there will be a seminar which will include the following distinguished

speakers: Julian Walton, Ken Nicholls, Dr. Anthony Malcomson, Peter Murray, Robert O’Byrne, and Dr. Diarmuid Scully. Other events include music, house tours, Georgian fete, Commemoration of the Battle of Affane, genealogy consultations.

To find out details of the full programme of events consult the web site – www.dromana800.com ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP We would like to remind our members that the annual membership fee is now due for renewal. If you are interested in becoming a member of the Museum, the annual subscription is €15.

SPRING/SUMMER TRIP AWAY FOR MUSEUM MEMBERS If any of our members have any suggestions as to locations and events they would like to visit, please feel free to contact us on 05845960 or by calling into the Museum.

VISITING THE MUSEUM We welcome visits from schools, community groups, and local history societies.

Please contact us at 05845960 to arrange a visit. Let us know if you are interested in a particular subject and we will focus on that during the visit.

BOOK SALE We are now collecting books for our annual book sale. Books can be handed into the Museum, Friary St. Dungarvan. No magazines, encloyopedias or school books accepted.

OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. Admission is free.

FIRST WORLD WAR WATERFORD CASUALTY LIST WEEK ENDING 30th JANUARY Name: Patrick O’Flynn; Age: 27; Service No. Rank: 13878 Driver; Service: Army; Unit: R.F.A. 35Bde; Where Born: Cappoquin,Waterford; Death Category: Wounds; Date of Death: 28/1/1915.

Name: Bartholomew Prendergast; Age 19; Service No. Rank: 26205 Driver; Service: Army; Unit: R.Eng.23 Field Co; Where Born: Tallow; Death Category: Killed in Action; Date of Death: 27/1/1915.

Name: Patrick Walsh; Service No. Rank: 5234 Pr.; Service: Army; Unit: R.I. Reg. 1Bn.; Where Born: Waterford; Death Category: Wounds; Date of Death: 29/1/1915.

Name: John Patrick; Service No. Rank: G/5701 Pr.; Service: Army; Unit: Middlesex. Reg. 3Bn;Where Born: Limerick; Death Category: Killed in Action;

Date of Death: 24/1/1915.

FIRST WORLD WAR WATERFORD CASUALTY LIST WEEK ENDING 6th FEBRUARY Name: John Hart; Age: 40; Service No. Rank: 1383D Seaman; Service: R.N. Res; Unit: H.M.S. Clan McNaught; Where Born: Tramore; Death Category: N.S.; Date of Death: 3/2/1915.

DROMANA ‘The Old Countess of Desmond’ – Katherine Fitzgerald Katherine was born at Dromana in 1464. The lands of Dromana had been given

by James Fitzgerald, 7th Earl of Desmond to his son Gerald Fitzgerald, who became Lord of Decies and the founder of the Dromana Fitzgeralds.

In 1529 Katherine, daughter of Sir John Fitzgerald (d.1534) married Thomas Fitzgerald, 12th Earl of Desmond, becoming Countess of Desmond.

Katherine’s husband had been married previously to Gilis Ny Cormyk, daughter of the Lord of Muskerry.The marriage ended after Thomas killed his father-in-law in battle.

On the death of her husband, Katherine retired to Inchiquin Castle near Youghal. Her grand-nephew, John Fitzgerald took over Dromana. She was later known as ‘The Old Countess of Desmond’ as she is said to have lived until 1604. This longevity seems unlikely, she may have lived to near 100.

She is said to have died trying to pick cherries from a tree at Dromana. Sir Walter Raleigh claimed to have met her and refers to her in his History of the World published in 1614. In 1617 Fynes Moryson stated that she grew two sets of teeth and used to walk five miles to Youghal once a week. The Old Countess is believed to have been buried in Youghal Abbey, near her husband.

Further reading: ‘The Old Countess, the Geraldine knight and the lady antiquarian: a conspiracy theory revisited’ by Clodagh Tait in History Ireland magazine, May/June 2013.

The Countess of DesmondKatherine Fitzgerald.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

37

Stradbally

Cast Photo: back row left to right: John Baldwin, Gavin Hallahan, Liam Roche, Sean Tobin, Marie Barry, Veronica Henley. Front row left to right: Eoghan Hennessy, Helen Aherne, Emer Martin, Yvonne Seymour. 'Missing from the photograph is Ted O'Brien'.

Brideview Drama – Portia Coughlan in Tallow next week REHEARSALS for Portia Coughlan are really gearing up this week with the addition of the set, props, lighting, sound and costume.

The set which was designed and built by James Ahern and Sean Tobin is a relatively minimalistic set which invites the audience to use their imagination and create the scenic world of Belmont Valley in their minds eye. The river bank dominates the stage just as it dominates Portia’s life and the lack of a realistic set is in keeping with the way Portia’s mind wanders in and out of reality throughout the play. The set would not be complete, however, without the props chosen

by Judy Burton.

An antiques vender by trade, Judy is an expert at scouring the country (and the UK) to find any prop, big or small, which is required. The props she has chosen for ‘Portia Coughlan’ add that extra special attention to detail to complement the wonderful set. Judy has won numerous awards for her work as properties manager and indeed as stage manager throughout the years and she is to be commended for the invaluable work she does for Brideview Drama all year round.

The lighting is designed and operated by Mary Aherne and it is one of the most important elements of presentation in this play.The

atmospheres and moods which seep from each scene are enhanced by the artistic lighting which Mary has chosen. With plenty cold steel blues and raw white light for the most poignant moments, the audiences of ‘Portia Coughlan’ are in for a treat. It is Mary’s second year with Brideview Drama and we are delighted to have her on board with us again.

When speaking of presentation, sound and lighting go hand in hand. Perched up in the lighting box with Mary is Emily Aherne who is manning the sound again this year. Emily has designed and operated the sound for the festival play for the past six years, taking

her place at the sound desk back in 2009 for ‘Beauty in a Broken Place’ aged fourteen. She has picked up many awards on the circuit, winning the sound award in Rossmore two years in a row. “Portia Coughlan is a great challenge for me”, said Emily, “It is a dark play so it gives me the opportunity to create a dramatic, spinechilling soundscape.”

Another important element of the presentation is costuming. The costume choice for ‘Portia Coughlan’ is in the safe hands of Vanessa Hyde who did a stunning job last year on our production of ’13 Rue De L’Amour’.The play is set in the mid 1990’s in the midlands of Ireland but

the diverse range of personalities amongst the characters gives Vanessa great scope as regards costume choice.

Most of the cast are kitted out already and the final touches will be added early next week.

With only four rehearsals to go, the play is shaping up nicely and it’s full steam ahead from now til the performances.

‘Portia Coughlan’ is written by Marina Carr and directed

by Jack Aherne.

It will be in Tallow Community Centre on Thursday 12th and Friday, 13th February at 8.15 p.m.

Don’t miss this spellbinding show.

Please note: Over 18’s.

Ballysaggart CAR PARK REDEVELOPMENT This Saturday, February 7th, and weather permitting, work will continue on the removal of the road ditch and grass margin in front of the car park.

We will also dig out the wall foundations and pour the concrete.

Again, we are grateful to all the community volunteers who help out with their time and machinery in doing all this fantastic work in improving the village.

A reminder text will go out on Thursday evening.

LADIES CLUB Our Ladies are well rested after a long break and ready to go for our new season starting on Monday night next, 9th February, with special guest Tom O’Byrne from the Credit Union Lismore.

Hoping to see all our members on the night, and of course new members always welcome, at 8 o’clock in the Community Center see you then.

COMMUNITY COUNCIL 45 CARDS RESULTS 1st: Delia Cashell and Rita Doocey, Sheila Lonergan and Bertie Neville.

Lucky Tables: Pat Kirby and Pat O’Connor, Mary Power and Ber Coughlan.

Tickets: Fr. Cullinan, Delia Cashell, Dan Howard and Stephen Cunningham.

CONGRATULATIONS Well done to Lismore Camogie Club for their fantastic win over

Oranmore-Maree in the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Semi-Final last Sunday, February 1st. Best of luck to the team and all involved with them when they face Piltown of Kilkenny in the Final on March 1st.

CONDOLENCES Ballysaggart Community wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of Mary Curran (nee Cunningham), Ballyknock, Dungarvan, and Margaret (Madge) O’Keeffe, Deerpark Lismore. May they rest in peace.

FIRST FRIDAY MASS The times of the First Friday Masses in the parish of Stradbally are: Sacred Heart Church, Faha at 9.30 a.m on Friday, 6th February and St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen at 7 p.m.

Monday, 2nd February is Candlemass Day, the blessing of candles will take place at the morning Mass at Holy Cross Church.

Tuesday, 3rd February is the Feast of St. Blaise. The annual blessing of throats will take place during the 9.30 a.m. morning Mass at Holy Cross Church, at Sacred Heart Church, Faha at 6 p.m. and St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen at 7 p.m.

SERVICE OF COMMITMENT At the vigil Mass on Saturday next, 7th February at Holy Cross Church, the Confirmation classes in Stradbally parish will share a Service of Light and Committent during the Mass with their families schools and congregation.

PAMPER AND INFORMATION NIGHT All the ladies in the community will be delighted that a Pamper and Information night will take place at the Barron Hall, Stradbally at 8 p.m. on Friday night next, 6th February. As well as the pampering there will be tea, coffee and refreshments served with Valentine’s Day only another week away this could be your chance to get some lovely products and lots of beauty tips and advice. All are welcome. For further information phone Mary at 087 781 7994.

STRADBALLY MARKET The Stradbally Market that takes place each Saturday morning at the Cove Bar from 10.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. each Saturday, those producers are always one step ahead in planning for the market. As well as the usual produce of fresh fruit and vegetables, scones, bread, jam, sweets and cakes, pictures Collette the resident photographer is busy preparing some special Valentine’s cards for the 14th February. If you would like an extra special local Valentine handmade card then the Stradbally market is a must for you. Local romantics, please take note.

LOCAL SOCCER NEWS There was no jackpot winner in the lotto draw in

the Cove Bar. The numbers drawn were: 2, 7, 18, 20.

The €25 went to Matthew Cummins, Geraldine McGrath and Francis Sheehan. The promoter’s prize winner was Tadhg Crowley. The next draw will take place at the Bally Inn on Sunday night with a jackpot of €2,400. Thanks to all who continue to support the lotto. On Sunday night also at the Bally Inn, the proceeds of the Christmas Day Swim will be presented to the representatives of the Bonmahon Lifeboat. All are welcome.

Kirby School of Performing Arts continues upstairs at the Club on Thursdays ‘Kirby Kidz’ from 4.30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Adults (from 16 years upwards from 7 to 8 p.m.) For further details phone Edgar or Jessie at 087 150 8928. The Astro turf pitch is available to hire, contact Tadhg at 087 230 6841 for time slot availability.

BARRON HALL NEWS Preparations are hotting up for the Spooky Lady Return disco on Valentine’s night.There will be a champagne reception to kick start proceedings and get everyone in the mood. A plethora of valuable weekend away prizes awaits the lucky raffle winners. The chicken goujons are already sourced as are the cocktail sausages. The mirror ball is being buffed to a brilliant sheen, and Tom is delving in the back of the wardrobe trying to locate his bellbottom jeans. All for only a tenner.

Speech and Drama classes are available at the Barron Hall with Mairead Darcy each Monday from 5.15 to 6.15 p.m. It’s a Child’s Life Pre-School operates each weekday morning in the Barron Hall. For more information contact 087 115 0666.

The Tay and Mahon Valley Active Retiree’s meet monthly in the Barron Hall with guest speakers, tea, chat with convivial company. For information on upcoming events contact Catherine Clancy or Tom Hickey on 087 938 6209.

The Barron Hall is available for bookings currently, be it the large main hall or the smaller meeting room.

The kitchen facilities, disabled toilet and outdoor green are included in the booking. Contact the booking officer Nicola at 087 716 0700.

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

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‘Twas no ones fault exactly. It was just a mix up in communication.

“We're going for a walk” they said.

“Through Colligan Woods” they said.

“Small errand to run” says I, “I’ll follow ye up there”.

Twenty minutes later as I snuggled the Corolla into a prime spot by the wooden bridge, I had lost them. Not a sign of them. Nothing in sight except damp tarmac, damp walls and damp leaves.

Nothing for it but grasp the nettle (not literally) and take myself for a walk.

Who knows, I might get some exercise.

Zipping the collar of my coat up to my chins and pulling my cap down over my ears, I set off up the road looking like a penguin in a burkha.

As I strode purposefully by the river wall, the soft mist settled in the folds of my clothes and, to be honest, pretty much everywhere else.To say the day was dull, would have been an understatement of epic proportions. Suddenly, something moved mid-river. I skidded to a halt, creating seismic ripples on the Earth's crust.

There, motionless and silent, stood the majestic profile of a Crane. Without a flicker of movement, we surveyed each other, I with awe, him with contempt. I prayed for this moment to be frozen forever.

To that end, I reached into my pocket for the camera. But before I could point and focus, Frazier (yes, thats what I called him) unfurled his mighty wings, gave gravity a gentle kick and flew out of the frame. I could only stand and stare as he noiselessly soared over the foamy cateracts of the river and disappeared round

COUNTY NEWS

the treelined bend. As if he had cut a swathe through the gloom with the elegant turbulence of his wings, the cold mist again wrapped itself around me.

Though our encounter was all too brief, Frazier and I had become soulmates in those few seconds. Although he was gone and we would probably never meet again (such is the chaos of our hectic schedules), I was glad to have shared the tranquillity of the river valley with him for an all too precious moment.

Envigorated by that wonderful experience with nature, my walk took on a bolder and more animated purpose. My friends? Who needs friends! I have Frazier.

Ballinameela Creatives meet every Wednesday night at 7.30 p.m. in Midi's place, unless something really momentous happens. But I couldn’t begin to imagine what to expect, at this stage.

Naturalist David Attenborough said, “I wish the world was twice as big, and that half of it was still unexplored.” I hear you, David. We all do.

West Waterford Scór AGM After last Tuesday night’s AGM in Lawlor's Hotel the following committee were elected for 2015: Cathaoirleach & PRO: Míchéal Ó Drisleáin; LeasChathaoirleach: Pádraig Mac Gearailt; Rúnaí: Moll Shiels; Cisteoir: Rita Brenna; Munster Council Delegates: Cathal Dunne & Pádraig Mac Gearailt.

SCÓR NA bPÁISTÍ The dates have been set for Scór na bPáistí with the qualifying rounds on Friday, 20th March in Modeligo, Sunday, 22nd, March in an Rinn and Friday, 27th

March in Knockanore (venues to be confirmed). The County Final will take place in the Cappoquin Community Centre on Saturday, 11th April at 6.00 p.m.

SCÓR SINSEAR The County Final of Scór Sinsear will take place at 8.00 p.m. on Saturday, 7th March in Ballinroad.

ENTRIES We would love to see as many clubs as possible taking part in Scór this year, with so much talent in our county if you can encourage even one person to enter it would help greatly.

Pictured at the joint IFA/Tallow Area Credit Union Information Seminar on Budget 2015 and Basic Farm Payment in Tallow, Co. Waterford are Michael Murphy, Knockanore and James Barry, Glencairn.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Ballinameela Aglish Dramatics will be holding their production of SIVE by J. B. Keane on the 27th, 28th February and the 1st of March. Cast seated (L to R): Austin Halley, Ellen Curran, Julie Horsom and Henry O’Keeffe. Standing (L to R) Viki Mulhall, Pat O’Brien, Dan Fenton, Luke O’Connor and William O’Brien.

Ballinameela BOOKING THE HALL There is still some available slots for the evenings, so if you would like to start your own in-door soccer games for the Winter or other activity you can book the hall through our new booking officer – Alison Curran 087-8289147. The centre is also a great place for kids parties etc and can be rented for €30. Anyone renting the hall, please pay the person who opens up the hall for you and please take away your own rubbish. If you are borrowing anything from the hall, these must be booked through our booking officer Alison Curran.

Each month someone on the committee is responsible for opening and closing the hall, February is Maureen Culloo on 0863428621.

Current events on in the hall and local community: Circuit Training: Circuit Training classes have started back again, they will run for the next 4 weeks on a Monday night at 7.15 p.m.

Classes are of 1 hour duration and cost €5 per class.

The classes are supervised by a qualified Fitness Instructor and are structured to benefit every level of fitness. Start off your new year in a healthy way and get fit, tone up, lose weight and improve your general well being. Dust off the training gear and get down to the class. Any further enquires contact 087-8229762.

FINISK VALLEY AC Last Saturday several of our athletes travelled to Nenagh Indoor Stadium for Open Indoor Competition for Athletes U-9 to U-12.

This was a great experience for all the athletes as it was their first time competing in an indoor competition.

Caoimhe Reynolds had a great day competing in all disciplines, Jump, Run and Throw, starting with 4th place in the U-12 high jump with a jump of 1.20m, with a good run in the 60m sprint and finishing off the day with a brilliant throw in the shot putt placing her 2nd overall.

Ciaran Cotter had a good run in the Boys U-9 300m, Corey Scanlan, Jack Prendergast and Eimear Griffin also had a good run in their U-10 300m, Chloe Morrissey with her first day out with the club had an excellent run in the U-10 60m sprint in the finals, Meave Griffen also had a good throw in the Shot Putt.

Well done to all athletes who competed and we will be looking forward to the Munster indoor champs in March.

Trainning times Wednesday training from 7.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m., Saturday morning has changed from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. for the month of February in Ballinameela Community pitch/hall, all are welcome.

IRISH DANCING New members very welcome. For more information please contact Deirdra on 086-0640892.

BALLINAMEELA FOROIGE Ballinameela Foroige meets on Thursday evenings in the Ballinameela Community Centre from 7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. We have a very limited number of spaces available for new members this year, which

will be awarded on a a first come first served basis.

Please text Moya (0876356478) to join the waiting list if you are interested.

Ballinameela Foroige is looking for new leaders to help out on club nights.

Anyone interested in getting involved please call Mary (087-9840827) for more details; you can also check out www.foroige.ie or call down to the Ballinameela Community Centre any Thursday between 7.00 p.m. -8.30 p.m.

BALLINAMEELA ADULT AND TODDLER GROUP Meets every Thursday from 9.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. in the halla of Whitechurch National School. New parents, child minders, grandparents with toddlers very welcome! For more information contact Janice on 087-9718945.

AGLISH FIT4LIFE Aglish Fit4Life runs every Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7.15 p.m., walk, jog, run or crawl a few kilometres and improve your fitness level.

With Operation Transformation in full swing now is the time to join, new members always welcome and all levels of fitness catered for.

Only €2 per night with all proceeds going to Children’s Hospital Crumlin. Free hi –viz vest to all newcomer’s.

Aglish Fun Run/Walk 2015 3rd Aglish Fun Run/Walk in aid of Children’s Hospital Crumlin takes place on Easter Monday, 6th April.

Run 10/5K or Walk 5K. Entry Fee €7 or a donation, numerous spot prizes and refreshments afterwards in Aglish Community Hall.

More details on Facebook or aglishfunrun@gmail.com.

BADMINTON If you fancy a socialable game of badminton, come along to Ballinameela Community Centre on Tuesday nights from 8.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. If interested contact Mairead at 087-7681975.

COMMUNITY ALERT There is a Community Alert text system in place text your name and mobile number to this number: 087-3538347. It works in 2 ways, firstly a message regarding any suspicious activity is sent to your phone so you can be on the look out. 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.

LOTTO RESULTS 2nd February, 2015 – Winning numbers were: 1, 10, 23. No winner. €20 winners: Mary Daly, Barnastook; Tom and Moya Power, Ballymullala; Claire Seery, Ballyhane; Laura Dee, Ballymacmague; John and Ger O’Connell, Ballilnaparka. Next week’s jackpot €2,900 and will take place in the Welcome Inn. NOTES FOR INCLUSION If you have something you would like in the Ballinameela notes you can email Claire Tobin on fitz_tobin@yahoo.co.uk or phone 087-6808287.

Follow and like us on facebook, Ballinameela Community Centre.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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Kilgobinet/Colligan/Kilbrien THE PURSERS Mills Along the Colligan The Mill at Currabaha entwines with the personal history of one of Ireland's most famous artists. Sarah Purser, portraitist and founder of Ireland's first stained glass workshop, An Túr Gloine, grew up at the Hermitage in Dungarvan.

Sarah's father came from an immensely prosperous

Dublin family. Sarah's grandfather and uncle were partners of the Guinness family at James' Gate. Uncle John was described as 'a particularly gifted chief brewer.'

Sarah's father, Benjamin, was the Dublin family's youngest son. He tried his hand at brewing, but lacked the touch. However, he prospered when he moved

Portrait of Sarah Purser, Artist. Sarah's personal history is tied to that of Currabaha Corn Mill. The picture of Sarah is by William Fraher, Dungarvan's master historian and artist. Visitors to Dungarvan Castle can view a room full of William's historic art work. Picture courtesy of the Waterford County Museum.

to Dungarvan. Mary Brennan-Holahan ticks off Benjamin's triumphs in her 1996 book "A Portrait of Sarah Purser."

In the Spring of 1848, Benjamin Purser purchased the Corn Mill at Currabaha. Despite, or perhaps because of the Famine which still raged through Ireland, the Mill was a success. On the solid foundation of his mill purchase, Benjamin opened several related businesses. He bought a corn store, or grain warehouse, in Carberry Lane which connects the Quay with Main Street. To take advantage of all that grain piling up in his nearby warehouse, Benjamin opened a bakery a few yards away on Main Street.

Success followed success.

Benjamin bought shares in the new Dungarvan Gas Works in 1858. A few months later he was elected as a Town Commissioner. In 1867, he became a partner in Purser & Cody Brewery, another grain gobbling business. For twenty years, Benjamin had the Midas Touch. Golden.

But, Benjamin Purser had tied his fortunes to a town in decline. John O'Grady in his 1996 book "The Life and Work of Sarah Purser" describes

what happened.

"By 1871 the population of the whole district had fallen by one third, mostly through emigration. The local fishing industry had been ruined because Dungarvan was miles from the nearest of the new railways and could not compete in distribution when lines began to serve other south coast fishing ports. In little more than twenty years Dungarvan had become a backwater."

The general decline affected all Benjamin Purser's enterprises. It didn't help that he overextended himself throwing a magnificent wedding for his eldest daughter. To the end of her life Sarah recalled the mortification of walking into the shops in town knowing that her family owed them money.

In the end, Benjamin's wealthy family rescued him and paid off these debts.

But, Benjamin could not face the townspeople and he fled to America to find work. He never returned to Ireland.

Sarah Purser, Benjamin's youngest daughter, had always dabbled with art.

But, faced with family ruin, she was determined to earn her own living from then on. She chose to make a career as an artist and it is

Aerial View Of The Pond, Murphy Place and The Hermitage, Abbeyside around 1960 before Abbeyside expanded to engulf these country estates. The Purser family, owners of the mill at Currabaha, lived in the Hermitage. The photo was taken by Owen Shine and is provided courtesy of the Waterford County Museum. from this time that she fervently applied herself to that goal.

Currabaha Corn Mill might have failed, but its economic crash launched the career of a great Irish artist.

Sarah Purser's works can be seen at the Holman Chapel at UCC where eight of the 19 windows were designed by her or the

artists she oversaw at An Túr Gloine. Several of her portraits are displayed at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin.

KCK COMMUNITY MEETING 11th February, Wednesday - The KCK Community Group is meeting in Coolnasmear Hall at 8.30 p.m. All parish residents are invited to

attend.

COMMUNITY WALK Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights - Meet at 7.30 p.m. at Coolnasmear Hall. A donation of €2 goes to KCK Community Group for local projects.

High Visibility vests are provided.

INCLUDE YOUR INFO Scott Simons - greenhillsofireland@gmail.com

Abbeyside Scouts OUR meeting started with the Scout Prayer and then on to some pioneering (timber construction). But the big news of the last week was the County Fun weekend at Mount Melleray, where we had 21 scouts and three leaders as part of a group of more than 300 scouts from all

over the county. The James Bond themed programme included a Casino Night on the Friday and various activities or “bases” throughout Saturday. Each base was run by the leaders from a different troop, and we had about fifteen groups of scouts doing them in sequence. The Abbeyside

base was the alligator infested river and bomb scenario that we had tested earlier in the month in the den. This was a good fun base but with teamwork and planning challenges, and the average length of time to complete successfully was about fifteen minutes.

Scouts pioneering and at the County Fun Weekend.

We also had a disco on the Saturday night so, predictably, the scouts were all well tired by Sunday morning. Friday night in particular was a late one, with lights out at 12.30 p.m. but mouths closed and eyes shut probably an hour later than that.

Our venturers are planning a joint weekend with Ballygunner venturers in early March in Glenshelane and now that the weather is improving we will be starting back at the restoration of our Petrel dinghy. We are also hoping to benefit from the donation of a small lock-up store that would fit canoes, news on that as it comes.

We finished the meeting with the Scout Prayer and next week will be Mufti again. Please also remember that we need to get deposits and confirmed commitments for Annual Camp in the Isle of Man in the coming weeks. And, lastly, the cooking competition is coming up soon, better late than never, we look forward to the culinary delights to come!

Scouts pioneering and at the County Fun Weekend.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Lismore LISMORE TIDY TOWNS Even with the very cold recent weather Henry our CES worker has managed to get a lot of work done on wall cleaning on the Lismore to Cappoquin Road. Litter picking continues in the afternoon and over the five day week every area in the town is covered.

Canvassing for the Community litter roster which will be starting again in early March will be happening over the next few weeks. This roster since its initiation has led to people taking a great sense of pride in the town that they live and work in. It would be great also to have new people joining the working team when the outdoor work starts again in late February.

Some of us who have retired from work go out during the morning to get work done in the environs of Lismore and those who are employed go out in the evenings. So we cater for everyone. If you would like to get involved plese come to one of our general meetings, date and venue will be placed on the Community Notice Board, West Street just up from the AIB bank a week before the meeting. Meetings are usually held on the last Thursday of the month.

Part of the work of Tidy Towns groups is to promote the use of local bottle/bring banks. For anyone reading this column who does not already know where the Lismore Bottle Bank is, you will find it at Townparks , Lismore adjacent to St. Carthage's Home.

Last Thursday saw the official opening of the Red Hall, East Main Street which was attended by many of our members.This building is part of the rich built Heritage in Lismore and we congratulate all involved in a wonderful conservation and restoration job.

An important element of the SuperValu Tidy Towns competion has now to with efforts made by tidy towns groups all over the country to encourage people to reuce waste. In this column over the past few years we have tried to

create awareness of the issue by the ECO TIP OF THE WEEK Since September 2014 tips have been given on water conservation and how to stop food waste. So for the next few weeks the Eco Tip of the Week will be on general tips to help reduce waste in your home. It is in everyone's interest to do this because at some stage pay as you weigh is being brought in for waste collection.

The Lismore Tidy Towns website address is www.lismoretidytowns.com ECO TIP OF THE WEEK:Reduce the amount of waste you create by choosing what rubbish you throw away.

This can be easy and fun. Just follow some simple guidelines What to buy and how to use it:• Waste reduction starts at the supermarket. By making slight changes to your shopping list you can significantly reduce the amount of waste created in and around the home • Buy only what you need.

Reduce unecessary waste by avoiding thiose pointless purchases. Items that rarely get used can be borrowed or shared with others • Buy products that can be reused. Buy bottles instead of cans and rechargeable batteries. Items such as those create little waste as they don't have to be thrown away when used just once • Buy all purpose household cleaner instead of buying different ones for each cleaning role • Buy products with little packaging so that less packaging ends up in your bin. For those items that you buy regularly buy them in bulk instead of smaller amounts.

This will save you money as well as reducing waste • Sell or give away unwanted items to family, friends or neighbours. You could even sell your possessions in a Car Boot Sale and earn some extra cash • Reduce paper waste by cancelling unwanted mail.You can unsubscribe to many national mailing lists

CAPPOQUIN SCOUTS AGM As part of the 16th Waterford Scouts Branch Cappoquin, we would like to invite all members of the community to the Branch’s Annual General Meeting, taking place on Wednesday, 4th February, in the Parochial Hall, Cappoquin (Scouts Hall). A review of the year will inform all in attendance of what has been going on during the past year and a new committee will be elected. All welcome.

LISMORE COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONSE FUNDRAISER Friday, 13th February at 9.00 p.m. Disco with Mad Mike at the Lismore Hotel.

Tickets: €10 - will be on sale from next week. Finger food, raffle and spot prizes.

LISMORE DRAMATIC SOCIETY NEW SPRING MUSICAL ANNOUNCEMENT The Society is delighted to announce there up and coming musical, which will take to the boards of the Courthouse Theatre in May 2015. The show to be co-directed by Niamh and Amy promises to be a musical extravaganza and family friendly piece of musical theatre. If you enjoy singing or dancing and hope to join our musical theatre production come long to the Courthouse Theatre, Heritage Centre in Lismore next Saturday, 7th February from 11.00 a.m. - 12.30 p.m. to join in the fun.

Transition Year Students upwards and adults are welcome. Hope to see you there.

Any queries or unable to make audition date please contact Niamh on 0851927751 or Amy on 0879634977.

LOVED UP AND SOULED OUT - ROSE’S WEST END BAR VALENTINE’S NIGHT Local DJ with soulful sounds to suit all you lovers, young and old will take place at Rose’s West End Bar, Lismore on Saturday, 14th February, 2015 at 9.30 p.m. €4 entry. All proceeds go to West Waterford Hospice. Promises to be a great night.

Donation of AED Mark Heffernan Trust ON Saturday, 24th January, Lismore Community First Responders were delighted to welcome Fergus Kelly and family to Lismore for a very special night. LCFR were honoured to be chosen as worthy recipients of a Telefunken AED from the Mark Heffernan Trust.

The Mark Heffernan Trust was established in April 2010 by Mark's family and friends to tackle Sudden Adult/Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (S.A.D.S.) The aim was to improve awareness, raise funds for various vital organisations that provide screening and

Parish of Lismore and Ballysaggart JESUS’ primary mission was teaching the kingdom of God. He was also a healer who reached out to the sick. Jesus taught by word and by deed.

The Church, the Body of Christ continues faithfully that approach to the world. The Church teaches the Word.The Church’s ministry is to the sick through pastoral care, the Sacrament of Anointing and Eucharist sustains, heals, comforts the sick.

In so far as it is practicable every member of the Church has a vocation to care for the sick. As good neighbour’s outreach to the aged infirm as well as to the sick it is carried out instinctively.Without exception each has a gift of healing if only they would believe. That must be true since we are all made in the image and likeness of God. Through our Baptism the Holy Spirit dwells in our lives.

The Spirit is within us not in a passive sort of way but to make a real difference for the best in our lives.We can block the working of

the Spirit by our sinfulness.

The care of our health is our personal responsibility. How foolish to engage in activities and life styles that have a potential to wreck health. The coaching and playing of games have a high ethical content. The injury to an opponent on the field of play could well be a matter of justice and restitution for the one who caused the non accidental injury.

Is it possible that enough care is taken of young people in differing sports considering that their bodies are only developing. Their minds have been developing long before birth.

MASS TIMETABLE Weekday Mass at 10.00 a.m.

Saturday, 7th February - Vigil Mass in Lismore at 6.15 p.m.

Sunday, 8th February - Morning Mass in Ballysaggart at 9.30 a.m.

Sunday Mass in Lismore at 11.00 a.m.

PRO Pastoral Council Parish Radio Link 103.9FM

counselling for families affected by S.A.D.S. and also for research into this insidious killer.

Mark died suddenly and tragically from S.A.D.S. at the young age of just 23.

The Trust, in his honour, continues his memory by raising awareness and through tireless fundraising donates defibrillators (AEDs) nationwide to schools, sporting organizations and communities.

Since its inception, the trust has raised over €75,000 for this worthy cause.

On Saturday last, members of Lismore Community First Response Programme gratefully accepted the AED from the Trust represented by Fergus, Eileen and Michael Kelly.

Fergus Kelly, in his own right, is a true inspiration to pre-hospital emergency training and it was through his guidance and unwavering support over the years that LCFR has became a reality in our area. Whilst Fergus praised LCFR for their continued hard work, skill and dedication, it was from Fergus himself that the vision was inherited and skills learned. LCFR simply cannot thank Fergus or the Mark Heffernan Trust enough for their generosity

and for placing their trust in them. The AED will be in good hands.

The Lismore Community First Response Programme is a voluntary initiative: members are recruited from the local community and are dispatched by Ambulance Control to attend medical emergencies in their local area.

First Responders are able to reach the patient within a few minutes and provide first aid, perform CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation), and use a defibrillator (AED) where necessary.

This improves the chain of survival during the crucial early stages, until a fully equipped ambulance arrives.

It is hoped that through the additional AED, LCFR will be able to widen the current response radius of 5km to 8km.

To achieve this, we need to also increase our volunteer numbers and train more CFRs over this wider area. If you are interested in volunteering, and helping us to achieve this goal, please contact us on 0864034593.

To everyone at the Mark Heffernan Trust - Thank you!

After School Science at Lismore Heritage Centre LISMORE Heritage Centre’s After School Science programme has been a great success for 2015, children attending the workshops have investigated the human body, explored acids/bases, and experimented with physics and chemistry. There are two weeks left in the After School Science and much more investigating, exploring and experimenting to take part in.

To cater for every interest, Lismore Heritage Centre is delighted to announce a new After School Workshop; ‘History, Myths and Legends’.

This will give children the chance to learn and explore the old stories of

Ireland through drama, games and crafts. Each week we will take stories such as ‘The Salmon of Knowledge’ and ‘The Children of Lir’, engage children in investigating these age old myths and legends. We will look at different tales, discuss what they tell us about the lives of people in the past and how it relates to us today.

The workshop is suitable for children from 7 years-12 years, and will reinforce what they have learned during the school year in a different learning environment.

We will hold an open day to give parents and children an insight into our new Workshop on the Thursday,

26th February at 3.30 p.m., this is a free event and all are welcome.

For more information please contact Trisha on 058-54975 or email patriciaryan@lismoreheritage.ie

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Cappoquin DANCE Cappoquin Community Centre West Waterford Dancers host Annual Valentines Charity Dance, on Saturday, 7th February in Cappoquin Community Centre. Music by the Show Stoppers. Support Band: Batty.

Charities: SERT, St. Carthages House, Lismore and Cappoquin Day Centre.

For information contact: 087-8128169 or 087-7786677.

WATERFORD ADVENTURE RACE 2015 Saturday, 16th May, 2015. Categories are as follows: Elite €60; Sporty €60; Duathlon €40;Team Relay €160 (teams of four). Book now. Entries close Friday, 15th May, 2015.

Route is as follows: 9.00 a.m.: • Start: Leave Community Centre through Cappoquin to Glenshelane • Run up through Glen to Melleray Grotto, onto road, left at Cats Bar down through Cappoquin Estate, down Belmont Gates, back to Community Centre( 11K).

• Kayak from Boathouse to Kitchen Hole • Cycle over Lismore Road, right at Glenribbon, Up Vee, Elite climb Sugarloaf Mountain • Others run to lake • Cycle back to Lismore, left at top of Ferrylane, right at Convent, out to Killahala, turn left, straight to Rock.

• At Rock, dismount bike and run 4k in a circuit • Finish on return to Rock.

Relay Race: Stage 1: Run (Glenshelane) 11k Stage 2: Kayak 2k Stage 3: Cycle to Vee Stage 4: Run to lake Stage 5: Cycle to Rock via Lismore Stage 6: Run 4k Register online ActiveNetworks.com LOTTO Monday, 2nd February, 2015. Jackpot €4,400. No Winner. Numbers drawn

were 4, 11, 19 and 21. Consolation Prizes: Nelo Lepustean, Glenside; Pat Fennessey, Lismore; Mary Foley, Mill St.; Chrissie Denn, Modeligo; Johnny Dalton, Shanbally and Bernie O’Donnell, Affane. Next Draw: Monday, 9th February, 2015. All proceeds goes towards Community Centre.

Current Jackpot €4,500.

CAPPOQUIN SCOUTS AGM As part of the 16th Waterford Scouts Branch Cappoquin, we would like to invite all members of the community to the Branch’s Annual General Meeting, taking place on Wednesday, 4th February, in the Parochial Hall, Cappoquin (Scouts Hall). A review of the year will inform all in attendance of what has been going on during the past year and a new committee will be elected. All welcome.

CAPPOQUIN DAY CENTRE During the years past a lot of lovely people have given their talents and services in a voluntary capacity and continue to do so, to entertain, amuse and teach. Our guests have enjoyed and appreciated all of this effort and perhaps these volunteers are not thanked enough. So a very BIG THANK YOU to Christine O'Flynn for her glorious singing before Christmas, to Paddy O’Brien for his generosity and talent last week, to Billy and Dick who are great regulars, Sunset Sound who have also come on many occasions and Adrian Kelly too - all super people with big hearts.

Thank you from our hearts to all the wonderful faithful volunteers that simply could not be managed without, the everyday people who help with Bingo, Quizzes, Arts and Crafts and other games and essential background stuff, like fundraising.

Take a bow. We have a brilliant and caring staff who work very hard to keep the place spotless and welcoming. Bus driver John, ever patient and kind. Our Centre is open Tues to Friday from

10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. A place to meet old friends and new friends, have a chat and a gorgeous lunch. If you would like to visit even for a day, phone Kathleen 52018.

CAPPOQUIN ARA AGM Our Annual General Meeting was held in the Community Centre on Monday, 26th January. There was a very good attendance. The outgoing Chairperson Helen McGrath, Secretary Valerie Delaney and Treasurer Mary Kiely gave comprehensive reports on our affairs activity wise and financial.We are in good order and looking forward to the year ahead. Our new Chairman is Denis O'Reilly; Vice Chair Anna Murphy; Secretary Valerie; Assistant Secretary Maura Ryan; Treasurer Mary Kiely and Assistant Treasurer Ina Hayes and PRO Helen McGrath. Committee members Vincent Bergin, Marjorie Feerick, Angela O’Reilly and Pat Murphy. Thank you to Cathy and “The Lads” for all their help during the year.

A little reminder to our members.

Membership fees are now due. Advice from our new Members Annual - search for the silver lining, Find the joy in life and stop worrying about things you cannot change and it also says Write your memoirs, maybe someone has a bestseller in them!

LOVED UP AND SOULED OUT - ROSE’S WEST END BAR VALENTINE’S NIGHT Local DJ with soulful sounds to suit all you lovers, young and old will take place at Rose’s West End Bar, Lismore on Saturday, 14th February, 2015 at 9.30 p.m. €4 entry. All proceeds go to West Waterford Hospice. Promises to be a great night.

BIRTHDAY WISHES Birthday wishes to Miss Sinead White, Mount Odell, Dungarvan who celebrated her birthday on Sunday, February 1st from Catriona Barron, Dromore.

SUIB $FBQBDI $IPJOO BTD $BUIB /

Helen Burke from Knockalara, Cappoquin, who celebrated her 50th birthday last week with her family and friends.

BATTLE OF AFFANE CONCERT At the time of these notes going to press, there were less than twenty tickets left on sale for the ‘Affane’s Battle 450 concert at the Boathouse next Friday night, 6th February.

Mary Murray’s shop has less than a handful remaining, while the Credit Union in Main Street has the remainder. We can do no more than advise potential patrons again that you are strongly advised to get your tickets as soon as possible, as it is looking highly likely that this unique concert will be a sell-out.

Preparations for the concert itself have been progressing very well, with singers, dancers, actors and other performers all across west Waterford all sharpening their talents, and some history and cultural experts preparing to provide insights into the Battle and

the rival families involved during the evening too.

Heritage Group members are certainly keeping themselves busy, with tasks ranging from costume procurement, programme production, prop making and, last we heard, the search for a good recipe for punch! Our sincere thanks to the Rowing Club too, for making its facilities available without a second thought, not only for the concert but also for numerous practice sessions and other jobs before the

Waterford Adventure Race 2015 evening. More than one indoor training session has been disrupted by us already.

THIS WEEK’S PHOTO This week’s image is a classic, kindly donated by that great collector of old photos, Denny O’Sullivan.

Details are sketchy enough, but it features the local organising committee for a sheep sheering competition. The venue may well have been the local vocational school, by the look of the building behind the

group. This could well have been a committee organising the national championships, as these were held in the local area on at least one occasion during the 1960s, including once for sure at the GAA field in Cappoquin.The presence of Peter Murphy in the photo also suggests that this was a national event, as he was a major figure in Macra na Feirme and other farming bodies for many years, as well as being the host of the famous ‘Cross Country Quiz’ on RTE television,

Local organising committee for a sheep sheering competition.

back when RTE was television in its entirety for most people.

In any event, we hope this picture will bring back fond memories of a lot of great local people, and by all means if anyone can shed more light on the background details to this 1962 image, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Pictured here, from left, are: George Roche, Paddy Fives, Matty Power, Mart Noonan, John Rea, Paddy Morrissey, Peter Murphy, Pat Connery, John O’Brien and Jim Collins.

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COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Villierstown JACK THE JOKER Jack the Joker draw took place on Sunday Night in An Cruiscín Lán and €50 was won by Yvonne Morrissey, with Card Number 25, the Queen of Diamonds. Congratulations.

Jackpot next week is €900. Remember if you are not in….you can’t win.

This is a joint community fundraiser and tickets can be bought locally.

PUB QUIZ – A GREAT NIGHT OUT The Villierstown Dromana 800 Organisers are planning a Pub Quiz in An Cruiscín Lán on Friday, 13th February at 8.00 p.m. to help fund the Georgian Fete being held in the village on Sunday, 5th July.

Teams of 4 - €20 per table.

All welcome. This is a joint community event.

FEBRUARY – START OF SPRING Last Sunday, February 1st - marks the first day of spring, and is also known as Lá Fhéile Bhríde, Saint Brigid's Feast Day. The life of Saint Brigid is celebrated on February 1st. Brigid is regarded as Ireland’s female patron saint.

CRAFTY CRAFTERS Yes ladies, it’s that time of year again. We start back on Monday, 9th February at 7.30 p.m. The plan of action this term is to do your own creative project.

Taking it a bit easier after last term’s very intensive course. I do hope someone actually listened and learnt as a lot of sharing of quilting knowledge will be required.

Of course I talk to myself when I craft. Sometimes I need expert advice………

STUDY GROUP Every evening after school from 4.15 p.m. – 6.00 p.m. in the VECP Community Room. Fully supervised venue with individual study desks. Check with a parent supervisor any evening for details.

FOROIGE The Villierstown / Aglish Foroige Group meet every Friday evening in the Community Room beside the shop in Villierstown.

“WE NEED YOUTH LEADERS” DROMANA 800 CELEBRATE OUR HISTORY From Thursday, July 2nd to Sunday, July 5th there will be a festival to celebrate 23 generations of the FitzGerald family at Dromana, Villierstown, Co. Waterford. There will be a diverse range of events over the weekend with something for all tastes.

Check out www.dromana 800.com or Facebook for full details.

VALENTINE TREATS Shop local for that special valentine treat. Tori will be dazzling us with her selection of goodies for that special day. Special orders taken from now, Main Street,Villierstown.

VILLIERSTOWN LIBRARY – COFFEE MORNING Open every Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday morning from 11.00 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. in the community room beside the shop.

This is becoming a very popular venue to enjoy one of Tori’s delicious cakes, coffee, have a chat and choose a book. After last week’s entry in these notes we were very busy with visitors. Everyone welcome to drop in.

VILLIERSTOWN COMMUNITY ROOM Villierstown Community Room, beside the shop is available to hire for a variety of uses. Meetings, Mother & Toddler Groups, Training Programmes, Music Lessons, Band Practice, Private Tuition, Prayer Gatherings, Painting Classes, Bridge Club, Craft Groups. You name it, if we can oblige we will. This facility is private, fully air conditioned, bathroom facilities, tea & coffee kitchen and individual and large tables available on site.

Contact the VECP. A VALENTINE DAY WITH A DIFFERENCE Dublin Zoo have put together a Valentines Weekend Date Package, allowing couples exclusive entry to the Zoo on the Saturday and Sunday with a special goodie bag and lunch or breakfast on the day. What an amazing, unexpected way to enjoy a romantic day out. Check out: www.dublinzoo.ie EARLY FEBRUARY GARDENING TIP Continue to dig over existing beds and borders, again incorporating as much organic matter as you can. Forking over not only helps prepare the soil for spring, it helps reduce pests

by exposing them to hungry birds.

PILATE CLASSES Zofia Power has resumed her Pilate classes in the VECP community Room every Monday 10.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m. Wednesday 7.30 p.m. - 8.30 p.m. extra dates will be arranged, possibly a Friday morning 10.00 a.m.

- 11.00 a.m. if other times are oversubscribed. Contact Zofia / Carol 0876635465.

DANCERCISE CLASS Just a reminder, this very popular dancercise class is back with a bang every Tuesday evening from 7.00 p.m. - 8.00 p.m. in Villierstown Church Hall Facility. Enjoy learning the moves to chart music and getting fit at the same time.

Sounds good to me.

SAFE TALK If you need someone to talk to or just needs someone to listen. We are lucky in Villierstown to have a trained “Safe Talk” councillor. Call Carol on: 0876635465.

I NEED YOUR HELP If any group or individual has anything they would like to be include in these notes, just let me know.

Remember if I don’t know what’s happening I can’t include it. All local news very welcome.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK “Spring is the time of plans and projects.”

Leo Tolstoy

Pictured at the joint IFA/Tallow Area Credit Union Information Seminar on Budget 2015 and Basic Farm Payment in Tallow, Co. Waterford are Eoin Riordan, Tallow and Shay Joyce, Ballyduff.

HALL The AGM of the hall was held last week. Officers for the next year are as follows: President - Rev. John Delaney, P.P.;Vice Presidents - Kathleen Whyte, Tessie Daly and Larry Flynn; Chairman - Tom V. Walsh; Vice Chairperson Anne Phelan; Secretary - Tony Coffey; Assistant Secretary Margaret Riordan; Treasurer Muiris Walsh; Assistant Treasurer - John McCusker; Hall Bookings Liz O’Riordan; Committee Officers - Breda Crotty and Quan Butler.

All members thanked Quan Butler for his services as Treasurer for the last 15 years.

The meeting concluded with a prayer for all deceased members.

ST. BRIGID’S DAY St. Brigid’s Day was celebrated in the Parish last Sunday.

Many people visited the three wells in the old graveyard and took water from the three wells. Mass will be celebrated

there later on in the year.

COFFEE MORNING Coffee Morning and Cake Sale in the hall after Mass this Sunday, 7th February. Proceeds will go to the Kilrossanty Ladies Football Club. Please support.

DEISE DRAW Tickets will be given out this week to promoters for the next series of Deise Draws which will be held on 27th March.

I.C.A. Dinner this Friday night in Lawlors at 7.30 p.m. Fee is €20.

Please give name to Molly Casey as soon as possible. Non members very welcome. It is important to give name as hotel needs the number. Tel. 097-7857540.

The February meeting will be held on 9th February in the hall at 8.00 p.m. We will have a guest speaker on the night.The competition is for something with a St. Brigid theme on it be it a cross, a card, or any little homemade item.

Bobby Gardiner with one of his students, Jeremy Saich at Cork City Hall where it was announced that Bobby will receive the Gradam Ceoil TG4 Lifetime Achievement Award.

BALLYDUFF COMHALTAS

Success at Ceol an Gheimhridh Kilrossanty na Mumhan MUSICIANS and dancers from Ballyduff Comhaltas branch had a very successful day in Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick at the Ceol an Gheimhridh competition on Sunday, February 1st 2015. Thomas Ahern did very well in the Strings competition Under 17 and achieved 1st place as did Bríd McMaugh and Cian Smith in the duet competition Under 13. Emma Corbett and Thomas Ahern took 2nd place honours in the Duet competition Under 17. Jeremy Saich came 3rd in the Reed competition Under 17 and Cian Smith came 3rd in the reed and wind competitions Under 13.

Our set dancers had a good day out as well.The mixed set under 12 came 3rd and the mixed set under 17 were 2nd. The girls under 17 were 2nd as well and were competing in a very tough competition. It was a very enjoyable day out for all our musicians and dancers.

TG4 GRADAM CEOIL We are delighted to hear that one of our teachers, the great Bobby Gardiner is to receive the lifetime achievement award at the TG4 Gradam Ceoil traditional Irish music award on Sunday, February 22nd at

the Cork Opera House. This is a fitting tribute to a wonderful musician who is a legendary box and melodeon player. The ceremony will be televised live on TG4.

Congratulations to Bobby and to the Gardiner family from the Ballyduff Comhaltas branch.

IRISH NIGHT IN ARAGLIN FEBRUARY 13th There will be a special night of Irish dance and céilí held in Araglin Community Hall on Friday, February 13th from 8.30 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. This will be a night for all the family and everyone is welcome.

Whatever your level of ability in dance, this is the night for you and should be a great evening of family fun.

IRISH CLASSES FOR LEAVING CERT STUDENTS The Irish classes for Leaving Certificate students continue in The Log Cabin on Saturday evenings at 7.00 p.m.

These classes are a great preparation for the leaving cert oral Irish exam and provide the opportunity for students to practise their Irish with a post primary teacher.

Classes are €5.

COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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Nótaí na Gaeltachta le Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise DÍOLACHÁIN LEABHAR / BOOK SALE Beidh díolacháin Leabhar ar son Cumann Camógaíochta na Rinne ar siúl ar an Domhnach, 8ú Feabhra i Halla na Rinne ó 12.00 noon - 2.00 p.m.

Beidh cupán tae agus cístí ar fáil le rogha leabhar. Míle fáile roimh gach éinne.

A Book Sale in aid of CC na Rinne will be held on Sunday, 8th February from 12.00 noon - 2.00 p.m. i Halla na Rinne.

Tea/coffee and cakes and a range of books available, bígí linn.

CEARDLANN SCANNÁIN / WORKSHOP Beidh ceardlann ar siúl i Halla Pobail na Rinne anocht, 4 Feabhra ó 7 – 8.30 chun scileanna a thabhairt do dhaoine scannáin bheaga faoin gceantar a chur le chéile, a bheidh mar chuid den togra turasóireachta atá idir lámha faoi láthair.

A workshop covering the skills on how to make short videos by using your phone will take place in Halla Pobail na Rinne this Wednesday evening from 7 – 8.30 p.m. Catherine and Rose Ann Foley will guide the participants through the different stages of putting content together. The project is part of a social enterprise project run with the support of Waterford Leader Partnership.

AISTEOIRÍ AN tSEAN PHOBAIL Léireofar “The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley” arís thar dhá oíche an deireadh seachtaine seo, Feabhra 7 & 8 (Satharn agus Domhnach), i Halla Colmán at 8.15i.n. gach oíche. Glao ar (058) 46483 chun ticéid a chur in áirithe. Ní greann go greann an dráma seo!

“The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley” will be staged again this weekend

Giolcaigh / A reed making workshop in Meánscoil San Nioclás on Saturday, 14th February.

February 7th & 8th (Saturday & Sunday) in Colman Hall, Old Parish, at 8.15 p.m. each night. Please call (058) 46483 to book.

VALENTINE SA RINN An bhfuil tú ag smaoineamh ar bhronntanas deas a fháil duit féin, nó duine eile?? Féach ar na féiríní deasa atá i nDánlann Joan Clancy, suite idir Coláiste na Rinne agus an Coinigéir. ...Thinking of getting a nice pressie for yourself ....or someone else? See what we have for you in Joan Clancy Gallery, located between the Cunnigar and Coláiste na Rinne. Contact: www.joanclancygallery.com (058) 46205 nó 086 813 4597 nó info@joanclancygallery.com RANGANNA GAEILGE Tá na ranganna Gaeilge tosnaithe thar n-ais arís ón

gCéadaoin seo caite i Meánscoil San Nioclás sa Rinn. Tá 3 léibhéal ann, bun rang, meán rang agus ard-rang. 8 seachtain a bheidh i gceist, ó 7-8.30 gach oíche.

Irish classes have resumed since last Wednesday, 28th January in Meánscoil San Nioclás for 8 weeks. The classes will run from 7 – 8.30 p.m. with three levels catering for all.

AN LINN BHUÍ 18 – SEOLADH / LAUNCH Seolfar an Linn Bhuí 18 ar an Satharn, 14 Feabhra ag 4.30 i.n. i gColáiste na Rinne. Seo an leagan is mó den iris riamh agus scéalta agus seanchas den scoth le fáil ann. Fáilte roimh chách ar an lá.

An Linn Bhuí 18 will be launched in Coláiste na Rinne on Saturday, 14th February at 4.30 p.m., all are welcome to attend.

Cór Fear na nDéise to perform in Halla Pobail na Rinne on Saturday, 14th February as part of the Tionól Niocláis Tóibín concert.

TIONÓL NIOCLÁIS TÓIBÍN 2015 Is ar an Aoine, 13 Feabhra a thosnóidh Tionól Niocláis Tóibín na bliana seo.

Beidh an oscailt oifigiúil ar siúl i dTigh an Cheoil an oíche sin, ag tosnú ag 9.00 i.n. Bronnfar Gradam Niocláis Tóibín ar Mickey Dalton i mbliana ag an ócáid seo. Tá ceoltóirí agus amhránaithe den scoth bailithe le chéile do na ceardlanna maidin Shathairn i Meánscoil San Nioclás. Mar chuid de Thionól na nDéise, beidh cur i láthair i gColáiste na Rinne ag an Dr Stiofán Ó Cadhla ag tosnú ag 2.30.

Ag 4.30, seolfar an Linn Bhuí 18, arís i gColáiste na Rinne.

Beidh deis ag daoine tuilleadh ceoil a dh’aireachtaint ansin sa trí thábhairne go dtí am tae. Buacphointe na deireadh seachtaine i gcónaí ná an ceolchoirm a bheidh ar siúl i mbliana i Halla Pobail na Rinne ag tosnú ag 7.30 i.n. Tá slua an-mhór d’amhránaithe agus de cheoltóirí bailithe le chéile don cheolchoirm agus oíche iontach ar fad geallta.

Is i dTigh Uí Mhaonaigh a bheidh club na féile ar an Satharn.

Craolfar an tAifreann beo ar RnaG ó Shéipéal San Nioclás maidin Domhnaigh ag 11.30 agus beidh deis ag daoine cuairt a thabhairt ar uaigh Niocláis ina dhiaidh.

Críochnóidh an deiredh seachtaine i dTigh Uí Mhuirithe le seoladh dlúthdhiosca ag 2 agus

seisiún eile socruithe ansin don tráthnóna.

The 2015 Nioclás Tóibín Festival will take place in an Rinn from Friday 13th – Sunday, 15th February. A packed programme of events is planned for the weekend, including a top class line up for workshops on Saturday. Saturday morning will see some of the best musicians and singers taking part in workshops in Meánscoil San Nioclás.

Registration begins at 9.30 a.m. with the workshops commencing at 10.00 a.m. and for only €10 participants will learn from the best of musicians and singers, with the workshops extended to 3 sessions this year.

The workshops include: Uillean Pipes: Emmett Gill; Reed making: Míchéal Ó Briain & Victor Mullally; Accordion: Murty Ryan & Benny McCarthy; Fiddle: Jesse Smith & Carmel O’ Dea; Flute: Harry Bradley & John Kelly; Tin whistle: Ciarán Sommers; Concertina: Clara Mannion & Tommy Fitzharris; Amhránaíocht/ Singing: Aodán Ó Ceallaigh & Ógie Ó Céilleachair agus Nell Ní Chróinín.

SEIRBHÍS DOCHTÚRA Tá an Dr Gráinne Ní Fhoghlú thar n-ais ag feidhmiú ó Ionad Pobail na Rinne gach Máirt agus Déardaoin ó 9-11 ar maidin.

Dr Gráinne Ní Fhoghlú will be available for appointments in the Health Centre in Ionad Pobail na Rinne on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.

CUMANN NAOMH UINSEANN DE PÓL / SVP Má theastaíonn ó éinne teagmháil a dhéanamh le Cumann Naomh Uinseann de Pól sa cheantar, is féidir teacht orthu ag (058) 46125 nó 085-1520494.

The contact numbers for the An Rinn / An Sean Phobal branch of St Vincent de Paul are (058) 46125 nó 085-1520494.

MEÁIN SHÓISIALTA / TEAGMHÁIL / CONTACT Is féidir an nuacht is déanaí agus eolas faoi imeachtaí a bheidh ar siúl sa Rinn agus sa Seanphobal ar an leathnach Facebook atá ag an gComhlucht Forbartha – www.facebook.com/comhlucht.forbartha agus táimid ar fáil ar twitter anois chomh maith – @cfdeise. If anybody has events / news to be included in Nótaí na Gaeltachta, seol iad chuig cfdeise@gmail.com nó 058-46664.

Sarah O’Gorman

COMERAGHS COMHALTAS

Good Luck BEST of luck to Sarah O'Gorman from the Comeraghs Comhaltas Branch who has been shortlisted as one of the 15 finalists for the Seán Ó Riada Gold Medal competition in Rochestown Park Hotel, Cork on Friday, February 6th, 2015.The line-up consists of some of the top fiddle players in Ireland and America.

CONGRATULATIONS When the TG4 Awards were announced last Tuesday it turned out to be a pleasant but not unexpected surprise for all involved in Trad music in Co Waterford. At a function in Cork City Hall which was attended by invited guests from Ballyduff and Comeraghs Comhaltas branches as well as friends and families of the nominees, a loud cheer greeted the announcement of Bobby Gardiner as the recipient of the Gradam Saol Award. Bobby who became part of an innovative music teaching project in the early 1980s which was organised by Waterford Comhaltas branches, has had a phenomenal impact on the development of traditional music in our communities. Outside of his teaching career his musical reputation began in his teens with The Kilfenora Céilí Band and continued in the USA through the 1960s. His wonderful records from those years and later his CDs and broadcasts have ranked among the best. This Lifetime Achievement Award is well deserved by Bobby who has been so hard-working, co-operative, generous and loyal. No doubt admirers of Bobby, his music and his work will throng to the Cork Opera House on Sunday, 22nd February for the presentation of the awards which will be broadcast live from 9.30 p.m. on TG4. Doors open from 8.00 p.m. and tickets are €25. www.corkoperahouse.ie or 021-4270022.

NEW SPRING OF SONG “The winter it is past and the summer ‘s come at last and the birds they are singing in the trees”. The first lines from the song The Curragh of Kildare, like many songs in the folk tradition give hope for a new beginning. Our poets and writers have always been close to nature and the long darkness of winter nights is often very productive and a time for taking stock and planning. To quote Edna O’Brien “In a way winter is the next spring, the time when inner things happen, to bring on the resurgence of nature”.

Each February for the past four years our songs and Gaeilge committee arrange our Irish Songs Project for National schools. Once again we are working with Dearáin Ó Droma and Cóir Fear na nDéise. Of course songs from the repertoire of Déise singers are central to the project. As usual the project will conclude with a recital at Fleadh na nDéise and Dungavan Tradfest over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

GLÓR NA nGAEL Last week’s announcement that an office of Glór na nGael has opened in Dungarvan is very good news for everyone involved in the promotion of Irish traditional culture. West Waterford is a very Gaelic place epitomised by its living heritage of traditional arts, music, song and dance. Traces of Irish are prominent in everyday speech and any trip into town almost always involves a conversation as Gaeilge. The success of Gaelscoil Gharbháin and Meánscoil San Nioclás is a measure of the community interest in increasing the prominence of An Ghaeilge in communities even from outside of the Gaeltacht. Craobh na gComarach looks forward to working with the staff in the Glór na nGael office which includes our very good friend Cabríní de Barra. Go n-éirí an táth leo.

CONDOLENCES During the past week, three families associated with our branch have been bereaved. On behalf of Craobh na gComarach CCE deepest sympathy to our P.R.O. Becky O’Keeffe and her husband Joe and their sons Daniel, Ryan, Jamie and Joseph on the death of Joe’s mother Madge O'Keeffe. Kilgobinet has been particularly badly hit this week with the passing of Mary Curran and of Ann O’Connor Dunford in Clare. We would like to express our sympathy to both the Curran family of Ballyknock and the Dunford family of Bohadoon. Solás síoraí dá n-anamnacha uilig.

Follow us on Facebook - Comeraghs Comhaltas Branch or alternatively check out our Website -www.comeraghs.com

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COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Ardmore SPRING FORWARD! Welcome to Spring and all that it brings! Renewed hope, renewed vigour, Easter Eggs already in the shops… hang on, that last one doesn’t seem right, we didn’t even have Shrove Tuesday yet! Ah shur the multiples have to get in early on the act to make sure we get our eggs on time, leave ‘em at it!

Seriously, I like Spring and all that comes with it. A stretch in the evenings, a nice crispness to the air and businesses in the catering and hospitality industry that have had their annual late winter break are now gearing up for another season. Villages like Ardmore always go into hibernate mode when winter sets in and soon the steady flow of day-trippers will start to increase and all will be buzzin’ again.

Come and join us; the beach is still here after a relatively quiet winter, the smiling faces on the street are still here, the Beachcombers staff will soon be sitting down and deciding what confectionary delights they are going to be offering us all again! Quinns Corner is still a meeting place for many!

The T-Flag, the Gallery Tea Rooms, The Whitehorses, the pubs, the hotels; what more could you want?

Can’t wait for Mary’s Corner to be full of chatty folk again!

SAY CHEESE? I was unsure as to what heading to put on this piece so I went the opposite route to what I usually take; I’ll write it first and then caption it! Oh and for the record, any piece like this one is completely from my own personal viewpoint and are not instigated by any outside group or individual. You see, it all started when I saw a recent Facebook page…

Recently, while on said Facebook forum, I came across a page dedicated to preserving digitally the images taken by Youghal

photographer Bob Bickerdicke, who sadly passed away a number of years ago. He was affectionately known about the place as Bobby Presto, maybe you know of whom I speak.

Anyways, in one of the comments attached to one of the pictures on the page someone commented that it was far easier nowadays to take a photo than it was in Bobby’s heyday; it got me thinking that yes, it may be easier, but conversely it may be far easier to lose a treasured image also.

Very few people in these early days of the 21st century now go to the effort of taking a photo, tidying it up and then printing it off. Or preserving it by backing it up.

Folks, too much of village life is passing us by and not enough of us are doing enough, or rather are doing it incorrectly in my opinion, in order to preserve some tangible record of it. Over the Christmas period there were literally hundreds upon hundreds of photos being posted online by many out there; telling us where you were, what you were doing and those utterly pointless ‘Selfies’ were all the rage.

Almost all of the photos just mentioned were taken with phones, and here is where my blood boils. Phones, no matter how fancy they are, are not cameras and cameras are not phones.

Many times when we are in conversation here locally, the much overused term ‘heritage’ comes up and some of us pat ourselves on the back for preserving the rich heritage of Ardmore.

The rich physical heritage of our area is indeed wellpreserved thanks to local organisations but sadly, in my opinion, the cultural goldmine of a rich photographic heritage is not being updated by enough of us. Granted, there are some who actually use, and use to great effect, a camera of some sort but I’m

beginning to see a shift towards families being happy with fuzzy, out of focus and meaningless photos taken with mobile phones that will not by any stretch of the imagination stand the test of time. One meltdown of Facebook and everything you have posted there is history baby…

Next time, when an important occasion like a birthday is coming up, get a loved one a present that will enable them to be a part of preserving properly the events and happenings that are all around them every day. Get them a camera of some description. Print some photos you take, hang them on a wall, give as presents.

You’d be surprised the satisfaction gained by seeing an image that you took hanging up in a nice frame.

By all means post them online as well for all to see, and make copies somewhere safe. Over the last twelve months I’ve heard of at least three or four horror stories of people losing phones, phones packing up or getting broken and photos of never to be repeated moments lost forever.

Today’s present is tomorrow’s past. Get a camera.

COMMUNITY ALERT A meeting of the Ardmore/Grange Community Alert will be held in the ICA Hall on Thursday next, 5th February at 8.30 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

MICHAEL ENGLISH CONCERT Country & Gospel performer Michael English will perform in St. Declan's Church Ardmore on June 25th, 2015 in aid of Ardmore National School.

Tickets went on sale before Christmas in both the Brigid Shelly Gallery & Quinn’s Foodstore in Ardmore. Demand has been excellent even at this early stage with tickets going all over Munster where Michael

has a huge following of fans. Michael said he is really looking forward to the Concert, and he promises a special night on June 25th with the performance starting at 8.00 p.m. Tickets are on sale now in both the above locations, so get yours early and don't be disappointed in what is sure to be wonderful night’s entertainment. Tickets are priced at €20 will all profits going to the local National School.

CARDS AT KEEVERS BAR Card results for last Thursday, January 29th: 1st Tessie Mansfield and Liam Foley. 2nd Fr. Lucey and Billy Harty. Joint 3rd Des Fitzgerald and Gerry O’Brien, Marie Stillwell and Peggy Keevers. Last game winners were Terry McGrath and Anne Hally. Best last 5 Martin and Lawrence Keevers.

FERRYPOINT 5K RUN! Hey all of those confirmed to attend and all those of you that need that final nudge!

We are glad to announce in conjunction with our main sponsor Aura Youghal that we have a day pass for use at Aura Youghal for every registered runner/walker that partakes in the fun run and walk!

What more motivation would you want, let's shed those few pounds for a romantic valentines weekend! Many thanks to Aura Youghal for their fantastic support!

Registration starts at 10.30 a.m. and Walk will start at 11.30 a.m. Registration is €10 per person.

NAIL TECHNICIAN AND MAKE-UP ARTIST AVAILABLE At French’s Hair Salon, Main Street, Ardmore. Tel. (086) 1769088. Salon opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m.

Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Dramatic Start to 2015 in Ardmore FOLLOWING a number of meetings and a successful 'Weekend of Laughter' last year to raise funds to establish a new drama group for the Ardmore area, the committee are delighted to announce that Ardmore Players Amateur Dramatics has now been formed and registered with the Drama League of Ireland. It's a

very exciting time for Ardmore where there is a strong tradition and a great interest in the art of drama.

It will be a busy period ahead as Ardmore Players Amateur Dramatics prepare for our first stage production of John B Keane’s play, Sive, to be performed for two nights during this year's Ardmore Pattern Festival in

July.

Over the coming weeks we will be holding auditions along with the Director we have chosen for 'Sive' and will be calling on any experienced or budding actors and actresses to come along and audition for the very varied and interesting characters in 'Sive'.

There is also an invitation to anyone interested in becoming a member to help with all aspects of our first production, please don't be shy, join us on this very exciting and fun adventure!

So, if you think you

would like to tread the boards in St Declan's Hall in the Ardmore Players Amateur Dramatics first production, 'Sive', or if you could give a helping hand then please get in touch with Claire Flavin on 0861237126 or any member of the Ardmore Players Amateur Dramatics Committee listed here: Maurice Power, John Supple, Bill Ramsell, Claire Flavin, Louise Bradley, Claire Staniforth, Liam Lynch and Michael Lynch.

You can also find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ardmoreplayers

Pictured at the joint IFA/Tallow Area Credit Union Information Seminar on Budget 2015 and the Basic Farm Payment in Tallow, Co. Waterford are James Coughlan, Kinsalebeg and Richard Coughlan, Monaloo, Tallow.

Kilmacthomas CAR BOOT SALE Your car boot sale/market is back in the Rainbow Community Hall, Kilmacthomas on Sunday, 15th February from 10 a.m to 2 p.m. Lots of bargains in home baking, books, shrubs, flowers, timber, jewellery, clothing, bags etc., or just enjoy a tea/coffee and home made cake ina relaxing atmosphere.

LOTTO DRAW Results of the Kilmacthomas AFC lotto draw for Saturday, 31st January - letters drawn were: K, Q, S, Z. No jack-

pot winner. Five winners of €20 each: Peggy Power, Union Road; Murt Power, c/o PPI; Kenny Murray, Cappagh; Caroline Casey, Glen, Kilmac and Danny and Helen Sutton, Hillside, Kilmac. Next week’s jackpot €1,700. Be in to win.

CONFIRMATION The Sacrament of Confirmation will be administered in Kill Church on Thursday, 12th February at 11 a.m. to the pupils from Kilmacthomas, Newtown, Saleen and Kill National Schools WHIST The Ballylaneen Whist Club results - Alice Walsh,

Kitsy Keating, Monica Gough, Breda Galvin, Eric Townsend, Rosie Keane, Ellis Wilkins, Carrie Wilkins, Mary Walsh, Stess Connolly and John Power.

Raffle: Mary Walsh, Nicola Carroll, Breda Galvin, Eric Townsend and Mary Walsh.

DIOCESAN SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN A reminder co-ordinator Mrs. Avril Halley will host a meeting for those involved in all aspects of Parish Ministry in Newtown Church on Thursday, 5th February at 7.30 p.m. Please all those involved should attend.

Kilmacthomas Macra na Feirme

By Mark Hayes

IN spring the fancies of a club and its members become very real, a love for all things competitive take over and all the hard work, commitment and dedication seem all worthwhile as we harbour dreams of new found glory.

Without this period of what seems to be delusional optimism a club may well cease to exist and without clubs there is no competition likewise without competition there are no clubs.

However, perhaps more important is the fact that without strong clubs the very word competitive lends itself to scrutiny. Over the past two weeks Waterford Macra has been represented at national level both by a rainbow selection in the capers variety show and by Kilmacthomas Macra in the senior debating. Two very unique competitions to Macra but unfortunately the road has come to an end for both teams and so on behalf of Kilmacthomas Macra I would like to take this opportunity to thank

all those involved for representing our club and county at national level your attention to detail and relentless determination to release quality entertainment and valid points has not gone unnoticed.

We are a proud club and county to have members like you on our team and look forward to future competitions with you on our side. The county round of the question time took place last Friday night in the Central Bar, Cappoquin with Kilmacthomas coming in fourth place. A big thanks you is extended to those who represented the club on the night. It’s always encouraging to see new members. Our best wishes are with both Dungarvan Macra and Cappoquin Macra who now go on to represent the county at national level.

Kilmacthomas Macra will be taking part in the county round of the indoor soccer competition on Sunday, 8th February in Ballinameela hall at 7.00 p.m. If interested please contract Mark on 087-9566678 or indeed if interested in joining Macra for a whole host of events and competitions please contact Mark.

At the second round of the senior debating in the Sarsfield pavillion representing both club and county were (L/R) Kiva Stanley, Suzanne de Bhial, Richard Houlihan and James Dowdall.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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Tionól Niocláis Tóibín 2015 CEOLCHOIRM AN TIONÓIL / AMAZING TALENT FOR CONCERT ON SATURDAY, 14TH FEBRUARY Tá liosta amhránaithe is ceoltóirí den chéad scoth curtha le chéile do cheolchoirm an Tionóil a bheidh ar siúl i Halla Pobail na Rinne ar an Satharn, 14 Feabhra ag 7.30 i.n. Cead isteach €12 ar an oíche agus ba bhreá linn slua mór a fheiscint ar an oíche.

Saturday night will see the crowds gather in Halla Pobail na Rinne for the Tionól concert with over 40 participants already booked, commencing at 7.30 p.m. Admission is only €12 and the advice is to get there early for what should be a memorable night in Gaeltacht na nDéise.

The line up on the night will include: Harry Bradley, Jesse Smith, John Kelly, Emmett Gill, Nell Ní Chróinín, Carmel O’Dea, Tommy Fitzharris, Míchéal Ó Briain, Meaití Joe Shéamuis, Aodán Ó Ceallaigh, Ciarán Ó Gealbháin, Caoimhín Ó Fearghaíl, Tomás Ó Gealbháin, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Emer Fahey, Murty Ryan, Irial Ó Ceallaigh, Seán Ó Liatháin, Derek Hickey, Liam Flanagan, Clara Mannion, Marting Mannion, Mickey Dalton & cairde, rinceoirí seite an Bhaile Dhuibh, Máire Áine Ní Iarnáin, Cór Fear na nDéise.

GRADAM NIOCLÁIS TÓIBÍN LE BRONNADH AR MICKEY DALTON Gradam Niocláis Tóibín 2015 will be awarded to the legendary accordion player Mickey Dalton in Tigh an Cheoil, an Rinn on Friday, 13th February at a ceremony to start at 9.00 p.m.

Is ar an Aoine, 13 Feabhra a thosnóidh Tionól Niocláis Tóibín na bliana seo.

Beidh an oscailt oifigiúil ar siúl i dTigh an Cheoil an oíche sin, ag tosnú ag 9.00 i.n. Bronnfar Gradam Niocláis Tóibín ar Mickey Dalton i mbliana ag an ócáid seo. Tá ceoltóirí agus amhránaithe den scoth bailithe le chéile do na ceardlanna maidin Shathairn i Meánscoil San Nioclás. Tar éis clárú ag 9.30, tosnóidh na ceardlanna ag 10.00 go dtí 1.45, le clár beo le craoladh ar

RnaG sa lár. Mar chuid de Thionól na nDéise, beidh cur i láthair i gColáiste na Rinne ag an Dr Stiofán Ó Cadhla ag tosnú ag 2.30.

Ag 4.30, seolfar an Linn Bhuí 18, arís i gColáiste na Rinne.

Beidh deis ag daoine tuilleadh ceoil a dh’aireachtaint ansin sa trí thábhairne go dtí am tae.

Buacphointe na deireadh seachtaine i gcónaí ná an ceolchoirm a bheidh ar siúl arís i mbliana i Halla Pobail na Rinne ag tosnú ag 7.30 i.n.

Tá slua an-mhór d’amhránaithe agus de cheoltóirí bailithe le chéile don cheolchoirm agus oíche iontach ar fad geallta. Is i dTigh Uí Mhaonaigh a bheidh club na féile ar an Satharn.

Craolfar an tAifreann beo ar RnaG ó Shéipéal San Nioclás maidin Domhnaigh ag 11.30 agus beidh deis ag daoine cuairt a thabhairt ar uaigh Niocláis ina dhiaidh.

Críochnóidh an deiredh seachtaine i dTigh Uí Mhuirithe le seoladh dlúthdhiosca ag 2 agus seisiún eile socruithe ansin don tráthnóna.

FANTASTIC WORKSHOPS AS PART OF TIONÓL NIOCLÁIS TÓIBÍN Irish music and song will be celebrated at Tionól Niocláis Tóibín which will take place in an Rinn beginning on Friday, 13th February.The official opening takes place in Tigh an Cheoil, Baile na nGall at 9pm. Saturday morning will see some of the best musicians and singers taking part in workshops in Meánscoil San Nioclás.

Registration begins at 9.30 a.m. with the workshops commencing at 10.00 a.m. and for only €10 participants will learn from the best of musicians and singers, with the workshops extended to 3 sessions this year.

The workshops include: Uillean Pipes: Emmett Gill Reed making: Míchéal Ó Briain & Victor Mullally Accordion: Murty Ryan & Benny McCarthy Fiddle: Jesse Smith & Carmel O’Dea Flute: Harry Bradley & John Kelly Tin whistle: Ciarán Sommers Concertina: Clara Mannion & Tommy Fitzharris

Amhránaíocht/Singing: Aodán Ó Ceallaigh & Ógie Ó Céilleachair agus Nell Ní Chróinín For further information on any of the events, contact Mac Dara Mac Donncha 086-8565569 or Darren Ó Droma 0876007827 MURTY RYAN – ACCORDION WORKSHOP Tá an t-ádh linn i mbliana Murty Rya a bheith linn chun ceardlann a thabhairt ar an mbosca ceoil. Beidh sé i Meánscoil San Nioclás ar an Satharn, 14 Feabhra, le ceardlanna an Tionóil ag tosnú ag 10.00 ar maidin.

Murty Ryan is a button accordian player from a small village in north Tipperary called Toor and now resides in Ennis, Co. Clare. He comes from a musical family and his brother Noel was a one time member of the renowned group Danu. In 2002 Murty released a cd with Clare fiddle player Siobhan Peoples.They still enjoy a musical partnership which has taken them to many festivals both here and abroad. He is part of the vibrant music scene that exists in the town of Ennis and more recently has become one of the organisers of the Ennis Trad Festival.

REED MAKING / GIOLCAIGH WORKSHOP – MICK O’ BRIEN Mick O'Brien is one of Ireland’s best-loved uilleann pipers, performing regularly as a solo artist, with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, and with the Norwegian groups Vamp, Hanne Krogh, and Secret Garden. Mick was born in Dublin into a very musical family, with all five boys playing Irish music. Dinny, Mick’s father, an accordion and whistle player, nurtured the love of traditional music in all the lads. At the age of nine, Mick started learning the pipes in the famous Thomas Street Pipers club in Dublin, which was also a meeting house for musicians from all over the country. Now much in demand as a tutor, Mick has travelled to Europe, Canada and the USA conducting master classes. As a performer, Mick has broadcast on TV and radio extensively

The Gift How swift the years have slipped away, How fast the time has flown, How soon the blossoms of the Spring, Down Autumn roads have blown.

I find in memory’s lumbar-room, Recollection’s hoarded hours of gold, Untarnished by the tides of time, And more precious grow, as I grow old.

I think I hear the echoes still, Of a child’s voice and my own, Vagabonding down the yearning years, In faint familiar undertone.

It seems like only yesterday, Since first your faltering baby feet, Etched footprints on my soul’s soft sand, Time’s turbulent tides could not delete.

And when the ardent lights of love, Were ignited by your gentle touch, I would not wish or want for more, That could ever please me half so much.

And the little songs you sang for me, Then gifted them to wind and wing, In my heart still echo sweet and clear, Each note a tender touching thing.

Though years fly by on velvet feet, I love you as in infancy, But I do not have the gift of words, To tell how much you mean to me.

If with the Lord I could converse, And if he asked what gift he’d bring, O Lord! I’d say, I need no more, The gift you gave: is everything.

JOHN DALY

Nioclás Tóibín (1928-1994) "Rí-amhránaí Éireann".

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.

SEISIÚN CHEOIL AR AN SATHARN 14 FEABHRA Beidh ceol den scoth le cloisint sa Rinn ar an Satharn, 14 Feabhra le

seisiúin ar siúl ó 3.30 – 5.30 with free entry to the sessions and the invite to all to bring your instruments for 3 sessions in the local pubs: Tigh an Cheoil: Murty Ryan, John Kelly, Carmel O'Dea. Tigh Uí Mhuirithe: Harry Bradley, Jesse Smith, Emmett Gill Tigh Uí Mhaonaigh: Tommy Fitzharris, Liam Flanagan, Derek Hickey, Clara Mannion TACAÍOCHT Ní féidir aon fhéile a reáchtáil gan tacaíocht agus tá Coiste an Tionóil go mór fé chomaoin ag ár n-urraitheoirí: An Chomhairle Ealaíon, Ealaín na Gaeltachta, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Raidió na Gaeltachta, Meánscoil San Nioclás, Coláiste na Rinne, Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise, Criostal na Rinne, Munster Signs and Print, the Park Hotel, Comhairle Cathrach agus Contae Phort Láirge.

Moneymatters THE INSOLVENCY SERVICE OF IRELAND PERSONAL INSOLVENCY ACT, 2012 The Personal Insolvency Act 2012 (the “Act”), was passed into law on the 26th December 2012. When fully implemented the Act will provide borrowers (“debtors”), who cannot pay their contractual payments, with more options to support them to take control of their financial circumstances over time.

The Insolvency Service of Ireland's objective is to restore people who are insolvent to solvency in a fair, transparent and equitable way.

Its role will include: • Administering new debt settlement procedures • Authorising Approved Intermediaries (AIs) • Authorising and regulating Personal Insolvency Practitioners (PIPs) • Developing guidelines • Providing information • Arranging for provision of education and training • Monitoring the operation of the new procedures • Contributing to policy development For further information see the following websites: www.isi.gov.ie Telephone No 0761 06 4200 (9am – 6pm) www.citizensinformation.ie www.mabs.ie The Money Advice & Budgeting Service is based at Civic Offices, Davitts Quay, Dungarvan (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

Conna and District Flower and Garden Club Reed making workshop with Mick O'Brien.

Ceardlann ar an mbosca ceoil le Murty Ryan.

CONNA and District Flower and Garden Club will host an evening on Feeding and Pruning on February 18th at 8.00 p.m. in Conna Hall, as Spring is in the air it’s time to get started for 2015 season. Talk will be presented by D. J. Murphy, Bandon Garden Centre. Flowering Bulbs and Shrubs will be on sale on the night. www.connaflowerandgardenclub.org

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COUNTY NEWS

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan

Dungarvan Drama Club president Padraigin Ni Chadhla presents a cheque from proceeds of the opening night of the club's November production 'Da' to Donal Connolly of The Deise Day Care Centre. The centre is a magnificent facility for senior citizens of Dungarvan, Abbeyside and surrounding areas. The club is delighted to continue its long-standing tradition of 'donating through drama'.

Dungarvan Dramatic Club THE first day of Spring in Dungarvan was sunny, crisp and cool, but if your current plans include heading to New York any time soon, even if a stopover in Suite 719 at the Plaza Hotel is on the cards, you'll need to pack lots

of winter woolies to keep warm.

You won't need woolies however for DDC's Spring production 'Plaza Suite', a comedy by Neil Simon. Plenty laughter and smiles are guaranteed which is surely the best kind of tonic to warm the

soul!

And, speaking of Spring, our director Siobhan Buckley is 'springing' the cast into action!

Rehearsals are in full swing and cast members are getting to know each other as well as their lines!

Plaza Suite centres around three couples with very different stories to tell.

It will be staged at Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre Wednesday 18th to Saturday, 21st March.

Watch this space for more details!

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time: Job 7:1-4,6-7 Restlessly I fret till twilight falls. 1 Corinthians 9:16-19,22-23 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.

Our Lady of Lourdes/World Day of the Sick Wednesday, February 11th 2015: ‘Time spent with the sick is holy time… Time to care for the sick and time to visit them… Time to be at their side… Occasionally our world forgets the special value of time spent at the bedside of the sick, since we are in a rush, caught up as we are in a frenzy of doing, of producing, we forget about giving ourselves freely, taking care of others, being responsible for others. Behind this attitude there is often a lukewarm faith which has forgotten the Lord’s words: ‘You did it to me.’ (Matt. 25:40).

Today too, how many Christians show, not by their words but by lives rooted in genuine faith, that they are ‘eyes to the blind and feet to the lame!’ They are close to the sick in need of constant care and help in washing, dressing and eating.’

(From Pope Francis’ Message for World Day of the Sick 2015: ‘I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.’

The Sacrament of Confirmation will be celebrated here on Saturday, February 14th at 11.00 a.m.

Parish Office: Located in St. Mary’s Church and is open Monday to Friday office hours. If you want to book Masses or Baptisms call during these times. Phone 42374.

Daily Mass broadcast on 98.5 FM. Phone No: Fr. Ryan 42374; Fr. Harris 42384, Fr. Cooney 41136.

Emergency Phone No: To contact Priest on duty: 0862334282 St. Vincent de Paul Helpline No. 087-7747870.

Bishop – Elect: On Monday, February 2nd, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Alphonsus Cullinan, a priest of the diocese of Limerick, as bishop of Waterford and Lismore in succession to Bishop William Lee who retired owing to ill-health on October 1st, 2013.

Fr. Cullinan comes to us with wide pastoral experience as a curate and parish priest, hospital and third-level chaplaincy and a doctorate in moral theology from Rome.

We warmly welcome him. We pray for him and we look forward to his ministry among us.

Dungarvan Junior Musical Stage School - Just think of it!

New Term Registration Evening DUNGARVAN Junior Musical Stage School, fresh from their recent sold-out run of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at the Town Hall Theatre last week, will be holding a registration evening this Friday, 6th February, from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. in St. Joseph’s School, Dungarvan, for new students to enrol for their new term that will commence on Monday, 9th February.

The School is now in its seventh year and growing with each passing term. We cater for students aged 4 to 6, 7 to 10 and 11 to 17. Classes take place every Monday and Wednesday in St. Joseph’s School Hall, Dungarvan, where the students attend two one-hourly classes per week on both Monday and Wednesday.

If you like to sing, dance, act or you just like to have fun and make new friends, then Dungarvan and West Waterford's premier stage school is the place for you.

We have a strong emphasis on confidence building and having fun while learning all the skills of the performing arts from the industries most talented, experienced and in demand professionals.

The schools Artistic Director / Choreographer along with Musical Director / Singing Teacher David

Hayes have years of experience working in the world of professional Musical Theatre and we are very lucky to have them both working with our students at the school and we are sure our students benefit enormously from their undoubted talent's and experience.

Recently the school had the honour of having our students perform with Gary Barlow live at the 02 Arena Dublin in front of 20,000 people, it was a great experience for the students and we would like to thank David Hayes who was musical director for the concert for the opportunity to showcase the talent's of our students to such a huge audience. David is also Musical Director / Singing Teacher for The Voice Of Ireland on RTE and also The Late Late Show and recently worked on the famous Christmas Toy Show, David was also Musical Director for the original production of the world wide smash hit Riverdance and he also worked in recent years with Tommy Fleming, Josh Groban, Sinead O’Connor, Phil Coulter, Brian Kennedy, Sharon Shannon.

David also played piano for the recent professional touring production's at the Grand Canal Theatre Dublin of Sound Of Music, Grease, Oliver, Dirty Dancing and Disney's The Lion King and also the UK Tour.

David studied piano, violin, viola, clarinet, chamber music, orchestra, choir, theory and harmony at the Royal Irish Academy Of Music for over 18 years and we are sure that our students benefit hugely from working with someone of David's talent and we are very lucky to have him working with us at the school.

No experience is required to join the school, as all levels of ability are catered for, and all our students get to perform live on stage in our much talked about full scale musical productions and we are delighted to announce that our next end of term production will be the Disney smash hit High School Musical that will be staged in June of this year and we are sure that it will prove to be very popular with our students and audiences alike.

Our recent end of term productions include Hairspray,The Wizard Of Oz, Honk, Grease, Beauty And The Beast, Seussical, The Little Mermaid, The Addams Family and last week's production of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, all of which left audiences amazed at the very high standard and talents of the school’s students.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped out in any way on our production of Joseph, there are way to

many to mention here and it's very much appreciated and we can’t thank you enough.

It takes a huge amount of effort to stage a musical on such a high scale and without the continued support and help form the Parents / Guardians and friends of the stage school, it would not be possible. So once again thank you and we look forward to returning to the beautiful Town Hall Theatre in June with High School Musical.

So why not see for yourself why so many happy students can’t be wrong and come along this Friday between 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. to St. Joseph’s and secure your place for the new term.

If you can’t make it Friday evening don't worry as you can secure your place by simply calling Brian or David on 087-2360330 and we can enrol you over the phone and we will happily answer any questions you might have.

We have a full child protection policy in place so you can rest assured your child is having fun while learning all the skills of the performing arts in a sake and clean environment, skills that benefit and stay with you way and beyond the world of the performing arts and the rehearsal room. LET THE FUN BEGIN.

ON January 27th, 1945 the concentration camp known as Auschwitz, in Poland was liberated. There’s something ironic in using the word “liberation” to describe anything achieved by the army of Joseph Stalin, who was the tyrant who had built up a dreadful system of prison camps for the subjection of his own Russian people. But I suppose the unfortunate survivors in Auschwitz on that January day couldn’t afford to be choosers.

I expect that many people today hardly know the name of Auschwitz and I would expect that many people never heard of it. But I think that there are serious lessons for people of all nations to be learned from the history of the string of concentration camps that the rulers of Nazi Germany constructed during the decade 1935 to 1945.

For one thing, I find it quite horrifying to learn that many of the guards in places such as Auschwitz were also ordinary family people.They could take part in the gassing of maybe two or three thousand people everyday for a week and yet when they qualified for a period of leave they could go back to their family and to their own children and appear to be ordinary members of the local community.

Their explanation and attempted justification for what they were doing was that they were simply obeying orders: it wasn’t for them to expect an explanation of the orders or to question the morality of them. The truth is that obedience doesn’t compel us to do what is wrong. People in authority and especially people who demand absolute and unquestioning obedience, or conformity, such people need to be watched carefully. Even in our own day there are authorities who have the mind of dictators, you don’t have to cross the sea to notice them.

We also need to be on our guard lest we condemn anybody just because they belong to a particular nation or religion or whatever. Hitler decided that every Jew should be put to death just because he/she was jewish. He also condemned travelling people, homosexuals, mentally handicapped. Thousands of Hitler’s followers knew what was happening, but were afraid to shout “stop!”

History can teach us lessons, if we’re willing to learn.

Fr. Robert Arthure, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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West Waterford FERRYPOINT 5K All roads lead to Ferrypoint for the 5K Fun Run and Walk, on Sunday morning, 8th February down in Ferrypoint Kinsalebeg.

Registration takes place at 10.30 a.m., run starts at 11.30 a.m., entry fee €20 family, €10 adult, €5 child, lots of spot prizes, come along have some fun with us. Check us out on Facebook.

KINSALEBEG MACRA Soccer – Indoor Soccer resumes every Tuesday night at 7.00 p.m. in Ballinameela. All are welcome to join in at any time.

MICHAEL ENGLISH CONCERT Country & Gospel performer Michael English will perform in St. Declan's Church, Ardmore, on June 25th, 2015, in aid of Ardmore National School.

Tickets went on sale before Christmas in both the Brigid Shelly Gallery and Quinn’s Foodstore in Ardmore. Demand has been excellent even at this early stage with tickets going all over Munster where Michael has a huge following of fans. Michael said he is really looking forward to the Concert, and he promises a special night on June 25th with the performance starting at 8.00 p.m.Tickets are on sale now in both the above locations, so get yours early and don't be disappointed in what is sure to be wonderful nights entertainment. Tickets are priced at €20 with all profits going to the local National School.

PARISH OF AGLISH BALLINAMEELA MOUNT STUART Parish Pastoral Council – Our Parish Pastoral Council will meet on February 4th at 8.15 p.m. and a full report from the meeting will be given in the newsletter the following week. New members are invited to join the Parish Pastoral Council.

Christian Unity – Mass for Christian Unity was held during the week in Aglish – this annual event gave us a special opportunity to pray for Christian Unity.

Catholic Schools Week – Catholic Schools Week was celebrated in our three parish schools during the week of January 26th – 30th.

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes – On the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes – Wednesday, February 11th, Mass will be celebrated in Aglish church at 7.15 p.m.

– Sacrament of the Sick will be available.

Ash Wednesday – On Ash Wednesday [day of fast and abstinence] – February 18th – Masses will be celebrated in Aglish Church at 7.30 a.m. and 7.30 p.m. and in Ballinameela Church 6.45 p.m. Distribution of ashes will take place at all Masses.

AID CANCER TREATMENT Clashmore branch of ACT are holding their annual west waterford series of Church Gate Collections on the weekend of the 14th - 15th of February. We will be collecting at the following Churches: Aglish, Ballinameela, Mt. Stuart, Cappoquin, Modeligo, Affane, Lismore, Ballysaggart, Colligan, Kilbrien, Kilgobinet, Ring, Old Parish, Clashmore, Piltown, Knockanore, Kilwatermoy, Glendine, Fourmilewater, Nire, Touraneena, Tallow, Mt. Melleray, Ardmore, Grange.

To date the Clashmore group has raised in excess of €400,000 for Aid Cancer Treatment at Cork University Hospital and for this we are very grateful.

Once again we ask you for your very generous support. We would also like to acknowledge the hard work of all our members who give their time and services voluntarily.

KINSALEBEG NS NEWS January '15 Non-stop draw – Congratulations to the following who were our lucky winners in the Kinsalebeg Parents Association monthly fundraising non stop draw – 1st Prize: Billy Lynch, promoter Jack O'Driscoll; 2nd prize: Sean Curran, promoter Jack Curran; 3rd Prize: Redmond McGrath, promoter Ylanne McGrath; 4th Prize: Evan Russell, promoter Evan Russell.

Childrens' draw: James Sweeney, Rian Power, Aoife Murphy, Mabel Cassidy.

Thanks to everyone for your support.

CLASHMORE RAMBLERS ALPHA LOTTO RESULTS On Sunday, February 1st, the letters drawn in our weekly Clashmore Ramblers Alpha Lotto Draw were W. Y. F.Z. We had no winner of our Jackpot so next week it will be €3,600 when our draw takes place on Sunday night. €20 each goes to: C. Foley, Monatrea; O'Doherty’s, Clashmore; John Thirthy, Whiting Bay. Well done to all our winners and thanks to everyone

for your continued support.

CLASHMORE – KINSALEBEG GAA LOTTO Our weekly lotto draw took place on Monday night, February 2nd – we had no match four ticket to win our jackpot so next week our jackpot is €4,100, when our draw takes place at The Rising Sun Bar, Clashmore.

Monday night’s numbers were 8, 15, 25, 27.

Well done to the following who were the lucky winners of €20 spot prizes: Maurice Ledingham, Dave O’Callaghan, Peter Kelly, Simon Lombard, Jessie Power. Once again thanks to everyone for your support.

AGLISH FIT4LIFE Aglish Fit4Life and Couch to 5k every Tuesday and Thursday night at 7.15 p.m. New members always welcome. Only €2 per night with all proceeds to Children's Hospital Crumlin. All levels of fitness catered for.Walk, jog, run or crawl a few K and improve your fitness and have some fun. You are welcome to join in at any time.

CLASHMORE COMMUNITY ALERT MEETING Our next meeting will take place on Wednesday, February 4th, and all are welcome.

CLASHMORE 45 DRIVE Top prize winners at Monday [February 2nd] night’s 45 drive at the Decies Bar in Clashmore on ten games were Gabriel Hynes and Tony Keane. In second place on eight games jointly were Noel Nugent and Anne Ledingham, Aine Curran and Eugene O’Halloran, Una and Margaret Leahy, Kathleen Osbourne and Mary. Lucky last game winners were Mairead and Michael Fahey.

Well done to all our winners and thanks to everyone for you wonderful support.

NAIL TECHNICIAN AND MAKE-UP ARTIST AVAILABLE At French’s Hair Salon, Main Street, Ardmore. Tel. (086) 1769088. Salon opening hours: Tuesday – Friday 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. Saturday 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

BIRTHDAY WISHES Birthday wishes to Miss Sinead White, Mount Odell, Dungarvan who celebrated her birthday on Sunday, February 1st from Catriona Barron, Dromore.

Dungarvan Camera Club THE January meeting of the club took place one week later than usual due to the season and Christmas hols. A good attendance heard Ger Croughan, Dungarvan Library, give an overview of the activities of the Archive Section of Photographs in its files. The

Waterford County Museum shares this facility.

As it is available on-line it is a valuable resource to all.

Michael O’Brien gave an account of the recent SACC Competitions which was held in Waterford. Our own member, Colette O’Connell won an award –

well done Colette!

The monthly Club Competition (Christmas Lights ) winners were: Group 1 – 1st Saranne O’Rourke “Reflections in the Round”; 2nd Julie Ann French “Street Lights”; 3rd Tony Walsh “Fairy on the Tree”

Group 2 – 1st Michael O’Brien “Pull Me!”; 2nd David Walker “House Decorations” Group 3 – 1st Catherine Arnold “Yuletide Cheer”; 2nd John Bermingham “In my mind’s eye”; 3rd Bridget O’Neill “All that Sparkles”.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Dungarvan Credit Union Schools Quiz ON Friday last, 30th January, we held our annual U-11 and U-13 Schools Quiz in the CBS Primary School Hall.

There were a total of 10 teams entered in each section, competing for the Paddy Harnett and Tony Colbert Shields.

Both sections were keenly contested and after 10 rounds in the A section (U-11) Scoil Mhuire Abbeyside were the winners with a score of 51 out of a possible 60 points. In second place were Kilmacthomas NS with a score of 46, with Carriglea third on 43 just ahead of St. Mary’s Grange on 42. In the B (U-13) section there was a very close finish with Scoil Mhuire again the victore on 59 out of a possible 72. In second, just 2 points behind on 57 were Scoil Garabhan with Carriglea a further 2 points

back on 55. Teams finished on 53, Glenbeg and Kilmacthomas NS. A big thanks to St. Joseph’s Dungarvan (CBS) for the use of the hall and to all the teachers for preparing the children for the quiz.

Best of luck to Scoil Mhuire who go on to the Chapter Finals on 1st March in Clonmel.

CAR DRAW We are running a special cash draw for all the 2014-2015 Car Draw members on Friday, 13th February, where 10 lucky car draw members will be playing for a prize fund of €5,000. The lucky 10 will have to be present on the 13th in the members hall, Parnell Street, where the final will take place.

Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside winners of section A for the Paddy Harnett Shield presented by Ann Jones. Included is Pat Breen, President Dungarvan Credit Union.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Carriglea, Third in Section A. Included are Pat Breen, President Dungarvan Credit Union, Gabriel Foley and Liam Moore, Promotions Committee.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside, B Winners being presented with the Tony Colbert Shield by Fergal and Joan Colbert. Included are Pat Breen, President Dungarvan Credit Union and Ann Jones, Promotions Committee.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Kilmacthomas, Second in Section A. Included are Pat Breen, President Dungarvan Credit Union, Sean Cleary, Manager and Gabriel Foley, Promotions Committee.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Carriglea, Third in Section B. Included are Pat Breen, President Dungarvan Credit Union, Gabriel Foley and Betty Healy, Dungarvan Credit Union.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Scoil Garbhain, Second in Section B. Included are Pat Breen, President Dungarvan Credit Union, [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Sean Cleary, Manager and Liam Moore, Promotions Committee.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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ST. JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

Learning Activities FOLLOWING the success of our literacy Power Hour in 4th class last term, we have now rolled out the programme to 5th class as well. This small-group approach allows focused teaching and fine-level differentiation within a class and is working very well in catering for pupils of all abilities.

Parallel teaching is also continuing for 5th class.

Another of our learning activities for this term will be our Young Geographer competition. We are delighted that Dr. Susan Pike from St. Patrick's College in Dublin has agreed to be our independent judge again.

On Thursday, 5th March, we will be celebrating

World Book Day as usual, with costumes, competitions and other bookrelated activities.

Our Deputy Principal Ms. Ryan will be coordinating the school's efforts to win an Award of Science and Maths Excellence. We have already done a great deal of work in science and maths this year. We will be carrying out further activities in engineering and technology this term.

GREEN SCHOOLS NEWS Our Green Schools committee had a meeting on Monday to organise the school's Big Travel Challenge. The committee members reported back to their classes on our aim to have as many pupils as pos-

Ben Desmond with the Starry Night pictures created by 5th class.

sible walking to school every day.We are hoping for lots of dry weather over the next few weeks so we can meet our goal. Our 4th class pupils will have three cycle training sessions on Thursday, 5th, 12th and 19th March.

PUPIL OF THE WEEK The following pupils were nominated by their class teachers in our Pupil of the Week scheme: Ms. Shalloe, Zach Power; Ms. McGrath, Darryl Harty; Ms. Coward, Owen Mulcahy; Ms. O'Brien, T.J. Clifford; and Ms. Ryan, Callum Carroll.

GAEILGEOIR NA SEACHTAINE The following pupils were nominated by their class teachers in our Gaeilgeoir na Seachtaine scheme: Ms. Shalloe, Luke Power; Ms. McGrath, Alvin Wong; Ms. Coward, Kevin Collins; Ms. O'Brien, Dominik Falkowski; and Ms. Ryan, Jack MayeTwomey.

NEWS SNIPPETS Ms. O'Brien's 5th class recently studied the Starry Night painting by Vincent van Gogh and then created their own versions of this famous masterpiece. Ms. Ryan's 6th class practised pencil shading and then drew a shoe study.

Well done to our U11 team of T.J. Clifford, Kyle Healy, J.J. Mahony and Jake O'Riordan, and our U13 team of Patrick Kenneally, Adam Whelan, Peti Szabó and Tadhg Keegan for representing St. Joseph's at the Credit Union quiz last Friday.

Class nominees for Pupil of the Week: Callum Carroll, T.J. Clifford, Zach Power, Darryl Harty and Owen Mulcahy.

Class nominees for Gaeilgeoir na Seachtaine: Dominik Falkowski, Kevin Collins, Jack Maye-Twomey, Alvin Wong and Luke Power.

Design Competition Information Night for Senior Students for new Primary School launched BLACKWATER COMMUNITY SCHOOL

THE Department of Education and Skills launched an architectural design competition for a new primary school in an urban setting.

The winning entry will be awarded an actual commission for a specific site.The site is at Harcourt Terrace, Dublin 2, and comprises the former Garda Station and Irish Film Censor Building, overlooking the Grand Canal. The site involved in this competition is a wonderful opportunity for a creative team – but it will be challenging.

The brief is for a 24-classroom primary school, with a Special Needs Unit. The total floor size is approximately 4,850 square metres.

The architect-led full design team competition will be a two-stage process, to minimise costs for respondents and to encourage a high number of entrants.The competition jury will select a shortlist of entries to go forward to Stage 2, where more detailed design responses will be required.

The Royal Institute of Architects in Ireland (RIAI) will administer the competition on behalf of the Department.

THIS Thursday evening at 7.00 p.m. the Senior Mentoring programme group and the Parents Council are hosting an information night to assist sixth year students and their parents/guardians for the transition from second level education.

The night will include a variety of speakers, including representatives from The Students Union of Ireland, to give advice on areas such as some of the practicalities in relation to accommodation, financial planning and budgeting, nutrition and well being, mental health and the college services and facilities.

Graduates will also outline their own personal student experiences and give some practical advice.

A copy of “Flying the

Coop” will be available on the night which is an invaluable guide for leaving home and beginning student life.

With all the confusion and anxieties that can arise with the new stage in your student life this might be a very practical and reassuring night for students considering third level studies.

CELEBRATION MASS This Friday, February 6th, the retired bishop Dr. William Lee will celebrate Mass in Lismore Parish Church at 2.00 p.m. and parents and all students are invited to join us as we belatedly celebrate 10 years of BCS. TRANSITION YEARS OMG 2014 – 2015 This week a group of transition year students began a Foundation

Coaching Course in Camogie, Hurling and Football. This week the course runs on Monday and Friday and next week it will run on Friday, February 13th.

ST. BRIDGET’S DAY Our first year students made St. Bridget’s Crosses last week to mark St. Bridget’s Day with the help of students from transition year and fifth year.

LISMORE CAMOGIE Well done to all involved with Lismore camogie team who were victorious over the Galway and Connacht champions Oranmore / Maree in their All-Ireland Club semi final last Sunday.

TRANSITION YEAR NIGHT This Tuesday night BCS held a well-attended infor-

mation night for third year students and their parents/guardians considering doing Transition Year as their first senior year this September. An outline of

the year, the programmes offered in our school and the benefits of doing this year were part of the information given in the presentation.

Our Equestrian Team of Conor McCarthy, Naomi Leahy and Eimear O’Brien at Ballyrafter Equestrian Centre where they came third in the Cross Country event.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

KILROSSANTY NATIONAL SCHOOL

Mosaic Art Project

Fuair Emily cuireadh go dtí Áras an Uachtaráin le déanaí agus bhuail sí le Michael D. Higgins agus a bhean chéile Sabine. Bhí am álainn aici leo.

SCOIL GHARBHÁIN

Geansaithe Nua BUÍOCHAS ó chroí le Coiste na dTuismitheoirí a bhronn geansaithe nua agus bibeanna nua reatha ar an scoil le déanaí. Ár mbuíochas freisin le Niamh Enright McGrath leas chathaoirleach an Choiste as an dea obair a dhein sí ag eagrú na geansaithe agus bibeanna.

NEW BIBS AND JERSEYS A big thank you to our Coiste na dTuismitheoirí for presenting the school with a new set of jerseys

and bibs for athletics. Míle buíochas especially to Niamh Enright McGrath our vice chairperson for all her hard work in organising this purchase.

CEANNAIGH BRIC – TÓG TODHCHAÍ Tá oscailt oifigiúil an bhfoirgnimh nua beartaithe le bheith againn san Earrach agus táimíd ag tnúth go mór leis. Ár mbuíochas le gach duine a cheannaigh bric agus táimíd go léir ag tnúth leis na hainmneacha a fheiscint ar an bhfalla. Tá

Rang 2 i rith ceacht Eolaíochta (maighnéadachas), tá siad ag imirt cluiche 'fáiscíní páipéir ag eitilt'.

WORK on the Mosaic Art piece to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the School has begun. Miranda Corcoran from The Art Hand in Bonmahon visits the school every Wednesday and works with the children.

We are at the planning stage at the moment with children choosing what colours they think best reflects the mountains and locality. They are also bringing in old buttons and beads etc. to stick into the art piece which will be in the shape of a St. Brigid’s Cross and which will be put in place at the entrance to the school on the outside wall.

If anyone would like to donate €2 or more to this project, please go to our facebook page where you can make a donation through paypal or you can make a donation directly to the school. We are particularly asking pupils if they would like to get involved in this commemorative piece in this way.

OPERATION TRANSFORMATION Operation Transformation organised by the Parents Association continues every Wednesday night in the school at 7.00 p.m.

Please come along and support your local school. Weigh in is €2 per night. We are grateful for the support from the community so far.

ST. BRIGID’S DAY All pupils had great fun last week continuing the tradition of making St. Brigid’s

Crosses in the school to celebrate St. Brigid’s Day on 1st February.Thank you to Sile Murphy and Patricia Coade for helping out and telling us some great stories about St. Brigid.

IMPORTANT DATES First Penance will take place on Tuesday, 24th March in Kilrossanty Church at 7.30 p.m. Confirmation this year is in Fews Church and will take place on Tuesday, 28th April at 11.00 a.m.

We do not have a date or time for the Service of Light for the Confirmation. First Communion is taking place on Saturday, 23rd May in Kilrossanty at 11.00 a.m.

GREEN SCHOOLS We are continuing to work on our Green Schools theme of Global Citizenship and are hoping to submit our application soon.

We are picking up litter recycling and reducing our waste. Feeding the birds, trying to save energy and water and hope to start Park and Stride again when the weather improves.The senior classes will be doing a Safe Cycling course in April. The staff-room is now total Fairtrade and we have learned a lot about people from other countries and how they produce their food and how we can help them by buying Fairtrade. At Christmas we sent 6 Trocaire gifts of chickens, goats and school kits to different parts of Africa.

SCOIL MHUIRE

Credit Union Quiz Rang 2 i rith ceacht Eolaíochta (maighnéadachas), tá siad ag imirt cluiche 'fáiscíní páipéir ag eitilt'. roinnt brící fágtha ach fíor bheagán, dá bhrí sin má theastaíonn uait bric a cheannach níl tú ró dhéanach fós ach tá dáta dúnta curtha againn ar an gceannach - an 27ú lá Feabhra mar beidh na bricí le heagrú don lá oscailte.

BUY A BRICK – BUILD A FUTURE The official opening of our new building will take place this Spring and we are looking forward to it. We deeply appreciate the support we have received from all of you with our ‘Buy a Brick’ initiative. We look

Rang 2 i rith ceacht Eolaíochta (maighnéadachas), tá siad ag imirt cluiche 'fáiscíní páipéir ag eitilt'.

forward to seeing all the names displayed. Some bricks are still available for purchase. So if you haven’t made that purchase you’re not too late. However the closing date for buying your brick is the 27th of February as the display will have to be organised for the official opening.

RÁSAÍ NA gCON Tá sceitimíní orainn go léir agus táimíd ag tnúth le Oíche de scoth i bPortláirge ar an 16u lá de Bhealtaine.

Beidh na daltaí ana ghnóthach ag roghnú coin dóibh féin. Coiste an dTuismitheoirí atá á eagrú le cabhair iontach ó Austin O’Connor. Mar sin dáta don dialann an 16u lá de Bhealtaine i bPortláirge.

Coimeád súil géar ar na nótaí mar beidh breis eolais sar i bhfad.

A NIGHT AT THE DOGS All roads will lead to Waterford on the 16th of May and a great night is guaranteed. All our pupils will be busy helping with preparations. Our Coiste na dTuismitheoirí are organising a great night with invaluable support from Austin O’Connor. A date for your diary therefore in the 16th of May in Waterford. Keep a close eye on our notes for further information.

LAST Friday night brought great success for the Junior and Senior Scoil Mhuire quiz teams when they won the first round of the Credit Union quiz. Scoil Mhuire have won the National final of the quiz in the past so it would be great to progress further. It was an added bonus that both our teams were successful and it has to be said that they have put in a lot of hard work and training over the last few weeks. Their coach, Deputy Principal Colette O’Mahony has worked very hard with the teams and she was delighted with their victories. We congratulate them and wish them the best of

luck in the next round.

TABLE TENNIS LEAGUES The school has recently purchased several table tennis tables and hope to hold after school leagues for sixth class students in the near future. The pupils are very excited about this and great fun is sure to be had by all!

SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION Sixth class will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on Friday, 27th February.The next few weeks will see pupils and teachers very busy as they prepare for this special day.

Winners in the Dungarvan Credit Union Under 11 Quiz - Conn Willins, Saoirse Kelly, Kate McKeon and Michael Walsh.

The Over 11 team who won the Dungarvan Credit Union Quiz - Dylan Walsh, Róisín Hurney, Ciarán Frisby and Jennifer Cronnolly.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

51

Transition Year students pictured in WIT.

ÁRD SCOIL NA nDÉISE

Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition ON Thursday, 29th January, Lawlor’s Hotel hosted the annual Soroptomist Public Speaking Competition.Two students from Árd Scoil na nDéise, Doireann O’Brien and Maebh Power, participated. It was a thought provoking experience as there were seven speakers, each as good as the last.

Out of six subjects, only two were selected by the speakers. These were “Human Rights” and “Empowering Women”.

Later on that night, all seven girls also did an impromptu speech on the topic of “Love”. Much fun was had with this.

Our own two girls both won prizes. Maebh was presented with the Ciara Meehan Award for Best Research. This award is sponsored by Gemma Meehan in memory of her daughter Ciara who was a student of Árd Scoil na nDéise. Doireann will go on to represent Waterford at the Regional Finals in Wexford, in February.

Many thanks to their mentor Una Power (UCD).

We are proud to say we witnessed the event, with many thanks to our own Mrs. Simons.

Janey Maher and Neveah Tutty, 2nd Year.

TECHNOLOGY ROCKS SCIENCE SHOW On Wednesday last, us T.Y. students went to see the Technology Rocks science show in W.I.T, presented by Scientific Sue.We left at lunch time and headed straight to the school campus.

On arrival, we were met with a few other schools and headed into the auditorium to get our seats. Sue was introduced and the show began. It was very interesting. She showed us tons of experiments involving physics and chemistry and showed us how vibra-

tions make sound.

Overall the show was fantastic. Students were brought up as volunteers to help with experiment and it was very funny. She gave us a better understanding of sound and physics and I think she really made science fun.We were sad when the show ended but we learned a lot from it. It was a great day trip for us to go on and I think we were all very intrigued by what was presented to us. All in all the day was fantastic and we all thoroughly enjoyed the event.

Sinead O’Donnell, 4th Year

Gemma Meehan presenting Maebh Power with the Ciara Meehan Award for Research.

Grainne Phelan taking part in a demonstration on the force of magnets with Scientific Sue.

Maebh Power and Doireann O'Brien, award winners at the Soroptimist Public Speaking Competition.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

ST. DECLAN’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Munster College Senior Hurling St. Declan’s ……... 1-21; Ballingarry ……… 0-20.

THIS epic Munster quarter final was played under heavy conditions in Carrick on Friday last. The Kilmac’ Side got off to an excellent start with Jake Scanlan scoring an excellent goal. It was the Tipp side that drove on from here and had a 20 minute spell of dominance scoring the next 6 scores without reply.

The Waterford lads steadied matters and came back into the game to trail by two points at half-time on a score line of 1-6 to 0-11.

St. Declan’s had the aid of the breeze in the second half but the exchanges were tight and even. The sides were exchanging scores and the game was evenly balanced. The score was tied coming into the final minutes and when Jamie Murphy scored a well taken free into injury time it looked as if the Kilmac side were through to the next

round. There was however to be one more twist, as from the resulting puck out the Ballingarry side won a free which was converted to bring the game to extra time.

The exchanges in extra time were as hectic and evenly contested as the rest of the game. Kilmac had the breeze in the first period of extra time and opened a two point lead by half-time in extra time. The Tipp side closed the gap to a single point midway through the second period of extratime. The Kilmac’ boys finished stronger however and scored three unanswered points to win by a hard fought four point margin.

This was an excellent win for the boys especially give that the lads lost Ciarán Kirwan and Conor Dalton through injury during the game. St. Declan’s now go on to face Kinsale in the Munster semi-final on Saturday, 7th February.

Best for St. Declan’s on a

day when the whole team played well were Noah O’Brien, Craig Tyrrell, Callum Lyons, Cormac Dunphy, John Kennedy and Craig Fraher. Panel Ryan Murray, Noah O’Brien, Craig Tyrrell, Billy Power, Conor Dalton, Callum Lyons, Dylan Reide, Eoin Casey, Cormac Dunphy, Ross Coffey, Ciarán Kirwan, Jamie Murphy, Kevin Cheasty, John Kennedy, Jake Scanlan. Subs used Craig Fraher for Ciarán Kirwan, Eoin Bray for Conor Dalton.

AWARE SEMINAR Stephen from Aware visited the school on 19th and 20th January.

All 6th year students got the opportunity to attend this seminar.

It consisted of information regarding their mental health, discussions on pressures experienced by teenagers and young adults and pointers for dealing with stress in their lives.

The students found the

Seó Bóthair go St. Declan’s Community College information very worthwhile and will benefit from the seminar as they approach their up coming exams.

Thanks to Stephen from Aware, for such an informative seminar.Thanks also to Ms. Mannix for organising the event.

SEÓ BÓTHAIR Tháinig an Seó Bóthair

go St. Declan’s Community College ar an 21ú lá Eanáir 2015.

Ceardlann idirghníomhach a bhí ann faoin nGaeilge le cluichí, plé, díospóireacht agus rólghlacadh. Bhain daltaí an idirbhliain an taitneamh as an Seó Bóthair agus cinnte chuir sé iad ag smaoineamh faoin Ghaeilge a úsáid

taobh amuigh den seomra ranga.

CINEMA AFTERNOON The YSI (Young Social Innovators) organised a Cinema Afternoon for all 1st Years, on Friday, 23rd January.

The money raised goes towards AADI (Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland).

This forms part of the YSI Action Project for this year.

They have already organised a talk from AADI and organised a "Crazy Hair and Make Up Day".

Well done to the YSI class for such an enjoyable afternoon, and continued success with the rest of the project.

COLAISTE CHATHAIL NAOFA

Second Year Girls Reach National Finals ON Thursday, the First and Second year girls Spikeball teams travelled to St. Paul’s in Waterford where the Regional finals were held.

Teams from Cork, Tipperary and Waterford gathered at 10.15 a.m. sharp. The second year girls had great victories over all the schools. We look forward to travelling to Dublin

for the National finals later this month. The first years were missing some players and unfortunately failed to qualify but they now have the mixed competition to participate in next week.

Training continues at lunch times for boys and girls.The regional finals are coming up so we encourage all to attend.

SECOND YEAR BASKETBALL LEAGUE The second year girls travelled to New Ross for their opening game of the season. We started very strongly. Claddagh Power scoring strongly under the basket. Layla attacked fast on the break. Allie, Nicole and Robyn were really

strong on defence. We were up 12-2 at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter New Ross had the upper hand despite Natalia and Serena having some great shots. Lucy and Leah attacked well but New Ross pressed hard. We were 1210 up at half time. The second half was very tight and unfortunately New Ross

Second Year Basketball Team: Robyn Corby, Layla O’Brien, Claddagh Power, Serena Murray, Kayleigh Nugent, Lucy Lehane, Leah Drummy, Natalia Chruzlak Nicole Maher O Duinn, Alina Walsh, Ally Tobin and Rebecca Young.

got three baskets in a row and went ahead. We were disappointed to lose the tight contest 8-22 when the final whistle went. Training continues on Monday for the next match.

BOXING TRAINING CAMP Coláiste Chathail Naofa are presently hosting the Irish and Russian Youth boxing teams. The teams will be using the school facilities for 10 days. It has been brilliant having European and World Champions in the gym every day. The visit of the Russians to Dungarvan has become an annual event organised by Gerry O’Mahony. We look forward to CCN hosting many events like this in the future.

Second Year Spikeball Team: Allie Tobin, Nicole O Duinn Maher, Robyn Corby, Leah Drummy, Lucy Lenane.

The Russian Boxing Camp in Coláiste Chathail Naofa.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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ST. AUGUSTINE’S COLLEGE

UCD AD Astra Academy Awards Ceremony CONGRATULATIONS to Ger Crowley, Leaving Cert. Class 2014 who was presented with an Academic Scholarship Award at a ceremony in UCD recently. The award was based on Ger’s exceptional Leaving Cert. results. The Academy nurtures exceptional students by offering them unique supports and opportunities to develop their talents. Ger was one of ninety six scholars welcomed by the Academy, which now has a total membership of two hundred and forty two scholars.

MUNSTER COLLEGES SENIOR B FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL EXIT FOR SENIOR FOOTBALLERS HAMILTON H.S. 1-11 ST. AUGUSTINE’S 2-6 The Friary senior footballers bid for a Munster ‘B’ title which they last held in 2004 ended with a harrowing semi-final defeat to Hamilton High School, Bandon.

St. Augustine’s were dealt an early blow with the withdrawal

through injury of inspirational captain Ciarán O’Neill.

The pitch conditions at Killeagh were excellent for the time of year but a stiff breeze made life difficult for both sides.

Ultimately the Bandon’sside’s better use of the breeze was a deciding factor in a closely fought contest. St. Augustine’s had first use of the wind and started brightly as corner forward Michael Sweeney scored two excellent points.

The Bandon boys proved adept at carrying the ball into attack and only some last ditch defending kept them at bay.

Scores were hard to come by and Augustine’s could only manage three further points courtesy of Sweeney again, a David Lobby free and a long range effort from the impressive Conor Prunty.

Half-time Scoreline: St. Augustine’s 0-5; Hamilton H.S. 0-4.

The Cork side had the better of the early second half exchanges as they reeled off three

quick fire points and a 48th minute goal seemed to seal the Friary’s fate. To their credit, however, they kept up the fight and goals from Looby and Prunty ensured some tension filled final moments. It was not to be however, as in truth the Friary boys never quite matched the heights of their quarter-final victory over Rathmore. Final Scoreline: Hamilton H.S. 1-11; St. Augustine’s 2-6.

Team and Scorers: K. Dwane (Ballinacourty), C. MacCarthy (Ballinacourty), D. McGuickian (Stradbally), D. McGrath (Ballinacourty), S. Freyne (Ardmore), J. Elstead (Ballinacourty), J. Kennedy (Ardmore), C. Prunty (Ballinacourty) 1-1, N. Phelan (St. Pats), S. Keating (Ardmore), D. Looby (Ballinacourty) 1-2, D. Guiry (Nire), M. Coleman (Ballinacourty), E. Kiely (Ballinacourty), M. Sweeney (Stradbally) 0-3.

Subs Used: D. O’Cathasaigh (An Ghaeltacht) for Keating, P.

Tobin (Stradbally) for Kiely.

FUNDRAISING APPEAL Thanks to all, both at home and overseas who have supported our school refurbishment project either directly through our Bank account or through the school.

Your contributions are very much appreciated.

PRE LEAVING CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS We wish our 6th year students every success in their upcoming Pre Leaving Cert. exams which begin on Friday 6th February with English Paper 2. Many thanks to our Pre Junior and Pre Leaving exams co-ordinator Ms. Shiovaun O'Sullivan.

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION On Thursday, January 29th, St. Augustine’s students Elaine Murphy, Rachel O’Grady, Clodagh Earley and Aoife French under the tutelage of their coach Miss A. Geary took part in the

Ailbhe Ni Neachtain, Principal and Ger Crowley Soroptimist International Public Speaking Competition held in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan.

The calibre on the night was of an excellent level and all girls participating delivered a prepared and impromptu speech.

Elaine, Rachel, Clodagh and Aoife all performed exceptionally and Elaine was crowned the winner of the local heat on the night. Elaine will now go for-

ward to the regional heat of the Public Speaking Competition which will be held in the Riverbank House Hotel, Wexford on 22nd February, 2015. Best of luck Elaine.

LOTTO WINNERS – JANUARY 28th Bonus Number 36.

Congratulations to Mr. Pat Knightly (Staff) and David Walsh, Tournore.

Waterford Handball and Friary/Abbeyside/Ballinacourty Handball Club AS with most years the main success in Waterford handball was in the juvenile grades but it was also an exceptional year for some of Waterford’s adult players, none more so than David Walsh.

DEVEREUX CUP The 15th Devereux Cup took place on December 2nd between Scoil Garbhan, Garranbane NS and Scoil Mhuire in St. Augustine’s College with a large number of parents in attendance. The first game was between and Scoil Garbhan and Garranbane with Garanbane coming out on top and faced Scoil Mhuire in the final. The 6 doubles matches were all very close with Garranbane just winning it by 78-74, one of the closest finals we have had in the competition.

JUVENILE 60X30 In the Under 12 Singles Jamie Moylan was unlucky to be beaten by Tipperary in the Munster final. In the Under 15 doubles Munster final Michael Dwyer and Adam Clarke were also unlucky to be beaten by Cork in the Munster final, with the Cork pair going on to win

the All-Ireland.

Kavan O’Keeffe was very impressive in the 60x30 alley also this year beating Tipperary in the Munster Under 15 final.

Kavan had a comfortable straight games win in the AllIreland semi-final over Mayo before losing out to Wexford in the All-Ireland decider. Kavan had a tremendous year in both alleys.

As well as entrants in the single and doubles competitions we also had entrants in the boys team events with the Under 14/15 and Under 16/17 boys, both winning Munster titles, with the U-14/15 team coming up short in their quest for AllIreland glory. The U-16/17 boys team went on to win the All-Ireland title.

The U14/15 team: Michael Dwyer, Adam Clarke, Michael Lenihan, Jake Moore, Rory Cusack, Ben Flynn and Daithi Brunnock.

The U16/17 team: Anthony Fitzgerald, Ryan O’Neill, Padraic di Fusco, Gavin Joyce and Charlie McDonagh.

JUVENILE 40X20 Our Juveniles competed in

all grades in Munster this year in singles and doubles from Under 12 to Under 17 in the boys grades and in U17 Doubles in the girls.

U12 Singles – Jamie Moylan, U12 Doubles – Sean O’Sullivan and Kaylem Beresford U13 Singles – Michael Kiely, U13 Doubles – Ben Veale and Eoin Ahearne U14 Singles – Ben Flynn, U14 Doubles – Daithi Brunnock and Rory Cusack U15 Singles – Kavan O’Keeffe, U15 Doubles – Michael Lenihan and Adam Clarke U16 Singles – Ryan O’Neill, U16 Doubles – Padraic di Fusco and Gavin Joyce U17 Singles – Darragh Lyons, U17 Doubles – Anthony Fitzgerald and Cormac Dwyer U17 Girls Doubles – Katie Hayes and Lauren McGregor Four categories reached Munster Finals and the games were split between Tralee and Ballyporeen with Tipperary, Limerick and Clare providing the opposition.

In the U17 singles Darragh

David Walsh, winner of the Golden Gloves A Championship Singles, also American Nationalist in singles and Doubles.

Michael Kiely, Friary / Abbeyside / Ballinacourty Juvenile Handball Club winner of the Skills Competition at the Feile Handball Finals.

Kavan O'Keeffe, All-Ireland finalist and Munster Champion in 60x30 and 40x20 courts.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Lyons was beaten by Mickey Maher of Tipperary in 2 games.

After beating a strong Cork pairing Anthony Fitzgerald and Cormac Dwyer faced Tipperary opposition and in the U17 Doubles, and it was a very close game. Anthony and Cormac won comfortably in the first game but Tipperary responded well in the second game to force a tie breaker.The tie breaker to 11 was neck and neck with scores level all the way to 8-8, but the Tipperary lads just edged it by 11 to 8.

Katie Hayes and Lauren McGregor lost out to Limerick in the Girls U17 Doubles 21-7, 21-12, but played very well.

In the U15 Singles Kavan O’Keeffe started very strongly against Eoin Shanahan from Clare and looked to be in complete control, but unfortunately lost out 15-12 in the first game.

Undeterred Kavan regrouped and completely dominated his opponent in the next 2 games and won the Munster title on a score of 15-3, 15-4. A great result for Kavan.

Next up for Kavan was an All-Ireland semi-final against Michael Egan from Roscommon and Kavan played his best handball of the championship in this match to win in straight games and set up an All-Ireland final with Ben Devlin from Co. Louth.

Unfortunately Ben Devlin from Louth beat Kavan in the final, but it was still a great performance by Kavan.

FEILE NA nGAEL We entered 2 teams in Feile this year from the Friary Abbeyside Ballinacourty and St. Augustine’s club and both competed in Division 3. The FAB team made it to the final but lost out to Wexford competition. Both teams played well and can build on their performances in the future.

Michael Kiely won the Division 3 skills final with a

great performance.

ADULT COMPETITION The evergreen Mossie Butler won a Munster Title in the Over 70’s singles beating Paddy O’Brien of Cork.

David Walsh and Philip Butler won the Munster Intermediate 60x30 title and faced Galway opposition in the All-Ireland semi-final.This was a very close match but David and Philip came out on top after a big fight-back by the Galway duo in the second game who came from 20-8 down to get to 20-16, but David and Philip won 21-16 to reach the All-Ireland final.

The All-Ireland Minor, Intermediate and Senior finals all took place in Abbeylara on the same day, with David and Philip taking on Offaly in the Intermediate game. The Offaly pair started very strongly and didn’t give David and Philip a chance to settle, winning 21-8.

The second game was a lot closer and David began to dictate the pass of the game, with some great serving by Philip.

Unfortunately, David Hope and Noel Murphy won 21-14, but hopefully David and Philip can come back stronger next year and lift the cup and reach the Senior ranks.

As mentioned earlier David Walsh had an exceptional year, representing Waterford and also in individual tournaments to become Waterford’s most successful adult competitor.

After being beaten in the Intermediate All-Ireland final, he won the Men’s A Golden Gloves and the Men’s A US Nationals as well, a phenomenal achievement.

Thanks to all the parents who helped out coaching and bringing people to matches last year and look forward to your continued support in the coming year.

David Walsh and Philip Butler, All-Ireland intermediate Doubles Finalists and Munster Champions 60x30. [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Under 16/17 Munster and All-Ireland Champions. L/R: Padraig di Fusco, Mark Boland, Anthony Fitzgerald, Ryan O’Neill and Gavin Joyce.

54 VERY REV. PATRICK CANON QUEALY Coolagh, Abbeyside, and O’Connell Street, Dungarvan It is with great sadness that we record the death of Canon Patrick Quealy (known simply as Fr. Paddy by his nieces, nephews, and their families), a great uncle, worker and a much liked Priest, which took place in the early hours of Monday, 26th January, 2015. Fr. Paddy was born to John-Joe and Anastasia Quealy on 16th September, 1921, a native of Coolagh Road, Abbeyside and later of O’Connell Street, Dungarvan. Paddy was one of eight siblings all of whom have predeceased him, as he would have said himself, “I am the last, (of his generation) man standing”! He had two sisters and five brothers: Kitty, Sean, Andy, Mick, Dennis, Tessie and Peter.

He was educated in Mount Melleray where he adopted the Latin phrase laborare est orare (To work is to pray) and later in Maynooth, and was ordained on the 23rd June, 1946. His first Mass was celebrated locally in the old Convent of Mercy Church on Monday, 24th June, 1946. Following his ordination, Paddy offered his services to the Kiltegan Fathers, and spent 10 years with St. Patrick’s Kiltegan Mission Society in Nigeria in the Dioceses of Kalibar.There he spent his time educating young adults to become teachers and also co-ordinated many new church building works as well as the establishment and building of a series of water wells and sanitation structures for the region.

During his time there the first African Bishop for the Kalibar Diocese,Very Rev. Dominic Ekendem was appointed. He later went on to become the first ever African Cardinal for the same region.

On his return from Nigeria, Fr. Paddy took up his first Irish appointment under the then Bishop Cohalan, as C.C. in An Rinn which was followed by a two year appointment in Dunhill. In August 1959 Fr. Paddy was appointed to Lismore for what was to become his longest stay in any one Parish, a period which lasted 17 years.

It was during his time in Lismore that Paddy developed his passion for Golf and Greyhounds and always had a few dogs in training which no doubt contributed to his general good health and fitness, and perhaps was the secret to his youthful complexion!

In 1976, he was appointed by the late Bishop Michael Russell, as Administrator to the Dioceses based at St. Joseph & Benildus, Newtown, where he was to stay for three years, prior to taking up an appointment as P.P. in Ballyduff Upper, bringing him back to his beloved West Waterford for a further 8 year stint.

Fr. Paddy was then appointed to St. Peter and Paul’s, Clonmel, initially as P.P., and then as Canon. During his time in Clonmel, Fr. Paddy was to become very involved in the provision of a new Church Building and associated works, and was also appointed Vicar Forane of the Diocese.

He remained in St. Peter and Paul’s for 7 years and was then appointed by Bishop William Lee as Pastor Emeritus in Modeligo where he spent 5 years prior to his final appointment as Pastor Emeritus in Ardfinnan where he spent ten years before retiring from active ministry in January 2009 at the age of 87.

Fr. Paddy was a regular at Coursing and Horseracing events in Ireland and indeed was no stranger to Ascot and the Cheltenham Racing Festival putting in regular attendances well into his 70s.

In addition to his daily reading of his Divine Office, he was an avid reader of the daily newspapers and books and kept an eye on the horses and other sporting events. Fr. Paddy enjoyed the company of the residents of CareChoice, as well as the care and friendship of the staff there, and was regularly visited by his many nieces, nephews, and other friends and relatives.

It was in CareChoice Nursing Home that Fr. Paddy celebrated his 90th birthday and also the 65th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. A Mass to celebrate both events took place there and was attended by his family and staff. Fr. Matt Cooney, O.S.A., was the chief celebrant on that occasion and was joined by Most Rev. Bishop William Lee, both of whom paid warm and heartfelt tributes to his remarkable life, to his faithfulness and to his many appointments and achievements.

Prayers were recited by Canon William Ryan, P.P., at Kiely’s Funeral Home on Monday, 26th January, where he was joined by Fr. Paddy’s immediate family, relatives and friends. Reposing at his nephew John’s residence on Tuesday at Coolagh, Abbeyside, many of his fellow Priests, Nuns, relatives, friends and parishioners from the various parishes he administered in, attended to offer sympathy and share stories and their deep respect and affection for a much loved Priest. Prior to the removal to St. Mary’s Parish Church, Canon Brendan Crowley, P.P., offered prayers for Fr. Paddy. His remains were received by Canon William Ryan, P.P., on arrival at St. Mary’s Parish Church, where a large group of his fellow Priests were also in attendance; Canon B. Crowley, P.P.; Canon D. O’Connor, P.E.; Fr. J. Harris, C.C.; Fr. M. Cooney, O.S.A.; Fr. M. Guiry, P.P.; Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P.; Fr. J. Kiely, P.P.; Fr. C. Kelleher, P.P.; Fr. T. Egan, O.S.A.; Fr. C. Kelly, P.P.; Fr. R. Liddane, P.E.; Fr. J. Mulcahy, P.E.; Fr. J. Curran, P.E.; Fr. J. Browne, I.C.; Fr. R. Power, Adm., and Fr. R. Doherty, A.P. Concelebrated Requiem Mass for Fr. Paddy took place on

OBITUARY Wednesday afternoon, at which Most Rev.William Lee, D.D. (Bishop Emeritus Waterford and Lismore), presided together with a large choir of both local and visiting clergy, three of whom Fr. S. Cullen, S.P.S.; Fr. A. Keating, S.P.S., and Fr.T. Greenan, S.P.S., were from the Kiltegan Fathers.The Chief Celebrant was Canon Brendan Crowley, P.P., who was assisted by Monsignor N. O’Mahony, P.P. (Diocesan Administrator); Monsignor M. Olden, P.E.; Monsignor J. Shine, A.P.; Canon W. Ryan, P.P.; Canon D. O’Connor, P.E.; Canon M. Slattery, P.E.; Fr. J. Harris, C.C.; Fr. N. Hassett, P.P.; Fr. M. Kennedy, P.P.; Fr. J. Condon, P.P.; Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P.; Fr. L. Power, P.P.; Fr. F. Lucey, P.E.; Fr. P. Fitzgerald, P.E.; Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P.; Fr. M. Cooney, O.S.A.; Fr. M. Brennock, O.S.A.; Fr. M. O’Byrne, P.P.; Fr. M. Enright, P.E.; Fr. R. Power, Adm.; Fr. P. Hayes, C.C.; Fr. T. Flynn, P.P.; Fr. R. Doherty, A.P.; Fr. P. Murphy, P.P.; Fr. P. Ahearne, P.P.; Fr. C. Kelly, P.P.; Fr. S. Melody, A.P.; Fr. M. Mullins, P.P.; Fr. R. Arthure, A.P.; Fr. B. Power, P.P.; Fr. S. Cullen, S.P.S.; Fr. A. Keating, S.P.S., and Fr. T. Greenan, S.P.S. Before the Mass, symbols of Fr. Paddy’s life were brought to the Altar by members of the family, and Lucia Quealy, (niece) gave the narration for the symbols; Phil presented his ordination photo from 23rd June, 1946, in Maynooth; Peter brought the Examiner and Racing Post representing Paddy’s love of current affairs and horseracing, greyhounds and coursing; Holly presented various photos from many family occasions; Oisin brought a Trocaire Box symbolising Fr. Paddy’s work as a Missionary in Nigeria; Killian presented Fr. Paddy’s much loved watch and John-Joe presented Fr. Paddy’s Office and Prayer Book representing his devotion to God and to his Priesthood.

The Liturgy of the Word was shared with the congregation by Marion O’Dowd (niece) and Andrew Quealy (nephew). Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Mary Dunford, Rose-Marie O’Riordan (nieces); Stella Quealy, Laura Casey, Mia Doherty (grandnieces) and Darragh O’Riordan (grandnephew).The Offertory Gifts of Bread and Wine were brought to the Altar by Agnes O’Dowd and Pat Queally (niece and nephew) and music in the Church was by Michael Casey, who was assisted by some members of the Friary Choir who added greatly to the celebration of Fr. Paddy’s life. Prior to laying Fr. Paddy to rest, his nephew John Queally gave a brief eulogy to Fr. Paddy, and thanked a number of people including James Kiely and Sons, Funeral Directors, and the staff at CareChoice Nursing Home who had become his adopted family over the last number of years. In his concluding remarks, John said that we will not see the likes of him again, “Ni bheith a leitheid ann arís.” John then recited a Prayer for our Priests and especially Fr. Paddy.

Fr. Paddy was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery, where a number of his fellow priests assisted at the graveside, despite some inclement weather conditions. Canon Ryan, P.P., imparted the graveside blessing. The pallbearers were all nephews of Fr. Paddy’s, John, Peter and Andrew Quealy, (Dungarvan); Mickey and John Queally (Abbeyside), and Mickey O’Donnell, (Tralee).

We express our sincere sympathy to Fr. Paddy’s nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace.

(Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

CATHERINE (Kathleen) WALSH Southfields, London, and formerly of Mount Odell and Clonea We received recently the sad news of the passing in London of ninety-one year old Catherine (Kathleen) Walsh who was a native of Mount Odell. Predeceased by her parents, brothers Paddy,Tom, Joseph, Michael; sisters Alice, Mary, Margaret, Annie and Hannah.

Our sympathies we extend to her sister Eileen (London); to Hannah Walsh, Garranbane (sister-in-law); her nephews, nieces other relatives and friends.

Rosary this Wednesday, February 4th, at 8.00 p.m. at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan. Removal will take place on Thursday morning, February 5th, at 10.15 a.m. to St. Laurence’s Church, Ballinroad, for Requiem Mass at 11.00 a.m. Interment will take place in the adjoining cemetery. May she rest in peace.

(Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

ANNE NEEDHAM White Strand, Clonea Road, Abbeyside With deep regret we record the passing of Anne Needham which sad event occurred on 28th January, 2015. Removal was from her residence on Thursday evening to St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside.

Following Funeral Mass on Friday morning, burial took place in St. Mary’s Parish cemetery, Dungarvan.

To her brothers, sisters and relatives we extend our deepest sympathy.

Full obituary next issue.

(Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

JOSEPHINE (Jo) CONWAY (nee Hartigan) Lisarow, Ardmore With profound sadness we record the passing of Josephine (Jo) Conway which occurred at her residence on Tuesday, 20th January. Jo was born on the 7th of August, 1918 in Kilwatermoy, near Tallow. She was the eldest of four children and is predeceased by her brothers Michael and Jackie. She is survived by her sister May (Ballyquinn, Ardmore). Her mother Mary was from Mullinavat and her father John was from Tallow. In her 961⁄2 years she has experienced many significant events throughout her extended lifetime and has lived through many wars beginning with the Irish War of Independence. She is one of the few who could say she has been around since the inception of the Irish State and seen how it has changed over the years. Jo lived a long and happy life and had seen many joyous family occasions.

Her maternal instincts developed at a very young age as her mother passed away shortly after her sister May was born. Her working life brought her to Ardmore where she was to meet her future husband Jack. Jo and Jack married in the 1940s and had five children; John Joe, Mary, Joan, Noel and Denis. Jo worked hard on the family farm and would have milked the cows before bringing her children to school.

Blessed with 20 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren they were all a huge part of Jo’s life. She had a great ability in remembering dates and significant family and friend’s personal events.

Sport played a big part of Jo’s life, particularly her love of the GAA. She was a proud Ardmore, Old Parish and Waterford supporter and would have many a conversation on the winning and losing of matches. She was well known for supporting club games around the county and was proud to see her grandchildren play.

Prayers and faith were hugely important to Jo and saying the Rosary was a daily evening routine for her family growing up in Lisarow. She lived the Gospel message in word and deed. A great conversationalist Jo loved nothing better than a good chat, cup of tea and a slice of apple tart. She was the essence of good company, took a great interest in people and they appreciated her warmth and enthusiasm.

On one occasion in 1963 a Bus Eireann bus travelling to Cork broke down near the Conway family home. All 15 people on board were fed and watered by Jo, her hospitality coming to the fore.

In recent times, although her health had deteriorated, her strength of spirit and clarity of mind remained intact. Her passing has left a huge void in the lives of her family and friends who will miss her deeply. Eternal rest grant unto Jo and let perpetual light shine upon her.

On Thursday evening, January 22nd, Jo lay in repose at the Kiely Funeral Home, Dungarvan, where Canon D. O’Connor, P.E., led her family and friends in funeral prayers. Removal took place to St. Mary’s Church, Grange, en route the huge cortege paused in prayerful tribute at Kiely’s Cross. On arrival the Service of Reception was conducted

by Fr. P. Fitzgerald, P.E. An impressive Guard of Honour was formed

by Ardmore GAA Club at the entrance to the Church.

Requiem Mass in thanksgiving for Jo’s life was offered on Friday morning by Fr. Fitzgerald, P.E. At the start of Mass moving Words of Tribute were delivered by Jo’s grand-daughter Aisling ConwayLenihan. The Liturgy of the Word was shared with the huge congregation by Audrey O’Leary and Sinéad Crowley (granddaughters). Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Denise, Thomas, Kieran, Fiona and Stephen (all grandchildren). John Conway (grandson) narrated as five personal items of significance in Jo’s life and the Offertory Gifts of Bread and Wine were presented at the Altar by Joan and Mary (daughters), Margaret, Jean and Mary (daughters-in-law), Ann and Mary (nieces).

After Communion a beautiful rendition of the hymn Softly And Tenderly Jesus Is Calling was performed by Damien Lenihan. A Reflection in memory of Jo was read by Sarah and Louise Conway.

Throughout the Mass the singing and playing of sacred hymns by Grange Choir directed by Michael O’Brien was much appreciated.

Afterwards Jo was shouldered to her place of rest in the adjoining cemetery where Fr. Fitzgerald, P.E., imparted the graveside blessing.

Many beautiful floral tributes were laid on Jo’s resting place. I líonta De go gcastar sinn le chéile.

We express our sincere sympathy to her sons John Joe, Noel and Denis; daughters Mary and Joan; daughters-in-law Mary, Margaret and Jean; son-in-law Tom O’Leary; sister May Allen (Ballyquinn, Ardmore); brother-in-law Patrick; grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

(Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

The Samaritans Beau Street, Waterford Tel. (051) 872114 - 1850-60-90-90.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

JIM LANDERS Graiguemore, Modeligo It is with deep sadness and regret we record the passing of Jim Landers, Graiguemore, Modeligo, Co. Waterford, brother of the late Ned, which sad event occurred peacefully at Dungarvan Community Hospital on 13th January, 2015.

Reposing at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, Rosary was recited on Tuesday evening by Rosary committee member Danny Coughlan in the presence of Jim’s loving family, neighbours and friends.

On Wednesday evening Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E., recited funeral prayers in the presence of his family, neighbours and friends before removal took place to Our Lady of Assumption Church, Modeligo, where on arrival his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Thursday morning by Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E. Readings were recited by Jim’s niece Shirley Whelan and nephew Liam Power. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery, where the graveside prayers were officiated by Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E., in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and friends.

May he rest in peace.

May we extend our deepest sympathy to his loving brother Packie; sisters Mary (Cissie) Power and Peggy Whelan; brothers-in-law Joseph Power and Paddy Whelan; nephews Liam Power and Fabian Whelan; nieces Pat Barry, Nollaig Liston and Shirley Whelan; relatives, neighbours and friends.

Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 15th February, 2014, in Our Lady of Assumption Church, Modeligo, at 10.00 a.m.

(Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow).

CATHERINE ANNE DALTON Ashmore, Bonmahon With sadness we record the passing of Catherine Anne Dalton which sad event occurred on 27th January, 2015. Removal was from her residence on Friday morning to St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen.

Following Funeral Mass on arrival, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.

To her husband Tommy and family we extend our deepest sympathy.

Full obituary next issue.

(Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

MARY CURRAN (nee Cunningham) Ballyknock, Dungarvan With profound sorrow we record the passing of Mary Curran which sad event occurred on Wednesday, 28th January, 2015. Removal was from her residence on Friday morning to St. Gobnait’s Church, Kilgobinet. Following Funeral Mass on arrival, burial took place in the adjoining cemetery.

To her husband Laurence and family we extend our deepest sympathy.

Full obituary next issue.

(Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan).

Those Who Sleep For those who sleep but do not slumber, Let us sing our sweet Avés, In dark nights of wild November, Let us remember August days.

Springs bright blooms that bent the branches, In winter’s wasteland cannot reign, Since life succumbed to death’s advances, Tears have flowed; Till none remain.

Swift passing years have told their story, When fleet-footed distant days, Dimmed their glow - but not their glory, On the altars of our praise.

They were strong in trial and trouble, But their strength ebbed at the last, Their ripe harvest shorn to stubble, Will sustain us from the past.

JOHN DALY

OBITUARY/FARMING

55

€35m innovation investment in Irish Dairy processing industry - €25M invested in new Enterprise Ireland funded Dairy Processing Technology Centre - €10M invested in Teagasc’s Moorepark Technology Ltd. THE Irish dairy processing sector continues to ramp up its preparations for the end of milk quotas with the announcement of an innovation investment of €35 million (2nd February 2015).

The investment by Government and industry will position Ireland as a world leader in dairy innovation, and help to maximise the long term growth opportunities created by the anticipated increase of 50% in the Irish milk pool by 2020.

Announced jointly by Simon Coveney T.D. Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Richard Bruton T.D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, at Arrabawn Co-Op in Co.Tipperary the investment is in the form of two initiatives: • a €25 million Dairy Processing Technology Centre (DPTC) supported by the Department of Jobs through Enterprise Ireland and the dairy industry partners which will be hosted by University of Limerick; • and a €10 million investment by Teagasc and the dairy industry shareholders in the expansion of the Moorepark Technology Ltd (MTL) pilot plant facility in Fermoy Co. Cork.

Of the 10 major dairy companies involved, 7 are investing in both initiatives; Arrabawn Co-op, Aurivo, Carbery, Dairygold, Glanbia, Kerry, and Tipperary Co-Op. Lakeland Dairies is part of the DPTC consortium only.The Irish Dairy Board and North Cork Co-op are investing in MTL. University of Limerick will lead 9 other Research Performing Organisations (RPO’s) in the DPTC to deliver the research and technology required creating 52 new jobs for highly-skilled researchers over the 5 year term of the centre.

Announcing the investment of €10 million by Teagasc and industry shareholders to expand and modernise the MTL pilot plant facility Minister Coveney said: “This is a perfect example of what can be achieved when clear and common policy objectives are supported by coherent action by Government agencies in partnership with industry.

Investing in product and process innovation makes sense for a host of reasons. It ensures that value is added to high quality raw materials in Ireland and maximises the contribution of the dairy sector to employment creation and the Irish economy generally. It also contributes to improved competitiveness, and helps to mitigate the impact of commodity price volatility on operators along the supply chain, including farmers.”

“Ultimately, this kind of investment can build the kind of reputation for excellence in all things dairy that creates a platform not only for export growth, but also for inward investment by major global players in the food industry. This is exactly the kind of initiative envisaged in Food Harvest 2020 and I am delighted to be associated with it” Minister Coveney added.

Launching the Dairy Processing Technology Centre Minister Bruton said: “The food sector is a key area

Richard Bruton T.D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Simon Coveney T.D. Minister for Agriculture Food & the Marine and Conor Ryan, CEO Arrabawn Co-Op, at a €35 million investment announcement to make the Irish dairy processing sector more innovative.

[Sean Curtin] that we have targeted as part of our Action Plan for Jobs. This is a sector which offers massive potential for regional employment, which is a major focus of our 2015 plan, and clearly the removal of milk quotas offers huge opportunities that we must exploit in a planned and strategic way in order to support jobs growth. That is why Minister Coveney and I have decided, through our agencies Enterprise Ireland and Teagasc, to make this significant investment in innovation in the dairy industry. This market focused technology centre supported by my Department will bring industry, the education system and Government together to develop commercial new technologies which will support the growth of the dairy industry here in the coming years. In this way, we can crucially create more jobs across the regions, and ultimately improve communities right across the country”.

According to Gerry Boyle, Director of Teagasc “MTL now lists among its customers the most progressive companies in the food, food ingredients and nutritional sectors and it is obliged to meet the high expectation of these companies in all aspects of its services. The €10 million investment by its shareholders will future proof MTL and ensure its relevance to all its customers, national and international in the years ahead but most importantly will provide a platform to support the ambitions of the Irish dairy Industry to produce value added foods and ingredients for international markets”.

The recently appointed CEO of the DPTC, Padraig McPhillips explained that the DPTC is a collaborative model in which the best research talent in Ireland relevant to industry needs is brought together with the dairy sector to solve strategic research and innovation needs articulated by the sector. “The two key outputs of the DPTC will be knowledge and people - both will be absorbed by the industry and used to

deliver more efficient processes and better products and ingredients. The DPTC is like adding a new software engine to the dairy sector”, said McPhillips.

The two initiatives announced are complementary, particularly when it comes to testing the new technologies generated in the DPTC. The companies will need to trial the technologies at a pilot scale to test their potential robustness at a commercial scale.

The upgraded and expanded MTL pilot plant facility provides the right environment for some of the outputs of DPTC to be tested at a commercial scale and helps the transfer of these innovations to industry.

Welcoming the launch of the DPTC, Dan MacSweeney, Chief Executive of Carbery Group and Chairman of the Irish Dairy Industries Association said “The Dairy Processing Technology Centre will be a critical agent in realising the opportunity presented by the abolition of the milk quotas by providing a dedicated public-private partnership investment in a world class dairy processing research and capability centre. The Irish dairy industry recognises the importance of investing in sophisticated, collaborative research and innovation and this is reflected by the involvement of 8 of our primary processors.

Cumulatively, the companies who are partners in the DPTC process 85% of Ireland’s milk pool, produce €2.5 billion of Ireland’s annual dairy exports and provide over 25,000 direct and indirect jobs. It is also reflected in the significant industry contribution of €9 million to the total cost of the initiative – we are serious about making this technology centre work for the Irish dairy industry. We also welcome the complimentary investment in MTL, almost €4million of which is being provided by industry” said Mr. MacSweeney.

According to Professor Mary Shire, VP Research at University of

Limerick where the DPTC is hosted, “the DPTC is a collaboration which brings together a spectrum of companies working collaboratively with academics drawn from a wide variety of disciplines.The challenges faced by the Dairy industry require an interdisciplinary approach if they are to be solved. The University of Limerick has experience of successfully leading multi partner interdisciplinary research centres and is delighted to be hosting the DPTC”.

Enterprise Ireland funded the DPTC according to Dr. Keith O’Neill, Director of Lifesciences and Food Commercialisation, Enterprise Ireland because “with the anticipated increase of 50% to 2020 in the Irish milk pool, dairy processors need to be supported to deal with the challenges presented including technological capabilities and human resources capacities to develop a product mix that can increase dairy exports while maximising the efficiencies of processing operations.

Enterprise Ireland’s focus is on increasing exports to create economic growth and the dairy sector, having been underinvested in recent years, will use the knowledge, technologies and skills developed through the DPTC to take on competitors worldwide in the coming years. The future is very bright for the Irish dairy industry” concluded Dr. O’Neill.

The Dairy Processing Technology Centre consortium involves 8 companies; Arrabawn Co-op, Aurivo, Carbery, Dairygold, Glanbia, Kerry, Lakeland Dairies and Tipperary CoOp and 9 Research Providing Organisations; University of Limerick (host) and Teagasc, UCC, UCD, TCBB at NUIG, DCU, TCD, DIT, ITT & CIT. The Moorepark Technology Ltd shareholding companies are; Arrabawn Co-op, Aurivo, Carbery, Dairygold, Glanbia, the Irish Dairy Board, Kerry, North Cork Co-Op and Tipperary Co-Op.

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FARMING

Dog attacks kill or injure up to 4,000 sheep STATISTICS collated by IFA indicate that the problem of dog attacks on sheep may be in the order of 300 to 400 attacks per annum, with 3,000 to 4,000 sheep injured and killed, IFA National Sheep Chairman John Lynskey has said. He said data on dog attacks gathered by the IFA shows an average of over 11 sheep killed or injured per attack.

John Lynskey said the latest series of savage dog attacks on sheep flocks in counties Laois and Dublin highlights again the extent of this severe problem across the country.

The IFA sheep farmers’ leader warned dog owners that their pets can inflict horrendous damage on a sheep flock in an attack and the owners can be held responsible for the losses involved with serious financial and legal consequences.

He said dog owners are responsible for ensuring that their pets are under control at all times. Based on the annual sheep census, there are 34,304 sheep farmers in Ireland with 2.46m breeding ewes.

John Lynskey said farm-

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 12 September, 2014

ers have a right to protect their flock and the law states; It shall be a defence to any action for damages against a person for the shooting of a dog, or to any charge arising out of the shooting of a dog, if the defendant proves that (a) the dog was shot when it was worrying, or was about to worry, livestock and that there were no other reasonable means of ending or preventing the worrying; or (b) (i) the dog was a stray dog which was in the vicinity of a place where livestock had been injured or killed, and (ii) the defendant reasonably believed that the dog had been involved in the injury or killing, and (iii) there were no practicable means of seizing the dog or ascertaining to whom it belonged; and (c) he was the person in charge of the livestock; and (d) he notified within forty-eight hours the member in charge at the nearest Garda Station, to the place where the dog was shot, of the incident.

He said, “In the last week, I had to deal with a

farmer who endured a dog attack on his sheep, involving serious losses with a number of dead and injured sheep, and is now facing into more losses at lambing.

Despite the efforts of the farmer in defending his flock, some of the dogs still remain on the loose”.

John Lynskey said the devastation and trauma experienced by this farmer has left him seriously questioning his future in sheep production. This week’s attack is the latest on this flock and is the third attack in the last 12 months.

“Unfortunately, I am taking calls on a frequent basis from sheep farmers around the country who have suffered similar such attacks.

There are far too many dog owners not taking the responsibility that goes with owning a pet. Dog owners have an obligation to have their dog under control at all times.”

John Lynskey said we are now entering the season where dog attacks become a weekly feature again with the long dark nights. He said “sheep flocks with pregnant ewes are particu-

larly vulnerable to dog attacks at this critical time, and especially during the night.”

Over the spring, Ireland’s 30,000 sheep farmers will lamb down over 2.5 million ewes across the country.

John Lynskey said last year IFA launched a Protocol to help farmers who encounter a dog attack on their sheep flock. The IFA protocol involves an easy-to- follow, 10-point Plan of Action covering what a farmer should do following a dog attack or sheep kill.

“Based on the feedback IFA gets from farmers who have had to deal with a dog attack on their flock, one of the biggest problems is the lack of information on what they should do, who they should contact and where can they get help”.

The IFA Protocol deals with these basic questions and also outlines important aspects of the law and how the dog warden service and the Gardaí can help. It also sets out how to keep a full record of the attack, which can be used as evidence at a later stage.

IFA Protocol for farmers on sheep kills by dogs THE IFA has developed a protocol for farmers who encounter a dog attack on their sheep flocks. This 10-point plan is a simple, easy-to-follow protocol aimed at helping sheep farmers who encounter a dog attack on their flock. The IFA is also working with the Department of the Environment and Local Government, including the dog warden services on highlighting responsible dog ownership.

1. STOP THE DOGS On encountering a dog attack on sheep, the first priority must be to stop the attack immediately, apprehend the marauding dog or dogs and look after the welfare of the sheep.

2. FOLLOW THE LAW It is very important that sheep farmers are aware of, and follow the law, in the context of protecting their sheep flock against marauding dogs.

Under the 1984 Control of Dogs Act it states under the section - Defence in action for damages for shooting a dog.

(1) It shall be a defence to any action for damages against a person for the shooting of a dog, or to any charge arising out of the shooting of a dog, if the defendant proves that— (a) the dog was shot when it was worrying, or was about to worry, livestock and that there were no other reasonable means of ending or preventing the worrying; or (b) (i) the dog was a stray dog which was in the vicinity of a place where livestock had been injured or killed, and (ii) the defendant reasonably believed that the dog had been involved in the injury or killing, and (iii) there were no practicable means of

seizing the dog or ascertaining to whom it belonged; and (c) he was the person in charge of the livestock; and (d) he notified within forty-eight hours the member in charge at the nearest Garda Station to the place where the dog was shot of the incident.

(2) The provisions of subsection (1) (a) and subsection (1) (b) (i) and (iii) of this section shall be deemed to have been satisfied if the defendant believed that those provisions had been satisfied and he had reasonable grounds for that belief.

3. INFORM THE GARDAÍ It is very important that a sheep farmer would notify the Gardai of any dog attack on their sheep. If a dog is shot following or threating a sheep flock, the person who shot the dog must notify the member in charge at the nearest Garda Station to the place where the dog was shot, within forty-eight hours.

It is important that the owner of the sheep would report the incident in full, make an official complaint and request that a full investigation is undertaken and report filed. In addition, the farmer should request a site visit from the Garda.

4. RING THE DOG WARDEN Immediate contact should be made with the local dog warden of any sheep attack and the full details reported with a request for a site visit and full report to be filed.

5. CONTACT THE IFA All dog attacks should be notified to the local IFA regional office or head office, and the local IFA branch representative and member of the National Sheep

Committee from the County involved should be informed.

6. RING THE VET To look after any injured sheep and protect the welfare of the flock, a vet should be contacted and asked to visit and inspect the flock. The farmer should ask the vet to write a brief report recording the important statistics such as the numbers dead, severely injured and treated.

This report is vital evidence on the case.

7. KEEP THE EVIDENCE/TAKE A PICTURE Pictures of dead sheep, injured sheep, dead dogs etc., should be taken on the spot with a smart phone etc., as this again can prove to be vitally important in terms of evidence. All dead sheep must be disposed of and recorded into the knackery.

8. GET A VALUATION OF LOSSES Contact a local auctioneer or valuer and have any dead sheep valued on the spot and any other losses documented.

9. INFORM YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY It is very important to inform your insurance company of any dog attack as soon as possible after the incident occurs.

Likewise it is very important to establish the insurance company of the dog owner (home and/or farm insurance).

10. TELL YOUR SHEEP FARMING NEIGHBOURS It is very important that other sheep farmers in the local area are aware of any dog attack in their vicinity, particularly if the dogs are not apprehended. Utilise the local community alert or text messaging facility if available.

Round-up …

IFA demanding increased direct payments for sheep farmers SPEAKING at the IFA AGM in Dublin recently, IFA National Sheep Committee Chairman John Lynskey told the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney that direct payments are crucial for sheep farmers’ incomes and IFA is demanding priority access to GLAS; increased STAP or Knowledge Transfer payments; reversal of Disadvantaged Areas’ cuts; and, increased TAMS supports for the sheep sector. John Lynskey called on Minister Coveney to support and drive these measures for sheep farmers.

In response to the IFA Sheep Chairman, Minister Coveney gave a commitment that sheep farmers will get priority access into the new GLAS scheme. In addition, he said that €3m funding for STAP is in place for 2015 and the Sheep Grassland Scheme has been incorporated into the SFP entitlements of flock owners going forward.

John Lynskey said under the new Rural Development Plan separate knowledge transfer programmes must be available for both sheep and cattle enterprises including in a mixed farming set up as currently is the case with STAP and BTAP. Also at the IFA AGM, John Lynskey said for Commonage farmers, plans must be implemented in a flexible way to maximise participation, in line with the IFA Commonage strategy. He said GLAS+ must be available for hill sheep and commonage farmers. He said the IFA proposals to extend the burning dates in the hills must be taken on board.

John Lynskey said IFA has set up a working group with the factories, Teagasc, Bord Bia and Sheep Ireland to tackle market issues and improve the returns from hill sheep production.

Designated land must be prioritised in GLAS for restrictions imposed IFA SAC Project Chairman Tom Turley said that Natura areas must be a priority in the new GLAS scheme as farmers must be fully compensated for farming restrictions imposed.

Furthermore, Tom Turley said that where the GLAS does not properly compensate farmers then the onus is on the National Parks and Wildlife to provide payment to farmers in lieu of restrictions imposed. It is up to the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht Heather Humphreys to address this issue and this was clearly spelled out to her as recently as last week.

Tom Turley said that as it stands, farmers with greater than 0.25ha of Natura land (SAC, SPA) and Commonages are a priority Tier 1 under the GLAS scheme. However, the €5,000 cap will present a problem for some farmers who have designated areas greater than what secures the maximum payment.

For example, a farmer with hen harrier area will get a payment of €370/ha meaning that 13.5ha will get a farmer the maximum €5,000. To address the problem of farmers with a greater area, the farmer must qualify for GLAS + of a further €2,000 and also get a top-up payment from NPWS where the area is even greater.

The IFA SAC Project Chairman said of the allocation of €1.45bn of both EU and National funding in the new RDP 20142020 for GLAS will see at least 50% of this going to farmers in Natura and Commonage

areas.This funding would not have been available if the national co-financing of 46% was not put in place.

Tom Turley pointed out that in the last RDP 2007 – 2013 around 35% of the funding or €700m of €2bn available was spent in Natura areas. This amount of funding of around €700m is being continued in the new programme.

IFA welcomes continuation of BVD support payments IFA Animal Health Project Team Chairman Bert Stewart has welcomed the continuation of support in the BVD Programme for 2015 and the increase in the rate payable.

He said the provision of direct financial supports is critical in ensuring the early disposal of PIs and that the programme achieves its objectives.

He said the next critical step for Animal Health Ireland is to develop a lower level cost and monitoring programme for farmers who have completed 3 years of tissue tag testing.

Bert Stewart said this was not available for farmers who entered the programme in 2012 but must be provided for all farmers in 2016, in line with the commitments given to farmers in relation to the costs and duration of the Eradication Programme.

IFA tells Minister Coveney new charter of farmers’ rights must remove stress around inspections SPEAKING at the IFA AGM in Dublin recently, IFA Deputy President Tim O’Leary said the Minister for Agriculture Simon Coveney must insist that the new Charter of Farmers’ Rights, currently under negotiation with the Department of Agriculture, is a substantial improvement on the existing Charter and addresses all of the key issues affecting direct payments, schemes and other services to farmers.

Tim O’Leary said “The New Charter must remove the unnecessary stress for farm families associated with farm inspections and ensure that farmers are treated with respect.”

The IFA Deputy President said IFA has put forward detailed submissions to the Department of Agriculture setting out farmer demands across all areas under a New Charter.

Tim O’Leary said IFA is insisting that the New Charter of Farmers Rights include the following key provisions: • a reduction in the number of inspections and elimination of duplication; • a clear right for the farmer to separate the no-notice elements of an inspection and be given 48 hours or 14 days’ notice of the remainder; • implementation of a new yellow card system; • higher tolerances; • fair and effective animal health schemes; • an effective appeals system; and, • the delivery of payments on time, within the deadlines set down.

The IFA Deputy President said the New Charter must be farmer-friendly, written in farmer language and helpful in removing the unacceptable stress and agitation around the inspection process for farmers, “The New Charter must deliver a meaningful and positive impact for both farmers and the Department of Agriculture on the delivery of direct payments, farm schemes and services.”

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

FARMING

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Coveney commits further supports towards the BVD eradication programme for another year

Pictured at the launch in the RDS Dublin of Emerald Expo 2015 Dairy Show to be held at the Punchestown Event Centre on Saturday, 11th April were l. to r. Show Director, Richard Whelan, IHFA, Henry Corbally, Glanbia, Christy Doherty FBD, John Comer, President, ICMSA.

Emerald Expo 2015 dairy show goes large THE Punchestown Event Centre in Co. Kildare is set to be the venue for the 2015 Emerald Expo which will take place on Saturday, 11th April. Emerald Expo is a leading All-Ireland Dairy Event organised in association with the Irish Holstein Friesian Association (IHFA), long standing major sponsor Alltech Ireland and new major sponsor FBD, where spectators are treated to quality judging of top quality dairy stock.

Speaking at the launch of Emerald Expo 2015, show Director and IHFA Chairman Richard Whelan stated that there is something quite special about this years’ event. ‘The move to the Punchestown Event Centre allows us to increase the scope for patrons and the opportunities for our spon-

sors with top class facilities for exhibitors and visitors. We are deeply indebted to all our sponsors who have supported us over the past five years.’ Recognised as a top dairy show in Europe, CEO of the IHFA, Charles Gallagher, pointed to the fact that it is the first National Dairy event in the new post quota era. He stated, ‘the event will form a major part of the IHFA’s 50th Anniversary celebrations and special commemorative IHFA medallions for all class winners at Emerald Expo will be presented on the day’.

Also speaking at the recent launch was ICMSA President John Comer. It is fundamental that Irish farmers position themselves for the next steps due to quota abolition.

‘With less than 60 days left under the current quota system, it will

change how we do business going forward. It is fundamental that the industry is structured to operate as efficiently as possible.

Farmers must control what happens inside the farm gate and then look to Government organisations that will mitigate against market volatility’.

Now in its fifth year, this AllBreeds Dairy Show of Holsteins, Irish Pure Friesians, Shorthorns and Jerseys attracts visitors from both North and South and will be a one stop venue for dairy farmers. Cathal McCormack, Alltech stressed the importance genetics plays in commercial dairy herds and its vital role in meeting management and nutrition targets into the future.

Unfortunately farm safety is never far off the recent agenda

within the Irish agri sector and FBD’s Christy Doherty stated, ‘this issue is paramount to all in agriculture.

We are delighted to come on board as a key sponsor. FBD have recently launched a new initiative that involves visiting 30,000 farmers over the course of the year to advise them not only on insurance requirements but also taking the opportunity to advise on farm safety matters’.

The major sponsors of the 2015 event are Alltech and FBD. Other sponsors include Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine, MSD, Glanbia, Volac, Dairymaster, WorldWide Sires, Animax, Progressive Genetics, Dovea Genetics, KW Forage Systems, Elanco and ABS.

We must learn the lessons of the UK milk market crisis UP to a few years ago, British farmers still struggled to produce milk and their output was chronically, massively under quota. Years of neglect by a private industry unable to make money from the retail liquid milk trade – which accounts for 60% of milk production – and poor farm incomes had eroded the British dairy sector.

More recently, retailers signed up direct supply contract with farmers to safeguard supplies. Also, two foreignowned processors, Arla and Muller, became involved on the British market, wooing farmers with expansion opportunities. For the first time in years, fairer prices and opportunities saw British milk production start to grow.

In the last 12 months, strong prices led to a massive 10% output increase, but recent market shocks have brought back the inadequacies of the main processing structures into focus.

“Some British farmers now find themselves either without an ongoing milk supply contract or a milk purchaser willing to take their milk.

Those are faced with having to either take rock bottom spot prices of 15 to 20p/litre (20 to 27c/l) or sell their cows. The Irish liquid milk sector needs to learn from this disastrous experience,” IFA National Liquid Milk Chairman Teddy Cashman said.

“British dairy farmers with “aligned” liquid milk supply contracts with British retailers such as Tesco and

Sainsbury’s currently receive the most sustainable price for milk in the UK at around 38 to 40c/l, while other farmers have to accept 27 to 33c/l from their milk purchasers, and others again have to cope with totally unviable spot prices because their milk purchasers can’t or don’t want to renew their supply contracts,” he said.

“British retailers are not paying the best price going out of the goodness of their hearts. They have had to recognise after many years of strife that securing quality fresh milk supplies for the supermarket shelf would require a solid commitment to remunerating suppliers adequately for their costs,” he said.

“None of the other British milk

purchasers, only a couple of which are farmer-owned, have shown the same commitment to their suppliers.” he said, “This should be a reminder to us Irish farmers to value our ownership of our industry, and to our co-ops the vital importance of continually striving for added value and further efficiencies by consolidating and working jointly with others.”

“It is crucial that our dairies and retailers learn from the UK milk market crisis. Sustainable remuneration for committed, specialist milk producers will be more necessary than ever in the post 2015 era to secure supplies of quality fresh milk for consumers all year round,” he concluded.

THE Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney,T.D., has announced that he has decided to extend and re-focus support arrangements for farmers faced with the removal of persistently infected BVD calves born from their herds in 2015.

Minister Coveney said that his decision was being made in the context of the compulsory phase of the Bovine Viral Diarrhoea (BVD) Eradication Programme now reaching its critical third year and follows on from consultations with the BVD Implementation Group (BVDIG), (chaired by Animal Health Ireland), which is the industry body promoting and managing this industry-led eradication programme.

Stressing the importance of the BVD eradication programme, Minister Coveney said “whilst good progress continues to be made under this industry-led Programme, there are some critical issues remaining to be dealt with by the BVD Implementation Group if the programme is to be brought to a speedy and successful conclusion”. In particular, the Minister identified a small number of non-participating herds and another relatively small number of farms on which a number of Persistently Infected (PI) animals are being retained as posing a significant risk to the timeline for a successful conclusion of the programme. He stated that it is his view that these require urgent direct interventions to mitigate the risks. He identified two further specific issues which also require urgent action: firstly the need for a better flow of information on the position of these specific risk herds to neighbouring farmers and service providers, including veterinary practitioners, so that those at most immediate risk may take risk mitigating measures. The second issue relates to the risk arising from animals, in particular pregnant animals from these farms, being sold in the market place. In the context of confirming the supports for 2015, the Minister has forwarded proposals as to how these matters can be addressed to the BVD Implementation Group.

The Minister went on to say that ”further delays in dealing with these issues will only prolong and add to the cost of eradication and put at risk the investment already made by farmers, who have invested some €9m on testing each year, and by the State through its financial and other supports to the programme”.

In the context of the anticipated commitment by the BVD Implementation Group towards more rapid progress in the programme in 2015, the Minister said that he was glad to be in a position to re-focus and further enhance the support provided by his Department to assist in the process of rapid disposal of PI calves in 2015. The supports provided for 2015 are as follows:BEEF HERDS • A payment of €140 for each beef breed PI born in a suckler herd that is shown to be disposed of to a knackery within 5 weeks of the first test.

• A reduced payment of €90 will apply in respect of such calves disposed of to a knackery within 7 weeks of the first test.

DAIRY HERDS • A payment of €100 for each dairy breed PI heifer calf born in a dairy herd that is shown to be disposed to a knackery within 5 weeks of the first test.

• A reduced payment of €50 will apply in respect of such calves disposed of to a knackery within 7 weeks of the first test.

The Minister further clarified that these supports will only be available to those herdowners who are compliant with the 2015 testing requirements and where all 2015 born PI’s are removed within 7 weeks of the first test. In addition it is a requirement that all PI animals born in 2012, 2013 and 2014 are disposed of prior to 1st March, 2015.

In addition, to be eligible for both the BVD support arrangements and to participate in the proposed Beef Data Genomics Programme and successor programmes, it will be a stipulation that no PI animals are present in the herd, with the exception of those recently born and within 7 weeks of the first test.

The Minister confirmed that his expectation is that some movement restrictions, geared towards protecting the vast majority of ‘clear’ herds will apply to non-participating herds and to those herds continuing to retain PI animals in the course of 2015.

Minister Coveney added that his Department would continue to provide, free of charge, a blood based test to confirm the persistently infected (PI) status of those calves that give a positive test result on tag testing. The Department is also providing a blood test for the dams of those calves and any progeny of PI cows.

The Minister thanked the Implementation Group for their solid contribution to the development and management of this eradication programme which is of great significance to the farming community.

Application forms will issue directly to the farmers concerned from the BVD Supports Section, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Government Offices, Portlaoise, Co Laois.

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Teagasc News . . .

BVD ERADICATION BVD: The Facts: • Bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle that can be transmitted as easily as the common cold.

It can be spread directly by infected animals, or indirectly, for example by contaminated equipment or visitors.

• The majority of infections with BVD virus occur after birth.

In this case, animals become transiently infected (TI) before recovering and becoming virus-negative, typically within 3 weeks or less.

Transient infections may occur without obvious clinical signs but depending on age, sex and immunity may lead to a range of reproductive problems, including abortion and poor calf health with scours and pneumonia that respond poorly to treatment.

• Infection of the unborn calf between approximately 30 and 120 days of pregnancy will result in it becoming persistently infected (PI) with BVD virus if the calf is not aborted. If a calf is not PI at birth it will never be PI. • These PI animals will shed BVD virus at high levels for life and PI animals are therefore the most significant source of infection. TI animals shed virus at much lower levels and only for a few days.

• Both TI and PI calves will initially test positive for BVD virus.

However, due to the immune response in TI calves a repeat test, 3-4 weeks later should be negative, whereas a PI should always give a positive result. Nationally, around 0.4% (4 calves per 1,000) test positive for BVD virus.

• PI animals can look entirely normal, particularly at birth, but may become stunted and ill-thriven. PI animals often develop a severe and always fatal wasting condition with diarrhoea and ulceration of the gut and feet, called mucosal disease (MD).This typically occurs between 6 to 18 months of age. The majority of PI animals are dead before reaching breeding age or slaughter weight, either from MD or other infections (particularly scour and pneumonia) BVD virus persists in herds by creating further PI calves.

Therefore identification and removal of PI cattle is the key to control.Vaccination to maintain immunity in breeding stock can offer further protection where susceptible pregnant cattle are exposed to BVD virus.

Signs that BVD virus may be present in a herd: • Animals thriving poorly for no apparent reason • More ‘empty’ cows than expected • More unexplained abortions than normal • Birth defects in calves • More calf scours and pneumonia than normal • Sick calves respond poorly to veterinary treatment • Mucosal disease diagnosed The voluntary phase of the BVD eradication programme began

in 2012 and the compulsory phase commenced for all herds in 2013. It was envisaged at the start of the programme that those entering the voluntary phase would only have to tissue tag for three years before entering a surveillance/monitoring programme in year four. Unfortunately due to the retention of PI (persistently infected) animals on some farms this cannot occur and all herds have again to tissue test in 2015.

No. of Herds Retaining PI’s No. Of PI Animals Retained

Beef Kilkenny 40 Waterford 21 Ireland 1,206

Dairy 35 27 586

Total 75 48 1,792

Beef 70 44 1890

Dairy 75 63 1081

Total 145 107 2,971

Of the 2014 calves tested we still have 2,971 PI calves retained across some 1,792 herds in the country. Of the total herds over two thirds are beef farms (1,206).These farmers are” being a penny wise and a pound foolish” as these infected animals are reducing overall breeding performance and growth rates within their own herds.

These herds also pose a significant threat to their neighbours as the disease can be spread across the boundary fences. Getting the message through to these herds to remove PI’s is critical if we are to progress to monitoring herd status. If PI numbers are not significantly reduced in 2015 we will again be facing the prospect of tissue testing in 2016.This is not what the industry wants, so 2015 is seen as a critical year in BVD eradication.

If you have retained PI animals on your farm please do the sensible and the honourable thing and dispose of these animals now and don’t be reducing your own profitability and threatening your neighbours livelihood.

EARLY INTAKE OF COLOSTRUM IS VITAL At a recent very well attended and interesting Calf Care event presented by AHI,Teagasc, Glanbia and Volac the message of ensuring calves get an adequate volume of colostrum within 2 hours of birth was emphasised.

Colostrum 1-2-3 for dairy calves: • Use colostrum from the first milking for the first feed.

• Give colostrum within two hours from the calf ’s birth • Give at least three litres How much colostrum to feed?

It is recommended that 3 litres are fed at the first feed. This volume refers to Holstein-Friesian type dairy calves with a weight of 35 to 45kg.

When do you have to worry about colostrum in the suckler calf?

In the following situations, suckler calves should be hand fed 2 to 3 litres of colostrum by stomach tube, nipple bucket or bottle. If the calf is too weak to suckle; the cow doesn’t allow the calf to suckle; the calf had a difficult birth and is unlikely to suckle soon or there are other circumstances making it unlikely that the calf will suckle soon (bad weather, cow and calf disturbed while bonding, pendulous udders).

Why is colostrum important for the calf?

Antibodies cannot cross over from the cow to the calf during pregnancy. The calf is, therefore, born without any immunity i.e. defences against infection. However, the calf will be challenged by bugs as soon as it enters the birth canal.

If calves do not get enough antibodies through colostrum soon after they are born, they will have failure of passive transfer (FPT) of antibodies. Calves with FPT have a high chance of becoming ill and dying. Calves that survive have poorer growth rates than calves that received adequate colostrum.

Colostrum also has higher energy content than normal milk which is important since new born calves do not have large reserves of fat.

How should colostrum be fed?

Suckler calves should suckle on their own (or with assistance) within two hours. If not they should be fed with a nipple feeder or stomach tube.

Dairy calves should be removed from their dams immediately after birth and hand-fed colostrum for two reasons.

• The dairy calf is going to be separated from the cow anyway.

Since the cow is the main source of potential infection for the new born calf, early separation helps to prevent disease. However, disease prevention is only effective if the calf is housed in a clean individual pen afterwards.

• Dairy cows are not bred for their mothering abilities and since their colostrum quality is poorer the calves would have to drink high quantities of colostrum to prevent failure of passive transfer of antibodies. Therefore, leaving the calf with the cow is a very unreliable method of colostrum intake, successful in less than 50% of cases. It is also impossible to assess the volume the calf has drunk, even if suckling is observed.

Colostrum can be hand-fed using a nipple bottle or bucket, or a stomach tube: • Feeding by nipple is more natural and the absorption of antibodies is slightly better • It can be difficult to get the calf to drink the volume necessary.

• Feeding by stomach tube is quick and, if done properly, safe.

Greening, Yields and Good Pesticide Practice: Key themes at Teagasc National Tillage Conference AT the Teagasc National Tillage conference in Kilkenny on Thursday, 29th January, Paud Evans of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine presented the latest information on CAP reform and ‘Greening’. Teagasc adviser Ivan Whitten and Kildare farmer Tim Ronaldson explained what they have been doing to ensure compliance from a practical point of view, Ivan stressed that ‘Urgent action is needed and farmers must pay close attention to their obligations in order to optimise their own situation’.

The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy and the move from the single farm payment to the Basic Payment Scheme will significantly reduce the payments made to tillage farmers in Ireland, and the reductions will increase over the coming five years.

A proportion of this short-

fall can be made up by ensuring that their farms comply with ‘greening’ requirements, the associated payments can make up 30% of the total payments available.

Speaking at the conference John Spink pointed out, however, that ‘the key to the future profitability of the tillage sector is to exploit our high yield potential with rotations playing a key role. He said that three of the main factors which determine profitability in good rotations are: profitable break crops, cost effective and sustainable disease control, and an understanding of crop growth and yield formation.These three factors will together maximise yield.’

The new Teagasc/IFA funded break crop research programme was presented

by John Carroll outlining bean agronomy for the coming season for those

looking to introduce a new crop into their rotation to comply with the 3 crop rule and avail of up to €250/ha in additional payments under the protein payment.

Reporting on the latest fungicide survey information Stephen Kildea said that while resistance to SDHI fungicides has not been found in Ireland prudent use of these chemicals remains essential. ‘SDHIs should not be used more than twice in a season and where they are they should be used in combination with a chemical from another family of fungicides.’

The Teagasc Spring Barley Guide produced in collaboration with DAFM and Boortmalt was launched at the conference.

The guide brings together the latest Teagasc crop physiology and agronomy research. It gives a detailed description of how the crop

grows and forms its yield and details crop management to optimise crop

growth and yield in a onestop shop for researchers, advisers, farmers and

students. Copies of this chargeable publication are available from Eleanor

Butler at Teagasc Oak Park.

Circa 500 people attended the event.

Pictured at the conference was from left: Steven Kildea, Teagasc; John Spink, Teagasc; Prof Gerry Boyle, Teagasc Director; John Carroll, Teagasc and Ciaran Hickey, Teagasc.

[Dylan Vaughan]

FARMING

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

59

Balanced debate needed on farm safety ICSA Rural Development Chairman Billy Gray has called for a sense of perspective and balance to be brought to the farm safety debate. “Nobody wants to see a repeat of 2014 in which there were 30 farm related fatalities. However, when you are dealing with random accident figures, one year where the fatalities are higher is not necessarily concrete evidence of a trend.

Moreover we need to avoid knee jerk responses, which are imposed just to be seen to be doing something.”

“We need proper assessment of where we stand. Comparisons with other sectors are meaningless - what is needed is a direct and meaningful comparison with farm safety in

other EU member States. The Health and Safety Authority needs to publish a direct comparison between Irish and EU farms so that we can make a more meaningful examination and also see what lessons can be learnt.”

Mr. Gray noted that there was no fatality involving a PTO shaft in 2014 which was positive but he added that machinery manufacturers cannot be left off the hook when it comes to PTO shafts which are not made to last.

He also pointed out that any effort to cut the EU supports on farms that have safety deficiencies would be ridiculous. Lack of income is the main reason for deficiencies in equipment or

facilities on farms and this is a particular problem on cattle and sheep farms. “The fact that the Farm Safety grant scheme is over-subscribed demonstrates the willingness of farmers to do what they can. Further funding in this area would be far more beneficial than cutting EU supports.”

However, Mr Gray said that the whole issue is complex. “Farmers working on their own with unpredictable livestock is inherently risky.

Low income means more part-time farming which leads to greater pressure to get work done at night and weekends and at the same time means that livestock can be wilder.”

He also pointed out that many farms do not have a successor.

“Of the thirty farm fatalities last year, six involved farmers aged in their seventies and four involved farmers in their eighties.

Do we ban all over-65s from the farm? Of course not. We need to balance the fatalities of the elder farmers with the reality that many farmers continue to take an active role in farming in their later years and derive tremendous health benefits – both mental and physical – from staying active.

Ideally there would be more young farmers in the area available to help the older farmers but this is hampered by the fact that many young farmers are working offfarm due to insufficient farm income.”

Dungarvan Mart SAMPLE PRICES BULLOCK SECTION 2 Simmental Blks. 595 kgs. made €1,250 each.

3 Hereford Blk. 563 kgs. made €1,215 each.

1 Limousin Blk. 430 kgs. made €1,115.

1 Limousin Blk. 535 kgs. made €1,160.

HEIFER SECTION 1 Char Heifer 515 kgs. made €1,160.

1 Hereford Heifer 450 kgs. made €1,015.

1 Friesian Heifers 550 kgs. made €1,130.

DRY COW 1 Friesian Cow 755 kgs. made €1,250.

1 Friesian Cow 610 kgs. made €1,080.

1 Friesian Cow 620 kgs. made €1,050.

Cattle Sales in 2015 will commence at 11.30 a.m. sharp.

Friesian Bull Calves wanted for export. Must be over 14 days old.

Wanted for further feeding – Continental Heifers and bulls 300 to 450 kgs.

Contact Dungarvan Mart on 058 41611.

KILNAFREHAN, DUNGARVAN 54.6 Hect. (135 ac) Roadside Farm For Sale by Private Treaty In One or More Divisions • Situated c. 5 miles from Dungarvan, this substantial roadside farm in 2 main divisions • All in permanent pasture, with ample road frontage, gravity water supply • Farmyard with 3 Span slatted shed, 3 Span shed, handling facilities • Water & Electricity • Further inquiries to the Auctioneers

LANDS TO LET Stradbally Area:

27 acres Roadside Lands.

To Lease for 5 – 7 years.

All in grass. Independent water and electricity.

Leamybrien Area: c.60 Acres.

To lease for 7 years. c.19 Acres.

To lease for 7 years.

Dungarvan Area: c.41 Acres land To Lease for 7 years.

Modeligo Area: c. 59 acres Roadside Land To Lease for 5 years All in permanent pasture in 3 main divisions Independent water & power supply Cappoquin Area: c.20 acres Lands to Lease for 5 years All in permanent pasture For maps and full details please contact the Auctioneers HARTY & CO. Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

058-41377 info@hartyauctioneers.com

CORBETT CONCRETE PRODUCTS LTD.

CATTLE SLATS 1

Available from 7’6” to 12’6” – 7 /4” deep 14’6” – 9” deep – 16’6” – 10” deep

READER’S QUERIES Question: There is 20 hectares of land up for 5-year lease nearby. I am 28 years of age and work full time. I would like to take on this land and do a bit of farming.

I am wondering would I qualify for National reserve and/or the young farmer top-up. As things stand I don’t have a herd number or a green cert. Can you please advise?

Answer: To apply for the National reserve and if you intend farming you will need a herd number. For the National reserve your off-farm income must not exceed €40,000 gross.

The first step is to secure the land, then get a herdnumber, then register and complete the application online along with the application for the young farmer top up. You must also have applied for the level 6 green certificate course before September 2016. If you are successful you should receive the National average value of entitlement for each of the 20 hectares and a further top up for 5 years under the young farmer’s scheme provided you meet all the criteria.Your first priority should be to contact an adviser. I trust this will clear things up for you.

Tip of the Week: Persuasion not pressure is required to change attitude.We all have a role to play in changing attitudes towards safety on farms!

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.

Richard Bruton T.D. Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and Simon Coveney T.D. Minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine, Dan MacSweeney, CEO Carbery and Chair of Irish Dairy Industry Association and Dr. Noel Cawley, Chairman Teagasc at a €35 million investment announcement to make the Irish dairy processing sector more innovative.

[Sean Curtin]

Cappoquin Macra na Feirme QUIZ There was a super turn out last Friday night in the Central Bar as we held the county round of Question time. A large number of teams competed with every club in the county being well represented, all in search of a chance to represent their club in the national finals. Dungarvan Macra were the winners on the night, one of our own teams came in a very close second and both teams will go on to represent their respective clubs in the finals which take place on the 28th of February.

Cappoquin Macra provided refreshments for everyone during the quiz, we also held a raffle on the night

and would like to thank everyone for their support!

We would also like to thank the Cornerstone for supplying refreshments and the Central Bar for their help and support, it is greatly appreciated!

INDOOR SOCCER Indoor soccer was postponed last Sunday night and will now take place on next Sunday at 7.00 p.m. in Ballinameela hall. Any member or new member interested in taking part please contact Donall on 087-6910823.

CAPERS Congratulations to club member Thomas O’Donoghue on his recent performance with a combined Waterford macra team

who performed in Ovens in Co. Cork. A lot of hard work and preparation went in to the show. On the night they were very unlucky not to qualify for the next round of the competition.

INTERESTED IN JOINING If you are aged between 17-35, from the West Waterford area including Cappoquin, Lismore, Knockanore, Modeligo and Aglish and you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do, then join Cappoquin Macra where there is always something to do and many great social nights had!

It’s a decision you won’t regret! Contact Eamonn on 087-2110928!

GRANT APPROVED

SCRAPER SLATS, BEAMS, MANHOLES, PIG SLATS ALL @ KEEN PRICES ■ For all Slat Rubber enqiries call Paul Dennehy – 087 9036483 ■ We also supply safety manholes for existing slatted units

Replacing Old Slats Free quotation and inspection of old Slatted Units

Mooneraha, Cahir, Co. Tipperary.

Tel. (052) 7441590

C a t t le Underp ass

QUAN BUTLER 087-2525327 Rep. for South

DUNGARVAN MART WANTED FOR EXPORT Friesian Bull Calves – must be over 14 days old.

Also Continental Bulls wanted from 300 kgs. to 450 kgs.

Enquiries to Dungarvan Mart 058-41611.

Contact the Dungarvan Observer for the best advertising rates Tel: 058-42042 / 41205; email: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie

Inside entertainment … only Your entertainment guide

e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | telephone 058 41205

Movie Reviews In association with SGC Dungarvan

Shaun The Sheep - Opens 6th February WHEN Shaun decides to take the day off and have some fun, he gets a little more action than he bargained for!

Shaun’s mischief inadvertently leads to The Farmer being taken away from the farm, to the Big City.

Join Shaun, Bitzer and The Flock on their hilarious, action-packed, big screen adventure as they make plans to rescue the missing Farmer.

Sweeney’s Men (Andy Irvine, Terry Woods and Johnny Moynihan) came calling to Tigh an Cheoil in Baile na nGall, An Rinn, on Saturday and gave us a lively night’s entertainment. The repartee and the craic was as mighty as the music; the boys were in rare form, and the packed audience were treated to an event that felt much more like an intimate gig than a concert.

Crossword

A story about how we sometimes forget to appreciate the things we have in life, and the people who love us.

Shaun the Sheep The Movie introduces us to two new Aardman characters; Trumper the animal warden who rules the city’s animal shelter with a rod of iron and Slip, an inner city orphan dog who helps Shaun save the day.

The Interview - Opens 6th February DAVE Skylark (James Franco) and his producer Aaron Rapoport (Seth Rogen) are the team behind the popular tabloidTV show "Skylark Tonight." After learning that North Korea's Kim Jong Un (Randall Park) is a huge fan of the show, they successfully set up an interview

with him, hoping to legitimize themselves as actual journalists.

However, as Dave and Aaron prepare for their journey to Pyongyang, the CIA steps in, recruits them, and assigns them an incredible mission: Assassinate the dictator.

Project Almanac - Opens 20th February AS a group of friends discover plans for a time machine, they build it and use it to fix their problems and personal gain.

But as the future falls apart with disasters, and each of them disappear little by little,

February 8 14 Aries March 20th April 19th

Taurus April 20th May 20th

Gemini ACROSS 1 Michael Jackson s chimpanzee (7) 5 Hunt in contravention of official protection (5) 8 Name associated with three co-owned record companies (1,1,1) 9 John Herbert _ , American gangster and bank robber (9) 10 7 Appetiser consisting of bacon-wrapped oysters served on toast (6,2,9) 11 A musical instrument or an area of Scotland (4) 13 The capital of Zambia (6) 15 What can be combated with a puffer (6) 17 A set of electrical sockets (4) 18 Adjective relating to a safety feature of brakes (4-4) 21 A sport contest involving three disciplines, such as swimming, cycling and running (9) 22 Considerate and affectionate attention (1,1,1) 24 Of a sound, high and thin in tone (5) 25 A cocktail of brandy, lemon juice and orange liqueur (7) DOWN 1 A short section of music (3) 2 Broadcaster and life peer Melvyn (5) 3 Appropriate for a well-mannered woman (8) 4 Of skin, yellowish (6) 5 Tending to show disapproval of anything improper (4) 6 Excessive mental or physical suffering (7) 7 See 10 across 10 See You Later, _ , 1956 hit for Bill Haley (9) 12 Gave (a task or duty) (8) 14 Anagram of INSURES (7) 16 People whose name gave rise to the name England (6) 19 The _ nerves connect the eyes with the brain (5) 20 A period of temporary residence (4) 23 A worthless dog canine or human (3) SOLUTION

May 21st June 20th

Cancer June 21st July 22nd

Leo July 23rd August 22nd

Virgo August 23rd September 22nd

Libra September 23rd October 22nd

FFICE tensions could surface this week, due to someone not pulling their weight, try not to lose your rag your efforts will be appreciated, so try to stay out of their way.

O

ON T be tempted into making a rash purchase this week as you may want to save your pennies for more exciting things to come. Try and resist the urge to spend, spend, spend!

D

OME life takes a back seat this week as you ve got important plans to put into action.

Those projects that you ve been delaying are ready so don t lose the drive, get busy!

H

EETING new people will give you the confidence to say or do something that you ve been meaning to. Take strength from the fact that your intuition is at its strongest now.

M

UCKY you! This week affairs of the heart will prosper as you re in no mood to be a shrinking violet. Go all out for what you want in your relationships and you should strike it lucky.

L

AVE you confused someone by your actions recently? They may have misunderstood your intentions. Try and clear the air with them so that matters don t get out of hand.

H

wind-fall could soon be coming your way and some of the things you ve been dreaming about might now start to take effect. Go out and live a little you can afford to enjoy yourself.

A

Scorpio

T

Sagittarius

Y

Capricorn

ONEY issues will take a back seat for a while leaving you free to concentrate on matters of the heart after all the best things in life are free and you ve plenty to give this week.

HIS year will prove to be an eventful one for Scorpians, with many changes at work and at October 23rd home on the cards. Your resilient nature however, November will see you through the good and bad times.

21st OUR love life should be your priority this

week either to spend with your partner or to November seek a new soul mate. You re irresistible at the 22nd December 21st moment so make the most of it!

December 22nd January 19th

Aquarius January 20th February 18th

Pisces February 19th March 19th

M

S this is your birthday month you may have a desire to reflect on the last year and the one to come. The time has come to make some important decisions and decide where your future should be.

A

N old friend might re-appear this week with some un-settling news, it s up to you to make the best of it. After all you ve moved on and up in the last few years, don t be back dragged down!

A

they must travel back to the past to make sure they never invent the machine or face the destruction of humanity Starring: Jonny Weston, Ginny Gardner, and Sofia Black-D'Elia.

Norma (Bellini) Opera Live from Teatro Liceu Barcelona Tuesday, 17th February at 7.00 p.m.

PREMIERED on 26th September 1831 at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan. First performed at the Gran Teatre del Liceu on 16th October 1847. Last staged at the Liceu on 30th July 2007.

If we weep from emotion on hearing it, it's nothing to be ashamed of. That is what Richard Wagner said about Vincenzo Bellini's most famous opera, which he considered the most perfect example of a musical tragedy. And rightly so, because in Norma Italian Romanticism reached its pinnacle. This production, by up-and-coming American stage director Kevin Newbury, stresses the ritual aspects of the drama. In Roman-dominated Gaul, the

high priestess Norma has broken her vow of chastity by entering a relationship with the Roman pro-consul Pollione and the birth of their two children has been kept secret. But when she discovers she has a rival, jealousy sets in. Norma is a classical heroine, passionate and revengeful, and her dilemma provides the starting point for the most successful work by the last and greatest composer of bel canto.

Though the first performance was a failure, Norma went on to become an established favourite. It first came to the Liceu in 1847, not long after its official opening, and was, in fact, the third opera to be staged there.

Hall & Oats - Live in Dublin (recorded) Thursday, 19th February at 8.30 p.m.

DARYL Hall and John Oates finally returned to Europe as they played before a sellout crowd at Dublin's famed Olympia Theatre on 15th July 2014, and the entire event was recorded in stunning HD for theatrical distribution With six number one hits including Rich Girl, Kiss on My List, Private Eyes, I Can’t Go for That, Maneater, and Out of Touch, plus dozens of other top 40 songs, this legendary duo’s recently recorded concert is a “must see” for all music fans.

Signed to Atlantic records by Ahmet Ertegun in the 1970’s, Daryl Hall & John Oates have sold more albums than any other duo in music history. Their 1973 debut album, Abandoned Luncheonette, produced by Arif Mardin, yielded the

Top 10 single, She’s Gone, which also went to #1 on the R&B charts when it was covered by Tavaras. The duo recorded one more album with Atlantic, War Babies, (produced by Todd Rundgren) before they left and promptly signed to RCA. Their tenure at RCA catapulted the duo to international superstardom.

Set List: ManEater, Out of Touch, Say It Isn't So, Family Man, It's Uncanny, Back Together Again, Las Vegas Turnaround (The Stewardess Song), She's Gone, Sara Smile, Do What You Want, Be What You Are, and I Can't Go for That (No Can Do) Encore: Rich Girl and You Make My Dreams Encore 2: Kiss on My List and Private Eyes.

Across: 1 Bubbles, 5 Poach, 8 RCA, 9 Dillinger, 10 7 Angels on horseback, 11 Fife, 13 Lusaka, 15 Asthma, 17 Gang, 18 Anti-lock, 21 Triathlon, 22 TLC, 24 Reedy, 25 Sidecar.

Down: 1 Bar, 2 Bragg, 3 Ladylike, 4 Sallow, 5 Prim, 6 Anguish, 7 , 10 Alligator, 12 Assigned, 14 Sunrise, 16 Angles, 19 Optic, 20 Stay, 23 Cur.

Inside entertainment … only Your entertainment guide

Paddy O’Brien

Gerry Guthrie

Shaun Loughrey

e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | telephone 058 41205

The Indians

Trudi Lalor

Peter Burke

Pat Tobin

Paddy O’Brien’s 21st Annual Get-together Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Tel: 058-41122 Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday, 22nd February IT’S nearly that time of the year again when Paddy O’Brien brings together Ireland’s top country entertainers to Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.This will be Paddy’s 21st year staging his annual get-together and it

continues to be one of the biggest entertainment events in the Irish Country Music Calendar.

This year it will be held on Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday, 22nd February. There will be a great double

bill each night featuring Paddy and his band plus the following artists and their bands - Gerry Guthrie, Shaun Loughrey, The Indians. The afternoon dances will feature Trudi Lalor, Peter Burke, Tradstone, New West and there will also

be a late night sing song and dance with 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 €20.00.

Saturday afternoon dance is from 3-

5 p.m while Sunday afternoon is from 3.15-5.15 p.m. Admission is €10.00.

For further details on this great music spectacular see ads on forthcoming editions of this paper or go to Paddy’s website on www.paddyobrien.com.

Getting Classical: Come along to Dungarvan’s First Piano Ricital ONE of Ireland's up-andcoming pianists, Daniel Kearney, Abbeyside native, is holding Dungarvan's first piano recital in Church of Ireland on Sunday, March 1st, at 3.00 p.m.

Daniel said: "I get up at 7.00 a.m. every day to practice; I want this to be an amazing experience for everyone who attends".

Tickets are €7.50; in which all proceeds will go to the Church of Ireland Repair Fund.

The church seats 200 and tickets are on sale in Kelly's Pharmacy, Abbeyside and David Walsh's, to keep both sides of the bridge happy!

The aspiring musician is sharing the limelight; he has asked VoiceOver choir to sing at the event, in which he will accompany the vocals of the choir.

Established by Mary Lawless, a local experienced choral enthusiast,VoiceOver meets weekly in Dungarvan to fine-tune their sound under the guidance of Musical Co-Ordinator Cordelia Burke.

The unique group’s varied and challenging repertoire ranges from popular to classical pieces.

The founder of VoiceOver, Mary Lawless, said; "The ladies of VoiceOver are very much looking forward to their guest appearance at Daniel Kearney’s Recital."

Aula Maxima in University College Cork; aboard the Dunbrody Famine ship for the opening of the New Ross Piano Festival; RDS Dublin;

Freemasons Hall, Dublin; Anaverna House, Ravensdale and National Concert Hall Dublin are just a few of the venues in which Daniel has previously played in.

Daniel is thrilled to play in the ornate and tranquil St. Mary's Protestant Church in March and hopes everyone enjoys the classical event.

Aisteoirí an tSean Phobail The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley Daniel Kearney

IF (by any remote chance) you weren’t aware that the Co. Waterford premier of “The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley” was on in Old Parish last weekend you must have been asking where all the laughter was coming from! Anyone within 10 miles of Halla Colmán last Thursday, Friday and Sunday night would have heard the non-stop roars

of laughter as audiences there were treated to a feast of comedy. From start to finish young and younger were transported to the world of Gabriel Foley, hapless bachelor and daring dater extraordinaire, as he tries to find himself a wife in the local drama group. Needless to say the laughs were fast and furious; and the women feisty!

Best of all there are two more opportunities to catch this un-missable production before it’s wedding-bells – or should that be ‘curtains’ – for Gabriel!

“The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley” this Saturday and Sunday night, February 7th and 8th at 8.15 p.m. both nights in Halla Colmán, Old Parish. To book call: (058) 46483.

Entertainment …

only Your entertainment guide

e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | telephone 058 41205

DOWNEY’S BAR

Dungarvan Shopping Centre Shop Local Campaign 2015

MAIN STREET, DUNGARVAN

Valentine’s giveaway promotion at Dungarvan Shopping Centre

Friday, 6th February :– 8.05 p.m. WALES v. ENGLAND Saturday, 7th February :– 12.45 p.m. SPURS v. ARSENAL

ITALY v. IRELAND ASTON VILLA v. CHELSEA 5.00 p.m. FRANCE v. SCOTLAND 5.30 p.m. EVERTON v. LIVERPOOL 2.30 p.m.

JOIN Dungarvan Shopping Centre on our Facebook page and be in with a chance to win this fantastic Valentine’s giveaway sourced exclusively from local suppliers to launch the DUNGARVAN SHOPPING CENTRE SHOP LOCAL CAMPAIGN 2015. Simply Like & Share the Dungarvan Shopping Centre Facebook page and one lucky winner will be selected as our winner and avail of the following prizes: • A Mi Moneda necklace courtesy of Ciaran O’Flynn Jewellers • An Overnight Dinner, Bed & Breakfast for 2 people at the Flynn Hotel Group • A Meal for 2 with SGC Cinema tickets from Tiffany’s Restaurant All Dungarvan Shopping Centre events and promotions for 2015 will source products and prizes from local suppliers to support local jobs in our region. Every single purchase in our local area starts a chain of sales in grocery, newsagents, cinema’s, restaurants, car services and puts money into the pockets of local businesses which allows for increased employment opportunities for local people. Dungarvan Shopping Centre supports up to 500 jobs directly and indirectly and sources services and products from the local area at every available opportunity.

So remember to Like & Share our fantastic Valentine’s giveaway promotion on the Dungarvan Shopping Centre Facebook page and show your support for local jobs by supporting the DUNGARVAN SHOPPING CENTRE SHOP LOCAL CAMPAIGN 2015.

3.00 p.m.

10.00 p.m.

DANNY DUNFORD Debut Acoustic Solo Gig Sunday, 8th February :– 2.05 p.m. NEWCASTLE

v. STOKE

4.15 p.m. WEST HAM v. MAN UTD Tuesday, 9th February :– 8.00 p.m. LIVERPOOL v. SPURS

Friday, 13th February :–

HUGH MARTIN !

WIN

NORMA (Bellini) Opera Live @ SGC Dungarvan

WIN

!

NORMA (Bellini) Opera Live from Teatro Liceu Barcelona Tuesday, 17th February, at 7.00 p.m.

Premiered on 26 September 1831 at the Teatro alla Scala in Milan.

First performed at the Gran Teatre del Liceu on 16 October 1847. Last staged at the Liceu on 30 July 2007.

If we weep from emotion on hearing it, it's nothing to be ashamed of.

That is what Richard Wagner said about Vincenzo Bellini's most famous opera, which he considered the most perfect example of a musical tragedy.

And rightly so, because in Norma Italian Romanticism reached its pinnacle. This production, by up-and-coming American stage director Kevin Newbury, stresses the ritual aspects of the drama.

In Roman-dominated Gaul, the high priestess Norma has broken her vow of chastity by entering a relationship with the Roman pro-consul Pollione and the birth of their two children has been kept secret. But when she discovers she has a rival, jealousy sets in. Norma is a classical heroine, passionate and revengeful, and her dilemma provides the starting point for the most successful work by the last and greatest composer of bel canto. Though the first performance was a failure, Norma went on to become an established favourite. It first came to the Liceu in 1847, not long after its official opening, and was, in fact, the third opera to be staged there.

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 Norma Live Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 10th February. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.

✄

✄ Question: Norma (Bellini) Opera Live is screened at SGC on what date?

Answer: …………………………………………………………………………………………

Name: …………………………………………………………………………………………..

Address: ……………………………………………………………..………………………… ………………………………………………………………………...……………………….. ……………………………………………… Tel. No. ………………………...….……………

Call a cab …

Attending the Brickeys GAA Victory Social in the Park Hotel were John and Rita Harnedy with Joe and Deirdre Keane.

✄

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Joe Cliffe

Ollie Gillen

Ann O’Dwyer

Nicholas Drohan

Liam McCarthy

087 7935393 /

087

058

087

68101 /

058 44570

7449965

44043

8144777

087 2630666

Entertainment …

only Your entertainment guide

e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | telephone 058 41205

Friday 6th – Thursday 12th

Annual Valentine’s Charity Dance MUSIC BY

SUPPORT BAND

BATTY Adm. €10.00 8.30 p.m. ’til late Complimentary Cheese & Wine Charities: South Eastern Radiotherapy Trust; St. Carthage’s House, Lismore; Cappoquin Day Care Centre Enquiries: 087 8128169 • 087 7786677

PATRICK’S DAY (15A) 102 mins.

D I G I TA L !

DAILY 7.10, 9.00

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE (16) 129 mins.

Show ’em what you’re made of!

7.00 p.m.

FILM followed by LIVE PERFORMANCE ON SALE NOW

MARCH 3rd –

AEROSMITH ROCKS DONNINGTON (NEW EVENT)

8.30 p.m.

RECORDED LIVE IN DONNINGTON PARK 2014 ON SALE NOW

MARCH 4th – 7.00 p.m.

LOVE’S LABOURS WON

MARCH 11th – 7.30 p.m.

LA TRAVIATA (Verdi)

MARCH 12th –

BEHIND THE BEAUTIFUL FOREVERS (NEW EVENT)

7.00 p.m.

NT LIVE (National Theatre, London) ON SALE NOW

LIVE FROM THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ON SALE NOW LIVE FROM THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON ON SALE NOW

LOVE’S LABOURS LOST LIVE FROM THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY WED., 11th FEB., @ 7.00 p.m.

CROTTY’S INN LEAMYBRIEN

THE INTERVIEW (16) 112 mins.

D I G I TA L !

DAILY 9.40

Saturday, 7th February DANCING TO

PAT COSTELLOE Sunday, 8th February

D I G I TA L !

DAILY 9.20

TAKEN 3 (12A) 109 mins.

D I G I TA L !

FRI. – TUE. & THUR. 7.20

BIG HERO 6 (PG) 108 mins.

D I G I TA L !

2D: DAILY 4.50, 6.40; ALSO SAT., SUN. 12.00, 2.20

PADDINGTON (G) 95 mins.

D I G I TA L !

DAILY 4.30; ALSO SAT., SUN. 11.50, 2.10

ANNIE (PG) 118 mins.

4 K R E S O LU T I O N !

SAT., SUN. 11.40, 2.00

S E V E N DAY K I D S ’ C L U B ANNIE SAT., SUN. 11.40

PADDINGTON FRI. & MON. – THUR. 4.20; SAT., SUN. 11.50

T U E S DAY E L E V E N S E S FEBRUARY 10th @ 11.00 a.m.

ACTIVE AGE SCREENING:

SHAUN THE SHEEP (G) 85 mins.

D I G I TA L !

DAILY 4.40; ALSO SAT., SUN. 12.10, 2.30

JUPITER ASCENDING (12A) 127 mins.

D I G I TA L !

DAILY 4.20, 6.50, 9.30

Clotto €1,400

BOOK ONLINE @ www.sgcdungarvan.ie

Coming Saturday, 14th February

BLOG @ www.sgcdungarvan.com

KINGSMAN REEL PARENTS SCREENING:

PATRICK’S DAY SPECIAL NEEDS SCREENING:

SHAUN THE SHEEP Spurling Group Cinemas

DANCING TO

P. J. MURRIHY Crotty’s Inn available for Parties, Meetings and Functions.

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

Observer Competition Winner Park Hotel Sports Star Award Margaret McNamara, 44 Springfield, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford – 1st prize of 2 nights B&B with 1 evening meal for 2 people in any of the Flynn Hotels.

Anne Devine, Glengarra, Lismore, Co. Waterford – 2nd prize of Dinner for 2 with Bottle of Wine in The Garden Room Restaurant at The Park Hotel & Leisure Centre, Dungarvan.

Love’s Labours Lost & SGC Kevin Dalton, The Burgery, Dungarvan, Co. Wateford.

✄

THE SHOWSTOPPERS BIG BAND

2 0 1 5 U P C O M I N G E V E N T S – N OW B O O K I N G FEBRUARY 11th – LOVE’S LABOURS LOST (THIS WEEK) 7.00 p.m.

LIVE FROM THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY ON SALE NOW FEBRUARY 17th – NORMA (Bellini) 7.00 p.m.

LIVE FROM TEATRO LICEU, BARCELONA ON SALE NOW FEBRUARY 19th – HALL & OATES (NEW EVENT) 8.30 p.m.

RECORDED LIVE IN DUBLIN (2014) ON SALE NOW FEBRUARY 24th – DER FLEIGENDE HOLLANDER (Wagner) 7.15 p.m.

LIVE FROM THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE, LONDON ON SALE NOW FEBRUARY 26th – BACK STREET BOYS:

✄

Saturday, 7th February Cappoquin Community Centre

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

An Linn Bhuidhe

Loved Up & Souled Out

An Rinn (beside Spar) 058-46854

SUNDAY LUNCH SPECIAL Main Course, Starter or Dessert Tea or Cof fee € €1 14 4. .5 50 0 Open Daily until 3.00 p.m.

Rose’s West End Bar Lismore, Co. Waterford

Saturday, 14th February at 9.30 p.m.

Local DJ, Soulful Sounds to suit all ye lovers, young and old.

Promises to be a great night. €4 E n t r y All proceeds go to West Waterford Hospice

Incorp. Munster Industrial Advocate Vol. 102 (Reg. in GPO as a Newspaper) Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.

Tel: (058) 41205 / 42042.

Fax: (058) 41559.

e-mail: news@dungarvanobserver.ie adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie sport@dungarvanobserver.ie features@dungarvanobserver.ie Web: www.dungarvanobserver.ie Follow us on: @DungarvanObserv

Déise newsround

New book on the voyage of ‘Erin’s Hope’ WHAT the author describes as ‘a little-known, Irish-American naval expedition undertaken in support of an 1867 rebellion in Ireland’ is the backdrop of a new historical novel entitled “Erin’s Hope.”

Twenty years in the making, Erin’s Hope documents the curious and largely unknown voyage in 1867 of what author Tom Walsh terms “the Irish Rebellion’s one-ship armada.” In hopes of assisting a short-lived rebellion, American veterans of the Civil War, most survivors of the Northern army’s Irish Brigades, became cargo along with thousands of long-stockpiled weapons and millions of rounds of ammunition. All were loaded aboard a two-masted, square-rigged brigantine that sailed from Sandy Hook, New York, to Ireland’s western highlands.

The original name of this ship was The Jacmel, later changed to ‘Erin’s Hope’ when it was in international waters off America’s East Coast. The author, Tom Walsh sailed aboard the square-rigged ship Eye of the Wind in 1996 to get a feel for what a trans-Atlantic voyage might have felt like in 1867.

Walsh wanted to be able to give an authentic description of such a voyage for his new novel, “Erin’s Hope.”

Now available through Amazon both as an e-book and as a paperback, Erin’s Hope is what its author terms a work of “historical faction.”

“While most of what is depicted in the book actually happened, I chose to blend historical events and historical figures who were involved in the expedition with fictional characters, from an explosives

expert to a Druid,” Walsh said.

“I think Erin’s Hope will be of special interest to readers who have studied the Civil War and the weaponry of that era, as well as readers who are, as am I, longsteeped in Irish history.

“This isn’t literature, by any means,” Walsh said. “It’s just a story. But it is a story that I strongly felt needed to be told.

It’s a story that I stumbled across 20 years ago while researching something else. As I looked into it, I was amazed that so little had been written about this unique expedition. It was a paragraph here, a paragraph there, always buried within a story about something else. So, I told it. It required 10 years of research trips to Ireland and helping as crew to sail a tall ship, a brigantine like Erin’s Hope, from Boston to Ireland, but getting there was most of the fun.”

A life-long student of IrishAmerican history, Walsh is a journalist who once taught newswriting to both undergraduate and master’s level students at Dublin City University.

Among his colleagues at DCU was Professor John Horgan, who is now among contemporary Ireland’s most notable historians. Horgan wrote the foreword for Erin’s Hope, wishing it bon voyage.

Horgan writes: “Collectively this work of what the author terms ‘historical faction’ – a novel grounded in historical events and which also reflects detailed historical and archival research – traces the social, political, economic and deeply personal origins of 19th Century involvement in what the British, generally condescendingly, used to refer to as

‘The Irish Question’ and which, then as now, had deep resonance on the American side of Atlantic.”

Tom Walsh, who lives in Down East Maine, is now at work on a sequel to Erin’s Hope.

The square-rigged ship ‘Eye of the Wind’ on which the author of a new book on The Erin’s Hope voyage gained his sea-faring experience.

Park Hotel Awards – George ‘hooks’ his audience OVER the last twenty-four years Pierce Flynn has made every effort to vary the post-prandial entertainment at The Park Hotel Sports Awards and through that near quarter of a century, this has included some very interesting guests and entertainers.

This year Pierce plumped for George Hook, the crusty old curmudgeon of the Right Hook and the Rugby Panel on RTE, who has the reputation of being one of the best speakers on the after-dinner circuit. With nothing resembling a script, he kept his audience highly amused and drew regular laughter from them

for twenty-six very enjoyable minutes.

He then went on to partner Kieran O’Connor through a very demanding hour dealing with the complexities of talking about fourteen candidates and wrestling with our poor telecom system to talk to the monthly winners.

In regard to his preparation for an after-dinner speech, he said that for ten minutes speaking he prepares for a week; for twenty minutes speaking he prepares for two weeks and for one hour . . . we can start right now!

Entertaining he was right through, but did not always use

humour. Many of his contributions delved deep into history, as in some of his rugby stories.

George is well able to think on his feet and, when talking of Thomas Barr’s 400m Hurdles victory in June when he broke the 18 year old record, George launched back into the dawn of history to the 1932 Olympic games in Los Angeles.

“This event is not known as the man-killer for nothing,” he said of the hurdles, “and it is a tribute to Thomas that he was able to break the 18 year old record in this event.

“This is an event in which we

have a proud history,” he said, “having won the 1932 400m hurdles in a record time by Robert Tisdall. So Barr carries on a long and distinguished Irish history in this event.”

Introducing Niamh Briggs he said that he was the first ever Coach to the Irish Women’s Rugby Team.

“Women are extraordinary at sport,” he said to the delight of the many women present. “They are faster learners, they have better hand to eye co-ordination and an interesting feature of Women’s Rugby is that it is the only female sport in which the women

use the exact same ball as the men.

“Gaelic Football doesn’t do it,” he proclaimed, “soccer doesn’t do it, Basketball doesn’t do it, disco throwers or hurdlers do not do it. Women play with a full sized ball and when you see Briggs go to kick and run and pass, it is no surprise that she has just been named Captain of the Irish Team.”

George knows his sport and his audience and he showed his prowess in both last Saturday night in The Park Hotel. An evening to be remembered and savoured.

George Hook in full flight

Russian Boxers return to Dungarvan FOR the last three years a party of very skilled boxers from Russia have come to Dungarvan to pursue a very rigorous training regime in preparation for the high-profile Nicolay Pavlyukov Tournament which will be held in their home country between 20th March to 4th April this year.

This is the third annual visit of the national boxing squad and their Coaches and interpretors look forward to coming to Dungarvan each year.

Training with them are the members of the Irish Youths Boxing Team who will take part in the same Tournament and whose boxers might be matched against their guests through the course of the competition.

Prior to their departure, the Mayor Dungarvan / Lismore Municipal District, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan visited Colaiste Chathail Naofa on Monday last to meet with

the boxers and coaches and to formally welcome them back to the town.

He extended greetings to them and presented them with a scroll to mark their visit and to remind them of good days in the town.

Mr. Danny Cunningham, Principal of Colaiste Chathail Naofa,where the training camp is being held is pleased to extend the facilities of the school gym to the Irish and Russian boxers.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to see the training sessions and the level of professionalism which both squads bring to their regimes,” he says. “It is one thing to have skill and talent,” he says, “but it is also necessary to have determination and drive and these young lads have both in abundance.

“This initiative also links in with our PLC Sports Exercise and Coaching Course and it is very beneficial and educational to

observe at first hand this level of training. I am also delighted to see our gym being used to the fullest and the boxing rings filling it from one corner to the other. It is a very successful exercise from our point of view.”

Irish Coach, Billy McClean who is in charge of the Irish Youth Team says that his boxers train alongside the Russians and all sessions are designed for both countries. “This year, we have been lucky enough to have our Olympic Coach Zaur Anita with us to provide the training programme together with the Russian Coaches, Oleg Mensshikou and Alexander Lukyanov.

“It is a very successful training camp and we have been warmly welcomed by everyone we have met here. When the Russians are asked about Ireland, there is only one place they want to go and that is Dungarvan.”

Boxing Club Chairman, Gerry

O’Mahoney says that both the Irish and the Russian teams are in preparation for the European Championship in November which is the next major event for the visitors age group. There will be of course other tournaments in 2015, but November will be the big test.

In the shorter term, there will be a big International Tournament held in Anapa in Russia on the 20th of March to the 4th of April next, where there will be around fifteen nations taking part and this is the next big competition for both the Irish and Russian teams.

“I was fortunate to be the Manager of this team last year,” says Gerry “and this year’s team will be selected from the boxers at this camp in Dungarvan,.The full team will be announced next Saturday at the Central Council Meeting.

The Irish and Russian Teams extended their thanks to the Principal and staff of Colaiste

Chathail Naofa and also to Lawlors Hotel for their hospitality. They also appreciated the welcome and

co-operation they get from the Council for their assistance in bringing this Camp to Dungarvan.

Pictured at Colaiste Chathail Naofa this week with the Mayor of Dungarvan / Lismore Municipal District, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan (third from left) are Gerry O’Mahoney, Chairman, Dungarvan Boxing Club; Billy McClean, Irish National Coach; Danny Cunningham, Principal, Colaiste Chathail Naofa; Alexander Lukyanov and Oleg Mensshikou, Russian National Coaches.

Vol. 102

Friday, 6th February, 2015

SPORT

sport@dungarvanobserver.ie

Niamh Briggs makes it a double at The Park Hotel

By Tom Keith

AS always, for excitement and anticipation, the Park Hotel Awards did not disappoint when, on last Saturday night, for the 24th successive year, the result of the Jury’s deliberations brought the capacity attendance to its feet as they applauded a worthy Supreme Champion in the new Captain of Ireland’s Women Rugby Team, Niamh Briggs.

Special Guest, George Hook tapped the moment for all it was worth, but his announcement came as little surprise to an audience who know the value of every victory, true grit and a wealth of skill, ability and commitment such as Niamh has brought to her game.

This represents back-to-back victories in The Park Hotel Awards for the popular Abbeyside girl, who could not be present because of the commitments of her new office, but was ably represented by her parents, Ger and Mike who joyfully, and with some emotion, accepted the magnificent crystal trophy on her behalf.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE THREE)

Pierce Flynn, presents the Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Award for 2014 to Michael and Ger Briggs, who accepted it on behalf of their daughter, Niamh Briggs, Overall Winner. Included is George Hook, Special Guest on the night. Niamh was also the supreme award winner for 2013.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Fiona Flynn, Park Hotel presents the Supreme Award Winners Trophy to Ger Briggs, who accepted it on behalf of her daughter, Niamh Briggs. Included are Pierce Flynn, Proprietor Park Hotel; George Hook, Special Guest, Monthly Winners and their representatives as well as the adjudicating panel.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

O’HALLORAN POINTS WATERFORD TO FIRST LEAGUE WIN Page 7

BRAVE LISMORE PUT TO THE PIN OF THEIR COLLAR IN ALLIRELAND SEMI-FINAL

A DAY TO REMEMBER ON THE STREETS OF DUNGARVAN

Page 9

Pages 16 & 17

2

PARK HOTEL SUPREME SPORTS STAR AWARDS

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet were Michael and Vera Murphy, Liam and Mary Herlihy and Michael and Mary Flynn.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet were Shauna, Richard and Patrica Hurley with Marie and Charlie Ware.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet were Emma O'Keeffe, Claire Condon, Michael Condon and Karen Crotty.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet were Shauna Hurley, Doireann Cotter, Gina Ronayne and Martha Ware.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet were Trisha Cullinane, Kay Ware, Ronnie Corcoran, Sabrina Ware and Bridget Hally.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

At the Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Award Banquet were Stephanie Stevens, Ger Briggs, George Hook, Bernie and Michelle O'Connor.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

At the Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Award Banquet were Paul, Marian and Timmy Beecher.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet with Special Guest George Hook [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] were John and Marie O'Connor.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

3

PARK HOTEL SUPREME SPORTS STAR AWARDS

Niamh Briggs makes it a double at The Park Hotel

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet were Tomas Kiely, Michael and Ber Briggs, Elaine Quinn, Stephanie and [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Michael Wadding and Shane Briggs.

(Continued from page 1) Niamh was not short of international class opposition for the crown, but, in retrospect, her inspirational display in the defeat of the All Blacks last year, the team’s great run in the World Cup and her acknowledgement by so many international bodies made her odds-on favourite to get the vote on the night.

Among the capacity attendance were the Mayor Waterford City and County, Cllr. James Tobin, the Mayor of Dungarvan / Lismore Mun. District, Cllr.

Damien Geoghegan, the Deputy Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford, as well as members of many of the sports clubs represented among the Monthly Winners.

There was wholehearted support for the Jury’s decision among the audience who were immediately on their feet in acknowledgement of Niamh’s achievement and the only disappointment was the fact that she herself was not present to show the radiant smile and bubbling infectious enthusiasm which characterises her happiness on such occasions.

With more and more of the Monthly Winners gaining their honours and accolades abroad, it is inevitable that the call of International duty would deny them the opportunity of being amongst the capacity audience on their big night.

Golfers Gary Hurley and Robert Dawson came through from South Africa and Seamus Power spoke from the US; Showjumper Anthony Condon, Racing’s Mark Beecher and Soccer’s John O’Shea were on the line from England; Kelly Proper was at the National Championships in Athlone while Niamh Briggs and Kenny Browne were held in Dublin by their respective sports.

Special Guest for the evening was the inimitable after dinner speaker, George Hook who was at his irascible best as he drew on his fund of humorous anecdotes, poked fun at his sporting and

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet with Special Guest George Hook were John and Ester Hallinan, Johnny [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] and Martha Ware and Michael and Sabrina Ware.

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet with Special Guest George Hook were Sean and Geraldine French with Eamonn and Alison Spratt.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet with Special Guest George Hook were Jack Elstead, Sandra O'Reilly, [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Peter Thomas, Ann Elstead, Carol, Anne and Alan Thomas, Paul O'Reilly, Ann Marie and Ken Smith.

At the 24th Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star Awards Banquet with Special Guest George Hook were David, Orla, Charlie, Anna, John, Gabriel, Clodagh and Robin Dawson.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

broadcasting colleagues and carried the evening on more than one occasion as telephone reception from the USA and Europe was not always the most reliable.

Once more, it was a full house for the naming of the Supreme Champion of Waterford Sport, but on this occasion, the Prince was notably absent. In his welcoming remarks an emotional Pierce Flynn paid tribute to the late Chairman of the Adjudicating Panel, Fr. Pat Moran, OSA, who was not only an able, knowledgeable and impartial occupant of the Chair, but a guiding and inspirational light for the twentyfour years of the event.

Despite his illness, he continued to participate in choosing the Monthly Winner for the first half of the year and his guidance and steady hand will be missed when difficult choices must be made in the future.

As a mark of respect, his place on the Jury was not filled for the rest of last year.

However, John O’Connor, Munster Express and RTE; Kieran O’Connor, of O’Connor Communications; Ger Lawton, Waterford News & Star and Neil Gough, WLRfm chose wisely for last Saturday night and there is no doubt that the spirit of Fr. Pat was present in the room for the annual gala event.

Speaking briefly with Niamh by phone, she expressed her delight at having been chosen and Supreme Sports Champion of Waterford again.

“I feel very privileged to have been chosen again,” she said, “I am finding it difficult to take it in right now.”

Later, having accepted the Crystal Trophy on her behalf, her Mother Geraldine said that Niamh had always been interested in sport even from when she was a little girl. In St. Augustine’s she had found inspiration in Fr. Moran and on the field, Br. Lennon had been an excellent coach and she had very happy and very successful years there.

“When she went to Clonmel and began to play

with Munster, nothing was ever good enough, it had to be perfect,” she said, “Even after they won the Grand Slam, she set her sights on getting to the World Cup and she was extremely proud of their victory over the All Blacks.”

When asked by George if she would make a good inaugural speech to her team that evening, her proud mother said that in everything, Niamh aspires to perfection.”

Niamh Briggs’ roll of awards and accolades is impressive including 45 International Caps to date; Guinness Rugby Writers Women’s Player of the Year 2014; Nominated IRB World Player of the Year, 2014; RTE Sports person of the Year, 2014; named as Full-Back on IRB Women’s World Team of the Year, 2014; Irish Times / Irish Sports Council, Sportswoman for February 2014.

The final crowning accolade and acknowledgement came just days before the Park Awards when she was handed the Captaincy of the Irish Team, the highest aspiration of any sportsperson and the crowning glory of a year which was exceptional by any standards.

MONTHLY WINNERS The other Monthly winners were: January – Anthony Condon (Showjumping); February – Kelly Proper (Athletics), Joe Gough (Athletics) March – Craig Breen (Rallying) April – Peter Munroe (Golf) May – Mark Beacher (Horse Racing) June – Thomas Barr (Athletics), Gary Hurley (Golf) July – Robert Dawson (Golf) August – Niamh Briggs (Rugby) September – Alan Thomas (Golf) October – John O'Shea (Soccer) November – Kenny Browne (Soccer) December – Seamus Power (Golf)

4

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Kill GAA Long Puck

Ken Begley, J. J. Kavanagh & Sons Sponsors making the Draw for the 2015 Senior Hurling & Football Championship. Included are Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman; Timmy O'Keeffe, Secretary; John Jackson, Treasurer; Sean O'Regan, Vice Chairman and Emer Barry, PRO Co. GAA Board; with Patricia Walsh, Co. Development Officer; Eddie Cunningham, Chairman and Pat Grant, Secretary, Western GAA Board; along with Pat Flynn and Brendan Tobin, Delegates to Munster Council.[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Taking part in the Annual Kill GAA long puck were John and Brendan Groves with Eoghan Dunphy, Na Gaeil.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Senior Hurling and Football Championship and League Draws and Fixtures Senior Hurling Championship 2015 GROUP ONE 1 Ballygunner 2 De La Salle 3 Tallow 4 Abbeyside 5 Fourmilewater 6. Ballyduff Upper Round 1 Week-ending 3rd May Fourmilewater v Ballygunner De La Salle v Abbeyside Tallow v Ballyduff Upper Round 2 Week-ending 10th May Ballygunner v Ballyduff Upper Fourmilewater v Abbeyside Tallow v De La Salle Round 3 Week-ending 21st June Ballygunner v De La Salle Fourmilewater v Ballyduff Upper Tallow v Abbeyside

Round 4 During August Abbeyside v Ballygunner Ballyduff Upper v De La Salle Tallow v Fourmilewater Round 5 During August Ballygunner v Tallow De La Salle v Fourmilewater Abbeyside v Ballyduff Upper GROUP TWO 1 Mount Sion 2 Dungarvan 3 Lismore 4 Passage 5 Roanmore 6 Cappoquin Round 1 Week-ending 3rd May Roanmore v Mount Sion Dungarvan v Passage Lismore v Cappoquin Round 2 Week-ending 10th May

Mount Sion v Cappoquin Roanmore v Passage Lismore v Dungarvan Round 3 Weekending 21st June Mount Sion v Dungarvan Roanmore v Cappoquin Lismore v Passage Round 4 During August Passage v Mount Sion Cappoquin v Dungarvan Lismore v Roanmore Round 5 During August Mount Sion v Lismore Dungarvan v Roanmore Passage v Cappoquin Quarter-Finals: Weekending 6th September.

County Senior Hurling Semi-finals 19th/20th September.

County Senior Final: Sunday, 4th October Munster Club v Cork 8th November (H).

Senior Football Championship 2015 Group One 1 Nire 2 Ballinacourty 3 De La Salle 4 Rathgormack 5 Clashmore/Kinsalebeg 6 Ardmore Round 1 Week-ending 12th April Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v Nire Ballinacourty v Rathgormack De La Salle v Ardmore Round 2 Week-ending 19th April Nire v Ardmore Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v Rathgormack De La Salle v Ballinacourty Round 3 Week-ending 28th June Nire v Ballinacourty Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v Ardmore De La Salle v Rathgormack Round 4 Late July/early August

Rathgormack v Nire Ardmore v Ballinacourty De La Salle v Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg Round 5 Week-ending 30th August Nire v De La Salle Ballinacourty v Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg Rathgormack v Ardmore GROUP TWO 1 Stradbally 2 An Rinn 3 Kilrossanty 4 St. Saviour’s 5 Gaultier 6 Brickey Rangers Round 1 Week-ending 12th April Gaultier v Stradbally An Rinn v St. Saviour’s Kilrossanty v Brickey Rangers Round 2 Week-ending 19th April Stradbally v Brickey Rangers

Gaultier v St. Saviour’s Kilrossanty v An Rinn Round 3 Week-ending 28th June Stradbally v An Rinn Gaultier v Brickey Rangers Kilrossanty v St. Saviour’s Round 4 Late July/early August St. Saviour’s v Stradbally Brickey Rangers v An Rinn Kilrossanty v Gaultier Round 5 Week-ending 30th August Stradbally v Kilrossanty An Rinn v Gaultier St. Saviour’s v Brickey Rangers Quarter-finals: Mid September.

Semi-finals: Week-ending 27th September.

County Senior Final: 18th October.

Munster Club v Cork 1st November, Waterford venue.

County Hurling League - Sargent Cup 2015 GROUP ONE 1 Ballygunner 2 Cappoquin 3 Tallow 4 Passage 5 Roanmore 6 De La Salle Round 1 - Saturday, 28th March - 3 p.m Ballygunner v. Ballyduff Upper at Ballygunner.

Abbeyside v.

Fourmilewater at Passage.

Tallow v. De La Salle at Tallow Round 2 - Sunday, 26th April - 2 p.m Tallow v. Ballygunner at Tallow.

De La Salle v.

Fourmilewater at Cappoquin.

Abbeyside v. Ballyduff Upper at Passage.

Round 3 - Sunday, 24th May - 2 p.m

Fourmilewater v.

Ballygunner at Roanmore.

De La Salle v. Abbeyside at Cappoquin.

Ballyduff Upper v. Tallow at Gracedieu.

Round 4 - Monday, 8th June - 2 p.m Ballygunner v. De La Salle at Ballygunner.

Fourmilewater v. Ballyduff Upper at Roanmore.

Abbeyside v. Tallow at Passage.

Round 5 - Saturday, 13th June at 7.30 p.m Ballygunner v. Abbeyside at Ballygunner.

Ballyduff Upper v. De La Salle at Gracedieu.

Tallow v. Fourmilewater at Tallow.

GROUP TWO 1 Abbeyside 2 Fourmilewater

3 Ballyduff Upper 4 Mount Sion 5 Dungarvan 6 Lismore Round 1 - Saturday, 28th March - 3 p.m Mount Sion v. Roanmore at Abbeyside.

Dungarvan v. Passage at Ballymacarbry.

Cappoquin v. Lismore at Lismore.

Round 2 - Sunday, 26th April - 2 p.m Lismore v. Mount Sion at Ballyduff.

Dungarvan v. Roanmore at Ballymacarbry Passage v. Cappoquin at Mount Sion.

Round 3 - Sunday, 24th May - 2 p.m Mount Sion v. Passage at Abbeyside.

Cappoquin v. Dungarvan

at Lismore.

Lismore v. Roanmore at Ballyduff.

Round 4 - Monday, 8th June - 2 p.m Mount Sion v. Dungarvan at Abbeyside.

Roanmore v. Cappoquin at Dungarvan.

Passage v. Lismore at Mount Sion.

Round 5 - Saturday, 13th June - 7.30 p.m Cappoquin v. Mount Sion at Lismore.

Passage v. Roanmore at Mount Sion.

Lismore v. Dungarvan at Ballyduff.

Sargent Cup/League semi- Final - Sunday, 5th July.

Sargent Cup/League Final - Saturday, 11th July or Sunday, 12th July.

County Football League - Phelan Cup 2015 GROUP ONE 1 Rathgormack 2 Clashmore/Kinsalebeg 3 Ardmore 4 Stradbally 5 An Rinn 6 Kilrossanty Round 1 - Saturday, 7th March - 3 p.m Nire v.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg at Rathgormack.

Rathgormack v.

Ballinacourty at Stradbally.

De La Salle v. Ardmore at Ardmore.

Round 2 - Saturday, 14th March - 3 p.m Nire v. Ardmore at Rathgormack.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v.

Rathgormack at Ring.

Ballinacourty v. De La Salle at Clashmore.

Round 3 - Saturday, 21st March - 3 p.m

Ballinacourty v. Nire at Clashmore.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v.

Ardmore at Ring.

Rathgormack v. De La Salle at Stradbally.

Round 4 - Friday, 3rd April - 7 p.m Rathgormack v. Nire at Stradbally.

Ardmore v. Ballinacourty at Leamybrien.

De La Salle v.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg at Ardmore.

Round 5 - Saturday, 16th May - 7.30 p.m De La Salle v. Nire at Ardmore.

Ballinacourty v.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg at Clashmore.

Ardmore v. Rathgormack at Leamybrien.

GROUP TWO 1 St. Saviours

2 Gaultier 3 Brickey Rangers 4 Nire 5 Ballinacourty 6 De La Salle Round 1 - Saturday, 7th March - 3 p.m Stradbally v. Kilrossanty at St. Saviours.

Gaultier v. An Rinn at Abbeyside.

Brickey Rangers v. St. Saviours at Gracedieu.

Round 2 - Saturday, 14th March - 3 p.m An Rinn v. Stradbally at Gaultier.

Brickey Rangers v.

Gaultier at Gracedieu.

St. Saviours v. Kilrossanty at Ballymacarbry.

Round 3 - Saturday, 21st March - 3 p.m Stradbally v. Brickey Rangers at St. Saviours.

Gaultier v. St Saviours at

Abbeyside.

Kilrossanty v. An Rinn at Bushy Park.

Round 4 - Friday, 3rd April - 7 p.m.

St. Saviours v. Stradbally at Ballymacarbry.

An Rinn v. Brickey Rangers at Gaultier.

Kilrossanty v. Gaultier at Bushy Park.

Round 5 - Saturday, 16th May - 7.30 p.m Gaultier v. Stradbally at Abbeyside.

An Rinn v. St. Saviours at Gaultier.

Brickey Rangers v.

Kilrossanty at Gracedieu.

Phelan Cup/League Semi-final - Friday, 22nd May - 7.30 p.m Phelan Cup/League Final - Saturday, 6th June.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

GAA

5

Gaelic Jottings Scór Sinsir THE County Final of Scór Sinsir will take place on Saturday, March 7th in St. Laurence’s Hall, Ballinroad commencing at 8 p.m. The Waterford winners will go forward to the Munster semi-final on Saturday, March 21st which will be held in Cappamore, Co. Limerick at 6.30 p.m.

The Provincial final is on Saturday, March 28th in Ovens, Co. Cork. We would appeal to the clubs in Waterford to participate in Adult Scór which has been struggling in recent years.

Waterford have had a long tradition in Scor down the years and it is important it is revitalised in the county. The competitions are figure dancing, music group, solo singing, recitation, ballad group, novelty act and set dancing.

Crystal Cup LIMERICK senior hurlers got a pre-league boost when they were crowned Waterford Crystal senior hurling tournament winners on Saturday night last. They had a 3-20 to 1-16 win over Cork at Mallow where they fielded an experienced side. The winners held a five point half-time lead after they got off to a blistering start. A brace of Adrian Breen, goals, one in each half, set up Limerick for victory. Breen’s second goal gave his side a 3-17 to 1-15 advantage and they were not going to be denied after that. Limerick will be Waterford’s opponents in the opening round of the league on Saturday, February 14th at the Gaelic Grounds.

Scór Convention THE annual Convention of Coiste Scór Phortlairge Thiar on Tuesday night of last week saw a most disappointing attendance with only a handful of delegates in attendance. The following officers were elected: Chairman - Michael Drislane; ViceChairman - Paddy Fitzgerald; Secretary - Moll Shields; Treasurer - Rita Brennan; PRO - Michael Drislane.

Munster Scór Council delegates: Paddy Fitzgerald and Cathal Dunne.

A discussion took place on the disappointing participation in Scor na nÓg considering the huge entries in Scór na bPáistí. The dates were finalised for Scór na bPáistí with three first rounds arranged. The first of these will be held in Modeligo on Friday, 20th March while An Rinn will be the venue on Sunday, March 22nd. The third night will be on Friday, March 27th in Knockanore Community Centre. The venue for the final will be Cappoquin Community Centre on Saturday, April 11th. More details later.

Munster Council Convention COUNTY Board Vice Chairman Sean Michael O’Regan led the Waterford delegation at the Munster Council Convention in Killarney on Friday night last. The other delegates were Emer Barry, Patricia Walsh, Eddie Cunningham, Pat Grant and John O’Leary. Also in attendance from Waterford were council member Brendan Tobin and former Chairman Jimmy O’Gorman, along with Tommy Hennessy.

Council Treasurer, Waterford’s

Anthony Walsh gave a most comprehensive and well presented a report of the Provinces finances which was well received by the delegates. Anthony was re-elected unopposed to the position.

Munster U-21 FC THE first Waterford team into Provincial championship action in 2015 will be the U-21 footballers. They will play Clare on Wednesday, March 11th at a Banner county venue most likely in Sixmilebridge.

County Minor Football Championship THE opening round of games in the J. J. Kavanagh & Sons County minor football championship will be played on Sunday morning next, February 8th. There will be a total of 11 games down for decision. The fixtures are as follows: Division 1 At Dungarvan - Dungarvan v. Gaultier At Gracedieu - De La Salle v. Nire At Abbeyside - Ballinacourty v.

Tramore.

Division 2 At Ardmore - Ardmore v. Brickey Rangers At Rathgormack - Rathgormack v.

Stradbally At An Rinn - An Gaeltacht v. St. Saviours At Ballinameela - St. Olivers v.

Clashmore/Kinsalebeg.

Division 3 At Poleberry - Sacred Heart v. Clan na nGael At Lemybrien - Kilrossanty v.

Ferrybank At Portlaw - Portlaw v. Ballyduff Upper At Kill - St. Marys v. Cloc na Cuinne.

All games at 11.30 a.m.

The second round of games will be played on Sunday, February 15th at 11.30 a.m.

Ladies Football WATERFORD ladies footballers made a winning start to their National League campaign at Fraher Field on Sunday last. They recorded a hard earned 0-9 to 2-2 victory over Wexford in a very competitive encounter.

Lismore advances to Camogie Final LISMORE Camogie team remain firmly on course to retain their All-Ireland club intermediate title. They had a two point win over Galway side Oranmore/Maree at Charleville on Sunday last.

The Waterford senior champions and Munster champions led at half-time by 1-9 to 0-6, the goal coming from Cathriona McGlone as early as the 9th minute. Lismore were the better team throughout but the Galway side came within a point late on after the black and amber side were reduced to fourteen players. Lismore came out on top at the final whistle on a 1-14 to 1-12 scoreline.

Lismore are now one hour away from retaining their All-Ireland title and are back in Croke Park to defend their title.

Pictured are Club Delegates collecting Promotional Stationary and Tickets for the Commencement of the Déise Draw 2015. From left: Paddy Moore, St. Mollerans; Patrica Walsh, Colligan; Pat O'Mara, Ferrybank.; Eddie O'Grady, Brickeys.; John Lyons, Tallow; Paddy Fitzgerald, Dungarvan; Richard Tobin, Brickeys; John Murphy, Gaultier; Jimmy Breathnach, An Rinn and Phil Moore, St. Mollerans.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Media]

Their opponents in the decider are Kilkenny and Leinster champions Piltown who overcame the Ulster title holders Colduff in the other semi. Well done to the players, management, team and club officials on another great success for Lismore.

Phelan Cup Final THE 2014 county senior football league final between Nire and St. Saviours will be played in Fraher Field on Friday, February 13th at 8 p.m. The winners will be presented with the Phelan Cup.

Congress 2016 THE annual GAA Congress is 2016 will be hosted by the Carlow County Board.

It is expected that the annual gathering of delegates from 2017 onwards will be held in Croke Park.

Harty Cup HOLDERS Árd Scoil Ris (Limerick) are out of the Harty Cup Munster Colleges Senior (A) hurling championship. They lost out to St. Francis College, Rochestown (Cork) in last Saturday’s semi-final on a 4-11 to 1-17 scoreline.

The Cork College will now play Thurles CBS in the final after the Tipperary side defeated Castletroy Community College (Limerick) in the other semi-final by a point, 1-9 to 0-11. Rochestown will be bidding to become the first Cork school since Midleton CBS in 2006 to win the Harty Cup.

Walsh Cup THIS weekend, the final of the Leinster senior hurling Walsh Cup competition will see Galway and Dublin in opposition.

In the semi-finals on Sunday last, the Tribesmen had 9 points to spare over Carlow while the Ger Cunningham managed Dublin overcame the challenge of Laois on a 2-18 to 1-11 scoreline.

Dunne quits Dublin FORMER Tipperary star Tommy Dunne has stepped down from his role as coach of the Dublin senior hurling team.

Dunne confirmed at the weekend that he would not be continuing in the role due to work and college commitment.

He has returned to college part-time at University of Limerick where he is studying for a Masters Degree in Sports Performance. Dunne has been involved with the Dubs for the last 2 to 3 years having been appointed by Anthony Daly.

Apart from returning to education, he is also self employed.

Second Round of Allianz Football League THE second round of game in the Allianz Football League will take place this weekend with the following fixtures: At Tullamore - Waterford v. Offaly; at Netwatch Cullen Park - Carlow v.

London; at Pearse Park - Longford v.

Antrim; at Aughrim - Wicklow v. Leitrim.

Waterford face a difficult away trip to Tullamore (2 p.m.) to play Offaly on Sunday next.

The Faithful County made the trip to Ruislip on Sunday last, a winning one.

Scór na Seachtaine GAVIN Nugent’s 31st minute point as a result of some good team play by Waterford in the Allianz National Football League game against Wicklow at the Fraher Field.

Leinster Colleges’ Hurling ALL-IRELAND Colleges’ SH champions, St. Kieran’s College, Kilkenny remain on course to retain their title. They had a quarter-final win over Kilkenny CBS on Saturday last by 1-14 to 2-3. This was a repeat of last year’s All-Ireland final which Kieran’s won. The winners scored 1-4 without reply against the wind early in the second half to take control of the game. The sides were on parity at half-time.

AIB All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Club Championship Semi-Final, Charleville GAA, Co. Cork on Sunday last. Lismore supporters with a sign in attendance at the match. [©INPHO/Cathal Noonan]

6

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

INTER-COUNTY SENIOR HURLING FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE

31 man Waterford defeats Tipperary Waterford …………….2-14; Tipperary ……………..0-17.

PLAYED at the Fraher Field last Friday night, this game had all the traits of a challenge game with little at stake but it was a useful outing, nevertheless, and especially for the home team who recorded a welcome win against good opposition. 53 players overall enjoyed some match time, if you could say that, as the game was played in bitterly cold temperatures of just three degrees and the opinion of the late and great coach Ned Power, surely rang in many of the attendance’s ears, that the noble game of hurling is poorly served by playing it at this time of the year.

Our ancient game is not played by the majority of the Country’s hurlers during the best time to play it, the Summer months, but unless somebody in authority bites the bullet on this well debated issue, then this is going to be the norm for the foreseeable future.

Anyway, hardy patrons at the Fraher Field paid €1,135 to view the game and, indeed, it was great to see such Tipp stars as Seamus Callanan, Shane McGrath, Padraic Maher, James Woodlock, Brendan Maher and Gearoid Ryan ply their trade at the famed Shandon venue.

Waterford produced their own stars on the night and players such as Tadhg Bourke, Jamie Barron, Pa Walsh, Brian O’Halloran and Shane Bennett didn’t do their chances of staking a place on the team to play Limerick in the first round of the Allianz National League any harm at all.

The contest was confined mainly to the first moiety, which Waterford won by 0-9 to 0-6 as the winners introduced sixteen players after the break, yes it can be done mathematically, and Tipperary brought on a further seven players of their own.

The two Waterford goals decided the winners here and they came from second half subs, Cormac Curran from a ground stroke on his left hand side in the 38th minute and a fortuitous goal from a free in the 57th minute by Shane Bennett, that deflected off Tipp back Stephen Maher into the country end goal.

Because of the bitterly cold conditions in the main, both sets of players were guilty of a number of mistakes in general play while both camps shot a tally of thirteen wides each. Despite a second half dominance by the visitors on the scoreboard between the 43rd and 55th minutes during a spell where they raised five unanswered white flags, Waterford deserved this morale boosting victory, as they provided eleven scorers compared to six for last year’s All Ireland finalists.

There were thirty three scores in total in this seventy minute game and the pick of them, in our opinion, was a peach of a point under pressure from three Tipperary backs near the endline, on the sideline, by Deise sub Pa O’Donovan from Modeligo, who split the posts in the 67th minute against all the odds.

Other scores to raise the eyelids somewhat were one

by Tadhg Bourke from his own 65 metre line, Jamie Barron’s accurate free taking and a brace of points by

Ballysaggart’s Shane Bennett, whose speed and accuracy were his trump card here.

Tipp’s Niall O’Meara and Shane McGrath slotted over a well taken 0-3 each as did second half sub Gearoid Ryan, whose points had a stamp of class about them.

Tipperary started the game with five of their championship side compared to seven for the home team and it was the roaming Brian O’Halloran, who opened the scoring in the first minute, assisted by Mickey Kearney from Ballyduff. Seamus Callanan, who had a niggly duel all evening with Waterford full back Barry Coughlan, levelled the game for the first of only two occasions, before Jamie Barron’s free taking took effect and his three points in a row gave the winners a 0-4 to 0-1 advantage by the 18th minute.

Playing as an extra man in defence, Tadhg Bourke repulsed numerous Tipperary attacks and Derek McGrath’s charges, who had the use of the biting wind in the first half, had a good goal chance in the 12th minute when Michael Walsh passed to Thomas Connors in front of goal but his strike was comfortably dealt with by Darragh Egan fom Kiladangan.

The Premier County team, who looked to be missing match practice, interrupted Waterford’s progress momentarily when Brendan Maher supplied Shane McGrath for only his team’s second score in eighteen minutes of play. The hosts answered in style with 0-3 by Tadhg Bourke, Brian O’Halloran and Kevin Moran to give them a 0-7 to 0-2 lead

Coiste Oiliúna agus Forbatha na gCluichí, Phort Láirge

Coaching Workshops WATERFORD C&GD are organising a number of Coaching Workshops in the coming months which will be of benefit to coaches in clubs.

Below are the list of workshops that will be taking place. Any additional workshops that will take place will be advertised to club To book a place on any of the workshops or full details on any workshops please contact any of the GDA’s at the details below.

Club Coaching Officer Workshop.

Tuesday, 27th January Lawlor’s Hotel at 7.30 pm Free TBC - Carriganore at 7.30pm - Free.

U-11 & U-12 Mentor Workshop - Monday, 9th March - Lawlor’s Hotel at 7.30 pm - Free.

Wednesday, 11th March Carriganore at 7.30 pm Free.

CLUB/SCHOOL COACHES WORKSHOPS (PAT FLANAGAN PEAK FITNESS) Wednesday, 21st January - Ballygunner Arena at 8pm €5 Thursday, 26th February Ballinameela Centre at 3.30 pm - €5 Thursday, 26th February Rainbow Hall, Kilmac at 8 pm -€5 GDA WORKSHOPS Saturday, 24th January -

West 1st Aid Course Dungarvan - €45 Thursday, 12th February Gaelic 15 Warm Up’s - Urban GDA Area - €5 Wednesday, 11th March Mid County Hurling Workshop - Venue TBC Free Wednesday, 18th March Mid County Football Workshop -Venues TBC Free Tuesday, 17th February Gaelic 15 Warm Up’s - West GDA Area - €5 TBC - Gaelic 15 Warm Ups’s - Mid GDA Area - €5 Februrary (Date TBC) Technical Coaching - Urban GDA Area - €5

with 24 minutes on the clock.

Despite a second score by Kevin Moran and a superbly worked point by Donie Breathnach, Tipperary recorded four of the last six last white flags of the first moiety to trail by just one puck of the ball, 0-9 to 0-6 at the short whistle. Tipp’s top scorer, Seamus Callanan pointed a 25th minute free, Shane McGrath lofted over his second score and wing forward Niall O’Meara split the posts in quick concession before the players gained some respite from the bitter conditions.

When the teams returned, it had all the bearings of a new game as Waterford started with nine changes in personnel and, likewise, the Premier County included seven new starters. Corner back John Maher reopened the visitors account but following a defence splitting run

by Kevin Moran, who had a good game here, sub Cormac Curran finished the ball to the country end goal to give the home team a 38th minute 1-9 to 0-7 advantage.

John McGrath and Shane Bennett traded scores, following which a twelve minute domination by Tipperary brought the game level at 110 to 0-13 for the second and last occasion on foot of points

by Shane McGrath, Seamus Callanan (f), Gearoid Ryan (2) and Niall O’Meara.

It was against the run of play that Waterford regained the lead when a free by Shane Bennett in the 57th minute deflected off Tipp back Stephen Maher into his own goal. The visitors recovered from this setback to strike three of the next four scores via Seamus Callanan

Shane Bennett

Tadhg Bourke

Jamie Barron

(2f) and Gearoid Ryan, interrupted only by a second Shane Bennett point, to reduce the deficit to 2-11 to 016 with 64 minutes on the clock.

There was no further flurry of Tipperary scores, though, as it was the home side who finished the stronger, led by Pa O’Donovan’s magnificent 67th minute point, added to by a Jake Dillon white flag and concluded by a Tommy Waring strike provided by Shane Bennett. In between, Seamus Callanan popped over his fifth free as Waterford ran out deserving 0-3 winners.

Positives to take from this game included the win of course, always better than losing, no matter what is the importance of the match, the performances of Tadhg Bourke, Pa Walsh, Jamie Barron, Kevin Moran and especially Shane Bennett and Brian O’Halloran.

Tipperary will be reasonably happy with their performance considering they are just kick starting their year with their focus again this year, no doubt, on a certain

match in September.

Waterford’s Top Three: Shane Bennett, Brian O’Halloran, Tadhg Bourke.

Tipperary’s Top Three: Gearoid Ryan, Niall O’Meara, Shane McGrath.

Observer’s Man of the Match: Gearoid Ryan.

Number of Scorers: Waterford 10; Tipperary : 6.

Scores from Play: Waterford 1-11; Tipperary 0-12.

Frees For: Waterford 8; Tipperary 10.

Wides: Waterford 13; Tipperary 13.

Score of the Match: Pa O’Donovan’s 67th minute point under pressure from the most difficult of angles.

Scorers – Waterford: Shane Bennett 1-2 (1-0f), Cormac Curran 1-0, Jamie Barron 0-3f, Brian O’Halloran and Kevin Moran 0-2 each, Tadhg Bourke, Donie Breathnach, Pa O’Donovan, Jake Dillon and Tommy Waring 0-1 each.

Tipperary: Seamus Callanan 0-6 (5f), Gearoid Ryan, Niall O’Meara and Shane McGrath 0-3 each, John Maher and John

McGrath 0-1 each.

Waterford: Ian O’Regan; Shane Fives, Barry Coughlan, Noel Connors; Gavin O’Brien, Tadhg Bourke, Pa Walsh; Jamie Barron, Shane O’Sullivan; Kevin Moran, Tommy Connors, Donie Breathnach; Brian O’Halloran, Michael Walsh, Michael Kearney.

Subs: Seanie Barry, Cormac Curran, Dara Fives, Jake Dillon, Martin O’Neill, Shane Bennett, Paudie Prendergast, Shane McNulty, Mark O’Brien, Tom Devine, Shane Roche, Philip Mahony, Pa O’Donovan, Pauric Mahony, John Morrissey and Tommy Waring.

Tipperary: Darragh Egan; Cathal Barrett, Paul Curran, John Maher; Joe O’Dwyer, Padraic Maher, Ronan Maher; Shane McGrath, Thomas Stapleton; Conor Kenny, Brendan Maher, Niall O’Meara; Shane Bourke, Seamus Callanan, Jason Forde. Subs: Sean Maher, John McGrath, Michael Breen, Stephen Maher, Micheal Butler, Bill Maher, Gearoid Ryan.

Referee: Joe Larkin

GAA Coaching & Games Development JOBBRIDGE INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE WITH WATERFORD C&GD We currently have vacancies for 3 Internships as GDA Assistants. These positions are due to start at end of Feb. Full details are available on www.jobbridge.gaa.ie. The deadline for applications is Friday, 6th February.

CONDOLENCES All involved in Waterford C&GD would like to express our deep sympathies with John Burns on the death of his wife Angela last weekend.

John is hugely involved in Coach Education in Waterford and Munster GAA as a Tutor and Tutor Trainer for a long number of years.

John has also been involved in Development Squads for years as a coach and manager. Our thoughts and prayers are with John, his children Aaron, Sophie and

Evan and the Burns and O’Neill families at this difficult time.

SUPER GAMES CENTRE The Super Games Centre is up and running again and will take place every Friday in Carriganore from 6-7 pm.

The Super Games is open to all boys aged 12-16 and is run as a Hurling Centre as part of 10 Super Games Centre running across the country. There is no cost to attend please feel free to come along.

INDOOR BLITZES The indoor Hurling and Gaelic Football blitzes take place over the coming weeks in all 3 GDA divisions. The blitzes will take place each Saturday in February in Urban & West Divisions and Saturdays in March in Mid County Division. GDA’s are sending full information to all

clubs AWARD 1 YOUTH COURSE DATE CHANGES There will be an Award 1 Youth Course run in WIT in February. Anyone who wishes to attend please email michelle.power.gda.waterford.@gaa.ie.

Cost of course is €40 per head. Full attendance is required for certification.

Dates are Feb 23rd, Feb 24th, Mar 2nd, Mar 3rd, Mar 9th, Mar 10th & Mar 19th.

COACHING WORKSHOPS IN GDA DIVISIONS Each of the GDA’s are running a number of workshops in their division over the coming months. There will be 3 workshops per division across a number of topics.

Full details of all workshops will be on www.waterfordgaa.ie during the week and sent to all clubs.

CARRIGANORE GO GAMES The 1st of this year’s Carriganore Go Games Blitzes will take place on Saturday, 14th March and will be U-8 Gaelic Football. U-10 Gaelic Football takes place on Saturday, 28th March with U-8 & U-10 Hurling to take place in April.

FIXTURES PLANNER The Waterford C&GD fixtures planner is being finalised and will be sent to all Adult & Juvenile clubs in the county in early February.

FACEBOOK & TWITTER Don’t forget to join us on Facebook to see all the news and pictures from our latest events. www.facebook.com/ waterfordcoaching.

Waterford C&GD is now on Twitter @WaterfordGAACG for all the latest happenings.

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

7

ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE DIVISION 4 …

O’Halloran points Waterford to first league win Waterford …………….0-14; Wicklow ………………..0-7.

FOLLOWING a successful McGrath Cup series, Waterford’s Senior footballers got their National League campaign off to a winning start at a bitterly cold Fraher Field last Saturday night.

Wicklow won the corresponding fixture in Aughrim last year by 2-14 to 0-12 but there was no doubting who were the better side on this occasion as McGlinchey’s men could and should have won by more, such was their superiority in this encounter.

Notable performances were produced on the night and none more so than by centre forward Michael O’Halloran from the Abbeyside/ Ballinacourty club, who kicked over four top class points, evenly produced in each half. All of O’Halloran’s scores had a bearing on the game as they combined to bring the teams level, to give the winners the lead and to both extend and consolidate their advantage.

The cousin of County hurler Brian O’Halloran is in a similarly rich vein of form at the moment and long may this continue for both players.

Waterford’s win was all the more impressive as they unfortunately lost the services of their talisman and roving corner forward Liam Lawlor with a dead leg injury in the 27th minute which at the same time proves that this Waterford team is far from being a one trick pony.

Michael O’Halloran, Observer’s man of the match.

Lawlor tried his utmost to continue but the good news is that he should be back in action before too long.

Kilrossanty’s Tommy Prendergast enjoyed one of his best games in a Waterford jersey and his current form mirrors that of all the team.

The Déise defence has not been in a benevolent mood since the start of the new year and this continued last Saturday as they kept another clean sheet, green flag wise.

Ray Kelly’s placing at full back against a towering Conor McGraynor proved to be a success with the Wicklow full forward being confined to 0-2 from placed balls. Dean Crowley and Thomas O’Gorman completed a solid line while outside them the trio of Tadhg O hUallachain, Maurice O’Gorman and Conor Phelan

were largely influential throughout. O’Gorman was his usual steadying presence while both O hUallachain and Phelan consistently launched attacks down the wings with their high levels of fitness supporting both their forward and defensive play.

Four of the starting forwards posted points as did Mark Ferncombe when he was introduced for the injured Liam Lawlor.

Wicklow were not left stamp any sort of authority on this game which was due to the intensity of the Waterford play, fuelled yet again by their superb levels of fitness and credit fitness coach Eamonn Cullen for his work in this department. It was only in the final minutes of the match that the Garden County team exerted any real pressure on the winners when they reduced their 0-7 deficit to the final match score line.

This was the coldest evening in living memory for a game at the Fraher Field and the attendance bore witness to this as the anticipated crowd of 1,000 was diluted to 420 and while they went home perished, the majority of them being home supporters also went home happy.

Playing with the biting wind, Wicklow were first to settle and they had 0-2 on the board by the 6th minute. John McGrath opened the scoring from a close-in placed ball after the home team were penalised for taking a short free kick and corner forward

Thomas Kelly raised their second flag following a bat down by Conor McGraynor.

With Waterford delaying their shooting for points, it was all of ten minutes before the winners opened their account when Liam Lawlor kicked a point off the sod following good work by Tommy Prendergast. Joey Veale supplied Michael O’Halloran for the first of his 0-4 and Patrick Hurney gave Waterford the lead in the 11th minute on receipt of the size 5 from Gavin Nugent. Dean Odlum levelled matters for the second time at 0-4 each with a good score from play and the sides were even on three more occasions by the 29th minute with Michael O’Halloran and Shane Ahearn (2f) working the scoreboard for the home team and John McGrath 0-2 (1f) and Dean Odlum replying for the visitors.

The tie took a definite swing in favour of McGlinchey’s men in the latter minutes of the first half when well worked scores by Gavin Nugent, Patrick Hurney and Shane Ahearn (f) were answered by just a single score from a placed ball by Wicklow’s top scorer Dean Odlum. Despite playing into the biting wind Waterford enjoyed an 0-9 to 0-7 half time lead which put them in a strong position at this stage to go on and win the match.

Wicklow returned with their key player from last year’s game, Seanie Furlong on

Waterford's Senior Footballers who defeated Wicklow in the Div. 4 National Football League match in Fraher Field, Dungarvan.

board, but it was Waterford who were in control and keeping Wicklow scoreless until the 65th minute. The winners’ intensity gave Wicklow no chance of getting close on the scoreboard and their harrying and hassling all over the field prevented their opponents from making inroads into the game.

Conor Phelan supplied Tadhg O hUallachain for a fisted pass in the 37th minute and the match could have been more or less decided in the 40th minute but for Michael Curry’s effort on goal after a pass from O hUallachain, came back off the woodwork.

The Ballinacourty pair of Hurney and O’Halloran combined for the latter to record his third point and when their clubmate Mark Ferncombe pointed at the end of a Shane Ahearn free in the 52nd minute, Waterford’s winning position of 0-12 to 0-7 looked, even at this stage, that it was going to carry the day.

Wicklow made three changes but it was a Shane Ahearn free that worked the scoreboard next followed by a black card for wing back Ross O’Brien.

SAVED SHOT ON GOAL A frozen Stephen Enright wasn’t called on very often in the second half but he did very well to save a shot on goal from Dean Odlum in the 61st minute at the little expense of an unconverted ‘45’. Man of the match Michael O’Halloran steadied

himself in front of goal to extend Waterford’s lead to 0-14 to 0-7 in the 64th minute and this proved to be the winners final score of the match.

FINISHED STRONGLY Credit Wicklow, they finished strongly with two pointed frees by Conor McGraynor in the 65th and in the 68th minutes and Dean Odlum’s fourth point ended the scoring in the 71st minute. Wicklow didn’t have many stars on the night but team captain and wing back Dean Healy led by example throughout and he was well supported by Paul McLoughlin, Ross O’Brien and Dean Odlum.

Following this win, Waterford travel to Tullamore this weekend for a top of the table clash with Offaly, who were relegated from Division 3 last year, and this is going to be another tough test for McGlinchey’s men.

Waterford’s Top Three: Michael O’Halloran, Tadhg O hUallachain, Tommy Prendergast.

Wicklow’s Top Three: Dean Healy, Dean Odlum, John McGrath.

Observer’s Man of the Match: Michael O’Halloran.

Number of Scorers: Waterford 7. Wicklow 4.

Scores from Play: Waterford 0-10. Wicklow 0-4.

Frees For: Waterford 20.

Wicklow 23.

Wides: Waterford 7.

Wicklow 5.

Score of the Match: Waterford’s 31st minute point

engineered by a number of players and executed by Michael O’HalloranGavin Nugent.

Scorers – Waterford: Michael O’Halloran 0-4, Shane Ahearn 0-4f, Patrick Hurney 0-2, Liam Lawlor, Gavin Nugent, Tadhg O hUallachain and Mark Ferncombe 0-1 each.

Wicklow: Dean Odlum 0-4 (2f), John McGrath 0-3 (2f), Conor McGraynor 0-2f, Thomas Kelly 0-1.

Waterford: Stephen Enright; Dean Crowley, Ray O Ceallaigh, Thomas O’Gorman; Tadhg O hUallachain, Maurice O’Gorman, Conor Phelan; Shane Ahearn, Tommy Prendergast; Michael Curry, Michael O’Halloran, Patrick Hurney; Liam Lawlor, Joey Veale, Gavin Nugent.

Subs: Mark Ferncombe (27), Lorcan O Corraoin (43), Paul Whyte (50), Stephen Prendergast (58), Oran Keevers (61), David Grey (73).

Wicklow: Robert Lambert; Aaron Murphy, Paul Cunningham, Alan Byrne; Dean Healy, Stephen Kelly, Ross O’Brien; Paul McLoughlin, Anthony McLoughlin; Daniel Woods, John McGrath, Darren Hayden; Dean Odlum, Conor McGraynor, Thomas Kelly.

Subs: Seanie Furlong (ht), Michael McLoughlin (43), Mark Kenny (49), Chris Murphy (52).

Referee: Michael Collins (Cork).

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Waterford Ladies Football …

Waterford Intermediates edge out Wexford IN perfect conditions for football Waterford ladies got their Division 3 campaign in the Tesco Homegrown league off to a winning if somewhat unconvincing start with a narrow hard earned win over a resolute Wexford team in Fraher Field Dungarvan on Sunday last.

From the start the Wexford ladies were leaving nobody in any doubt about their intentions to make life difficult for the home team and matched the Deise ladies all over the field in the opening encounters. In a first half where defences were on top, chances were at a premium and indeed it took 11 minutes for the first score to be registered with a wonderful well taken point by Michelle Ryan.

The Ballymacarbry sharp shooter was on target again in the 17th minute when she received a quick free by team

captain Linda Wall and doubled the Déise lead.

These two scores were amazingly to be the only two scores of the first half leaving the half time score Waterford 0-2; Wexford 0-0.

Waterford started the second half more strongly and had stretched their lead to four points with a free from Maria Delahunty in the 2nd minute and a point from Michelle Ryan in the 6th minute following a very impressive build up.

It took Wexford 44 minutes to get on the scoreboard when a speculative shot from full forward Maria Byrne deceived the Waterford goalkeeper Katie Hannon and ended up in the back of the next.

One minute later Wexford were on level terms as Marcella Cullen got a wonderful point to leave it

Waterford 0-4; Wexford 1-1.

Waterford manager Pat Sullivan rang the changes at this stage and introduced Ciara Hurley and Aileen Wall.

Both players got into their stride immediately and a foul on Aileen Wall resulted in Maria Delahunty pointing a free to leave the minimum between the teams.

A brilliant run from Megan Dunford set up Michelle Ryan for a point to increase the lead before Maria Byrne cut the gap with a wonderful score with 8 minutes to go.

Sub Mairead Wall made an impression on her introduction setting up Michelle Ryan for yet another point in the 53rd minute. Aileen Wall got Waterford’s eight point with four minutes to go and Maria Delahunty seemed to have insured a Waterford win with a pointed free a minute later.

Waterford's Michelle Ryan heads towards goal with Wexford's Ciara Neville in pursuit during the Ladies Gaelic Football National League Game at the Fraher Field.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images]

Wexford were not finished yet and a well struck penalty by full forward Maria Byrne left only one point between the teams. The Model County pressed strongly for an equaliser but the Deise defence were resolute and disciplined and were mightily relieved when the full-time whistle blew to leave Waterford narrow victors on the score line 0-9; Wexford 2-2.

For Waterford it was a very nervy start to the campaign with a lot of basic handling errors and missed chances.

Manager Pat Sullivan can be well pleased with the result but not with the overall standard of play. For the home team the backs were strong with Emma Murray, Caoimhe McGrath and Megan Dunford in particular standing out. Up front the forwards had a tough day against a strong Wexford defence. Michelle Ryan kicked some good points and Aileen Wall and newcomer Ciara Hurley made a difference when introduced.

Waterford lined-out as follows: Katie Hannon, Megan Dunford, Karen McGrath, Emma Murray, Michelle McGrath, Elaine Power, Caoimhe McGrath, Mary Kate Morrissey, Hannah Landers, Linda Wall (capt) Margaret Revins, Maria Delahunty (0-2f) Shauna Dunphy, Sinéad Ryan and Michelle Ryan (0-6) Subs used: Ciara Hurley, Aileen Wall (0-1), Mairead Wall, Emer Scanlan and Aoife Dunne.

WATERFORD V FERMANAGH On Sunday next Waterford will have their second outing in the Tesco Homegrown league with a home match against Fermanagh. These two teams met in the

Waterford's Caoimhe McGrath looks to set up an attack during the Ladies Gaelic Football National League Game at the Fraher Field.

[Dan McGrath/Editorial Images] Intermediate championship quarter-final last season with Fermanagh coming out on top after a titanic struggle on the score line 3-10 to 1-11.

This will be a tough encounter for the Waterford ladies as Fermanagh will be bringing an experienced team to Dungarvan for the clash and will be favourites to return home with all three points.

Fermanagh are strong in all areas of the field with Kyla McManus, Marcella Monahan and Tara Little starring in the back line. Caroline Little is one of the best midfielders in the country at the

moment and Lynne McFredricks and Sharon Little have an eye for goal upfront.

It promises to be a very entertaining game. Manager Pat Sullivan will be hoping that the nervousness in the Wexford game will be gone and that the Deise girls will be up to the challenge.

This will be Fermanagh’s first league game as their opening encounter against Tipperary had to be postponed. Waterford possess a nice blend of youth and experience and are well capable of producing football of the highest calibre which is what will

be needed in order to beat the Fermanagh ladies.

It will be close but home advantage could swing it for Waterford. Throw-in, in Fraher Field on Sunday is at 2:00 with Kevin Phelan from Laois in charge of proceedings.

CLARE CLARKE R.I. P. Waterford ladies football wishes to convey their deepest sympathy to the family and work colleagues at LGFA of Clare Clarke who died at the weekend. Clare is an inspiration to all involved in Ladies Football.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

Chairman’s Address to Munster Convention 2015

Taking part in the Annual Kill GAA long puck were James and Eddie Fitzgerald with Jack Hennessy, St. Mary’s.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

AT the Annual Convention 2015 of Munster GAA Council held in Killarney, Cathaoirleach, Robert Frost spoke of the importance of player welfare, stopping excessive expenditure on county teams and having a more concise playing calendar. He welcomed the reports of the Hurling 2020 Committee and the Minor Review Group.

Frost said “At last year’s Convention I spoke of my concern for the increasing financial difficulties facing our clubs, not only in raising funds but in some cases simply surviving.

However, far from being prudent, there seems to be a rise in spending in the last year. It’s a worrying trend that seems to have stemmed

from county teams’ “win at all costs” attitude.

County Boards are currently spending far more than they have ever done before on the preparation of their county teams, with particular focus on their flagship squads.

However, only one team can win a championship in Munster or at All Ireland level each year so throwing money at teams and increasing the financial remuneration of managers as some counties do cannot be the answer as has been proven clearly every year.

Unfortunately, that pressure has filtered down to club level where vast sums are being allocated to bring in outside coaches or implement near professional setups.

Our amateur status is rapidly diminishing to such an extent that county boards and clubs have to take responsibility and pose the question – where will this eventually lead? Therefore, in light of overspending on county teams, I would ask county boards to implement a decrease in their spending on senior teams of say 5% and instead use that money for worthier purposes.

Frost also spoke of the demands on players in light of the prevailing “win at all costs attitude”.

He said “Players are now training harder, longer and more intensely than ever before. My concern is particularly centred around our young players who, in some cases, appear to be driven to

breaking point by excessive demands put on them.

I’ve spoken first hand to players who are being pulled and dragged between numerous club, College and county panels, not to mention a doubling of their commitments if they are dual players or involved in other sports.

These players are reluctant to say no to any manager and therefore, run the risk of inadequate rest and recovery and the potential for serious injury and shorter careers.

That’s why I welcome the reports of the Minor Review Group and the Hurling 2020 Committee and any recommendations that benefit our players and games.”

He also spoke of the importance of a better fixtures schedule for club players and

recommended a more concise playing calendar.

He also reminded counties of the importance of the new budgetary framework which has seen a total grant package of €6.25m to the Munster counties with €3.75m for the redevelopment of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and €2.5m in total between the other 5 counties.

He also drew attention to the impressive financial report for 2014, the highlights of which were: • Income up 6.2% on 2013, • Gate Receipts up 15% on 2013, • Development grants to clubs and counties up 19% at €1,752,716 and expenditure to support Games Development through various programmes and initiatives at €1,854,369.

GAA

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

9

Lismore Camogie Club …

Brave Lismore were put to the pin of their collar in All-Ireland semi-final Lismore……………….1-14; Oranmore/Maree……1-12.

LISMORE are through to the All Ireland Intermediate club final after a thrilling 1-14 to 1-12 win over Oranmore Maree of Galway on Sunday last February 1st. Caitriona McGlone's 9th minute goal gave the Cathedral Town the ideal start and four points from Aoife Hannon left it 1-9 to 0-6 at half-time. Throw-in was set for 2.30 in Charleville GAA grounds in ideal weather conditions for a good game of camogie.

It was Lismore who came out of the blocks scoring the first point of the game courtesy of Aoife Hannon on the 3rd minute followed by another from her on the fourth.

Lismore were well in control and were on the attack

Lismore manager Seamus Prendergast. [©INPHO/Cathal Noonan]

putting the Galway backs under severe pressure.

Lismore corner forward, the speedy Johanna Houlihan won the ball on her wing and ran straight for the Galway goal and slotted the ball over for a well taken point.

Oranmore were coming into the game and were putting great pressure on the Lismore defence who were punished for their hard defending as Oranmore’s Ailish O’Reilly made no mistake in converting two frees on the fifth and sixth minutes.

Lismore who were still on the attack on the other end with Johanna Houlihan once again on the run passed the ball to the awaiting Caithriona McGlone who in turn banged the ball to the back of the Oranmore net on the 9th minute.

This put a bit of daylight between the sides and it seemed that Lismore were going to pull away from the Galwegians, but Oranmore replied on the tenth minute with a point from play courtesy of Kelly Malone. Aoife Hannon who was on fire with her free taking converted on the eleventh as a result of a push on the back of her team mate Sharon Williams.

The scores were coming in hard and fast as Oranmore’s Ailish O’Reilly converted on twelfth minute from a free.

It was Lismore who dominated for the next ten minutes with Shona Curran, Aoife Hannon and Nicola Morrissey scoring a point each in this time frame. Ailish O’Reilly scored once more from a free on the twenty fourth minute followed three minutes later a score for Lismore by captain

Shona Curran which was set up by Ruth Geoghegan. It was Ailish O’Reilly and Nicola Morrissey who had the final say of the half scoring a point each for their sides in the dying minutes of the half.

Half-time score Lismore 1-9; Oranmore/Maree 0-6 The second half began, and two minutes into the half a harsh red card decision left Lismore with fourteen players which put the Lismorians under severe pressure for remainder of the game.

It was youngster Sharon Williams who won the ball on the thirty fifth minute and made no mistake and slotted it over the bar opening the scoring of the half.

Oranmore were on the attack for the next fifteen minutes and were plugging back the scores point by point leaving the score reading Lismore 1-10 to Oranmore’s 0-11 with ten minutes to go only two points separating the sides.

Lismore gathered their momentum at this stage and scored three crucial points courtesy of Nicola Morrissey, Shona Curran and Aisling O’Brien which lifted the Lismore spirits and they seemed to feel that the danger was gone.

But the Galway All Star Aisling O’Reilly grabbed the ball at midfield and made a deft run towards the Lismore goal and struck to the back of

the Lismore net on the fifty seventh minute. Nerves were very tense on the Lismore side and Ailish O’Reilly once more pointed on the fifty ninth minute leaving only the minimum between the sides.

Two minutes of extra time was announced and Lismore captain did the captain’s roll in style. With great pressure on her shoulders took a long distance free about sixty yards out and slotted the ball over putting two points between the sides. The final whistle was blown on the puck-out to the delight of the Lismore team and their supporters.

The final score reading Lismore 1-14; Oranmore/Maree 1-12.

Lismore players celebrate after the game.

Lismore team who defeated Oranmore/Maree in the AIB All-Ireland Intermediate Camogie Club Championship Semi-Final, at Charleville GAA, Co. Cork on Sunday last.

Lismore are set for the All Ireland final at headquarters on March 1st for the second year in a row and hope to go one better this year by winning it in Croke Park.

Lismore Team: Tanya Morrissey, Marie Russell, Shauna Prendergast, Niamh Molumphy, Sarah Fenton, Shauna Kiernan, Aoife Houlihan, Shona Curran, Grainne Kenneally, Sharon Williams, Aoife Hannon, Ruth Geoghegan, Nicola Morrissey, Caithriona McGlone, Johanna Houlihan, Aisling O’Brien,Sarah Coughlan, Sarah Geoghegan, Ellen Curran, Alice Russell, Laura Buckley, Kate Heneghan

Selector/Trainer: Seamus Prendergast, Selectors, Geraldine Barry, Austin Curran and Jim Russell.

SUPPORTERS BUSES There will be supporters buses travelling to the AllIreland final on March 1st.

Please contact Eilish McGlone to book your seat (086) 1223015.

REGISTRATION Registration for the 2015 season will take place over the coming weeks. Forms will be handed out at training for all girls training at the moment. Fees for the coming year is as follows; Juvenile €30, Student €35, Adult €40, Social member €10 Family €50.

[©INPHO/Cathal Noonan]

[©INPHO/Cathal Noonan]

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Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

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

McKenna Computers Club Focus

FROM THE FILES OF THE DUNGARVAN OBSERVER A DECADE AGO Saturday, 26th October, 2005 WESTERN BOARD JUNIOR FOOTBALL FINAL

Stradbally’s magnificent comeback Attending the Brickeys GAA Victory Social in the Park Hotel were Cormac O'Grady, Noah Whelan, Philip Walsh, Robbie Buckley, Shane Nugent and Mark Cummins.

[Sean Byrne//Deise

Scéalta na Seachtaine Seo New under 21 hurling approach announced THIS year’s County under 21 hurling selectors have decided to deviate away from the traditional preparation of County squads where players who have worked hard to make and stay on the initial under 21 squad will feel that they have been fairly treated if it comes to pass that they don’t make the final panel for the Munster Championship v Cork on June 17th.

The introduction of the Park Hotel sponsored County under 21 Hurling Challenges which will take place during the months of February and March and which will involve the under 21’s playing all of the Senior

Hurling clubs in Waterford during a six week period.The games will be played in the Fraher Field every Wednesday and Saturday nights under lights, commencing on Wednesday, February 18th and finishing on Saturday, March 28th.

The main purpose of these trials is to serve as trials for players who are interested in making the under 21 panel which will be formed when the 12 games have been completed. Once the panel is formed in late March/ early April, the intention is to form a squad for training sessions before breaking up for the commencement of the club

Senior hurling and Football fixtures after which efforts will be focused on preparing for the Munster Championship.

This will include the playing of a number of Inter County challenge matches including one against a Waterford Senior Hurling selection. It is also envisaged that a number of the under 21 players on the senior panel will be made available for selection for some of the challenge games against the senior club teams.

PARK HOTEL UNDER 21 HURLING CHALLENGE GAMES Wednesday, 18th February: Waterford v

Passage. Saturday, 21st February: Waterford v Roanmore. Wednesday, 25th February: Waterford v Abbeyside. Saturday, 28th February: Waterford v Ballygunner. Wednesday, 4th March: Waterford v De La Salle. Saturday, 7th March: Waterford v Dungarvan. Wednesday, 11th March: Waterford v Tallow. Saturday, 14th March: Waterford v Cappoquin. Wednesday, 18th March: Waterford v Fourmilewater. Saturday, 21st March: Waterford v Mount Sion. Wednesday, 25th March: Waterford v Ballyduff Upper. Saturday, 28th March: Waterford v Lismore.

McGlinchey cold but happy SPEAKING in the aftermath of a welcome league win for the Déise footballers at the Fraher Field last Saturday night, team manager Tom McGlinchey posed a frozen but happy figure after executing a five match unbeaten run against a fancied Wicklow fifteen.

"A good win; I'm disappointed that we conceded those late scores, but the conditions out there tonight were tough, and people sitting in the stand tonight mightn't have realised how difficult they were; we're standing out here now and you can feel what that wind was like," said McGlinchey.

"It was hard to deal with but we went in two points up at half-time having played into a gale force wind. I thought we were workmanlike in the second half. We were 0-14 to 0-7 up at one stage in the second half and we might have been

guilty of taking the foot off the pedal, which is a small bit of a worry, but you'd have to be pleased to kick off the campaign with two points in the bag."

Building a sense of momentum is, as Tom McGlinchey put it, "great for the boys and it's great for confidence too".

He added: "There's possibly a bit of expectation that wasn't there before and that can bring its own type of pressure but I think there's a bit of confidence in the players' bellies now.

"Away to Offaly next Sunday is going to be a big test; it'll be our first game out of the county too after winning five at home; that'll be another new challenge but it's one that the boys are looking forward to...and we'll go there with a degree of confidence."

Footballers travel to Tullamore WATERFORD V OFFALY Sunday, February 8th in O’Connor Park, Tullamore at 2.00 p.m.

IT may only be the second game in the Allianz National Football League on this Sunday in Tullamore but following last weekend’s results the clash between the host team Offaly and Waterford is billed as a top of the table clash. Both counties were the only ones to gather two points in the first round and a win for either team here will put them in a strong position at these early stages of the league.

How Offaly have fallen from grace in recent years compared to their All Ireland winning years of decades ago.

Now plying their trade in Division 4, the faithful County will be anxious to begin the move back up the divisions ASAP and their new manager Pat Flanagan has already stated that he expects his young team to get out of Division 4 this year.

Flanagan previously managed Sligo and Westmeath and he was happy to come away with a win from Ruislip last weekend, especially as he felt his team didn’t play particularly well. Offaly beat London by 0-9 to 1-2 and despite their low score tally, they had seven different scorers. Playing at home this Sunday, Offaly will be confident of continuing in winning form and there is no doubt but that this is a big test for McGlinchey’s men.

Last year, Waterford travelled to

venues in more hope than in confidence but already they are a different side this year and they have done everything that has been asked of them to date.

The team’s form has been very consistant and that is a yardstick by which to assess the winning capabilities of any side. If he is still not recovered from his leg injury sustained against Wicklow, Liam Lawlor would be a huge loss to Waterford and the style of football that they play but there is depth in the panel and a wide range of different subs have been utilised in recent games. A second win at this early stage of the league would be a real morale boost for gaining promotion and hopefully the team will enjoy good support this Sunday in Tullamore.

Stradbally ..........................………….. 1-11; Lismore .............................……………. 3-3.

STRADBALLY’S second string XV Junior footballers staged the most dramatic of comebacks in this Western Final, played at the Fraher Field on Saturday afternoon last.

In truth they looked to be dead and buried when Inter-County hurler, Dave Bennett, converted a 35 yard free in the 42nd minute to put Lismore six points clear (3-3 to 0-6).

At that stage Lismore were well in control and looked to be heading for a victory, which had looked very much on by the 21st minute of the opening half, when they were eight points to the good by 3-0 to 0-1.

Those goals had come from Brendan Bennett in the 13th minute after his first shot was saved by Kieran Kirwan. When Michael Shanahan was grounded in the 20th minute, Brendan Landers dispatched the penalty with aplomb. From the resulting kickout, the ball went straight back in to Michael Shanahan who slotted it into the net.

Liam O’Brien, who had pointed a 17th minute free, added a second point in the 22nd minute. Outstanding corner-forward, Christopher Casey, added a further point, as did their excellent midfielder, Robert Ahearne, before William Cunningham pointed for Lismore - 3-1 to 0-4 at the interval.

After Dan Shanahan had soloed a full 80 yards, he placed the hard-working Paul Prendergast, who drove over a fine point.

Tommy Connors and Christopher Casey kicked over Stradbally’s points prior to Dave Bennett’s pointed 42nd minute free (3-3 to 0-6).

Liam O’Brien pointed at the end of the third quarter, yet, as we reached the 54th

minute, Lismore remained on top. Then came the dramatic turnaround as substitute, Christopher Lawlor (wearing no. 29), finished off a great movement by crashing the ball into the net (3-3 to 1-7). Liam O’Brien pointed a free and then pointed from play to level it up at 3-3 to 1-9 as their supporters roared them on.

Robert Ahearne pointed to give “The Reds” the lead for the very first time in the 58th minute. Michael Shanahan was clean through at the other end, only to see his goalbound shot well saved by Kieran Kirwan and Stradbally had the final say as Christopher Casey kicked over their 11th point (1-11 to 3-3).

Others to star for “The Reds” were Eamon Clancy, Paddy Doyle, Paddy Kiely, Tommy Connors, Tomás Gough and Liam O’Brien, not forgetting Christopher Lawlor’s well-taken goal.

For Lismore David Howard, Dave Bennett, William Cunningham, Dan Shanahan, James O’Connor, Michael Shanahan, Paul Quinn, Paul Prendergast and Brendan Landers all played well.

OUR COLOUR SCHEME Both teams passed.

Scorers - Stradbally:- C. Lawlor 1-0; L. O’Brien 0-5; C. Casey 0-3; R. Ahearne 0-2; T. Connors 0-1.

Lismore:B. Bennett 1-0; B. Landers 1-0; M. Shanahan 1-0; W. Cunningham 0-1; B. Landers 0-1; P. Prendergast 0-1.

PRESENTATION After the game Western Board Chairman, Paddy Walsh, presented the trophy to Stradbally captain, Kieran Kirwan as “The Reds” celebrated a truly extraordinary comeback.

Teams - Stradbally:- Kieran Kirwan (Capt.), Andy Doyle, Eamon Clancy, Luke Casey, Kevin Lawlor, Paddy Doyle, Paul Walsh, Paddy Kiely, Robert Ahearne, Tommy Connors, Tomás Gough, Kevin Coffey, Christopher Casey, Liam O’Brien, Maurice Casey. Sub:- Christopher Lawlor for L. Casey.

Lismore:- Brendan Prendergast, Paul Quinn, David Howard (Capt.), Anthony Whelan, Alan Landers, David Bennett, Eoin Bennett, William Cunningham, Dan Shanahan, Brian Leahy, James O’Connor, Michael Shanahan, Paul Prendergast, Brendan Landers, Brendan Bennett. Subs.:James Shanahan for B. Leahy; Mark Landers for B. Prendergast (injured).

Referee:Seán Ó Conduin (Rinn Ua gCuanach).

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

Teams of Times Gone By WESTERN INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONS Year: 2005. Team: Ballyduff. Opposition: Dungarvan. Venue: Fraher Field. Half-Time Score: Ballyduff 1-7; Dungarvan 0-4. Full Time Score: Ballyduff 2-12; Dungarvan 1- 5. Team Captain: Michael Drislane. Referee: John Michael Kelly (Shamrocks).

BALLYDUFF TEAM: Adrian Power; Donal Hannon, Michael Drislane, Patrick Molomphy; Sean Cunningham, Ger Feeney, Seamus Hannon; Stephen Molomphy, John Twomey; Brian Kearney, Michael Molomphy, Jamie Kearney; Pa Kearney, Paul Hickey, Brendan Hannon.

Scorers: Brendan Hannon 1-8, Pa Kearney 1-2, Jamie Kearney 0-2.

Forde’s

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

FORDE’S DAYBREAK FORECAST CORNER Last Week’s Forecasts: 11 Forecasts. 4 Correct. 5 Incorrect. 2 Drawn. Success Rate: 44.4%. Best To Date: 77.7%.

This Week’s Forecasts: Allianz NFL Division 4: Carlow v (London), Longford v (Antrim), Waterford v (Offaly), Wicklow v (Leitrim).

County MFC: Division 1: Ballinacourty v (Tramore), Gaultier v (Dungarvan), De La Salle v (Nire).

Division 2: Stradbally v (Rathgormack), An Ghaeltacht v (St. Saviours), Clashmore/Kinsalebeg v (St. Olivers), Brickeys v (Ardmore).

Division 3: Affane v (St. Mary’s), Na Gaeil V (Sacred Heart), Portlaw v (Ballyduff Upper), Kilrossanty v (Ferrybank).

GAA CLUB NOTES

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Kill Kill NO SURRENDER Our thoughts this week are very much with our fellow Gaels in the city, St. Saviours, following the arson attack on their clubhouse last weekend.

Knowing first hand the hard work that goes into building and maintaining a premises it must be heartbreaking for them to see a lot of their work in tatters. I have no doubt though the durable Ballybeg men will fight back and show their true community spirit by getting the show back on the road. Keep the faith lads from all in Kill.

VICTORY SOCIAL Don't forget Saturday, 28th Feburary is the night our County and Eastern medals will be presented to the players in The Park Hotel, Dungarvan. Kildare manager, Jason Ryan, has been confirmed to present the medals on the night with proceedings getting underway at 8 p.m. Tickets cost €25 and will be on sale shortly.

CLUB LOTTO Kirwan’s Bar hosted last Monday night’s draw, (Jan. 26th). The jackpot on the night was worth €9,300 but unfortunately, we had no winner of it.

We had 3x Match 3's as Bernie Meagher, Tracey O'Neill and Richard Harney all had 3 of the 4 numbers drawn and so they win €25 each. The numbers drawn on this occasion were 1, 3, 8 & 10. The next draw will be in Dunphys. Thanks again to everyone who supports our lotto.

6K DIRT TRACK CHALLENGE The day has arrived as they say. This Sunday, 8th Feburary, our first of two dirt runs takes place at 11.30 a.m, outside our clubhouse. If you want muck, drains, bogs, woodland and fields to strut your stuff this Sunday is the day to do it.

Remember registration starts at 11 am and it’s €6 for adults. We also have a 2K for school kids with a €3 charge. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the clubhouse. Look forward to seeing you all there!

NEW MANAGEMENT FOR 2015 The club would like to express its best wishes to Liam Lennon, Eddie Power and Own O'Neill for the coming season as the trio take over the running of our intermediate and junior football teams. Mick Mooney will continue in his role as physical trainer, while Eddie will represent Kill on Fenor’s hurling management team. Also, we would like to acknowledge the great effort and commitment of the outgoing management team of Andy Crowley, Joe Kennedy, and Kevin Burns and we wish them well in the future.

CHAMPIONS 2015 Following a meeting of the Eastern Board last week, the intermediate football teams, of which they are 10 will be divided into 2 groups of 5. We find ourselves partnered with Dunhill, Tramore, St. Mollerans and John Mitchells. We first play a league game with the top team going to the League Final and also getting a bye to the quarter-final of the championship. The remaining teams will play off for the remaining quarter-final places and relegation with a losers group coming into play. It’s a small bit complicated but it should fare out better in the months ahead as the board try to spice up this grade a bit.

In junior football only 3 teams affiliated (Roanmore, Ferrybank & St. Pauls) so the 5 attached teams were added to it to make an 8 team group. The top 2 will qualify for the semi's with the next 4 playing off in the quarter-finals.

The junior hurling is something similar with 9 teams in a group, meaning 8 competitive matches for Fenor's hurlers, with the top 2 going to the semi's and the next 4 in the quarters.

Clonea, Passage, Roanmore, Mt. Sion (3rd team), Ballygunner (3rd team), Ballydurn, Bunmahon, Ballyduff and Fenor make up the group.

The next meeting of the Board will be on Tuesday, 24th Feb., where the fixtures for the season ahead will be revealed.

ST. MARYS JUVENILE U-21 Football: Eight teams registered for the u-21 grade (A&B) at the recent Eastern Board meeting. With a losers group inaugerated for the first time it was decided to put the 8 teams into a hat with the 4 winners going to the 'A' and the 4 losers going to the 'B'. We found ourselves drawing Rathgormack, which means a tough task.

This game will be played on Saturday, 21st Feb. (no venure or time yet) with our next game, win or lose, taking place for the following Saturday.

More info soon.

Minor Football: Our minor footballers will be the first team in action for 2015 when they get their campaign underway next Sunday morning, 8th Feburary, in Bunmahon at 11.30 a.m. The lads have been training away the last few weeks under the eye of Peter Kirwan and all support would be welcome as we take on the boys from Affane.

Strict 'No Pay No Play Policy': Following on from our very successful A.G.M there is a strict policy on membership. It’s up to each Manager/Coach of each grade to make sure his players have paid up before he/she can put on a jersey. Remember parents your child is not covered for insurance if you aren't a member. Its €50 per adult and €20 for an U-21 player 'only'. We have had 2 very successful registration nights at indoor hurling and if you haven't paid yet please contact a club official or a selector/coach from the age group your child plays with and he will sort

you out. The last thing a coach wants is to tell a young lad he can't play. To avoid disappointment for everyone concerned lets all co-operate.

Thank you!

Brickey Rangers Brickey Rangers CLUB LOTTO Last week’s lotto which was held in The Local Bar where a jackpot prize of €1,900 was up for grabs. We had no winner on the night. Numbers drawn were: 2, 22, 23 and 24. €25 to each of the following: the Blackwell family, Noreen Kiely, Babs Kiely and Patrica Brosnan.

Next week’s draw will be held in The Enterprise and has a jackpot of €2,050. Tickets €2 from the promoters and outlets.

MEDAL PRESENTATION Our annual social and medal presentation took place on Friday last in the Park Hotel. A great night was had by all. Many thanks to those involved in the organising of the event, our guests from the County Board, the entertainment on the night and the staff in the Park Hotel.

CONGRATS Congrats to both Conor Phelan and Cormac Curran who were on county duty at the weekend.

Conor assisted the Waterford footballers in their victory against Wicklow in the football league and Cormac assisted the hurlers in their victory over Tipperary in a S.H. challenge, well done to all concerned.

SYMPATHY The sympathy of the club is extended to Lucia Quealy and family on the death of her uncle Rev. Patrick Quealy, who died during the past week.

May he rest in peace.

JUVENILE NOTES. UNDER 9 & 10 Football training at 6 pm on Friday night. Don't forget the gumshields.

UNDER 12 & 14 Football championship starts in a few weeks, numbers at training needs to improve. Training each Monday night at 6.45 pm.

MEDAL PRESENTATION On Saturday night next, 7th February, we will present the winners from the 2014 season with their medals. All players from the under 14 and under 16 panel along with the minor panel from last year are invited to attend along with their families to the club house in Bushy Park. The presentation will take place at 5.30 pm.

Fourmilewater SHANE GLEESON MEMORIAL AWARDS Last Saturday evening we all enjoyed a wonderful night at The Shane Gleeson Memorial awards. Congratulations to Chrissie Horgan on winning the Fourmilewater GAA award. Chrissie is the most deserving and worthy winner. Chrissie works tirelessly for our club and her community.

Congratulations to Conor Gleeson who won the Nire GAA award and Darren Guiry on winning the Pinewood Rangers award.

Of course guest of honour on the night was Kilkenny Senior Hurling manager Brian Cody. It was a huge honour to have Brian here to present these awards. Michael Ryan conducted a great interview with him. Brian also spoke how much it was a privilege for him too, to travel to Ballymacarbry to present these awards. He also complimented the whole community for coming together to remember Shane in such a special way.

This night was once again this fitting tribute to the memory of Shane. For as long as these three clubs are in existence, Shane Gleeson’s memory will never be extinguished.

CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS Fourmilewater have been drawn in group 1 of the Senior Hurling Championship Senior Hurling Draws Group 1: Ballygunner, De La Salle, Tallow, Abbeyside, Fourmilewater, Ballyduff Upper.

Our opening fixture will be against reigning County Champions Ballygunner. The match is provisionally fixed for weekend of May 3rd.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Round One of J. J. Kavanagh Senior Hurling Championship: Date: Week ending May 3rd, Fourmilewater v Ballygunner Round Two of J. J. Kavanagh Senior Hurling Championship: Date: Week ending May 10th, Fourmilewater v Abbeyside Round Three of J. J. Kavanagh Senior Hurling Championship: Date: Week ending 21st June, Fourmilewater v Ballyduff Upper Round Four (During August): Tallow vs Fourmilewater.

Round Five (During August): De La Salle vs Fourmilewater.

MINOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Division Three (13 a-side): Group One – Fourmilewater, Ardmore, Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg, An Ghaeltacht, Stradbally, St Olivers, Ballyduff Upper. Top team to the semifinal with 2 v 3 in the quarter-final.

LOTTO DRAW The weekly Lotto draw took place last Saturday in Doocey's Bar. The numbers drawn were 2, 14 and 24. There was no winner. €30 winners: Lucy Ronayne, James O’Donnell, Breda Hallahan, David Nugent and Margaret Harte.

Next week’s jackpot is €2,550.

WEEKLY LOTTO The weekly lotto draw takes place every Saturday in Doocey’s Bar at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are always available and who knows, you may be a winner. As well as having a chance of winning the top prize you are also contributing funds to your club.

DIRECT DEBIT MEMBERSHIP One sure way of ensuring that you will be included for 52 weeks in both the Fourmilewater GAA and Nire GAA weekly lotto draws is by availing of both club’s Direct Debit Membership scheme.

Nire/FMW Direct Debit Membership 2015 • Cost €250 per year • Payment by Direct Debit or Cheque for €250 for full year.

OR • Monthly for €20.80 • Weekly for €4.81 What you receive by signing up: • Weekly Nire Lotto Ticket - yearly value = €78 • Weekly FMW Lotto Ticket – Yearly value = €78 • 1 Annual Deise Draw Ticket – value = €80 • 1 Croke Park Draw Ticket – value = €10 FREE MEMBERSHIP TO NIRE AND FMW CLUBS 45 CARD RESULTS Winners Pat and Mary Guiry. 2nd John O’Connor & Martin Moore. Philly Frainey & Mai Kennedy. Lucky Table: Paddy Wall & Alice Ryan; Mary Murphy & Mary Kearns DEISE DRAW The Deise Draw will be commencing on March 27th. There will be 8 draws over 8 months. Every Month’s Draw includes 1st Prize €10,000; 2nd Prize €3,000; 3rd Prize €1,500; 4th to 11th Prizes €200.

Also, everyone who joins the Deise draw will receive a 15% discount when you spend €100 in Elverys Sportswear. The voucher will be available on request from the club. Please remember that 70% of all money raised will be returned to the club. If interested please contact any member of the committee.

JUVENILE NOTES Registration Night: Next Monday, February 9th at 7 pm we will be holding a registration night for all juvenile players. It is important that players are registered members of the the club and therefore, will be covered by the club’s insurance policy.

We ask that parents fill out a registration form so that the club can gather important information about any illness, conditions, allergies or disabilities the club should be aware of (e.g. asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and allergies to particular food or drink). We will also require information on any medication that your child may require or need assistance with.

The club will also look for the usual contact numbers and email addresses. We would like to have as many email addresses as possible with a view to sending out a weekly newsletter about all club activities.

However, it is of equal importance that you take the opportunity to see what the clubs plans are for the coming year, and see exactly what the ethos of the club is.

Our team managers and coaches will be in attendance too to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Membership: The club is appealing to members to show their support which will then enable us fulfil our targeted goals and enable us compete at the highest possible levels both on and off the playing pitches.

A pack has been handed out to our players which includes a letter outlining the various membership options. A direct debit mandate if you choose to that method of payment and a membership form, that we ask you to complete.

Club Gear: As well as registering players we will also be taking orders for club gear. A representative from our supplier Kukri will be present on the night.

Pat Moore: The club would like to thank Goalkeeper coach Pat Moore who came to the community centre last Sunday to explain the art of goalkeeping to our hurling coaches.

Encouraging young players to take up the goalkeeping position coupled with correct coaching has always proved problematic but this session with Pat will be of huge benefit. Thanks to the coaches who turned up on the night and the young players who turned up to help and participate.

Gum Shields: Just a reminder to all parents that Gum Shields are obligatory for Gaelic Football when playing or training for Gaelic Football.

Training: U-12's: Our U-11/12 training continues every Tuesday between 7 pm and 8 pm the Community Centre.

U-10/ U11 Training: Our U-10/11's training continues every Monday evening in the Community Centre at 6 pm.

U-8/U-9: Our U-8/9's training continues on Thursday's between 5 pm and 6 pm in the Community Centre.

U-6's/U-7's: Our U-6's/U-9's training continues every Monday between 7 pm and 8 pm.

Respect: Respect your teammates, Respect your opponents, Respect your coaches, Respect officials and Respect the games.

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Taking part in the Annual Kill GAA long puck were Eoin Fitzgerald, Sean O'Brien, Niall Murphy, Donnie O'Brien and Barry O'Brien, Kill and Stradbally.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Ar agaidh an Uidhir agus An Caislean Cuanach.

NIRE/FOURMILEWATER PLAYER PROFILE Name: Evan Spelman Age: 9 Favourite Sport: Hurling Favourite GAA Player: Colin Dunford & Shane Walsh Favourite Food: Chicken Favourite TV Show: Sky Sports Favourite Song: Super Heroes Favourite Soccer Team: Manchester Utd What famous person would you invite to dinner? Richie Hogan If you won the lotto, what would you buy? A new hurley, sliotar and jersey and I would buy Messi for Man Utd. Name: Adam Guiry Age: 8 Favourite Sport: Hurling Favourite GAA Player: Podge Collins Favourite Food: Chicken Curry Favourite TV Show: Sam and Cat Favourite Song: Thinking out Loud (Ed Sheeran) Favourite Soccer Team: Chelsea What famous person would you invite to dinner? Diego Costa If you won the lotto, what would you buy? A camper van for my Mam!

Shamrocks Shamrocks CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in last Saturday's lotto draw were 2-4-12-18, and there was no winner. €20 winners were Kathleen Beirne, John A. Kelly, Brid Power, Haulie Collins, and Oliver Flanagan.

Next week's jackpot will be €4,650.

TEAM NEWS Following the players' team bonding trip to Killarney last weekend, they will be getting down to the serious business of training starting this coming Saturday. With a new management team in place, and a good stretch in the evenings already, the lads are very eager and looking forward to getting out on the field again. And I believe we have many reasons to be optimistic for the coming season, a youthful (for the most part) squad, a top class trainer and coach, and an open hurling championship. Ballysaggart will be our first championship outing on the May Bank Holiday weekend, and if last year's match is any indicator, it should go down to the wire.

MINOR FOOTBALL Cois Bhride minor footballers are already into their second week of training, and they played a very useful practice match last Sunday versus An Gaeltacht. Their first championship outing takes place on Sunday week when they play Clashmore away. With three of the squad training with the Waterford minors presently, it's safe to say the 2015 season is well up and running. We would like to sincerely thank Cork All-Star hurler Seamus Harnedy for presenting the County and Western medals to the successful minor teams last Friday night in the Tallow Clubhouse.

Seamus spoke very eloquently to the assembled

crowd, and had time for a word to all present.

What a gentleman he is. Afterwards there was refreshments and nibbles in the Hotel in Tallow, and we thank James Clancy for the hospitality.

SHAMROCKS LADIES FOOTBALL NOTES Adult Training: Training will take place at the K.G.K. Community Sports Hall, Knockanore for the ladies team at 7 pm on Friday next, 6th February. All new players welcome. Please bring €2. The date for the underage teams to return training will be announced in next week's notes!

Congratulations: Congratulations to the Lismore Camogie team who got through to the All-Ireland final for the second year in a row last Sunday. We wish them the best of luck in the final that will take place in the coming weeks.

Lismore (Kindly sponsored by Eamonn’s Place) CONGRATULATIONS The club would like to send their congratulations to player Stevie Barry and Mairead Landers on the birth of their little girl, Sophie within the past few weeks. No doubt a future wearer of the black n’ amber with the local camogie club. Well done to the local Camogie club on winning their AllIreland semi-final against Oranmore/Maree last Sunday in Charleville. We in the club wish them the very best of luck in the All-Ireland Final on March 1st in the big field namely Croker.

GYM MEMBERSHIP Reminder of Gym Membership is now due.

Prices are as follows: 12 months €150, 6 months €90, 3 months €50. More details from Will Cunningham at 086 0719635.

CLUB MEMBERSHIP Club membership is now payable to Colin Kearney. Prices are Players €40, Students €25, Non- Players €30, Couple €45. Note players are not covered by insurance unless this money is paid, so in the interest of everyone involved payment would be appreciated at the earliest convenience.

CHELTENHAM PREVIEW Our fundraiser the Cheltenham Preview night is on in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan on Monday night, February 23rd. Your support for this would be greatly appreciated by the club. A great night of entertainment for all present is assured on the night.

SYMPATHY The club would like to offer their sympathy to the following families who had bereavements during the week, O’Keeffe family, Deerpark, Lismore, on the death of their mother, Margaret (Madge); Lineen Family, Owbeg, Lismore, on the death of their mother Angela, and to the relations of Ann Coughlan, Main Street, Lismore. May they rest in peace.

SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 Group one: Ballygunner, De La Salle, Tallow, Ballyduff, Abbeyside, Fourmilewater, Group two: Mount Sion, Lismore, Passage, Dungarvan, Roanmore, Cappoquin.

First round games are fixed for the first weekend in May, which sees us taking to the field against neighbours Cappoquin.

LISMORE GAA CLUB LOTTO The Lismore GAA lotto was held in the Community Centre on Monday evening at 7.30 pm. The numbers drawn were: 9, 10, 19, 30. No winner of jackpot worth €13,900. Next weeks jackpot is €14,050. Draw will be held on Monday February 9th. It could be you as the winner just buy a ticket €2 each or 3 for €5. Consolation prizes of €20 go to: Julie Landers, Chloe & Sophie Landers, Barry O’Sullivan, and Kevin Coleman.

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GAA CLUB NOTES

Ballinameela JUNIOR MEDAL PRESENTATION A big thank you to all who turned out for our Junior county medal presentation in Merry’s Bar on Saturday night. It was a great way to cap a very successful year for our Junior footballers.

Many thanks to Merry’s Bar for hosting, and also for the delicious finger food provided.

Former clubman Patsy O’Keeffe was on hand to present the medals on the night, and he spoke very well about the great progress being made by the club over the past few decades. Patsy referenced his own playing days, when they counted themselves lucky to have more than a few subs for a game, and compared it to the four teams that represented Ballinameela last year.

He also noted the achievement of reaching the Intermediate Western hurling final as a benchmark for progress in the code.

As well as the medals, two further awards were presented on the night, namely the Player of the Year (awarded to Shane Flavin, fully deserving of the accolade after several standout performances in 2014) and the Score of the Year (scooped by Donagh Looby for his vital point in the drawn county final). A tip of the hat to Conor Mulhall for the typically well organised night, as well as to vice-Chairman James Fletcher who welcomed everyone and kept the night moving.

A great night was had by all, and here’s hoping that 2016 will see a similar congregation to hopefully celebrate the achievements of the season that’s to come.

LISMORE CAMOGIE Congratulations to the camogie players of Lismore on their hard fought 1-14 to 1-12 victory in their All-Ireland semi-final against Oranmore/Maree today, and particularly to the three Currans, Austin, Shona and Ellen for their involvement. They will face Piltown in the AllIreland final on March 1st, and we wish them the best.

COMMITTEE MEETING There will be a committee meeting this Thursday coming (the 5th) in the Community Centre at 8.30 p.m.

NATIONAL DRAW Club members will be selling tickets for the GAA National Draw over the coming weeks.

Tickets are at a price of €10 and all proceeds go to the club.

Comeragh Rangers AGM On Sunday the 11th of January, we held our AGM in which we had a good turn-out. Officers elected for the coming year are, Chairman; Joe Murray, Treasurer, Katie O’Hanlon, Secretary; Sean Curry. Joe Murray was selected for his third year as senior manager, while Kevin Power was chosen as minor manager and Kevin Barry as u-16 manager. Managers for u-12, u-13, u-14, u-15 are to be finalised at our next committee meeting. We wish all managers, officers and players success for the coming year.

MUNSTER ‘A’ SCHOOLS FINAL We offer our commiserations to Scoil Mhuire who were sadly beaten in the Senior Munster ‘A’ schools final against Cahir.

The following Comeragh Rangers players were involved; Shauna Power, Aoife Murray, Katie Murray, Emma Murray, Geraldine Power, Kate Hahessy, Aine Power, Cailin Power, Ciara Hahessy, Jodi Nugent, Emma Curry, Claire Hennebry.

WATERFORD LADIES FOOTBALL Congratulations to the intermediate Waterford ladies who won the opening match of the division League against Wexford in Fraher field on a scoreline of 9 points to 2-2. The following Comeragh Rangers players were involved Shauna Dunphy, Emma Murray, Nora Dunphy, Aoife Murray, Aoife Dunne and Mairead Power.

Also well done to the u-12 Comeragh team who played at half time.

We would also like to congratulate the following players, Aoife Murray, Katie Murray, Emma Murray, on making the schools Munster Interprovincial squad who were sadly beaten in the final.

Geraldines Geraldines 2015 DRAWS Intermediate Football: There are six teams including us in this year’s championship. The other teams are Ballinameela, Ballinacourty, Ballyduff, Dungarvan and Sliabh gCua. The top four teams qualify for the semi-finals. Our first game in this championship will be against our neighbours Ballinameela with dates still to be confirmed.

Junior “A” Hurling: There has been a big change in this year’s junior hurling championship with ten teams involved. The ten teams have been divided into two groups of five. We have been drawn in group A along with Kilgobinet, Lismore, Tallow and Abbeyside.

Group B consists of St. Mary’s, Colligan, Dungarvan, Fourmilewater and Ballyduff Upper.

The top team in each group qualifies for the semi finals while the second and third place teams in each group qualify for the quarter finals.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Our first game in Hurling will be against Kilgobinet with dates TBC. Junior Football (Intermediate Attached): There are six teams in this championship including ourselves. The other teams are Kilgobinet, Ballinacourty, Ballysaggart, Emmets, and Melleray.

Junior “B” Hurling: Again there are two groups in this hurling championship. We are drawn in group one alongside Brickeys, An Rinn, Modeligo, Abbeyside and Melleray.

TRAINING Training continues this week on Wednesday and Friday.

If anyone would like anything included in the notes, please contact me on 087-2180299.

Ballyduff UpperJuveniles Juvenile Ballyduff Upper COACHING COURSE A Foundation Level Coaching Course will be held in the Library over three nights in February: Tuesday 10th, Tuesday 17th and Tuesday 24th.

If anyone is interested in participating on this course, please contact Brendan Bolger on 086 8626602. This Foundation Level course must be completed before progressing onto further coaching courses.

MEMBERSHIP Juvenile Club membership is now due: €15 for the first child in the family, €10 for second family member and €5 for the third family member. Membership can be paid to any club officer.

MINOR FOOTBALL Our minor footballers play Portlaw on Sunday next, February 8th in Portlaw at 11.30 a.m., in the first round of the county championship.

INDOOR HURLING AND FOOTBALL Our u-7 and u-8 teams will play in the Waterford Coaching and Games organised indoor blitzes throughout the month of February.

The other participating teams are St. Carthages, Cois Bhride and Cappoquin. All matches will take place in the Sports Hall in Ballyduff with a starting time of 10.30 a.m. On Saturday next, February 7th it is u-7 hurling, Saturday February 14th u-7 football. On Saturday, 21st we play u-8 hurling and Saturday, 28th we play u-8 football. Parents will be informed of same by text.

Patricks St. Patrick’s UNDER 9 HURLING BLITZ Our under 9’s played a hurling blitz against Dungarvan on Saturday, 24th January in Bohadoon. We had two good games and all the boys enjoyed themselves. A big thank you to Dungarvan for travelling out to us. Training continues every Monday night from 18.30 to 19.30 for the u-7’s, and 19.30 to 20.30 for u-9’s.

SCRAP SATURDAY Scrap Saturday is being held again this year.

People are asked to bring their scrap items to the main collection point which again this year is James Dalton’s yard in Currabaha. This coming Saturday the 7/2/15 is the day we are asking people to deliver their scrap!

CARDS Cards continue every Thursday night at 20.00 in Coolnasmear Hall. New players are always welcome to attend.

SYMPATHY The club would like to offer up their sympathy to the Curran family in Ballyknock on the death of their mother Mary. May she rest in peace.

Kilgobinet DEISE DRAW It's that time of year again. The club’s main income comes from sales of Deise draw tickets.

Breda Walsh is the draw coordinator and has distributed tickets to all sellers.

THE LATE MARY CURRAN The cold winds of last week felt a lot colder as the news came through that Mary had passed away. Mary had fought a courageous battle and her positive can-do attitude was an inspiration to us all. Our sincere sympathy to Lar and family and the Cunningham family, Ballysaggart. There is a new star in heaven to look down on the people of Kilgobinet and Ballysaggart. RIP. The club would also like to convey its sympathy to the Dunford family Bohadoon on the death of Brendan's wife Ann O'Connor Dunford, Tubber, Clare. RIP.

Clonea INDOOR CAMOGIE Indoor Camogie every Wednesday for girls born in the years 2009 to 2005 as follows:Born in 2009 and 2010 – 6 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.

Born in 2008 and 2007 - 6.30 p.m. to 7.15 p.m.

Born in 2006 and 2005 – 7.15 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost is €3 per session. Bring a Hurley, Helmet and a Drink. Any queries contact Roisin on 0872472007.

CAMOGIE MEMBERSHIP Membership for the 2015 season is now due.

Cost is €15 per player up to age 16, €20 for play-

Clashmore who beat Coolnasmear in the Roinn C Final of the Western Allianz Cumann na mBunscol girls football competition.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

ers aged 17 to Minor and €30 for all other ages.

Orders also being taken for Club shorts. Contact any of the coaches and committee members for details of same.

Rathgormack TRAINING TIMES Training for u-21, Junior and Senior continues on Tuesday and Friday nights at 7.30 p.m. and at 11.00 a.m. on Sunday mornings.

SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP We have been drawn in a very strong group for this year’s Senior Football Championship.

Ballinacourty, Nire, De La Salle, Clashmore and Ardmore make up this very competitive group.

Our first game is against Ballinacourty on the w/e of 12th April. This must be the 4th year in-a-row we have drawn Ballinacourty in the first round opener.

John Mitchels INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL The draw for this year's Championship was made last Thursday. Our opponents are Kill, Tramore, Dunhill and St. Mollerns in Group B. We are now awaiting the fixtures with the first game more than likely in April.

QUIZ We are holding a quiz in Moshes on Saturday, 21st February at 7:30 p.m. This is always a great night with fun and laughs guaranteed. Please come along and support the club.

UNDERAGE We are planning on returning to training on Sunday, 1st March. Our u-7's are the first team to take to the field on 7th March in Carriganore

Ballyduff Upper Ballyduff Upper SENIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Following the draw for the senior hurling championship last week there are a few dates for the diaries available. The first round versus Tallow takes place on the weekend of 3rd May whilst Ballygunner provide the opposition a week later.

Next up, in the third round on the weekend of 21st June is Fourmilewater. The fourth and fifth rounds versus De La Salle and Abbeyside respectively are pencilled in for August. Time and venues for the first three rounds should be available in the next few weeks.

SENIOR HURLING LEAGUE The league fixtures are as follows: Round 1 versus Lismore in Lismore on 28/03/15 at 3 pm Round 2 versus Abbeyside in Ballyduff on 26/04/2015 at 2 pm Round 3 versus Dungarvan in Ballyduff on 24/05/2015 at 2 pm Round 4 versus Mount Sion in Mount Sion on 08/06/2015 at 2 pm Round 5 versus Fourmilewater in Ballyduff on 13/06/2015 at 7.30 pm.

Just to note that league fixtures are subject to change so why not follow us on Facebook: Ballyduff Upper G.A.A. Club or on Twitter @BallyduffUpper for regular updates.

INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL With senior football championship rounds 1 and 2 being played on the weekends of the 12th and 19th April we can expect to be in action in the intermediate football championship on these

weekends also.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS IRELAND QUIZ Ballyduff GAA Club are hosting a quiz night on Friday, 20th February at 9 pm sharp in the Log Cabin. The night is to raise funds for Special Olympics Ireland and more specifically for club member Leanne Power who is volunteering at the forthcoming games. More details next week.

Tourin FOOTBALLERS WIN Congrats to the Waterford footballers on their win against Wicklow in Div. 4 of the National Football league at the weekend. Tourin trainer Liam Lawlor played his part in this win.

CAMOGIE Well done to the Lismore camogie ladies on their two point win over Oranmore/Maree (Galway) in the All-Ireland semi-final at Charleville GAA grounds last Sunday. It was close in the end but Lismore pulled away with the win.

JOHN TREACY 10 Well done to all the competitors who competed in the John Treacy 10 on Sunday. It was a nice crisp day for running and all enjoyed the day.

BABY JOY Congrats to Brendan and Emma Coffey on the birth of their son at the weekend.

SYMPATHY Sympathy is extended to the families of the late Madge O'Keeffe, Deerpark, Lismore who passed away during the week. Condolences also to the Curran and Cunningham families on the passing of Mary Curran, Kilgobinet. May they rest in peace.

THE LAST WORD Be Safe - Be Seen on the roads - you may see them but they may not see you!

Modeligo ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING After what has undoubtedly been the most successful year in the history of our club, there will be a fairly large attendance expected at our AGM, which is planned for Saturday evening next, February 7th at 7.30 p.m. sharp in Modeligo Community Centre. As always, all current players and members are expected to be in attendance, with the meeting also open to anyone who is interested in becoming involved in our local GAA Club.

MODELIGO GAA CLUB'S VICTORY SOCIAL Plans are now underway for our Victory Social, which will take place on Saturday, March 21st next in Dungarvan's Park Hotel starting at 7:30 pm. Full details will be available in the next week or so, but please be advised to book your tickets early as I’m sure that there will be a big demand following the success of the hurling and football campaigns of 2014. Of course, the feature of the night will be the presentation of the Western Intermediate Hurling League, along with the Western, County and Munster Junior Hurling Championship medals to all the players who were part of our squad.

MODELIGO 2014 HIGHLIGHTS DVD The club still has a few copies of the brilliant DVD which captures all of the key moments on our journey to becoming Western, County and Munster Junior Hurling Champions. The DVD also includes pre and post Munster Final commentary from key club personnel and players who share their thoughts on the greatest year in the history of the club as well as footage of the

Modeligo National School Children singing their song “The Best Team Ever”. Copies of the DVD are still available at a cost of €20 from Club Treasurer, John Fitzgerald or alternatively by contacting any of our players or committee.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! It was a weekend for some notable birthdays for two of the lads in the GAA Club over the past weekend, as Gary Power, (Graiguemore, Modeligo) turned 18, and Seán O'Donovan, (Carraigáun, Modeligo) turned 21. Happy Birthday to both of the lads.

Kilrossanty CLOTTO SPONSORED BY KILL AGRICULTURAL LTD. CLOTTO RESULTS No winner of a Jackpot of €1,300 held in Miclin’s Bar, Kilrossanty, on Sunday Night 1/2/15.

Numbers were 1, 11, 12, 25. €30 to the following: Jimmy Fraher, Briska; Aoife Murray, Ardmore.

Seller’s prize of €30 Pat Prendergast, Knocknacullen. Next Clotto held in Crotty’s Inn, Leamybrien, on Sunday night 8/2/15 for a Jackpot of €1,400. On duty on the night Sean Lennon and Robbie Whelan.

CLUB SEASON TICKETS Club season tickets are currently on sale.

These are great value for money as they will allow you admission to any adult club match in the county. Both hurling and football. Tickets are on sale in Ger Wyleys and cost €100.

KILROSSANTY LADIES FOOTBALL We are holding a coffee morning/cake sale on Sunday, 8th February after 10:30 a.m. Mass, in St. Brigid's Hall. We ask you to bake something or just come along and enjoy a coffee and cake with your friends. Your support would be very much appreciated. Thanks to all those who attended our AGM and we are looking forward to the 2015 football season. We are hoping to enter teams in all age groups and will see all the girls at training shortly. Currently, we have one set of jerseys that all our underage teams wear. These jerseys, kindly sponsored by Hickey Fabrications, have served us well for many years and hopefully will do for many more years. However, due to the high number of teams we now have we are hoping to purchase a new set of jerseys during 2015.

If there is anyone that would like to assist us in this purchase we would be delighted to put their names on our new jersey’s as recognition for their support.

MINOR FOOTBALL The best of luck to our Minor footballers who will play Ferrybank in the first round of the championship in Leamybrien on Sunday morning 11:30 a.m., 8th February please come along and support the boys in green and gold MEMBERSHIP 2015 Membership for 2015 can now be paid online.

This will be a great advantage to everyone as it will take all the hassle out of bringing the money to the membership officer. The major benefit is for all those who may be living away from home.

This is the only way to go. The link to pay online is available on our social media pages.

WATERFORD FOOTBALLERS Another good win for the Waterford footballers on Saturday evening in the Fraher Field making it five wins in-a-row, a great start to the 2015 Division Four League campaign and well done to our five Clubmen Tommy, Joey, Niall, Stephen and Paul and here’s to another victory against Offaly in O’Connor Tullamore next Sunday at 2 p.m.

13

GAA CLUB NOTES

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Members and mentors of the Brickeys Intermediate Football Team 2014, Western and County Champions pictured at their Victory Social in the Park Hotel. Included are Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board; John Jackson, Treasurer, Co. GAA Board and John Harnedy, Club Chairman.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

An Gaeltacht AnGhaeltacht IOMÁINT FÉ 21 - BRONNADH NA MBONN Bhí bronnadh na mbonn contae ag Halla Pobail na Rinne ar an Aoine 30ú Eanair 2015, mar a raibh imreoirí mionúir peile na mban ón tSean Phobal ann chun a gcuid boinn contae a fháil chomh maith. Ba iontach an ócáid é seo, le slua mór i láthair agus ba é John Allen, an imreoir agus bainisteoir iomráiteach ó Chorcaigh, an aóichainteoir speisialta don oíche. Ba é Mac Dara Mac Donncha a bhí mar fhear a' tí agus labhair cathaoirleach CLG na Rinne Seán Breathnach, cathaoirleach an tSean Phobail Pádraig Céitinn agus cathaoirleach Chumann Peile an mBan an tSean Phobail - Áine Uí hÓgáin. Dhein gach duine acu cur síos ar an slí a thug na imreoirí óga seo an pobal ar fad le chéile chun ceiliúradh a dheanamh Bhí focal saoithiúla ag John Allen do na imreoirí ar fad agus tá na clubanna thar a bheith buíoch dó as a chuid ama a roinnt linn ar an oíche tabhachtach seo do na imreoirí ar fad agus don bpobal i gcoitinne. Mhol John muintir na háite chomh maith as an iarracht pobail a bhí ar bun chun daoine óga a threorú chun na maitheasa agus taitneamh a bhaint torthaí a gcuid oibre. Mhol sé go mór láidreacht na Gaeilge sna clubanna CLG sa cheantar agus dúirt sé gur chóir don ceantar beag Gaeltachta sna Déise a bheith mórálach as a gcuid neamhspleáchais i leith na Gaeilge, CLG agus cultúr na nGael.

Buíochas mór le gach éinne a chabhraigh ar an oíche le bia, maisiú &rl, ach go háirithe Dave Ó Riagáin, Elma Uí Fhoghlú agus Josie Uí Chuirrín, a dhein maoirseacht ar na fórsaí sa chistin! Buíochas mór leis leo siúd a chabhraigh i rith na bliana, ach go háirithe le Pádraig Ó Murchadha, Dave Ó Riagáin, Cormac Ó Innseadúin, Noel Óg Ó Murchadha, Ferdia Ó hAodha & Paddy Ó Catháin i measc daoine eile a chabhraigh leis na iománaithe fé 21 ar a aistear craoibhe i 2014. Buíochas mór le fear a' tí Mac Dara agus as a chuid tráchtaireachta ar na físeáin a taispeánadh ar an oíche.

Gach eolas faoin club ar www.anghaeltacht.ie , ar Twitter @anghaeltachtclg agus ar ríomhphost: runaibng.anghaeltacht.portlairge@gaa.ie

Glenrovers Melleray Glenrovers Melleray THE annual Community Social will take place in Ballyrafter House Hotel on Saturday, 21st February, 2015, at 8.00 p.m. Tickets are now available to purchase from any club member at €25.00pp, dinner and dancing to Mike Humphries, great night assured, many thanks in advance for your support, limited tickets available for the night so to avoid disappointment make arrangements early….

The National Draw Tickets have now been returned and we would like to thank everyone for supporting this very worthy cause, all monies raised from the sale of these tickets will go directly back into the club so it’s very beneficial for all concerned and associated with the club.

The draw will take place at Congress in Cavan on weekend of 27th and 28th February so hope-

fully somebody in the locality that was good enough to support us will be one of the many winners on the night for some of the fantastic prizes on offer.

We will be holding our annual Clothes Collection on Saturday, 21st March, so if anyone is in the mood for a spring clean, we will gratefully accept clothes, shoes, bedding materials, curtains, phones, laptops etc, all monies raised from this collection will go towards the funding of the Melleray Glenrovers G.A.A Club so your support as always is greatly appreciated, we will have members on hand over that weekend also to call to houses to collect if it is not possible to get to the collection point, further details to follow in coming weeks so in the meantime, please get packing….

Membership is now due from all players and we would urge all involved to pay monies to the club as soon as possible, with club affiliations and insurances to be paid, this puts increased financial pressures on the club, therefore Club Membership is an essential part to the successful running of the club. Arrangements for same can be made with any club official.

Training: Club training will take place in Cappoquin this Wednesday night at 8.00 p.m., players will be notified of training arrangements later in the week in due course, the club would urge as many players as possible to attend.

Finally, many congratulations are extended to the Lismore Camogie girls who represented themselves and their County exceptionally well over the weekend and in doing so have reached Croker yet again to compete against Piltown, Kilkenny in the Intermediate All-Ireland Camogie Final on March 1st, a fantastic display of courage and commitment from the girls, well done to all involved and let’s hope ye will have cause for some big celebrations again very soon….

Ballysaggart CLUB LOTTO Draw Tuesday, 27th January: Numbers drawn were 13, 20, 26 and 28. No Jackpot winner. Winners of €20 each Eoghan Silke, Jean Meagher and John Roche. Next Lotto draw on Tuesday, February 3rd - Jackpot €6,375.

LISMORE CAMOGIE We congratulate the Lismore Camogie team on their victory over Galway and Connacht champions Oranmore/Maree last Sunday in Charleville to book their place in the All-Ireland Club Intermediate final.

SYMPATHIES The club would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the Cunningham and Ryan families on the recent deaths of Mary Curran and Angela Lineen.

Kilmacthomas Kilmacthomas MAYORAL ELECTION We have a third runner for the upcoming mayoral election. He is Johnny Power, better known as ‘Hot Dog’ in our neck of the woods. The three lads will give it their best shot as they know whoever puts in the best effort will be crowned the

new mayor of Kilmacthomas.

WELL DONE Well done to Waterford footballers who had a great win on Saturday night against Wicklow in the League. Also to the Waterford hurlers who had a good win against Tipperary on Friday night in Dungarvan in a challenge match. Paudie Prendergast from our own club was in big demand with the hurlers giving the players plenty of water on the night. Paudie is with the hurling set-up for the past two years.

CLUB TRAINING TOPS At present we are taking orders for training tops in the club. We have them for the underage and also the adults. Anyone who wants to get one, please contact Ann Marie Hallahan on 087 699 7758.

ST. SAVIOURS We were very sorry to hear about the damage done to their dressing rooms. For this to happen to any club, must be frustrating. All in the Kilmacthomas club wish St. Saviours all the best in the future and I am sure all clubs in the county would be glad to give a helping hand as that is what GAA is all about.

TRAINING Our footballers will be back training down in the field, starting this Monday night under the lights from now on. We want every player to attend. No excuses, it is all about team effort.

Thanks to Benji Whelan for helping out with the training at the start of the year and getting the lads into shape. Well done Benji.

Affane/Cappoquin Affane/Cappoquin MINOR FOOTBALL DIVISION 3 County Minor Football Championship Fixture: Sunday, 8th February, Affane (Cloch Na Cuinne) v St Mary’s at 11.30 a.m. in Bunmahon.

THREE TO ANSWER 1, Name the only two club sides to qualify for both the All-Ireland senior/intermediate hurling finals?

2, Name the son of the Antrim player who played in the 1989 All-Ireland final that lined out against Cappoquin?

3, Name the former Mount Sion player to play in the Munster and Ulster senior hurling championship and Connacht senior football championship?

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS 1, Offaly are the county that has All Stars in every position in both hurling and football.

2, Connie Murphy and Karl O’Dwyer are the two Kerrymen with All Star awards but no AllIreland senior football medal.

3, The two players with the same name to captain loosing All-Ireland senior football teams is John Egan, Offaly ’69 and Kerry ’82.

CLUB LOTTO The numbers drawn in our Club Lotto for the jackpot prize of €6,000 on Monday, January 26th were 9-11-16-19 and there was no winner. The five €20 consolation prize winners were Eddie Fraher, Shanbally; Mark Mason, Abbeyglen; Frank McCarthy, Ballyhane; Brian Crotty, Affane and Nora Fitzgerald, Modeligo. This week’s draw was held Monday, February 2nd and the results will appear here next week.

COUNTY MINOR FOOTBALL C'SHIP FIXTURE Sunday, 8th February, Affane (Cloch Na Cuinne) V St. Marys at 11.30 am in Bunmahon.

Sunday, 15th February, Affane V An Baile Dubh at 11.30 am in The Sportsfield.

CAPPOQUIN CAMOGIE CLUB/CAPPOQUINAFFANE GAA CLUB CELEBRATION SOCIAL The Cappoquin Camogie Club who had a fantastic year winning both the Waterford County Intermediate and Premier Minor championships and the Cappoquin/Affane GAA club who won an historic intermediate hurling Triple Crown (West/County/Munster) will hold their celebration social on Saturday, February 21st in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. Tickets are €30 and can be bought from Maria Scanlan and Elaine McCarthy, what a night in prospect.

Stradbally MEMBERSHIP Membership is now due for 2015. The fees are as follows, Adults €70, Couple €80, OAP €50, and students and underage €20. Membership can be paid to Breda Kiely. You can contact Breda on 087-6291930. As the leagues and championships will be starting very shortly membership will have to be paid, even before they start training in the field.

WINTER LEAGUES Winter leagues will start on Thursday week, 12th February, this is an age group from 8-12 year old. If any new players wish to take part in this years league, parents please contact Kieran Heffernan on 086-2263902 before the 12th.

These leagues are expertly run by Kieran every year, so we all look forward to the start on the 12th.

SENIOR FOOTBALL DRAW We are in Group Two and will have to play An Rinn, Kilrossanty, St Savours, Gaultier, and The Brickeys. The first game will be on the weekend of the 12th April SENIOR FOOTBALL SELECTORS Team manager Paco Curran has carefully chosen his selectors for this year’s championship in his bid to bring back the Conway Cup to Stradbally. He has chosen the three that were by his side when the last championship was won in 2012. They are Liam O’Brien, Ger Cusack and Paul Mullaney JUNIOR FOOTBALL SELECTORS The junior selectors for the coming year are the very experienced trio of Joe Curran, Trevor Curran and Freddie McGuckian. Training will commence shortly.

MINOR FOOTBALL Our Minor Footballers will be playing their first game this weekend under the watchful eye of new team manager Brendan Breen, OPERATION TRANSFORMATION A great night was had by all who attended the get together in Merry's last Saturday evening.

The meal was good, the music was good, and the craic was good, what more was needed, everyone enjoyed the evening. The walk takes place as usual on Monday and Wednesday evening at 8 pm. During these walks we must

remind everyone that they must walk or run on the right hand side of the road.

On Wednesday morning at 10 am we are continuing our Pilates Class.

Thursday's circuits continue as normal in Sallyfort Mini Farm.

6.30 pm Beginners. 7.30 pm Intermediate.

8.30 pm advanced.

ON COUNTY DUTY Playing for Waterford Senior Footballers were Shane Ahearn and David Grey who played and beat Wicklow in Dungarvan in the first round of the league, Shane scoring an impressive four points. Waterford are still unbeaten this year.

LADIES VICTORY SOCIAL Our Ladies Victory social is on February 21st in Stradbally GAA club at 8 p.m. Tickets are now on sale for €15 and can be bought from Gráinne in the shop or any committee member. We hope to make this a great night of celebration and a reunion for all past players, so hope to see everyone there. Music by Fuse and buffet meal on the night.

WELL DONE Well done to the Waterford Ladies Intermediate team who won their first league game on Sunday last against Wexford. Our U12 team were playing at half-time and it was great to see so many young girls playing. Thanks to Paul Heffernan for organising the girls.

Mhór/Cionn Clais Mhór/Cionn Beag tSáile Beag CLUB MEMBERSHIP Your club membership is now due for 2015 and this is especially important for our club players as you will not be insured on the playing field unless you have paid your membership in full.

The membership fees have not changed for the coming year and still stand at €50 for players and €20 for non-playing members, students and unemployed members which are very reasonable fees indeed and hence there is no reason why anyone shouldn't be able to pay up in full before the season kicks off. For any of our players if you can please bring your membership fee along to any of the training sessions over the next week or so and for any of our non-playing members please contact anyone from the adult club committee.

CLUB TRAINING All of our adult teams are training in earnest these days ahead of their respective championships over the next few months and it is great to see a high attendance at training sessions so far which is very encouraging and we hope that lads will continue to dedicate themselves to this effort, especially for our mid-week training sessions if possible.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE Well done to Waterford Senior footballers on winning their opening game of the NFL against Wicklow at the Fraher Field on Saturday evening.

Hopefully they can continue their good momentum when they travel to Offaly this weekend for their second outing so best of luck to them in that effort.

14

GAA CLUB NOTES

Cois Bhride Sponsored by Cunningham's Hardware, Tallow NED POWER SPRING SHIELD The Ned Power Spring Shield is beginning this Friday, 6th February. The games will be played over the next 4 Friday nights and the teams are made up of all players in the Under 11 age group down to the Under 7 age group. There are 4 teams and the hurling games will begin at 6.30 p.m. sharp. Please be at the pitch for 6.15 p.m. The teams are as follows: Waterford Darragh Spillane Dillan Beecher Ian Martin Callum McCarthy Sean McCarthy Jack Kiely Danny Power Sean Murphy Shay Pratt Daniel De Souza Coran McCarthy Cork Shane Cronin Jake O’Brien Cian O’Brien Adam McSweeny Stephen Murphy Alex Good Paul Henley Billy Murphy Eimear Lenihan Keith Martin Adam Pratt

Kilkenny Shane Martin Josh Good Ciaran Lenihan Jack McDonnell Conor Henley Niamh Spillane Gearoid Hynes Dean Cronin William Henley Darragh O Brien Ricky Kiely Tipperary Jack Murphy Stephen Roche Jake Henley Alan Hurley Taylor Twohig Aidan Murphy Joseph McDonald Jack Henley Deirdre Roche Ben Sheehan

The games scheduled for this coming Friday are: Waterford V’s Kilkenny and Cork V’s Tipperary.

MEMBERSHIP It’s that time of the year again when club membership is due. The cost is €15 per child or €25 for family membership. Membership forms will be distributed by the Membership Officer Colette Spillane. Please return the forms as well as the appropriate membership fee as soon as possible to Colette Spillane, Aidan Ryan our Club Treasurer or the Team mentors.

FOUNDATION COACHING COURSE A foundation coaching course is being run in Tallow community Centre on the 6th, 7th and 14th of February. Anyone interested please contact Eddy Cunningham on 0872540151 or Kate Ryan on 0860894082. All are welcome to participate.

BALLYDUFF INDOOR TOURNAMENT The Ballyduff indoor tournament is beginning this Saturday, 7th February, at 10.30 a.m. This tournament will run for a total of 4 weeks with a week of hurling and then football for the under 7 age group and a week of hurling and then football for the under 8 age group. All parents will be contacted by text regarding arrangements and requesting confirmation of player availability.

MINOR FOOTBALL Cois Bhride minor footballers are already into their second week of training, and they played a very useful practice match last Sunday versus An Gaeltacht. Their first championship outing takes place on Sunday week when they play Clashmore away. With three of the squad training with the Waterford minors presently, it's safe to say the 2015 season is well up and running. We would like to sincerely thank Cork All-Star hurler Seamus Harnedy for presenting the County and Western medals to the successful minor teams last Friday night in the Tallow Clubhouse.

Seamus spoke very eloquently to the assembled crowd, and had time for a word with all present.

What a gentleman he is. Afterwards there was refreshments and nibbles in the Hotel in Tallow, and we thank James Clancy for the hospitality.

Dungarvan CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON BEGINS Our Minor footballers get our championship season up and running in our own field this Sunday morning February 8th at 11.30 a.m. Our opposition is Gaultier who won the under 16 title last year and they were County finalists in 2013.

All players are reminded that payment of club membership is required in order to play the game.

MEDAL PRESENTATION The County Minor hurling medals and the Western under 21 hurling medals will be presented in the clubhouse this Saturday night at 8 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The special guest is Kieran Joyce from Kilkenny who was Man of the Match in last year’s All-Ireland Senior hurling final replay.

DEISE DRAW The new look Deise Draw commences on March 27th and it will continue for eight months.

The monthly ticket costs €10 and this is a very good fundraiser for us as 70% of each ticket sold is returned to the club. Members wishing to support this worthy fundraiser can contact our draw co ordinator, Catherine Lyons or any member of the committee.

EGM At our well attended EGM in the clubhouse last Saturday afternoon, it was agreed to sell a portion of our site to neighbouring company

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories. Thanks to everybody who attended and who contributed to the meeting.

HAPPY EVENT Congratulations to Sarah and Jamie Burke, Dublin on the recent birth of a baby boy. Jamie is a former player with the club and last year he won a Dublin Senior hurling championship medal with Kilmacud Crokes.

TRAINING AREA All team managements are reminded that there is a designated area off field in the club grounds, for training with cones and for warm up before games in order to preserve the condition of the main fields at this time of the year.

LOTTO This week’s numbers are 3, 5, 28 and 29. The Jackpot was not won. The winner of the €100 was Eddie O’Grady from the Brickey’s. Next week’s lotto is worth €6,800. Thanks to everybody who buys and who sells the lotto.

DUNGARVAN LADIES FOOTBALL Well done to the u-12 girls who played at halftime in the Waterford V Wexford game on Sunday.

The team on the day was: Katie Donnelly, Emma O’Neill, Caoimhe Meehan, Kirsti Tutty, Rachael Harty, Caoimhe Pendergast, Jessica McCarthey, Ava Tutty.

Missing on the day were Tiffany Loftus and Kate Kiligrew.

Training for the u-6/u-8/u-10 will be going ahead on Saturday as the Sports Centre is closed for 3 weeks there will be a change of venue. A text will be sent out during the week for more information contact 087 2620287.

Kilmacthomas who beat Rathgormack in the Eastern Allianz Cumann Na mBunscol Girls football Roinn B final in Walsh Park.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Abbeyside/Ballinacourty Abbeyside/Ballinacourty JACK THE JOKER Our ever popular Jack the Joker fundraiser continues this Sunday night in Alice O’Connor’s Bar where the jackpot is €4,150. On Sunday night last Pat Walsh was drawn out and chose card number 24 which wasn’t the Joker although she did win €50. Neil Moore and Irene c/o Joe Riordan won €25 each. As well as our group of ticket sellers tickets can be purchased from Convenience Store Ballinroad, Village Flowers, Spar, Mousies Takeaway, Minnies Bar and Crottys Corner Bar. MINOR FOOTBALL Our minor footballer will get their County Championship Campaign underway this Sunday morning when they take on Tramore in Abbeyside at 11:30 am.

INTER COUNTY DUTY Waterford footballers continued their excellent start to 2015 with a good win over Wicklow in Fraher Field on Saturday night last where Stephen Enright, Michael O’Halloran, Patrick Hurney and Mark Ferncombe all played their part in the victory. We wish them all the very best of luck ahead of their next league game against Offaly in Tullamore this Sunday.

CONGRATULATIONS On behalf of all in the club we would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Niamh Briggs on two notable achievements during the last week. Firstly, during the week Niamh was named as captain of the Irish Ladies Rugby team which is a remarkable achievement by Niamh and a wonderful honour for all her family. Then to cap off the week, on Saturday night, she was named as The Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star for the second year in a row. On Thursday night Niamh was guest of honour at our underage medal presentation and it is fantastic that such an international sports star such as Niamh continues to help out our club whenever she can.

MEMBERSHIP We would ask all players to please make an effort to get their membership fees paid as soon as possible as any player who suffers an injury in training or matches is not covered by insurance unless they have paid their membership.

BOOKING OF FIELDS With a number of teams starting back training we would like to remind all team managers to please ensure that they book the field with Michael O’Donovan prior to training.

CLUB BINGO Our Club Bingo will continue this Sunday night in the CBS Hall where the jackpot is €850.

JUVENILE SECTION Outdoor hurling: Due to the unavailability of the Friary College because of exams our outdoor hurling this year will start earlier than in previous years. Because of these exams we will not be able start back again indoors and so we will start our outdoor sessions in mid-February or early March weather permitting. We would like to thank all of the people in the Friary with the co operation in regards to this matter. Helmets etc. will be available to buy at a discounted rate at these new sessions and all are welcome.

Membership: Just to let everyone know that membership for the current year is now due.

Mentors for each group of players now have membership forms and there also available if needed from Niamh Enright. We ask all players that this membership is paid as soon as possible for insurance reasons.

Under 9: Our under 9 outdoor hurling training sessions started on a Saturday morning during January at the wall ball and will continue every Saturday at 11.30.

Under 8: Our under 8 hurling season gets

under way on Saturday, 21st February next with a blitz organised for Buhadoon.

Minor football: Our minor football team get their championship going this Sunday morning the 8th February at home at the club ground to Tramore at 11 30 am. We wish this team and their mentors well for the forthcoming year.

Medal presentation: There was a great turnout in Ballinroad hall on Thursday night last for our medal presentation. It was great to see so many youngsters collecting medals on the night for their playing achievements on the field in 2014. Our guest speaker on the night was Niamh Briggs and we thank her most sincerely for attending. Also to Tomas Kiely who was our MC on the night a big thank you must go to also. A special award was presented to outgoing treasurer of the juvenile section of the club Kevin Tobin for his outstanding work with the club throughout the years. Overall, a very nice evening was had by all present and a thank you must go to anyone who put work into the night to make it the success it was.

TABLE QUIZ This Friday night we are holding a fundraising table quiz in Minnies Bar at 9 p.m. Teams of 4 cost €40 and as always it promises to be a most enjoyable night so we ask all our supporters to please come along on the night and show your support.

An Coilligean/Na h-Emmetigh 2015 CHAMPIONSHIP DRAWS / STRUCTURES The draws were finalised at the recent Western Board Championship structures meeting held in Lawlor's Hotel. The Junior (Premier) hurling Championship has a new format for 2015 with the senior attached teams along with Abbeyside's second team all included, with the Championship being split into two groups. We've been paired in Group 2 along with St. Mary's (Touraneena), Ballyduff Upper, Dungarvan, and Fourmilewater. Our first hurling Championship will be a local derby clash against St. Mary's on the weekend of May 3rd. We will face Dungarvan in round 2, neighbours Fourmilewater in round 3, we've a Bye in Round 4 while we finish off the campaign with a 5th round clash against Ballyduff Upper.

Meanwhile, there are six teams in this year’s Western Board Junior Premier football championship with Kilgobinet dropping down to Junior (Intermediate Attached). The championship is to be played in a League format. The top two teams at the end of the League qualify for the League final and the championship semi-finals.

Teams finishing third, fourth, fifth, and sixth will qualify for the quarter-finals where third will play sixth, and fourth will play fifth.

A motion was put forward by Modeligo for this championship to be styled the same as the Intermediate championship with the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals but this proposal was not supported. The round robin fixtures are as follows with dates TBC: Round One: Colligan vs Shamrocks.

Old Parish vs Modeligo.

Affane vs Tallow.

Round Two: Shamrocks vs Tallow.

Modeligo vs Colligan.

Affane vs Old Parish.

Round Three: Shamrocks vs Old Parish.

Colligan vs Tallow.

Affane vs Modeligo.

Round Four: Modeligo vs Shamrocks.

Tallow vs Old Parish.

Affane vs Colligan.

Round Five: Shamrocks vs Affane.

Old Parish vs Colligan.

Modeligo vs Tallow.

We've also affiliated a Junior second string football team who'll play in the Junior (Intermediate Attached) Championship, our group includes, Kilgobinet, Ballysaggart, Geraldines, Melleray, and Ballinacourty. The football Championships are expected to commence on the weekend of April 12th.

CIRCUIT TRAINING Circuit Training with Marc Flavin takes place this Friday night (February 6th) in Clonea at 8:00 pm sharp.

MINOR FOOTBALL Naomh Bríd Minor footballers (assisted by St. Pats) have a bye this weekend in the opening round of the County-wide Minor football Championship. The lads begin their campaign (in Division 2) with an away game against Stradbally on Sunday, February 15th at 11:30 am. Division 2 is split into two groups this year, other teams in the group include An Ghaeltacht, Rathgormack, and St. Saviour's.

INTER-COUNTY ACTIVITY Waterford senior footballers began their Division 4 Allianz NFL League campaign with a hard earned win over Wicklow (0-14 to 0-10) under the Fraher Field floodlights on Saturday night last. It's a five successive win for Tom McGlinchey's charges who are motoring nicely.

This weekend sees the Deise side travel to Tullamore to face Offaly on Sunday afternoon next (February 8th) at 2:00 pm, best of luck to all involved.

ST. SAVIOUR'S GAA CLUB It was saddening to hear of the fire that occurred in the St. Saviour's GAA Clubhouse recently. A lot of hard work went into making the clubhouse a wonderful amenity for the local community and it's such a shame that it's been taken away from them and targeted in such a manner.

St. Saviour's are one of the most hard working clubs in the county and I hope that the whole county and the GAA in general all row in behind them and get things back up and running. We wish St. Saviour's the very best going forward and I know they'll be back stronger than ever.

SYMPATHY The club would like to extend our sincere sympathy to the Curran family, Kilgobinet on the sad passing of Mary last week. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Centre. If you are interested please contact Eddie Cunningham on 0872540151. All welcome.

DEISE DRAW The Deise Draw will run for 8 months this year instead of 9 at a cost of €10 per month. Tickets can be purchased from David O’Brien or any of the promoters.

LAST MAN STANDING Day 1 Week 1 and the massacre of last year has been avoided so far. Last year 23 people fell at the first hurdle but this year that has been reduced to 10.

1. Joe Murray - never entered a team so was assigned the lowest place team, Leicester City.

2. Jake Beecher - unlucky that he placed his faith in Alan Pardew's winning run as Crystal Palace manager to continue. The mighty Everton ended that.

3. Steven Giles - Leicester City. (No team entered) 4. Barry Power - Hull City. Barry obviously thought that Newcastle would not receive a boost from appointing John Carver as manager until the end of the season. He failed to recognise the fact that Hull are as high scoring this season as an Ulster Championship football match.

5. Liam O'Gorman - Crystal Palace. The text arrived from Old Trafford Saturday morning. I opened it expecting the choice of his beloved Man Utd but alas no! Liamo picked Palace.

Obviously, the tension of watching Utd and having them in Last Man Standing at the same time was too much for him to handle.

6. Kieran Fraser - Leicester City. (No team entered) The pressure of covering for his boss who was on an exotic holiday meant he had too much on his mind to enter his team.

7. Shane Guildea - Leicester City. He actually picked them himself!! Heart ruling the head here I'm thinking.

8. Willie Brennan - West Brom. Fell to the powers of mighty Spurs.

9. Pat Cashman - one of Shane Finn's recruits, who was knocked out on Saturday with Leicester.

10. Martin Ryan - Leicester City. (No team entered).

As this week is a double week with matches on at the weekend, Tuesday and Wednesday texts need to be in by this Friday the 6th, for both rounds. Those of you sending teams by email can do so up to one hour before the first game of that round. Emails can be sent to tshc@live.ie

Tallow SPONSORED BY McGRATH'S CHEMIST, TALLOW TALLOW GAA LOTTO – SUPPORTED BY KEARNEY'S RESTAURANT, TALLOW Numbers drawn were: 10, 11, 14, 24. No winner. Consolation prizes: Trish McCarthy, M. Sutherland, Maura Sheehan and John Ahern.

Promoter: Denis Tobin. Next draw: February 9th in The Corner House. Jackpot: €13,400.

MEMBERSHIP Membership is now due and can be paid to Finn McCarthy or Donna Buckley.

COACHING COURSE Places are still available for the Foundation Level coaching course starting this Friday, February 6th, at 7.00 p.m. in Tallow Community

Attending the Brickeys GAA Victory Social in the Park Hotel were Jamie Tobin and Jennifer [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport] Keegan.

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

GENERAL SPORT

15 West Waterford Athletic Club Juveniles

Success for Local Schools at East Munster Cross Country

Attending the Brickeys GAA Victory Social in the Park Hotel were Emmet Gaffney, Carol O'Keeffe, Gillian and Niall Collins.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Ardmore Ardmore ARDMORE GAA DRAW “28th FEB” … A DATE FOR A DATE WITH THE CLIFF HOUSE HOTEL” €10 all in for a chance to win weekend for two at the Luxury Five-star & Award Winning Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore, Co. Waterford. Package includes 2 Nights B&B plus evening meal for... two in the Michelin starred restaurant plus €300 spending money. Total value of prize is €1,000.

You can purchase your ticket online for €10 by clicking “BUY NOW” at www.ardmoregaa.org/draw/ If you wish to purchase a ticket direct via the Club then please email us at draw@ardmoregaa.org or contact us on 087 6676385 Take an online tour of the 5* award winning "Cliff House Hotel" at www.thecliffhousehotel.com/ MINOR FOTBALL CAMPIONSHIPSHIP Ardmore will begin its Minor Football championship Sunday 8th at Ardmore when they play Bricky Rangers.

LOTTO Lotto numbers for Monday, 2nd Feb. were 6, 16, 18, 19. No winner for the €7,600 to report. Our 5 €20 lucky dip winners were: Trevor Healy c/o Grange Post Office; Maurice Hallahan c/o Mary Prendergast; Billy Harty c/o Mary Prendergast; Jimmy O’Mahony c/o Quinn’s Foodstore Ardmore; Anna Lisa Lynch c/o Fleming’s Bar. Next week’s lotto will be held at An Tobar with a Jackpot of €7,700.

THE East Munster Schools cross country championships were held in ideal conditions in the Friary last Friday. It was a bright clear day with very little wind and even though it was cold the young athletes soon warmed up.

The course as usual was well laid out and the wide start gave everyone a fair chance.

All the local schools were involved and with some very good running from West Waterford athletes they have qualified for the Munster Schools in CIT on February 12th.

First in action were the Minor Girls with Lucy Holmes running a very good race to finish 2nd and lead the Ard Scoil to second place in the team event. The only other West Waterford qualifier was Emily O’Mahony who competed with St. Augustine’s and finished 7th.

In the Minor Boys Cormac Mahony finished 4th and led a very strong CBS team that won the Minor Boys team title by one point from St. Augustine’s. In the Junior Boys Cian O’Riordan representing CBS qualified in 5th place and the St. Augustine’s team finished third to qualify for the Munster Championships.

West Waterford were well to the fore in the inter girls with five in the top fifteen.

Aoife Hamilton finished strongly to take 2nd place and finish ahead of her teammate Hannah Power in 3rd, with Meg Ryan in 10th place.

Meanscoil San Nioclas finished 2nd to Presentation Thurles in the team event.

St. Augustine’s were just behind in 3rd place and the team included West Waterford athletes Caoimhe Dwyer 6th and Emma Hallahan 15th.

Micheal Power (St. Augustine’s) continued his good form to cross the line first and take the Inter Boys Title. He also led the St. Augustine’s team to 3rd place.

Niall Blackwell (CBS) had another good run to finish 3rd and Eoin O’Brien (Blackwater CS) who finished in 12th place and Aidan McKenna (St. Augustine’s) 15th also qualified for the Munster final.

Sinead O’Brien (Ardscoil) moved up an age to compete with the seniors and finished 16th. The Ardscoil team finished 4th and will also qualify for the Munsters.

The most competitive race of the day was the Senior Boys and Shane O’Riordan (CBS) finished 9th to book his place in the Munster Championships.

A big thank you to St Augustine’s who hosted the event and to Bro Lennon, Conor Norris and John McGrath who laid out the course in very windy conditions on Thursday.

Thanks to the parents and committee members of West Waterford Tony Shalloe, Harry O’Brien, Lola Holmes, Bridget Blackwell, Liam Crowe and Angela Hoarty who acted as stewards and recorders on the day.

Thanks also to Brian Swaby (St. Declan’s), Des Feeney (High School), Eanna Donnolly, who helped out on

the day and to the Transition year students from the Ard Scoil who assisted Mary Ashe with the administrative tasks on the day.

MUNSTER SPORTS STAR AWARDS Congratulations to Sean Curran who was presented with the cross country award for Waterford at the Munster All Star Banquet on Saturday last. Congrats also to Joe Gough who won the international award.

Next weekend we will have the Combined Credit Union Awards in Waterford where Cian O’Riordan and Yuri Kanass are finalists.

PRIMARY SCHOOL SPORTS 2015 Planning is already under way for the Primary School Sports and the dates are as follows: Thursday, 7th May Big schools Heats.

Thursday, 14th May Small schools Heats.

Thursday, 21st May Western Finals (Big and Small Schools).

Thursday, 28th May Spare date if needed.

Thursday, 4th June County Final.

Training will continue on Monday and Wednesdays at the Friary and on Saturday morning in Colligan for anyone who has qualified for the Munster schools Cross Country.

The juvenile committee would like to extend their sincere condolences to committee member Rosemarie O’Riordan on the recent death of her uncle Very Rev. Patrick Canon Queally.

County Minor Football championship commences Attending the Brickeys GAA Victory Social in the Park Hotel were Carthach Barry and Roisin Leonard.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

The J. J. Kavanagh County Minor Football Championship commences this Sunday with a total of eleven games down for decision spanning three Divisions. All games start at 11.30am and the first team has home advantage.

Division 1: Ballinacourty v Tramore. De La

Salle v Nire. Dungarvan v Gaultier.

Division 2: Rathgormack v Stradbally.

Gaeltacht v St Saviours. St Olivers v Clashmore/ Kinsalebeg. Ardmore v Brickeys.

Division 3: St. Mary’s v Affane. Sacred Heart v Na Gaeil. Portlaw v Ballyduff Upper.

Kilrossanty v Ferrybank.

Members and mentors of the Brickeys Junior Football Team 2014 (Intermediate Attached) Western and Co. Champions pictured at their Victory Social in the Park Hotel. Included are Paddy Joe Ryan, Chairman Co. GAA Board; John [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport] Jackson, Treasurer, Co. GAA Board and John Harnedy, Club Chairman.

16

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

24th ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 MILE ROAD RACE

A day to remember on the streets of Dungarvan

John Treacy pictured with associate sponsor of last Sunday’s 24th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race Annie, baby William and John Flahavan.

21st ANNUAL ALLROUNDER SPORTS WINTER LEAGUE

Long route runners not deterred by cold DESPITE the cold last Wednesday night, 146 runners took on the long route. Luckily the rain held off so, it was just the cold to contend with as the runners took on the 5.2 mile course. With the John Treacy 10 Mile just a few days away and with many of our winter league runners also taking part on the night, it was decision time – Do I chance running hard in preparation for Sunday or will I take it easy and mind myself? In the end, we had some runners choosing each option. This week, the times were 1 groups every minute and some large groups left the Centre together.

There were some great runs on the night. The 2 fastest on the night were Mossie Keogh and Dermot Ryan (29.47 and 29.55 respectively). This is great running by the 2 lads as they were the 1st two runners this year to dip under 30 minutes. Next fastest was Jason Travers 30.10.

There were also good runs

by Mark Shalloe 35.00, Claire Fitzpatrick 42.13, Jackie Tobin 49.14 and Noel Quinn (49.49).

Andrea Gaffney will have 40 minutes in her sights for the next few weeks having run 40.20 was will Maria O’Donovan and Michelle Fitzgerald with 44 minutes having run 44.10 and 44.12 respectively. Geraldine Barry and Michelle Finnegan will be happy to have dipped under 43 minutes both having done so with just 1 second to spare.In the overall tables with just 3 nights remaining in the league, Paul McGrath remains out in front on 490 points.

He now has 124 points to spare over his nearest challenger. Paul had a good night again and picked up just points after running 40.27. Tony Ferncombe remains in third place and closed the gap on 2nd to 40 points having scored 27 points on the night. The big mover on the night was Mark Shalloe who, after scoring just 2 points on the night, has moved up from 7th to 4th place. The top 10 is rounded out by Richie Fitzgerald in 5th on 750 points, 6th Liam Kavanagh (756 points), last year’s winner Alice Fitzgerald in 7th (780), 8th Michelle Fitzgerald (787), 9th Gavin Whelan (816) and 10th Gary McCormack (839). It's all to play for over the next few weeks then as we count down to the Mystery Tour and the

announcement of the Allrounder Winter League winners for 2014/15.

KEVIN O CONNOR LEADS THE SHORT COURSE RUNNERS HOME Week 11 brought the cold weather with it however, it didn’t deter the 61 runners who ran the short route. The first runner home on the night was newcomer Kevin O’Connor running a fast 19:29 followed

by Freida McGrath finishing in 23:56, Helen Cummins was 3rd crossing the line in 20:55, Paula Reddy had a great run and dipped under 20 minutes finishing 4th on the night in 19:58 and in 5th place just the wrong side of the clock but also having a great run was Fiona O’Riordan clocking 21:01. Well done to our top five in week 11.

DIVISION 1 There is no change at top of division 1 this week with Jason O’Riordan still leading the way and having had a good night again in week 11 it’s hard to see him being caught with last year’s winner Gerry Cummins in second place 45 points behind and in 3rd is Muriel Healy who has everything to fight for just 8 points behind Gerry. Jim Barry and Theresa Curran are 4th and 5th and can also change the top of the table and have everything to fight for over the next 3 weeks.

DIVISION 2 Martina Kilduff is on top of division 2 and Martina had her best time yet in week 11 dipping well under 20 minutes (19:58) and looking stronger ever week however, Derek Donnelly is hot on her heals just 1 point behind On 486 point and in 3rd 4th and 5th position (502), (505), (508) and have nothing separating them are Paula Reddy, Paul Weldon and Sarah Harty. Best of luck tonight guys DIVISION 3 Just like division 2 there is only one point separating the top 2 runners in division 3.

Steven Curran is just ahead of Jess McGovern on 594 points!

Edmond Lannon is not too far behind in 3rd position and 4th is Bernie Kiely Prendergast who has run 10 nights to date with Eoin O’Brien hot on her heals! . Well done to all, keep up the hard work .With only 3 night remaining it’s all to play for so the very of best of luck to ye all tonight DR ANITA GLEESON VOUCHER WINNERS Dr. Anita Gleeson BSc,

MSc, DC is a Registered Chiropractor working from Dungarvan Chiropractic Clinic, Alternative Health Centre, Main Street Dungarvan. Anita has kindly donated to the league a free Initial Consultation to her Chiropractic Clinic. The winner of the voucher for week 11 of the league was Patricia McGrath Our thanks to Anita for this kind donation to the league and she can be contacted for appointment on 05844299. Chiropractic is a primary healthcare profession that specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of problems relating to muscles, bones and ligaments of the body. Doctors practice a drug-free, hands-on approach to healthcare that includes patient examination, diagnosis and treatment.

ZUZANA MALIKOVACOSTIN PHYSICAL THERAPIST VOUCHERS For this year's winter league Zuzana Malikova- Costin once again is a friend of the winter league by kindly sponsoring two vouchers for each week of the league.

The winners of the vouchers for week 11 were Pearce Moloney (Long Route) and Geraldine Heffernan (Short Route).

Zuzana is a Neuromuscular Physical Therapist and Massage therapist and is based at the Complementary Health Clinic, Tournore.

Abbeyside. She can be contacted at 087-1218721. The winners of the voucher each week will be the person finishing 40th on the long route and 30th on the short route.Our thanks go to Zuzana for donating these prizes.

THE “PACE MAKERS” TIGHTEN GRIP AT THE TOP The leaders in the team competition set down a marker last Wednesday night that they are going to be hard to beat.

The “Pace Makers” (Denise Nugent, Nicola Cunnife and Rita Cronnolly) remain in first place and opened a gap on the rest by also being the best scorers on the night on just 30 points.

In second place remain, “Blood, Sweat and Beers” (Sinead Moore, Mary Harney and Valerie Power).

“TLC” (Ted O’Leary, Liam Kavanagh and Conor O’Neill) have moved into 3rd place with “Blast from the Past” (Tracy Grant, Triona Shalloe and Mark Shalloe) dropping to 4th place.

(Continued from page 17) MENS TEAM RESULTS 1st Club Men Leevale AC: Owen Casey 54:02, John O’Connell 55:19, David Comber 57:03.

2nd Club St. Finbarrs AC: Michael Morgan 55:46, Michael Timothy Houlihan 58:40, Ken Devine 58:43.

3rd Club Kilkenny City Harriers AC: Mick Johnson 57:47, Ken Maher 58:16, Paul Moran 58:17.

WHEELCHAIR: Gerry Forde Blarney.

SIOBHAIN O’DOHERTY CLAIMS HER FOURTH VICTORY IN SIX YEARS AT JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 MILE Siobhain O’Doherty (Borrisokane AC) was the well deserved 2015 ladies champion of the John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race.

This was Siobhain's fourth time taking the race title as she previously won the race in 2010, 2011 and 2014. This year again she was one of the hot favourites going into the event and she wasn't to disappoint as she came home with 3 minutes and 50 seconds to spare over her nearest rival when clocking a winning time of 58.00 to finish

an excellent 30th overall.

In second was Ann Marie Holland (St. Finbarr’s) 61.50, with Ann Curley (Donore Harriers) 62.27 in third.

Fourth was Maria Costello (Gneeveguilla AC) 62.38.

Fifth and 6th were Adele Walsh (St Senans) and Angela McCann (Clonmel AC) in 64.44 and 65.27 respectively. The age categories were as keenly contested as ever and it was brilliant to see so many Ladies taking on the 10 mile distance, whatever your time or position we are sure that everyone enjoyed the day and the experience and we hope to see you all back in 2016! Well done to everyone.

LADIES RESULTS 1st Siobhan O’Doherty – Borrisokane AC 58:00 2nd Ann Marie Holland – St.Finbarrs 1:01:50 3rd Ann Curley – Donore Harriers 1:02:27 4th Maria Costelloe – Gneeveguilla 1:02:38 5th Adele Walsh – St Senans 1:04:44 6th Angela McCann – Clonmel AC 1:05:27 O/35: 1st Niamh Cronin, St. Finbarrs AC 66:52; 2nd Pauline Grainger, W.G.H AC

67:35.

O/40: 1st Siobhan McHugh, Clonmel AC 65:29; 2nd Anna Doris Midleton AC 65:39.

O/45: 1st Margo Dinan, St. Finbarrs AC 66:44; 2nd Ber Carey, Kilkenny Tri Club 66:51.

O/50: 1st Joan Ennis, Grange Fermoy 67:40; 2nd Mary Sweeney, St.Finbarrs AC 69:22.

O/55:1st Bernadette Mitchell, Balance Fitness 77:30 O/60: 1st Olive Ruane, Hasbro Harriers 87:08 O/65: 1st Terri Gough, West Waterford AC 106:53 LADIES TEAM RESULT St. Finbarrs AC: Orla Crosbie 1:07:02, Anne Wolfe 1:07:40, Katie Hickson 1:08:53.

JOHN TREACY INTER CLUB CHALLENGE LEEVALE AC AND ST. FINBARRS AC BEST CLUBS The John Treacy Inter club team challenge has certainly added to the prestige of the race since its induction and for this year once again two Cork clubs in the men’s and ladies event were Victorious. The men’s team

prize was won by Leevale AC and the Ladies team winners were St. Finbarrs AC. The men's team consisted of Mark Hanrahan 48.52. Owen Casey 54.02 and Frank Hayes was the third with 55.19. Giving the Cork lads a total of 2.38.13.

The ladies team prize also went to a Cork club and for the 2nd year in succession it was St. Finbarr’s AC who took the spoils here, the winning team comprised of Anne-Marie Holland 61.50, Margo Dinan 66.44 and Niamh Cronin 66.52 this gave the Cork ladies a tally of 3.15.26. A great achievement for both clubs and we’ll see ye next year when ye are back to defend the title!

THANKS TO OUR PACING GROUPS Many thanks to our pacers who did a brilliant job on the day, we had 18 pacers in total covering from 60 minutes to 100 minutes in 5 minute slots with two runners on each time zone.

The coordinator for this was Tony Ferncombe and our thanks to Tony on a job very well done and to all our 18 pacers, a huge thanks to all.

27th Annual Michael Roche Carpets Spring Series THE Michael Roche Carpets Series now in its 27th year has 3 events done and dusted and just 2 remaining.

The remaining 2 races are the Kilmac 5 (Feb 15th) and the Déise College Dungarvan 10K (Feb 22nd). Entries are still open for the series at just €2. Kilmacthomas 5 will be your last opportunity to enter so if you're not in please give your name when registering for the Kilmac race.

13th ANNUAL BAUSCH AND LOMB KILMACTHOMAS 5 The penultimate race in the Michael Roche carpets series will be on Sunday, February 15 th at 11 a.m., the 13th Annual Bausch and

Lomb sponsored Kilmacthomas 5 mile road race. 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 with a total of over €1.000 cash for the top competitors and plenty of spots for down the field finishers also. Presentation of prizes will take place at Kirwan’s Bar on the Main St. where sandwiches and refreshments will

be available to all.

33rd ANNUAL DEISE COLLEGE DUNGARVAN 10K The final race in the Michael Roche carpets series, the Déise College Dungarvan 10K will take place on Sunday, February 22nd at 11 a.m. Now in its 33rd 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 pavillion which is where the presentation of prizes 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.

Club athletes shine at Munster Glohealth National Senior Star Awards Banquet THE Munster athletics sports star awards 2014 banquet took place in Blarney Golf Resort Hotel Co. Cork last Saturday night and a big turnout of athletes and supporters were present. Two from West Waterford AC were among the Waterford athletes who received awards on the night. Young Sean Curran who had a terrific cross country season in 2014 and is quickly turning into an athlete with great promise received the award for best Waterford juvenile cross country athlete and the prestigious international award was presented to the one and only Joe Gough our world over 60 800 meters champion. The Senior club were also presented with 2 awards, best road racing and best cross country. We congratulate all West Waterford club members on these awards.

indoor entries THE National Senior Indoors are on in Athlone on the 21st and 22nd February. If any athlete’s are interested in taking part they must contact Orla Bannon 087-3156592 by 13th February.

Ferry Point Fun Run/Walk Glohealth AAI Open Indoor FERRY Point Fun Run / Walk will take place this Sunday, Games 8th February. Registration on

THE Glohealth Open AAI Indoor Games were held on Sunday at the Athlone arena. The club had two athletes competing here. It was another great day for young Sean Curran in the 1,500 event where he clipped a further 6 seconds off his PB when finishing 6th in 4.02.84 , brilliant progress from Sean.

Thomas Houlihan got no height in the senior men's pole vault on the day.

the Ferry Point at 10.30 a.m.

Race starts at 11.00 a.m.

Entry fee €10.00. Family €20.

Participant prizes sponsored

by Aura Leisure Centre, Youghal.

Hosted by Kinsalebeg Celtic F.C.

Jennifer O’Riordan stops the watch as she crosses the finish line at last Sunday John Treacy Dungarvan 10.

Running Quote DON'T try to rush progress.

Remember–a step forward, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

17

24th ANNUAL JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 MILE ROAD RACE

A day to remember on the streets of Dungarvan ALL we asked for after the months of work had been completed and everything was in place for our red letter event of the year the 24th annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 was a break from the awful weather we had experienced the previous couple of years and the break came, as the runners who took to the roads of the town were met with condition that were absolutely ideal last Sunday.

OK it was a tad cold but nonetheless a good day for road running. The whole event from start to finish was a huge community effort by a large amount of people who volunteered their time and went over and above the call of duty to help make it yet another memorable day for the club.

All our members along with many who are not even directly involved with the club came along and gave us great support, without all of these people it would not have been possible to hold the race at all. West Waterford Athletic Club were fortunate once again this year to have on board our race associate sponsors.

Waterford City and County council, Glaxosmithkline,

Flahavans, Nike Ireland, Ger Wyley along with a host of other local businesses who supported the event in so many ways.

Everyone's help was really and truly appreciated and every person no matter what their chore was made the day what it was, a superb day for our town.

Olympic silver medallist and World Cross Country Champion and Honorary Life member of West Waterford AC, John Treacy got the race underway from the Youghal Road at 1.30 pm and it was a sight to behold as the largest field of runners ever assembled in the town for a race made their way in the Youghal road on the short loop of the town before heading out into the country side.

From the thank you point of view, there are many so here goes. To Waterford City and County Council and staff for their invaluable help ensuring that the course was in top order for the race and to the team at Go Dungarvan Smarter Travel also with special mention to the road crew who made the road safe at Nissan Garage for the race start. To all the staff at Dungarvan Sports Centre which was our race head-

John Treacy on behalf of all the runners at the 24th Annual John Tracey Dungarvan 10 mile road race last Sunday presents a charity cheque for €2,000 to Liz Walsh who accepts it on behalf of SERT (South East Radiotherapy Trust.)

Mark Cliffe gets his drone ready for the brilliant video he made of the start of last Sunday’s Dungarvan 10 mile road race.

quarters this year again, a big thanks. To Dungarvan Boxing Club for the use of their club pavilion our deepest thanks go to them and especially to John Power for all his help.

Thanks to John O’Donovan and the No Name Club and Dungarvan scouts for the use of the Fusion centre, and to Gerry Power who was on hand at the centre to help out.

A very special thanks to our super catering crew of which there were too many to mention, it was our largest catering undertaking ever and like always the crew under head chief Gerry Cantwell did a super job, to everyone involved a sincere thank you.

Thanks to all who provided food for the runners it was just a super response to our call for help in this department, the array of food on offer was second to none many thanks.

Thanks to Shirley who looked after the stewards and helpers in her special cafe. To all who donated to and helped to pack the goodie bags on Saturday. Thanks also go to Liam Lannen for the use of his transport trailer.

Thanks to Conor Lannen Country Stores and Pat Dunford, Paul Duggan for all their help with the clean-up.

Thanks to Jim Fleming and his finish line crew the place was immaculate. Special word for our chip timing expert Liam Crowe a top notch job Liam I had full faith all the way. To Tom Scanlon and Barry Drake who both did brilliant PA job for us. To Liam O’Donnell on lead car.

Dirk Baumann for his superb sound system and music. A big thanks to those who looked after the water stations and for the great job they did in cleaning up the litter after.

A very special mention to two people who we simply couldn’t operate without, for their work with the traffic management and practical help leading up to race day and on the day itself and that's Conor Norris, Jamie Mills, John Coleman and John McGrath"

John Treacy presents first man over 55 Gerry Cantwell with his prize at last Sunday’s 24th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race.

brilliant". To our motorbike outriders who did a great job, many thanks. A big thanks to our friends in Dungarvan Cycling Club who did a great job on the mile markers, lead lady, wheelchair and all the many other chores they covered on the day. Thanks to our friends at Tried and Tested Triathlon Club for all their help.

We must extend our sincere thanks to all at Superintendent Michael Leacy and all at Dungarvan Garda for their continued support with this and all our events, the Garda role is vital to the success of this race and they are always most helpful and understanding in this dealings with us.

Thanks very much to our over worked club administrator Sharon Duggan for all her office work leading up to the event. Thanks to the Order of Malta in Tramore for making the trip to Dungarvan for the event. Thanks also to all the community centres and all those that gave the use of their burco’s and teapots.

There are many other people to thank for their help on the day especially all the stewards out on the course and, of course, Karen Ryan and Tony Ferncombe who did a terrific job coordinating the whole stewarding planning for the day.

Finally, a huge thank you must go to Ann Dunford as it does every year who was the overall race director for the event, a super job efficiently and quietly done as it always is, thanks Ann. To all I have forgotten to thank we do say a big thanks and well done to you all- roll on 2016. €2,000 DONATED TO SERT BY RUNNERS OF THE DUNGARVAN 10 For the first year this year we donated monies from the race to a charity. SERT. "South East Radiotherapy Trust" was the chosen charity and we were delighted that you the runners through your generous donated €2,000 to this most worthy charity who do great work transporting

Top 3 men in last Sunday’s John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race 3rd Sean Hehir Rathfarnham AC 49.09.1st Mick Clohessy Raheny Shamrocks AC 48.45 and 2nd Mark Hanrahan Leevale AC 48.52. All three athletes were inside the course record time. cancer patients and other's to and from hospital for treatment. On behalf of SERT Liz Walsh came along on Sunday and was presented with the cheque by John Treacy on behalf of all the runners who donated to the cause.

COURSE RECORD SMASHED AS RAHENY’S MICK CLOHESSY TAKES VICTORY A top quality men’s field lined out for the 24th running of the Dungarvan 10. The list of elite athletes competing was led by course record holder and 2013 Dublin Marathon winner, Sean Hehir. Unlike last year, this year the runners had near perfect conditions with bright sunshine and a light breeze to contend with.

The field of top runners served up a really exciting race for the huge crowd that turned out to watch the event from the starting gun fired by honorary starter John Treacy.

From the gun it was down to business for the top contenders. A group of four soon formed after the start and in this were Gary Thornton (Galway AC), Mick Clohessy (Raheny Shamrocks), Mark Hanrahan (Leevale) and Sean Hehir (Rathfarnham).

These four set a very quick

John Treacy presents local Dungarvan Garda David Mansfield with his prize when he finished 9th overall at last Sunday’s 24th Annual John Treacy Dungarvan 10 mile road race.

tempo and went through 2 miles in 9.36.. The tempo was maintained for the next 3 miles as they group remained together and clocked 24.32 at halfway well under course record pace. The leaders went through 8 miles 39.04.

At this stage Mick Clohesy made a move and opened gap, however he was soon rejoined by Mark Harahan and the 2 had a great great battle all the way to the end when they were split by just 7 seconds. Mick Clohessy’s winning time of 48.45 was over 30 seconds faster than the old course record. In fact, Mark Hanrahan in second in 48.52 and Sean Hehir 49.09 were both inside the old course record. A total of 64 athletes broke the 60 minute mark, 364 broke 70 minutes and 807 broke 80 minutes.

It’s great to see athletes from clubs far and near compete in all the categories and a sincere well done to one and all, see you all in 2016!

MEN’S RESULTS 1st Man Mick Clohessy – Raheny Shamrocks 48:45 2nd Man Mark Hanrahan – Leevale AC 48:52 3rd Man Sean Hehir – Rathfarnhan AC 49:09 4th Man Gary Thornton –

Galway AC 49:36 5th Man James McCarthy – East Cork AC 51:35 6th Man John Frazer – Crusaders AC 51:56 7th Man Colin Merritt – Togher AC 52:59 8th Man Trevor Power – Waterford AC 53:11 9th Man David Mansfield – Garda AC 53:20 10th Man John Meade – St Finbarrs AC 53:53 Junior Evan Lynch – Clonmel AC 72:48 MENS CATEGORIES O/40: 1st Frank Quinlan, Waterford AC 56:49; 2nd Joe Cunningham, St. Finbarrs AC 57:06 0/45: 1st Colm Burke, St Abbans AC 54:51; 2nd John Murphy, Grange/Fermoy AC 60:21.

O/50: 1st Mike Curly, Cunningham Moreabbey Milers AC 57:15; 2nd Eddie Newman, Mullingar Harriers AC 57:38 O/55: 1st Gerry Cantwell, West Waterford AC 65:42; 2nd Neilus Ahearne, Midleton AC 66:18.

O/60: 1st Joe Gough, West waterford AC 63:25.

O/65: 1st Maurice Tobin, Grange Fermoy AC 71:15.

O/70: 1st Jim McNamara N/A 74:29

18

GOLF

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

West Waterford Golf & Country Club Telephone: 058-43216. Fax: 058-44343.

E-mail: info@westwaterfordgolf.com Website: www.westwaterfordgolf.com RESULTS Weekly Club Competition & Winter Lg Rd 2.

Weekending 1st Feb. 2015 Cat 1 (0-9) 1st. Morrie Ferncombe (5) - 35 pts, 2nd.

Shane Kelly (7) - 34 pts b4.

Cat 2 (10-14) 1st. Stephen Spillane (11) – 37 pts b8 2nd.

Luke Swayne (11) - 37 pts.

Cat 3. (15-18) 1st. Ollie Broderick (18) - 38 pts b8, 2nd. Michael Landers (16) 38 pts.

Cat 4.(18+) 1st. Don Downey (20) - 36 pts, 2nd.

Joseph Yellop (19) - 34 pts b8.

FIXTURES Monday, 2nd February – Sun., 8th Feb. – 16 Hole Stableford including Round 3 of Comeragh Oil Winter League. Round 3 will finish on Sunday, 8th Feb. COMERAGH OIL WINTER LEAGUE LEADERBOARD AFTER ROUND 2 Canty 293, Blackwater 287, Kinsalebeg 286, Cappagh 285, Springfield 285, Glenbower 284, Dungarvan 277, Touranore 277, Coolcormack 275, Ballyguiry 275, Brickeys 275, Moonatrea 274, Helvick 273, Ballintaylor 270, Killeagh 269, Windgap 267, Abbeyside 267, Pike 266, Carrig 265, Ballyduff 261, Lismore 258, An Eargaill 255, Glenbeg 252.

WINTER LEAGUE UPDATE Due to the variable weather conditions round 3 will continue up to Sunday,

8th February.

With two qualifying rounds completed, Canty continue to hold top spot.

Stephen Spillane 39 pts and Phil Kinsella 37 pts rocketed Blackwater into second spot with the best team score in round 2. Abbeyside and Windgap share 16th place with The Pike knocking on the door just one point adrift.

Whereas the team scoring was down on round one, the average individual score was unchanged at 34 points. With round 2 at the halfway stage and a further qualifying round to go the scramble for qualification is hotting up. One or two high scores could see any of the bottom teams leapfrog into the matchplay stages.

The unprecedented weekly entries reflect the effort being put in by team captains and proves that nothing beats the winter league when it comes to getting players out. A top 16 finish is the target to make it to the matchplay, and this is where the real action starts in the head to head confrontation. It’s a great place to be, so get out there and drive your team onwards and upwards. You never know who you might meet in the matchplay.

CAPTAIN’S DRIVE IN Where else would you get it? The sun was setting, the birds were singing, and the first daffodils were budding as Captain David Condon and

You can contact us by phoning 058-44055 Our email address is: goldcoastgolf@cablesurf.com.

Our website is: www.goldcoastgolfclub.com RESULTS Tuesday, 27th January: Open Seniors, CSS 40 pts.

1st: Stephen Greene (12) 42 pts. 2nd: Patrick Curley (18) 42 pts Lismore Golf Club.

Saturday, 31st January: 3 Man Scramble, 13 Holes 1st: Brian O’Connor (9), David O’Connor (8) Leo Wall (18) 43.5 Sunday, 1st February: 3 Man Scramble, 13 Holes. 1st: Michael Kavanagh (4), Jimmy Beresford (18) Nicholas Power (25) 42.3.

10 Hole No. 4: Johnny Ryan.

FIXTURES Tuesday, 3rd February: Open Seniors, 50+, Ladies and Gents.

Wed. 4th/Friday, 6th February: 18 Holes Stableford Friday, 6th February: Open 18 Holes Stableford.

Saturday 7th/Sunday, 8th

February: 18 Holes Stableford Tuesday, 10th February: Open Seniors, 50+, Ladies and Gents.

DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING This was discussed at the Men’s Committee Meeting on Tuesday last and it was the common opinion that as many members as possible should avail of the training courses which will be arranged shortly. There is a cost factor involved but the committee will be willing to offset a major portion of it depending on the numbers wishing to take part. Talk to Bob or Mark for more information. All the kiosk staff and the course staff will be trained but often there are none of these present after 6.30 in the evening so it would be helpful if a large proportion of members were trained.

At the Captains Drive in at West Waterford Golf & Country Club were Mary Barron, Lady Captain and David Condon, Captain.

[Sean Byrne//Deise Sport]

Lady Captain Mary Barron officially launched the 2015 golfing year on Sunday evening. In front of a large audience, Mary chose an iron off the men’s tee box, while David despite a long night at the Park Hotel took out the driver and carried the fairway bunkers in style. All gathered in the bar for the customary refreshments and banter.

Mission accomplished as we look forward to another exciting golfing year in 2015. In the free draw Mary Fahy was the lucky winner of the half sub, Brendan Cullinan won 4 green fees for Cahir, and Mary French was the lucky winner of the West Waterford voucher.

TOP 10 FINISH FOR GARY HURLEY Rounds of 69, 70 and 74 saw Gary Hurley take ninth place on 3 under par at the Srixon Cleveland Eastern Province Border Championship at Port Elizabeth in South Africa last weekend. Overall, a great result for the Irish with Gavin Moynihan narrowly beaten into second place after a 4 hole playoff. The next assignment is the South African Amateur Strokeplay champi-

onship at the same venue from 3rd-6th February.

WEB.COM TOUR Seamus Power played in his first Web.com event for 2015 last week only to miss the cut by just one shot. His next event is the Pacific Rubiales Colombia Championship on February 5-8th.

PARK HOTEL SUPREME SPORTS STAR 2014 Congratulations to Niamh Briggs, the worthy overall winner for 2014. Our two nominees were on golfing duty in South Africa and Panama but West Waterford was well represented as the supporters club enjoyed their annual outing.

No luck this year, but its been reported that Paddy Power has shortened the odds on Justin for the 2015 award. Maybe it’s time he woke up.

RULES OF GOLF ROADSHOW Wednesday, 8th April 2015 The Munster Branch of the GUI will again be hosting the Rules of Golf Roadshow in 2015. West Waterford has been chosen as the venue for the local area and this pres-

ents an ideal opportunity for members of the local clubs to come along and familiarize themselves with the rules.

The show runs for approximately 2 hours and all club members GUI and ILGU are welcome to attend.

The event has been extremely popular over the past two years, and is complimentary on behalf of the Munster Branch of the Golfing Union of Ireland.

Make a note of the date in your diary now.

Sunday Bar/Restaurant Free Draw Gents: Tom Galvin.

Ladies: Kathleen Broderick.

CARE OF THE COURSE During the winter months a lot of work is ongoing towards the maintenance and improvement of the course. A number of mature trees have been planted and most of the existing trees have been pruned.

Seats and litter bins have been removed for maintenance and replacement and will be back on the course shortly.

In the meantime we appeal to all members to bring their rubbish back to the

bins at the clubhouse and if you spot anything that needs attention please bring this to the notice of management.

Thank you for your cooperation, the inconvenience is temporary but the improvements are permanent.

LATE MICHAEL (M. J.) MURPHY It was with profound sadness we learnt of the untimely passing of Michael Murphy Tramore, and GUI official.

An outstanding administrator and good friend of West Waterford GC, we had the pleasure of his company only four weeks ago when he attended the Seamus Power celebrations at the club.

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to his wife Pat and family. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh se.

LADIES NOTES CAPTAINS’ DRIVE-IN On Sunday, 1st February, at 4.30 p.m., in some beautiful winter sunshine and in front of a large audience, we watched Captain Mary Barron and Captain David Condon officially launch the golfing year for 2015 with the Captains’ drive-in.

Afterwards we all gathered

in the clubhouse for refreshments, the club draw and lots of chat, a lovely sociable evening was had by all.

Congratulations to prize winners: Mary Fahey – won half sub, and Mary French – won WW voucher.

On behalf of all the members we wish Captain Mary Barron and Captain David Condon all the best for their year.

Winner of Ongoing 7 hole competition sponsored by Mary Donnelly and Bridget Broderick – June Whythe (17) 32 points; Denise Nugent (36) 30 points; Ben Flynn (28) 28 points.

WINTER LEAGUE The matchplay round continues until Sunday, 8th February.

11 HOLE ONGOING The 11 hole ongoing competition continues until Sunday, 8th February, and is kindly being sponsored by: Mary Radley and Margaret Connolly. This is a re-entry competition and best card wins.

CONDOLENCES Deepest sympathy is extended to the Conway family on the recent passing of Josephine.

10 HOLES COMPETITION FOR LEGS OF LAMB Following the success of the Ham competitions held before Christmas, where a record amount of members won Hams, we now look to Easter and start off our Legs of lamb competitions.

The same rules will apply; as soon as fifteen players have played a new competition will start.

Golf Insurance: Just a reminder that golf insurance is available to all members.

Talk to Brendan or Mark for more details.

PREMIER BUTCHERS AT DAWN MEATS WINTER LEAGUE QUARTER-FINAL The quarter-final takes place on Sunday next at 9.45 a.m. and features two previous winners of the league, Abbeyside and Nire/Tourneena.

The Abbeyside team is captained by Declan Kiely and includes Tom Considine, Conor Clancy, Tony Lonergan, Rogie Cashin, Austin Kiely, Johnny Burns, Austin Kiely Jnr., Danny Kiely, John Kiely, Seamus O’Mahony, John D. Walsh and Conan Watt.

The Nire team is captained

by Brian Fahey and includes Shane Casey, Larry Whelan,

Tony Sheehan, Paul O’Dea, Paul Ahearne, Tom Reynolds, Jimmy Beresford, Roy Ware, Maurice Swan, Darren Williams, Seamus O’Connell and Joe Meade.

The winners of this match will play Dunhill in the semifinal on Sunday, 22nd February.

MATCH-PLAY DATES AND TIMES Semi-Final: Dunhill v Winners of Quarter-final 22nd February at 9.15 a.m.

Semi-Final: Dungarvan v Ballinacourty 22nd February at 10.30 a.m.

First team in each match has the honour on the first tee.

MEMBERSHIP FEES Members are reminded that a portion of their annual fee is now due for payment.

We have a number of ways for members to pay their subscription, just talk to Bob/Mark and they will sort it out for you.

DIARY OF EVENTS FOR 2015 The full diary of events is now available on the Gold Coast web site www.goldcoastgolfclub.com Just click on fixtures and it will appear. Also many new photos have been added to both the website and the Gold Coast App.

NEW MEMBERSHIP RATES FOR GOLD COAST Membership from now until end of 2015: Full: Males €500, Females €350, Couples €700 Country: Males €200, Females €150 Seniors: Males €370, Females €270.

Distance: Males €370, Females €300 (Over 50 miles) (€30 GUI and Club levy extra) Standing Order or easy pay facility available Special Rates for playing the Gold Coast until 1st April: Every Monday / Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday: Golf & Carvery Lunch €20 Every Tuesday: Open Seniors (50+) Ladies and Gents: Golf €12, Golf & Carvery Lunch €20.

Every Friday: Open Singles (Gents): Golf €15, Golf & Carvery €25 Every Saturday/Sunday: Golf & Carvery €25 LADIES NOTES Fixtures: Moorings Winter League: Winter league Round 8 will be played from Mon. 2nd – Sun., 8th Feb. Individual weekly prizes are awarded and a point is allocated to each team member for playing. Every point is

important!! Turnout for the games has been good so far, and the weather has been very kind to us here in the sunny south east, so we are hoping for a steady commitment from all team members.

Easter Lamb Competition: Our Easter Lamb competition is now in full swing for this year, as always this is confined to 15 entries per competition for a nominal €3, so ladies, get your skates on and procure a delicious leg of spring lamb for your Easter table!!

Results: Mooring’s Winter League Round 7: 1st: Serena Roche (36) 26 pts; 2nd: Esther McGuckian (14) 24 pts; 3rd: Elaine Goss (26) 23 pts. Leg of Lamb No.1 - Sheila Coyne 22pts Garvey’s 13 Holes 2 Card Competition: To ease you gently into our 18 holes competitions which will be commencing shortly, we have a 13 hole 2 card competition sponsored by Garvey’s Supervalu, starting on Mon., 12th Jan. This is a very popular format with the ladies and we hope that it will be well supported. We would like to thank Garvey’s again this year for their generous sponsorship, it is much appreciated. Entry for this competi-

tion is €5 and re-entry €3 Ladies, we have plenty going on at the moment with three competitions running concurrently, so take to the fairways for a little exercise, fresh air and stunning scenery, we have it all at the Gold Coast.

South East Coastal Alliance: Our next game of the Alliance is scheduled for Dunmore East on Thursday, 5th February, tee 9.30 – 11.30 am. Tea/coffee will be served before play, lunch menu available in the Strand Inn, with presentation of prizes to follow. Hope to see you all there.

Committee Meeting: Our next meeting will be held on Friday, 6th Feb. at 8 pm in Bunker Bar. Mooring’s Winter League Round 7: When the scoring is adjusted by removing the two weekly lowest scores this league gets very competitive and it shows that there is still everything to play for. From now on the adjusted scores will be published as those scores have more meaning.

The following is the present standings: Team A 685 pts Team B 644 pts Team C 685 pts Team D 636 pts

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

19

Kilmacthomas Badminton Club

Kiersey Cup 2015

Attending the Brickeys GAA Victory Social in the Park Hotel were Cian, John, June O'Halloran, Nancy Ryan, Barry and Gillian [Sean Byrne//Deise Sport] O'Halloran.

DUNGARVAN GOLF CLUB Tel. Office 058-43310, Fax. 058-44113, Pro Shop 058-44707.

Website: www.dungarvangolfclub.com; Email: dungarvangc@eircom.net WEEKLY NEWS Again, the week was disrupted by the weather but our members are tough and took to the course for some fresh air unlike Padraig Harrington who had a different type of fresh air.

John Walsh was golfer of the week shooting 39 points to take the weekend honours. Not to be outdone by his dad, Gabriel Leacy holed out on the thirteenth last Sunday but unlike his dad, Gabriel wasn’t in the competition. A quiet week is in prospect particularly around the clubhouse as several lads including Captain David and local publican Jim are heading to warmer climes.

In the event of poor weather affecting timesheets, members can check for updates on the relevant timesheet, Facebook or on the club app. We endeavor to post information as quickly as possible.

VALENTINE’S DINNER In other news, our social committee announced that our annual Valentine’s Dinner will take place on Saturday, 14th February. This is a popular event with a superb menu prepared by Tom and Chris so get your tickets early as places are limited.

NEW HANDICAP SYSTEM The new handicap system is up and running and should be fully functional by the end of the month with touch screens mak-

ing entries and returns easier for all competitors. The relevant committees are hard at work in making the transition as smooth as possible so bear with them. Members are reminded that “how did I do” has been replaced with Master Scoreboard. It is easy to download onto your Smartphone or computer and then you can follow the results. Simply follow the directions from www.masterscoreboard.co.uk MICHAEL J. MURPHY On a sad note the Munster Branch of the GUI lost a valuable member with the untimely passing of Michael J. Murphy from Tramore. Michael was a regular visitor to our club in his role as National Junior Conveynor and he created the County Coaching scheme that many of our juniors have passed through. We offer our sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

CONGRATULATIONS! Finally, congrats to Cillian O’Neill who finally passed his English exam. This is not your typical English school exam but a requirement to enter Australia. Maith an buachail.

CLUB AP & WEBSITE – KEEP UP TO DATE ON THE NEWS You can follow all the club news and results on the club website or on the club app. The club app can be downloaded at

Lismore Golf Club Phone 058-54026.

Email: lismoregolfclub@eircom.net Website: www.lismoregolf.org MEN’S RESULTS Monday 26th to Sunday, 1st February – 12 Hole Stableford kindly sponsored by LF Construction – 1st Round of Dermot O’Leary Agri Spring League: 1st John McGrath (9) 29 pts.; 2nd Michael Keane (18) 28 pts. L6; 3rd P. J. Coughlan (10) 28 pts.

JACKPOT! Handicap Secretary John McGrath will have to do a bit of inward looking after a superb 29 points this weekend. John, who is captain of his own team in the league led by example with 7 pars and 2 birdies for his 12 holes, John birdied the 1st and the 11th holes to top and

https://clubapplive.com/dungarvangc Any newsworthy gossip can be forwarded to David in the ProShop. We love a juicy story.

GENTS RESULTS Mon. 26th Open Seniors Winner: Dermot Drumgoole (16) 36 pts, 2nd Seamus Kearney (9) 36 pts.

Wed./Thurs. 28/29th Open Seniors Singles: Winner Liam Carroll (19) 37 pts.

Fri./Sat. 30/31st Singles: Winner John Walsh (19) 39 pts, 2nd Declan Walsh (8) 36 pts, Gross Gabriel Leacy 31 pts, 3rd Mossie Walsh (6) 35 pts.

LADIES RESULTS Tues. 27th 11 Holes Singles: Winner: Anna Harhen(31) 24 pts, 2nd Orla Sheehan (20) 22 pts, 3rd Bernie Hayes (16) 22 pts.

Sat. 31st 16 Holes Singles: Winner Carmel O’Brien (14) 27 pts, 2nd Marie Fahey (25) 27 pts, 3rd Breda McCarthy (6) 25 pts.

On-Going 9 Holes 1: Winner Kate McNamara (34) 22 pts, 2nd Marie Fives (20) 17 pts.

On-Going 9 Holes 2: Winner Angela Murphy (24) 19 pts, 2nd Olga Carroll (36) 16 pts.

The Ladies Coastal Alliance will take place at Dunmore East Golf Club on Thursday, 5th February. The tee is reserved form 9.30 to 11.30 am.

UPCOMING FIXTURES Mon. 2nd Open Seniors Ladies & Gents (50+).

Tues. 3rd Ladies 11 Holes Singles.

Wed. 4th Youngones at 11.30 a.m., Sixty.Com at 2 pm, Spring League.

Thurs. 5th Gents Open Singles & Spring League.

Fri. 6th Gents Singles & Spring League Sat. 7th Ladies & Gents 16 Holes Singles, Gents Spring League.

Sun. 8th Gents 16 Holes Singles & Spring League.

PROGRESSIVE 45 Results Jan. 29th: Winners Tom Phelan & Michael Fitzgerald, Tomas Carroll & Michael Harney; Last 5 Nuala Harty & Ann Morrissey; Lucky Table Chrissie Terry & Mary Ann McCarthy.

FINAL REMINDER FOR SUBS Would the final few members who have still not paid their subs please forward to the office ASAP. Final deadline 7th Feb. 2015. If you do not wish to re join for the 2015 season please have the courtesy to contact the office.

JUNIOR NOTES Tuition for our beginners and Pre Juniors continues next Saturday, 7th February at 3 pm under the watchful eye of Club Professional and Waterford County Coach, David Hayes.

We had a great turn-out last week for our second session of the year despite the bitterly cold weather. Hannah’s team took the honours with notable displays from Rian, AJ, James and Aisling. Tuition is open to non members so bring a friend. All equipment is provided. Many thanks to Niamh for her assistance last week.

Our Elite squad will resume their Winter coaching at Tinhalla Driving Range on Monday, 9th February. Adult members are welcome to attend and you might learn something.

Any enquiries relating to junior activities can be directed to club Professional David. David can be contacted at 058-44707 or email at golfpro@eircom.net.

You can also follow junior activities on Facebook or on the Club app. You can download the Club app at the following link clubapplive.com/dungarvangc.

tail his round very well. He has been in good form over the last few months and it is no surprise he has pitched in for his team again (no pun intended!).

Second was another member of John’s team, Michael Keane almost emulated Rory this week with the win but will probably still be happy that it’s a McGrath team 1 & 2 for the spring league. Michael birdied the 12th and had a very solid round with 4 pars also on the card. Third, and only beaten on a count back was Lismore man PJ Coughlan. PJ had an impressive 10 pars for the 12 holes, an absolute model of consistency and again contributing strongly for his team for the league.

Round 2 of the league is this week so all concerned please get out and support your teams when you can.

LISMORE GOLF CLUB MEN’S FIXTURES 12 Hole Stableford kindly sponsored by Feerick’s Chemists, Cappoquin.

2nd Round of Dermot O’Leary Agri Spring League Continued.

Monday 2nd to Sunday, 8th February.

MEMBERSHIP That time of year again folks please ensure you get your membership fees in as soon as possible to any one of the officers. It is vital that we get the monies in for the upkeep of the club and the facilities.

KIERSEY Cup 2015 served up yet another fantastic weekend of badminton on January 24th and 25th in Kilmacthomas. With 114 entries participating over two days, it was bound to be one of our most competitive years to date. The competition got underway with Section 3 for players graded G,H and Novice at 12 pm on Saturday afternoon. This section saw twenty pairs compete for the top spot, with entries from Rathgormack, Lismore, Ballyduff, Tourin, Lady Lane and Kilmacthomas. There were five different clubs still in contention when the semistages were reached. Marie Walsh (Tourin) and Brendan Meaghan (Lismore) took on Jamie and Angela Cloney (Kilmac) with Marie and Brendan progressing on this occasion.

The second semi-final saw Fergus Hickey and Donna Feeney (Ballyduff) face Tiarnan Lawlor and Ellie Power (Lady Lane). After a very close game it was Tiarnan and Ellie who booked their place in the final. Again the final was a close encounter with the West Waterford pairing of Marie and Brendan being successful this time.

The plate competition in Section 3 was also a competitive affair with Barbara Greene and William O'Brien (Rathgormack) facing Kevin Power (Rathgormack) and Liz Martyn (Ballyduff). After a great final it was Barbara and William who emerged as winners.

11 am on Sunday saw the start of Section 2 with eighteen pairs in contention. Again there was a great amount of closely contested games, with the seeded pairings all being tested throughout. The semi-finals saw top seeds Ivan Cliffe (Lismore) and Eileen Keohan (Kilmac) take on Fiona Kiely (Kilmac) and Colin Collison (Dunmore), with Ivan and Eileen earning their place in the final.

The second semi-final saw Lady Lanes Callum Thomas and Patricia Gallagher face Ian Kearney (Kilmac) and Saoirse Cunniffe (UL), with Callum and Trish progressing to the final. The final proved to be a very close affair with both pairs looking like taking the title throughout, however Ivan and Eileen's experience of playing together came good, with them claiming the number one spot.

The plate competition was also eagerly contested in this section with many of the games going to three sets.

Section 1 was the final competition of the day and some of the closest games of the whole weekend were seen here. Three time winner and top seed Eoin Walsh and his partner Ciara O'Connor faced a tough test in their second round and had to stage a major comeback in the third set to overcome the young Lady Lane pairing of Callum Thomas and Jo Murphy. It was a similar story for the second seeds and last

year’s finalists Gemma Tobin and Gary Alcorn (Lismore) who faced tough opposition in their opening two games.

Section 2 winners Ivan and Eileen were one point away from beating the seeds in the opening round as were Damian Hehir and Rachel Harrison (UL) in the second round. The semi-finals saw Eoin and Ciara face Tanya Morrissey and Colin Coleman (Lismore) with Eoin and Ciara winning their place in the final.

The second semi-final saw Gemma and Gary take on Greville Madden (Dunmore) and Natalie Brown (Kilmac).

Gary and Gemma earned their place in their second successive final after a three set victory. The crowd enjoyed a very entertaining final which saw Eoin and Ciara crowned Kiersey Cup Champions 2015.

There were some very entertaining games in the plate competition also, with the final seeing Ivan Cliffe and Therese Heffernan (Lismore) overcoming Shirley Kennedy (Lady Lane) and Thorsten Konekamp (Kilmac).

After a long weekend of play it is clear to say that Kiersey Cup 2015 was yet again another great success.

We would like to thank the many people who made this possible. Firstly, a big thank you to all the players who took part, especially those who traveled long distances in order to partake. Many thanks to Siobhan and Craig of the Yonex shop for their kind sponsorship.

We would like to thank the local businesses who kindly donated prizes for our raffle; Phelans Centra, Kirwan’s Pharmacy, Kent’s, Danny's, Waterford Farm Relief Services, Griffin’s Garage, TLC Beauty and to our club members. Thanks to all those who helped with the catering for the event and to Eve and Erica for running the shop over the weekend.

We would like to thank Kiersey's Bar for providing refreshments after the finals on Sunday night. Finally, many thanks to the Kiersey family for their continued support with the event each year.

Well done to the organisers Rachel, Natalie and Edel for keeping everyone on their toes over the weekend and ensuring the competition was a success. We are already looking forward to Kiersey Cup 2016!

UPCOMING EVENTS The mixed and singles county championships will take place in the coming weeks. The dates are as follows: February 17th: Grade F, G, H and Novice Mixed Championships in Ballinameela. Entries to Trudy 087-9615217 before February 16th.

February 19th: Grade C+, D and E Mixed Championships in Presentation Waterford.

Entries to Trudy 0879615217 before February 18th.

February 25th: Mens Singles all grades in Presentation Waterford.

Entries to Trudy 0879615217 before February 22nd.

February 25th: Ladies Singles all grades in Lismore.

Entries to Jo Jo 087-2063880 before February 22nd.

SCHOOLS BADMINTON Well done to our club members who were part of the St. Declan's U-16 girls team who competed in the Munster Schools Competition in UL on Thursday last. Team: Phoebe Bowdren, Erica Barry, Eve Halley and Aislinn Keane.

MUNSTER SENIOR 1 CHAMPIONSHIPS Congratulations to Eoin Walsh on winning the Munster Senior 1 mixed title with his partner Ciara O'Connor (Dingle) in Killarney on Sunday last.

KNOCK-OUT CUP We had three teams competing in Knock-Out Cup Finals night in Cappoquin on Tuesday last. Kilmac 4 were our first team in action where their opponents were neighbouring club Rathgormack.

Unfortunately, the team encountered a tough test on the night and Rathgormack were 4-0 winners. Team: Pat Lenane, Bryan Kavanagh, Liam Hanrahan, Carol Walsh, Ann Halley and Niamh Beresford.

Kilmac 1 then took to the court for their first game in the competition against a strong Lismore team in a repeat of last year’s final.

This was a close game throughout, with Kilmac winning both the mens doubles and Lismore taking the ladies games, leaving it all to play for in the mixed.

Kilmac took the lead after first mixed, but Lismore went on to take second mixed and the tie overall.

Team: Eoin Walsh, Martin Walsh, Thorsten Konekamp, Denise Duggan, Ellen O'Neill and Eileen Keohan.

The final Kilmac team in action on the night was Kilmac 2 who were also competing in their first match of the new year. The team got off to a great start against Dunmore having a comprehensive win in first mens.

Dunmore soon leveled the tie after a hard fought win in first ladies.

The Kilmac team then took control of the match winning the next four games to retain the Section 2 Cup. Team: Rachel Walsh, Natalie Brown, Fiona Kiely, Ian Kearney, Jason Kavanagh and Garvan Dunford.

INTER-COUNTY TEAMS Best of luck to our club players who are part of the county teams competing in the Munster round of the inter-county teams competition on Saturday and Sunday.

IRISH NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Well done to Eoin Walsh who competed in the mens doubles and mixed doubles events at the Irish National Championships in Lisburn on Saturday last.

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GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Dungarvan United FC 1A LEAGUE GOCH'S LAST MINUTE STRIKE SECURES WIN FOR THE BLUES Tramore 2; Dungarvan United 3.

Last Saturday night our 1A side travelled down to Graun Park to take on Tramore in the league. Our lads came into this game in good form having progressed to the last 16 of the Munster Cup 2 weeks before this game. A tough game was expected as this Tramore side did not lose a game in 9 matches and our lads were missing three key players.

The Blues were playing with a strong wind in the first half, but it was the Seasiders who broke the deadlock 3 minutes in when Tramore’s number 7 hit a weak shot inside the area which found its way into the net. After this our lads started to come into the game and had the better of play but created little clear cut chances. 30 minutes in and Lee Mulhearne looped a header over the Tramore keeper which hit the top of the crossbar and went over, this was our best chance of the game so far.

40 minutes gone and Gavin Crotty took a shot which was saved by the Tramore keeper and the rebound fell to Petr Goch but the referee ruled him offside when he put the ball into the net. Just on the blow of halftime Billy Sheehan produced an excellent save to deny Tramore a second. Tramore went into the interval 1-0 up.

The second half started and the Blues quickly got back into the game when a Dungarvan player was fouled inside the box and we were awarded a penalty. Kevin Walsh stepped up to slot home the equaliser. Near the hour mark both sides could have took the lead if it wasn't for some fine goalkeeping by both keepers. In the 67th minute Tramore took the lead. Billy Sheehan saved the first shot but couldn't do anything about the rebounder.

In the 70th minute Tramore's Eoin Nolan was shown a straight red card for violent conduct on Shane Kelly. This was the turning point in the game. In the 77th minute we were awarded another penalty. Again Kevin stepped up and slotted home the equaliser. After this we took over the game and pushed for the winner.

Our prayers were answered in the last minute of the game, Petr Goch scored a cracker of a goal to give us all 3 points and keep our promotion fight alive. Well done to Stan, Tommy and Fishy on a great result.

This was a great game of football. Our lads showed true character on Saturday night. Going behind twice and to win the game is a very good sign. Our next league game is this Sunday at home vs Johnville kick off at 11 a.m.

We wish a speedy recovery to Fionn Hallahan who suffered a nasty head injury

during the game. Fionn only came on in the second half and clashed heads with a Tramore player.

Man Of The Match: The Deise Scaffolding Man Of The Match was Gavin Crotty. Gav set up the winner and was a key player throughout the game.

Squad: Billy Sheehan, Éamonn Hennessy, Patrick Lynch, Kevin Walsh, Tony Fitzgerald, Lee Mulhearne, Christy Ross Power, Shane Kelly, David Condon, Petr Goch, Gavin Crotty, Keith Landers, Fionn Hallahan, Conor Donavan.

U-16 LADIES LEAGUE On a cold Saturday morning 31st January the girls gathered at the clubhouse in earnest for the clash of the top of the table Piltown v Dungarvan. Both teams had 9 points from 3 games. This was always going to be a tough encounter away from home.

We arrived in Piltown with a strong breeze crossing the pitch. We got stuck in from the whistleboth teams nervous of each other. With mentions of an Ireland player in the Piltown camp this seemed to drive Dungarvan on. Shauna McGrath in goal let no girl unmarked with her commands. Orna O’Brien, Erika Kiely, Katie Duggan Sullivan and Emma Guildea protecting the back line there was no room for the Piltown girls to strike.

Midfield trio of Maura Gallagher, Ashling Baumann and Ciara Kilcawley ran their hearts out passing balls to the pacy Emily O’Mahony Atlanta Raher and Kaiesha Tobin up front. Emily was unlucky not to score after 20 minutes.

Atlanta narrowly shot wide just before half-time.

The second half started just as the first finished with Dungarvan attacking the Piltown goal. Chloe Fennell made her debut with some tantilising runs at the Piltown backs. Chloe's ablity to take on players with confidence is a big plus for the team.

Amber Kinghorn was introduced and she got stuck in and was very unlucky as her shot was inches wide of the post. Amber won’t be shy of having a shot on goal.

With about 10 minutes to go Piltown attacked for goal but they met a wall of defenders worthy of any premiership team, commanded again by Shauna, Erika knocked the ball onto Katie who kicked it on to Orna then Emma drove it up the pitch to Chloe who picked out Kaiesha. She then danced her way twisting and turning four defenders before she unleashed the ball to the back of the net.

Supporters and management leapt in the air. Emily crossed the ball in but it was the side netting. With two minutes left and again Dungarvan went on a rampage from the backline, onto midfield, out to Emily who tapped the ball back to Amber, across to Ashling, on to to Orna who drove the ball over the top picked up by Kaiesha and with no hesitation she shot for goal number

2. The cheers from the supporters could be heard in Portlaw. Clodagh Curran and Guste were also team members. The final whistle was greeted with cheers from Micko, Jim and Mick.

FIXTURES Saturday 7-2-15: U-16A Home to Bohs 10.30 am (Glass Pitch).

U-14A Home to Southend 12.45 pm (Glass pitch).

U-14C Away to De La Salle 12.45 pm, Away.

Sunday 8-2-15: 1A Home to Johnville 11.00 a.m. (Main Pitch).

2A Away to Carrick 2.00 pm (Away).

YOUNG BLUES DIG DEEP FOR WIN U-13A League Dungarvan Utd ................. 1; Piltown ............................... 0.

On Saturday last our U-13A side played host to Piltown at Kilrush Park.

These two sides previously met in October in the 3rd round of the SFAI Cup with our blues coming away from that game with a 4-2 win.

We started off the game having won the toss and decided to play against a hurricane wind in the first half.

The weather did not help either of the sides. We could of been 2-0 up early on in the game when Kapi found himself 1 on 1 with the Piltown keeper who stopped him twice with 2 fine saves.

Piltown themselves could have taken the lead when their centre half ran up the field and took a shot from outside the box and hit the post.

Jack O'Flionn and Sam Uniacke were a terror to Piltown down both wings creating a lot of chances for us.

We went into half-time with the game scoreless.

We started the 2nd half the better of the two sides, by playing some good football and keeping the majority of the possession. 10 minutes in and we were awarded a free kick just outside the box. Kapi stepped up to take the free kick and stuck it into the net to put us 1-0 up. 5 mins after that we nearly grabbed a 2nd when Kapi hit the crossbar from a long range effort.

Piltown increased the pressure on us in the last 10 minutes but our defence stood strong and kept Piltown out. The game ended 1-0 to the blues. This was a very hard game as both sides could have won but our lads dug deep to take all 3 points.

Well done to all players on a very good victory.

Man Of The Match: Cameron Maguire played excellent throughout the game winning every ball at the back and put his body on the line on more than one occasion. He wore his jersey with pride on Saturday.

Squad: Dylan Cliffe, Cameron Maguire, Jack Donnelly, Aaron Ryan (captain), Alex Shanahan, Jack O'Flionn, Nicolas Breathnach, Kacper Zajac, Sam Uniacke, Micheal Power, Martin McDonagh, Kyle O'Donnell, Molly Schrubb, Artur Trziack, Adam Ashraf, Ben Kavanagh.

DEVELOPMENT SQUAD FUNDRAISER The U-12 Waterford team

will travel to the Foyle Cup in Derry this year and as part of their fundraiser for this they are kicking off with a USED CLOTHES DRIVE. Please help by having a Spring clean clear out and drop any old clothes, sheets, blankets etc. to the club. Mary Uniacke is co-ordinating this drive and can be contacted on 087 766 2875

Dylan Swales AWARD NOMINATION Nominations have been made for The Annual Sports Awards sponsored by Dungarvan District Garda Social Club for the Pat Noctor Memorial Trophy and we are delighted that our U-15 player Dylan Swales has been nominated.

Although there is tough competition and it's extremely difficult for a team player to win as an individual it's great recognition for Dylan to be recognised and nominated.

All at Dungarvan United AFC wish Dylan the best of luck.

Mark Crotty

Michael Power ACADEMY COACHES All involved in the academy and club welcome new coaches Mark Crotty and Michael Power onboard. With our academy now running three times a week and growing at a rapid rate we are delighted to have two new coaches on our team. All coaches in the club are volunteers and make a great commitment to us with the time and dedication they

show, the club are indebted to all who contribute in any way to help.

FAI ETP CLINIC Another cold and early start for some of our coaches on Sunday last. Goalkeeper coaches Deane Guiry, Chris O'Donnell and Michael Walsh attended the ETP Goalkeepers Workshop at the RSC run by Tim Dalton & Colin O'Brien. Well done lads another step ahead on your coaching pathway.

MATCH REPORT FOR U-11B TEAM On Saturday we travelled to St. Otterans to play Villa in what proved to be very tricky conditions with a very strong swirling wind sweeping around the pitch.

Dungarvan Utd. started by making a few positional changes with Aaron playing centre mid; Sean moving out to the right and Gavin remaining on the left. This allowed us to play Markie and Dale up front for the first time this season.

T. J. made his debut in goal and our solid defence of Shane, Ben and Ella remained unchanged.

Dungarvan started strongly and from the first whistle the midfielders harrassed and harried their opponents winning some good ball sending Markie and Dale running in and out of the opposition's box like men possessed.

After 10 minutes Sean scored our first goal from a beautiful corner by Gavin that he met at the back post with a lovely volley into the back of the net.

Dungarvan continued applying the pressure and were quickly rewarded with a second goal when Markie beat three players and slotted the ball into the bottom right hand corner. The young Blues were on a high at halftime.

The introduction of Gearoid and Dylan took a little time to come together for us and within 10 minutes Villa were level due to an own goal and a very nicely taken shot.

The pressure was on for the young Blues playing away from home against Villa who had lots of support on the sideline.

However, they stood up to the task and went in search of a winner. With the introduction of Jake and Ethan the young Blues battled hard and we thought we had struck gold when Dale hung back from a corner and as the ball was cleared by Villa, Dale raced onto it and volleyed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.

Unfortunately, we conceded an equaliser to Villa in the dying seconds of the match. Our first win is still proving elusive but from the performance of every single player it hopefully won't be too long in coming.

Player of the match: All 16 players.

We would like to thank Jimmy who provided us with the extra car today, it was very much appreciated.

Finisk Valley A.C. athletes who took part in the Nenagh open day last Saturday were (l to r): Chloe Morrissey, Caoimhe Reynolds (came 2nd in the shot-putt and 4th in high jump) and Eimear Griffin.

Manchester United Supporters Club – Waterford Branch TRANSFER WINDOW CLOSED The transfer window opened and several times Louis Van Gaal told the media that there would be no signings and everyone of them and ourselves as supporters hoped that it was only a smokescreen.

The truth is he was honest all the time insistant that the only business being done by United was "Out goings". On deadline day West Brom were trying desperately to finalise a deal for Darren Fletcher and as the window closed it was still unconfirmed.

Out on loan went striker Jesse Lingaard and winger Wilfred Zaha resigned for Crystal Palace after a nightmare season. So the much required centreback identified by all was not signed as Van Gaal was happy with his current crop who when all fit may give him a much needed headache as he really does have a good choice "if" all were fit.

MATCHES AVAILABLE FOR APPLICATION We still have some matches available for application for availability just contact the secretary on 087 1940089.The one standout fixture with availability is the clash with Tottenham on March 15th (Sunday) LIVE on sky sports with a 4 pm kickoff.

We still have a small number available and will be offered on a first come first served basis, as is the case with every match.

Apart from Arsenal in the last home match and Manchester Derby which are both full every other match has availability (some more limited than others). So if interested in securing any match contact the secretary on the above number.

POORLY ATTENDED MEETING Last Friday night we held our monthly meeting and for whatever reason the meeting was poorly attended. The meetings are designed to keep members up to speed with all branch activities (i.e next week’s group trip). It is very disheartening to turn up all geared up to address members to find just a few familar faces. This trend needs to stop as members simply think everything will be spoon fed to them so I would ask that members at least give the committee the courtesy of a text or phonecall to excuse yourself from a meeting.

As already stated the meetings are for members and

potential members to attend!!!

F.A CUP REPLAY By the time these notes are read hopefully United will be looking forward to the 5th round having disposed of Cambridge United at the second time of asking. The match will have been shown on BT sport and hopefully some members will join up in Dillon's Bar for the game. The invitation will have been posted for ALL to see on the branch facebook page and to be fair if half the "likes" turned up, the pub would be full to the rafters !!

WEST HAM AWAY ON SUNDAY We travel to Upton Park for the final time (as West Ham will be moving grounds in the summer) to take on highflying West Ham at 4 pm LIVE on sky sports. If you don’t have the channel come along to Dillon's bar and watch it in the company of fellow REDS !!!!

BURNLEY ON FEB. 11TH The group trip next Wednesday, 11th February when 22 of the branch will descend on "The Theatre of Dreams" in the South stand courtesy of a good branch friend who has managed to secure us 16 seats together in the stand along with our own branch members season tickets namely Wayne Fowler and Damien Kearns south stand seats and David Walsh's East lower. All will have perfect view of the Burnley match. All we need now is a positive result and all the goals to be scored in the "Stretford end"!!

ON THE MEND All in the branch would like to wish a speedy recovery to John McCarthy who was hospitalised recently for a hernia operation and is chomping at the bit for a trip to Old Trafford. Don't worry John Old Trafford will be there for years yet !!!!

MATCH TICKET/ ACCESSCARD PAYMENT Please note that it is a branch rule that at the time of putting your name down for a match payment must be made straight away as we operate a prepaid credit card to pay for the ticket/accesscard and "you can't have one without the other"!

So anyone in this position please take note and get sorted asap. If a match gets moved for whatever reason the branch cannot and will not be responsible for that change if it affects a person's travel arrangements as per branch rules.

GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

21

Ballinroad FC U-13A LEAGUE Kilmac 0; Ballinroad 3 After losing our last away game to Park Rangers and drawing 3 all at home to Kilmac it was great to get all 3 points down in a very windy and cold Alaska Park. D. J. our captain won the toss and he decided to play with the wind in the first half.

We knew we would have to build up a lead to hold on to when we had the wind behind us and we got the break through after 10 minutes when James Cowler scored from a tight angle after Eoin Flynn had done some great work to win a corner.

Ben O’Donovan scored his 13th goal of the season after he finished well after being played through by Rian

Hogan. We went into the break with a three goal lead when Frankie De Paor won a free kick on the edge of the square. Alec Norris stepped up to curl the resulting free kick into the top corner giving their keeper no chance.

After only touching the ball once in the first half and the wind getting a lot stronger our keeper Sean was flat out in the second half keeping Kilmac out. Playing with three central defenders and two full backs we were under siege for the whole of the second half and only once or twice got out of our own half. With a very strong wind blowing against us we couldn't get up the pitch and every goal kick was blowing back in on top of the keeper.

With Johnny Burke, Daniel Treen, Tony Dwyer and Niall Buckley flat out blocking shots we managed to hang on and not concede a goal to win this game, 3 nil.

We now go 3 points ahead of Kilmac and second in the league table after going into this game level with them on points and both of us in joint second place.

It was a game the lads won't forget for a long time after playing in a very windy, cold Alaska Park.

Team: Sean O’Sullivan, Tony Dwyer, Johnny Burke, Rian Hogan, Niall Buckley, Alec Norris, Daniel Treen, Frankie De Paor Kavanagh, Eoin Flynn, D. J. Kiely (Capt.)

James Cowler, Ben O’Donovan, Tadhg Collins.

Kilmacthomas FC DIVISION 2A Kilmac 1; Dungarvan 1.

This is one that got away from us. We played against the wind in the first half and did well to hold Dungarvan scoreless. With the aid of the wind in the second half we pressed the visitors and Kalo found the back of the net. We had several more chances to extend our lead before we left Dungarvan in for an equaliser.

UNDER 11 Ferrybank 1; Kilmacthomas 1.

We played well through

and took the lead when Nathan scored.

Unfortunately, Nathan had to come off the field after he took a knock. In a very close game both sides had chances to score. We went in at the break 1-0 up. We were put under pressure in the second half and Ferrybank equalised midway through the half. A very good display from all the boys and we are very proud of them all.

UNDER 13 Kilmac 0; Ballinroad 3.

A game of two halves in which we lost the toss and

had to play against a near gale force wind.

Ballinroad had three efforts on goal and scored all of them. There was nothing the keeper could do to prevent them.

We gave our all in the second half but against an eleven man defence we just could not carve an opening.

Well done lads a good performance despite the result.

UNDER 15 Kilmacow 2; Kilmac 0.

A lack lustre performance in bad conditions saw us go down 2 - 0.

Stradbally FC LOTTO Lotto Draw takes place in The Bally Inn on Sunday night. Jackpot prize is €2,400.

Thanks to all who continue to support our Lotto.

Also in the Bally Inn on Sunday night the proceeds of the Christmas Day Swim will be presented to the representatives of the Bonmahon Lifeboat. All are welcome.

ASTRO TURF Astro Turf Pitch is available to hire. Contact Tadhg at 087 2306841.

ACADEMY Academy and Little Dribblers returns on Saturday week, February 14th, at 10.30 and 11.45 respectively.

CLUB KITS There's a limited number of old stock club kits for chil-

dren still available. Sizes: 5/6, 7/8, 9/10. Contact Gerry at 087 2245712.

FIXTURES Waterford Junior League Div. 2: Stradbally v Johnville Saturday 2 p.m.

All club members are looking forward to the Spooky Lady Returns Disco in the Barron Hall on Valentines night.

The Dungarvan Under 14 rugby team who played Waterpark recently.

Cappoquin FC QUARTER-FINAL U-11 CUP Clashmore 0-4 Cappoquin On a very windy morning last Saturday, in Pablo Park we took on Clashmore in the quarter-final of the U11 Cup. This was our first U11 match for a couple of weeks, but it was hard to tell as we attacked from the first whistle to the last whistle. We set the tone of the match straight away; we were here for a victory and nothing else. We dominated possession from start to finish. After 5 minutes we were one up. Following some lovely passing Eoin McGrath finished to the back of the nest. We continued to boss the game, however, we were unable to take our chances, but Conor Rooney made sure of his chance when he buried the ball from 2 yards out to make it 2-nil with 5 minutes left in the first half.

We started the second half in the same vein and attacked from the tip off, with Eoin McGrath shooting narrowly wide. We had the advantage of the hill in the second half and this allowed us to keep Clashmore pinned back in their own half except for a few isolated breaks. Our

3rd goal was a beautiful dipping shot from Aidan Mansfield, as soon as it left his boot, the sideline waited with bated breath for the ball to drop and it did just under the crossbar.

Our fourth goal came after some great movement of the ball, we started on the left, moved it through the middle and finally out to the right wing, from where Eoin McGrath, curled the ball in off the bottom of the left post.

Team:- Andrew O’Connor, Conor Hickey, Aidan Mansfield, Ronan Mansfield, Eoin McGrath, Kieran Sheridan, Conor Rooney, Shay Cotter, Michael Kiely, T. J. Fitzgerald, Joe Cotter.

U-12 GIRLS LEAGUE Cappoquin 3-2 Carrick The Cappoquin girls started the game very strong with a blistering shot from Mairead just going wide and were in charge for the most part of the first half but conceded the first goal very much against the run of play.

Carrick grew in strength after this but the Cappoquin girls came back strong and Mairead equalised with a fine individual goal taking on the Carrick defence before rocketing her shot to the back of

the net leaving it all equal at half-time with 1-each.

The girls started the second half as they finished the first and again Mairead got another fine goal, her second of the game. Cappoquin then enjoyed a period of total dominance and when Alex made a fine run through the Carrick defence and fired a cracking shot which the Carrick keeper saved deflecting the ball out into the oncoming Rachel whom sent it to the back of the net to put Cappoquin 3-1 ahead it looked like the Cappoquin girls were going to go on and put the game well beyond their opposition but this was not the case, some sloppy defending from a corner soon after resulted in an OG allowing Carrick back into the game and this proved to be a turning point with Carrick pushing forward and Cappoquin sitting back and defending for the last 10 minutes. This was a dangerous period for us but the girls did defend bravely and held on to their lead to take the deserved win.

There were a lot of excellent individual performances with Nadia very impressive for her cap. Grainne did very

well coming back after a break, Emma also impressed considering this is her first season. Aislinn had a great game in goal standing in for the injured Andrea and, of course, all the usual reliables did their job well. The O’Brien sisters provided the 3 goals on the night with Mairead O’Brien 2 and Rachel O’Brien 1.

The team lined out as follow - 1. Aislinn Cahillane, 2.

Rachel Horsom, 3. Ailbhe McCann, 4. Annika O’Brien, 5. Emma O’Connor, 6.

Mairead O’Brien, 7. Nadia Bray, 8. Rachel O’Brien, 9.

Alex Hally, 10. Grainne O’’Donnell.

Well done girls to hold on for maximum points.

TRAINING SCHEDULE U11 & 12 & 14 Boys Monday 7.00 p.m.

U12 & 14 Girls Tuesday 7.00 p.m.

U11 & 12 & 14 Boys Thursday 7.00 p.m.

Junior Men Wednesday and Friday 7.30 p.m.

We are currently recruiting new players for this season, both boys and girls of all ages. So if interested please come along and give it a try, all are very welcome.

The €70m Finance Fund available to Clubs and local projects

Stradbally FC in The Good Old Days. I'd say a few of these lads would have strutted their stuff at Spooky Lady Disco in their time and hopefully will again on Valentine’s Night. Back row (l to r): Willie O’Brien (Technical Director), Tom Landy, Pierce Casey, Bobby Walker, Maurice Lannon, Fintan O’Brien. Front: Michael Coffey, Pa Roche, Alo Curran, John Hallahan, Joe Roche, Liam Connors.

BY now, I expect you are aware of us here at UCIT – a Community Organisation, providing loan finance to other communities across Ireland. Over 15 years, we’ve loaned over €50 million to groups like yours, in every province on the island. We have €70m more to lend via a Social Finance Fund. www.ucitltd.com / www.sff.ie Here’s a local example of a group who have already accessed this fund: “In installing floodlights at Kilrush Park, the club fell short in raising our shortfall in funds from our own bank and the credit union but UCIT came to the rescue. Dungarvan United AFC has lit up our home ground in January 2015 and couldn’t have done so without

UCIT.” (David Walsh, Chairman, Dungarvan United AFC).

If your group could do without needing to borrow, it would! However, despite fewer grants, and restricted access to bank finance, there remains the need to improve or develop community infrastructure.

In association with Dunhill Education, we are hosting a session entitled “How to Access Social Finance (A Step by Step Guide for Voluntary Groups)”.

The event will cover all the basic elements of what an investor looks for when assessing funding applications. The session is low on jargon and assumes your group may never have had to access repayable finance before.

It will take place in the offices of Dunhill Education Centre, Dunhill, Co. Waterford on Wednesday, 11th February, 2015 at 7.30 p.m.

Please feel free to forward this information to others whom you believe may be interested.

If you are interested, confirm attendance by either emailing sharon@dunhilleducation.com or phoning us here on 041-6858637 for information on or before the 9th February.

I look forward to seeing you or your colleagues on the night.

Kind regards, Dónal Traynor Associate Director

22

WEEKEND SPINS A cold and crisp Sunday morning, but still good numbers in The Square for the club spins.

Group 1 stuck to the main road to Midleton and back. A nice bit of up and overs between Castlemartyr and Grange ensured nobody was cold on that spin. Group 2 took the N25 in the opposite direction, heading to the toll bridge in Waterford before coming back the same road, the two Power brothers keeping things to a steady 30kph.

Group 3 also took the main road, going to Kilmeaden and back. Welcome to Mike Hearn, who made the transition from Group 4, the first we're sure of many to do so.

Group 4 went to Lemybrien, Mahonbridge, Kilmac, Seafield, Stradbally for coffee, and Durrow. A loose dog brought two of the lads down, thankfully nothing serious and we hope for speedy recoveries.

The Sunday Social Spin extended a warm welcome to Rachel on a cold day. This group is steadily increasing in numbers but not in pace.

To be informed of Sunday’s routes please check the Facebook page on Saturdays or send an email to updates@dungarvancc.com requesting to be added to the list to receive the routes.

Club spins leave at 9:30, from John Foley’s Kilrush on Saturdays, and The Square on Sundays.

MIDWEEK LADIES GROUP Our midweek ladies continues every Tuesday. Leaving at 10:30 from Kilrush, the pace will accommodate everyone in the group and the spin will be approx 90 minutes.

RÁS FUNDRAISER FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13th

GENERAL SPORT

We're counting down to the night out on Friday week. It's looking to be a great night out.

Some of the prizes for the raffle on the night include a 2 night B&B break courtesy of The Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore; a weekend away for 2 in any FBD Hotel in Waterford/Dublin, and many more.

Thanks to everyone who supported the DCC Rás Team fundraising night by purchasing tickets from Damian in the square on Sunday morning.

It's very much appreciated and very welcome. All the money received so far will all add up to help the team in their fundraising - and ye get a great night out to boot. Music from The Toniks, Creation Nightclub, and a raffle with numerous prizes.

The guys shall be in the square again Sunday morning for those who were unable to make it this week or forgot to tuck away that tenner.

Tickets can also be got from Ger Wyley's, Murray's Chemist, Liam Rossiter Butchers, Bob Troy's, Cycle Sports, Kelly's Pharmacy, O'Mahony cycles and Nursery, and any member of the Rás team or DCC committee.

All support for the Rás team is greatly appreciated, this is a great opportunity for the club to showcase itself at the highest table that Irish cycling has to offer.

UPCOMING SPORTIVES For anyone interested in riding any of the upcoming sportives as a club, the first one up is the Jagged Edge in Crosshaven on 21st March.

Looking at the profile it's going to be tough. Jagged Edge Tour offered us 2 free places for their March 21st sportive, and the winners were DCC

members Tom Stapleton and Lucia Quealy. Also one coming soon after is the Hub Tour in Killmallock, a short spin up the road.

Our good friends in the club Michelle & Paul Gammell will look after us here. Declan & Beanie hope to bring Group 4, maybe group captains might bring a few from their own groups. We would really like to ride out together as a club for this sportive. If you any of you would like to join us please let Beanie know.

CLUB GEAR All members who ordered gear last December are asked to pay the balance in the next few weeks. Emails with PayPal links to pay your balance will be sent this week.

The order is due in 20th February. The club will hold another gear fitting evening towards the end of February and this gear will be delivered end of April.

2015 REGISTRATIONS We ask that you all ensure that you have your Cycling Ireland membership in place for 2015, please use the link below to renew your membership for 2015 which also provides you with insurance cover while on your bike.

We ask that you also renew your DCC membership on the cycling Ireland website at the same time as you renew your insurance cover: Please use this link to sign into cycling Ireland cyclingireland.azolve.com/portal/Login. aspx You can also get a form in Tony O'Mahony's Cycle Shop & Paddy Morrissey's Cycle Sports for both Cycle Ireland & DCC membership.

Over 120 members of DCC have signed up for both Cycling Ireland & DCC membership already this year,

please don't be left out, insurance is vital for your own personal welfare.

RÁS TEAM UPDATE The route was announced this week and it looks flat, and fast. The boys are going to need speeeeed in the legs.

Hence the sight of Marc Flavin pedalling furiously behind Mario's car last Sunday morning. This week we focus on the great Mark Radley, who, after I read this, has now become my favourite member of the team.

Mark Radley, member of Dungarvan CC Ras team.

Name: Mark Radley DOB: 02/03/77 Marital Status: Married to Susan with 1 Baby- Rex (Age 19 Months).

Occupation: Project Manager for Radley Engineering.

Type of Rider: Looking at the results the lads have been getting on the roads over the last few years...the only position on the team that I’ll be

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

suited to will be that of ‘domestique rider’, aka ... water boy!

Cycling Heroes: My wife for doing the Sean Kelly two months after giving birth to Rex. Club Riders I admire: Anyone with ‘Dwyer’ in their surname. The harder it gets the better they seem to go. If I have half the zest for the bike when I get to their age, I’ll be in a good place.

Typical Training week: It varies from week to week depending on weather / work / family commitments (I’m sure my wife would say ‘what family commitments’). A standard week would be getting in 1215 hrs with weekends being the 4 & 5 hour spins on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Saturday including some 15-20 minutes efforts over hills and Sunday being long steady endurance miles.

Monday and Friday are rest days, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday are a mix of turbo sessions, rowing machine or strength work in gym. Currently starting more intensity in the sessions during midweek to gear up for racing season which starts towards the end of February.

Typically we all try and do 3 week blocks of 12 hrs + and taper back to around 8-10 hrs on a recovery week which is once every 4 weeks.

Cycling Motto: ‘However great the flood it will ebb.’

Cycling highlights: Doing 8 days of ‘Race the Rás in 2012’ was a super experience.

An A4 win in Cobh in 2013.

Last season doing a respectable Rás Mumhan and Suir Valley.

Why the Rás: Since driving back from the final stage in Skerries having done 8 days of ‘Race the Ras’ in 2012, I

Ray Dwyer and Benny Flynn take a break from their Group 1 efforts last Sunday. was bitten by the buzz of the race and had it as a target ever since. Doing the Rás as part of a DCC team was always the driver so hopefully if we all have a bit of luck during the season and we’ll arrive in Dunboyne on May 17th ready for an ‘experience’ I doubt we’ll forget.

JOHN TREACY 10 MILE Well done to our friends in West Waterford AC for another very successful 10 mile road race last Sunday.

There was a terrific buzz around the town and a lot of DCC members swapped the bikes for nikes* and turned in some great times. Many members also helped out in stewarding and marshalling

duties on the bike and out on the course. Well done to all. *Other less rhyming running shoes are available.

CYCLING QUOTE "Sometimes, when we train, we simply have to go out to meet the Man with the Hammer” – Laurent Fignon.

CONTACT US You will find loads of updates, tips, photos, and commentary on the club’s Facebook page and on the club website dungarvancc.com.

We're even on Twitter if 140 characters is about all you can handle. If you have anything you’d like me to report please email seanoduibhir@gmail.com

Dunhill Squash Club

Club hosts Munster Junior Closed Championships

Dungarvan Hillwalking Club members on a recent walk in the Knockmealdown mountains.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM DUNGARVAN LIONS CLUB At the recent Committee Meeting of the DHWC, a letter was read from the Lions Club, thanking all the members for

their very hard work throughout 2014 in helping raise funds for the Lions Club.

Thanks to Everyone.

QUIZ NIGHT FOR SEMRA A Table Quiz to raise funds for SEMRA will be held in the Tudor House,

[Peter Mangan]

Dungarvan on the 6th March at 8 p.m.

So get your thinking caps on, get a table of 4 together and come along for a good night out and help raise money for this very worthwhile organisation. More information at www.semra.ie

OVER the weekend of 24th/25th January, we were privileged to host the Munster Junior Closed Championships. The top juniors in Munster, in all age groups participated and it was good to see that there are some excellent young players up and coming. Yes, the game will be safe in the hands of the next generation.

Local clubs, Celtic and Dunhill were well represented. We wish to say well done to Kevin Knox and his team at Celtic who are working hard with the juniors to ensure the continuity of squash in the city.

Our own juniors did very well, as can be seen from the results below. While some of our best juniors are moving out of the junior age group, we have some excellent young players filling their places at both local and national level.

Amongst them is Roisin Kirwan, who won the highly competitive Leinster Open under 13s the previous week.

Well done to Mary

O’Loughlin, Jack Laffan and others who give their time to coach our young players, obviously to good effect.

Congratulations to Mary, Brian Dunbar and their team of helpers for overseeing a very well run championship.

Prizegiving was in Harney’s and again thanks to them for looking after all so well. Indeed, it was good to see Jim in the club supporting the younger people, and spanning the generations!

RESULTS: Boys U-11 Winner: Philip O’Connell (Thurles) Runner-Up: Eoin O’Connell (Thurles) Girls U-11 Winner: Niamh Kirwan (Dunhill) Runner-Up: Alanna Murphy (Dunhill) Boys U-13 Winner: Eoghan Cleary (Thurles) Runner-Up: Cillian McDonagh (Thurles) Girls U-13 Winner: Cate Maher (Thurles)

Runner-Up: Sarah O’Connell (Thurles) Boys U-15 Winner: Owen Murphy (Dunhill) Runner-Up: Sean McDonald (Dunhill) Girls U-15 Winner: Roisin Kirwan (Dunhill) Runner-Up: Claire Dempsey (Thurles) Boys U-17 Winner: James Doherty (Sunday’s Well) Runner-Up: Barry Lynch (Highfield) Third Place: James Gaffney (Dunhill) Plate Winner: Kieran O’Donoghue (Celtic) Boys U-19 Winner: Philip McSweeney (Highfield) Runner-Up: Paul O’Mahony (Highfield) Girls U-19 Winner: Sophie O’Rourke (Highfield) Runner-Up: Labhaoise Dunbar (Dunhill)

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

GENERAL SPORT

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Talking Horses Godolphin to sponsor the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards

Upcoming Fixture Down Royal - Wednesday, 4th February (First Race 1.15) Clonmel - Thursday, 5th February (First Race 1.30) Dundalk - Friday, 6th February (First Race 6.05) Naas - Saturday, 7th February (First Race 1.25) Leopardstown - Sunday, 8th February (First Race 1.15)

Molony remembered at Thurles on Thursday PIERCE Molony, the longstanding owner and manager of Thurles racecourse who died on Wednesday morning, was remembered at meeting at the track’s fixture on Thursday.

All riders wore black armbands and a minute’s silence was observed. Perhaps the most striking winner at the meeting was Valgor du Ronceray who came from off the pace to win the bumper for trainer Tony Martin and owners Gigginstown House Stud.

Another leading owner, Barry Connell, was on the mark with Like It A Lot who won the rated novice chase for Paul Nolan and Adrian Heskin. Also over fences, the Garrett Ahern-trained Our Katie won the beginners’ chase under claiming rider Brian Hayes. Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh teamed up to win the 2m maiden hurdle with Totally Dominant while the 2m6f maiden hurdle went to Ryansbrook, trained by Colm Murphy and ridden by Mikey Fogarty.

Really Unique took the 2m6f handicap hurdle for trainer John Joe Walsh and Brian O’Connell. Danny Howard both trained and rode Duty Dance, the narrow winner of the 2m handicap hurdle.

Fairyhouse Grade 3 winner For Mullins and Walsh MORNING Run maintained her unbeaten record in pretty convincing fashion in the €30,000 Grade 3 Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Saturday. She looked as good as ever when accounting for her stable companion Lyrical Theatre but is unlikely to travel to the Cheltenham Festival. Connections are favouring the €90,000 Grade 1 EBF Mares Novice Hurdle Final at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday for the winner who now boasts a record of six wins from six starts.

The Jim Dreaper-trained Los Amigos, absent since March of last year, made a winning return in the 2m5f rated chase where he just saw off the former Irish Grand National winner Lion Na Bearnai under Andrew Lynch. Mark Enright and trainer John James Feane landed the 2m5f handicap chase with Mr Shankly who was turning out for the first time since June.

Gordon Elliott enjoyed two winners, winning the 2m maiden hurdle with the Davy Condon-ridden Hostile Fire and the bumper with Whistle Dixie, ridden by David Mullins. Tony Martin saddled Velvet Maker to win the older horses’ maiden hurdle under Adrian Heskin. Missyspet added to her win at the course on New Year’s Day in the 2m4f handicap hurdle for trainer Michelle Gannon and Brian O’Connell.

Hidden Cyclone and Andrew McNamara winning "The Boylesports Tied Cottage Chase" GR2 - at Punchestown.

[Alain Barr]

Hidden Cyclone lands Grade 2 Tied Cottage Chase TRAINED by Shark Hanlon, Hidden Cyclone recorded his biggest win over fences when taking the €42,500 Grade 2 BoyleSports Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown on Sunday.

The 10-year-old could hardly have been more impressive in beating Bright New Dawn and Twinlight under Andrew McNamara and he fully deserves another shot at big success at the Cheltenham Festival. He was second in the Ryanair Chase last season but the Queen Mother Chase at Cheltenham is on the agenda this time around.

The Shay Barry-trained Bentelimar ran out a good winner of the Listed novice hurdle under a confident Brian O’Connell and the six-

year-old has a number of entries for the Cheltenham Festival. Embracing Change notched up his fourth successive win when taking the 3m4f handicap chase for trainer Robert Tyner and Phillip Enright.

The opening cross country chase went to outsider Ballyboker Bridge who won under amateur rider Garry Murphy. Bryan Cooper and Sandra Hughes landed the 2m4f maiden hurdle with Total Recall while Lean Araig took the 3m handicap hurdle for Oliver McLiernan and Robbie Colgan. Perhaps the most impressive winner of the day was newcomer General Principle who ran away with the bumper for Gordon Elliott and David Mullins.

Sandown Grade 1 success for Willie Mullins and Daryl Jacob WILLIE Mullins landed the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase with Gitane Du Berlais at Sandown on Saturday. It was the champion trainer’s only runner in the UK over the weekend and he made all the running to land the spoils in grand style under Daryl Jacob. The winner looks as if she will head to the Cheltenham Festival where she will have a couple of options.

Racing mourns passing of Thurles supremo Pierce Molony PIERCE Molony, owner and manager of Thurles racecourse, has died. He was 65. A hugely popular figure, Molony had been ill for some time and died in hospital in Dublin on Wednesday.

He is survived by his wife Riona and daughters Patricia, Helen, Annemarie and Kate. Annemarie is married to jockey and trainer John Cullen while Kate and jockey Robbie Moran were married last year.

Paying tribute, Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive of Horse Racing Ireland, said, “Pierce’s passing is very sad. He was a great character and a gentleman to deal with.”

Hussey on the double at Dundalk

Morning Run and Ruby Walsh, winners of the Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 2.) Fairyhouse 31-1-15. [Patrick McCann]

GODOLPHIN, the global racing stable founded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has been announced as the principal sponsor of the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards.

In association with The Racing Post and managed by the Irish Stable Staff Association (ISSA) and Horse Racing Ireland, the awards, which will be known as the “Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards, sponsored by Godolphin,” recognise and reward the hard work and dedication of stud and stable staff and acknowledge the huge contribution they make to the racing industry in Ireland.

The Awards will be held at the Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge on Tuesday, April 14th, and are divided into 10 categories, which carry total prize-money of €70,000. The winner of each of the five main categories will receive a cash prize of €5,000 each and a trophy. The two runnersup in each of these categories will receive €500 each. An additional €4,000 will also be awarded to the winner's yard or stud. The winner of the five main categories will be also be nominated for the Irish Racing Excellence Award and win an additional €5,000 and €5,000 for their yard or stud.

The winner of the Dedication to Racing, Lifelong Learning, Ancillary Services and the Racecourse Grooms’ Canteen Award will each receive €2,500 and a trophy.

Commenting on the significance of the awards, Brian Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Horse Racing Ireland, said: "Horse Racing Ireland warmly welcomes the sponsorship

by Godolphin of the Irish Stud and Stable Staff Awards. Irish stud and stable staff are admired the world over and form the backbone of our industry. It is great to see their dedication and skills being recognised by Godolphin in such a tangible and generous fashion."

MICHAEL Hussey took the riding honours at Dundalk on Friday night where he rode winners for trainers Tracey Collins and Charles O’Brien. The Collins-trained Indian Landing took the 6f handicap when coming from off the pace to beat favourite Togoville by half-a-length. Mount Flora scored by the same margin in the 12f handicap for Charles O’Brien to complete the Dublin rider’s brace.

Jim Bolger and Kevin Manning took the opening 2m maiden with Sar Oiche who won by just a head. Georgios Pakidis sent out Boughtforasong to win the second 6f handicap on the card under Gary Carroll, a fourth win at the track for the County Armagh-based winner. Letters Of Note was an impressive winner of the fillies maiden for Curragh trainer Michael O’Callaghan and Emmet McNamara.

Once again, apprentice riders were to the fore. Former champion Connor King won the 1m handicap of the David Marnane-trained Sheeba while Dylan Hogan took the 1m handicap on The Dancing Lord, trained by John Geoghegan.

Derek McCormack and Noel Lawlor teamed up to land the 10f handicap with Corker Hill, one of the easier winners of the night.

The finish of the Murray’s Family Pharmacy maiden race for the Niall Flynn Memorial Cup with Pack Your Bags (right), Derek O’Connor getting the better of Brave McAllister, Paul Power at the Dungarvan Farmers’ Point-to-Point races [Rory Wyley]

Georgie, Kellie and Donnacha Hamilton at the Dungarvan Farmers’ Point-to-Point races.

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GENERAL SPORT

Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 6 February, 2015

Tried & Tested Triathlon Club

Date confirmed for Dungarvan Triathlon 2015

2015 RBS 6 Nations Rugby Championship Launch: Pictured (L-R): Wales women's captain Rachel Taylor, Italy women's captain Silvia Gaudino, Ireland women's captain Niamh Briggs, France women's captain Gayle Mignot, Scotland women's captain Tracy Balmer, and England women's captain Tamara Taylor. [©INPHO/Billy Stickland]

Dungarvan Rugby Club

Dungarvan Munster Junior League Champions THE Munster Junior League Cup will be presented to the Dungarvan 1st XV next Sunday at Ballyrandle. Their opponents for the final game in the 2014/15 league are Fethard. This is the first time that the club have won a league title and the first silverware won by the club's first team in 27 years.

The game on Sunday kicks off at 2.30 pm and their opposition will be making every effort to get a win against the league champions. Fethard didn't get the best of starts to the league but have turned their season around and easily accounted for Scariff, a team Dungarvan struggled to put away.

All members, their families, supporters and former players are invited out for this special occasion.

CUP GAME Dungarvan travelled to West Cork to play Clonakilty in the Junior Cup at the weekend but had to give second best to their hosts. Clon are only down from senior rugby and their superior experience told as they controlled the game from start to finish. Dungarvan will now concentrate on the junior plate as soon as the final league game is out of the way.

18's Last Sunday on a cold but beautiful sunny day, Dungarvan opened there campaign in the Pan Munster competition. This is most likely to be some of the best quality rugby these players will ever partake in. This is a competition where the top four clubs from the 4 Munster regions go into a Heineken cup style league.

First up, we had Midleton region qualifiers from the South. The game started well with Dungarvan almost scoring from the opening few phases.

For the next 15 minutes it was all Dungarvan, but as you often hear said, all the pressure led to no points. Soon Midleton got

WE’RE pleased to announce that the second Dungarvan Triathlon will be held at Clonea on June 20th this year. The route will remain the same as last year, but we will increase the number of entrants from 230 to 320 plus 10 teams. This was a super event last year, enjoyed by both participants and spectators alike, so set a reminder on your phone for 10.00 am on February 28th when entries open. Entry for the Dungarvan Triathlon 2015 will be on-line only through www.triathlonireland.com.

This event filled very quickly last year, so be sure to enter early. The cost for an individual entry is €42.50 and a team €82.50, which includes the on-line handling fee.

Please see www.facebook.com/DungarvanTriathlo n2015 for more information.

We need a lot of help organising the Triathlon on the day itself and as happened last year, we will increase the number of members allowed participate in the event. This was agreed by vote at the club AGM in December. The criteria for members to enter are as follows: Any new 2015 club members; Any member, who has not completed a Triathlon yet; Any 2014 club member who joined AFTER the 2014 Dungarvan Triathlon For any paid up 2015 members who do not meet the above criteria, and who wish to race the Dungarvan

Tri, we will draw 20 names out of a hat and they will be eligible to enter.

MEMBERSHIP DUE Membership for Tried & Tested TC is open through the Triathlon Ireland website, so now you can pay for your Race Licence and Club membership on line. Club membership remains at €20.00 and you may choose which type of TI membership suits you. You need a minimum of a Non Racing TI licence (€20.00) to join and train with a club, for insurance purposes, but you will need to purchase a One Day Licence (ODL €20.00) for any race you compete in. A Racing Licence (€58.00) will cover you for training with the club and participation in any TI sanctioned race without having to purchase an ODL. Club members doing 3 events per year will pay €20 (Non Racing membership) + €60 (ODL's) = €80 - Race Licence Membership is €58 per year and unlimited number of races.

Membership needs to be paid as soon as possible if you wish to enter the draw for entry into the Dungarvan Tri. Also Martin Kirwan from Focus on Fitness has been scheduled to provide a coaching session on running on Sunday, February 15th.

This will be funded by the club and will only be open to 2015 members. More details on this training will be sent to members directly.

CLUB DUATHLON To kick-start the season

we plan to hold a club Duathlon on Sunday, March 8th. This will be open to members only. South Coast Tri Club in Youghal hope to join us and will host a similar event to which we will be invited. More details anon.

In preparation for this Duathlon, our first club Brick session is scheduled for Sunday, February 22nd at 9.30 am in Clonea. As in previous years we will do a 2025km cycle followed by a 6km run. It’s a great way to get the legs used to transitioning from the bike to the run.

JOHN TREACY DUNGARVAN 10 Congratulations to our friends in West Waterford Athletics Club on organising a super event on Sunday last.

Even the weather gods were on their side! Many from the Tri Club ran the 10 mile race and many of those that didn’t were on marshal duty.

Special mention to Mark Cliffe and Martin Stevenson who paced the 75 min and 90 min respectively. Well done to everyone on a great race.

CLUB INFORMATION/ OPEN NIGHT Tried & Tested will hold an Information/Open Night upstairs in Merry’s on February 17th from 7.30-8.30 pm. This night is open to all who are interested in Triathlon, whether as club members or those who would like to participate in the Club’s Dungarvan Triathlon on June 20th next.

Cunnigar Pitch & Putt Club Action from the Under 12 Saturday morning training session at the club's grounds. the breakaway from their own half and after a little pressure, opened the scoring taking a 5 nil lead. Dungarvan responded well scoring probably the bestworked try of the game, finished off by Blake Blakeley after some fine interplay and off loading.

Neil converted and Dungarvan led 7-5. Shortly before half-time after some bad decision-making, we let Midleton get possession in the Dungarvan half and a penalty followed. Midleton seized their chance and led 8-7 at halftime.

Turning round at half-time with the wind at our backs, a one-point deficit seemed easy enough to claw back. We started poorly giving away easy ball and again Midleton scored, now stretching their lead to 13-7. As always with this Dungarvan team it seems once the chips are down they get back into action and a fine try by Daniel brought us right back into the game 13-12.

It was now becoming a very exciting game, one or two chances went a begging.

Midleton once again responded and scored another try to stretch their lead 18-12, still one full score apart.

Dungarvan after strong words from Coach Liam responded in fine style and scored what was to be the decisive try by Tomas Shaw Hamilton, who had the presence of mind to get as close to the posts as possible, making the kick that little bit easier.

Dungarvan converted and took the lead for the first time in the game 19-18. This was the way it was to stay despite some nervy moments till the end.

So, a first win with two games to go. A win from either of those games will guarantee a quarter-final spot.

Next match away to Newcastlewest on Saturday 7th. Thanks again to all the helpers in the kitchen helping make Midleton welcome.

16's The Dungarvan Under 16's played Clanwilliam in the East Munster Development League at the Tipperary venue last weekend, coming away with a 25-5 win.

The opening score came after 9 minutes when out half Fionn Gibson-Kiely sniped inside, broke the tackle and sprinted under the post. The try was converted by Jack Kiely to put Dungarvan into a 7-0

lead.

Dungarvan spread the ball really well and should have scored at least one more try, being held up over the line. A penalty was all they added to the score board despite their opening half dominance.

Dungarvan added a further two tries from Paul Lannen and Shane Ahearne in the second half.

Leading 20-0 at this stage, try of game was scored in the final minutes of the game by Brendan Cullinan, who took ball on the left wing on his own 22, broke two tackles and outpaced the Clanwilliam back line but still had to stretch to make the touchdown. The hosts had a consolation try in the dying minutes of the game.

NIAMH BRIGGS The club would like to congratulate Niamh Briggs on winning the Park Hotel Supreme Sports Star award for 2014, retaining the top award for another year.

We would also like to congratulate our former player on being named captain of the Irish team. It is a huge honour for the club and we wish her all the best in the upcoming 6 Nations which starts next weekend in Italy.

QUIZ NIGHT Our annual Quiz Night will be on 19th February at Dillon’s Bar at 8.30 p.m. It will be a table of 4 each to pay €5. There will be a raffle and an auction on the night. So keep the date free and we'll see you there.

MAJOR FIXTURES FOR THE COMING YEAR Ladies National Day – April 18th.

Cunnigar Scratch Cup – May 9th.

County Board Strokeplay – May 24th – 10.00 a.m.

President’s Day (Patsy Hackett) – June 14th.

All-Ireland Gent’s Strokeplay – July 25th + 26th.

Butchers Block – August 8th.

So everyone get practising.

PUBS LEAGUE This was a huge success last year and it will be starting again in April. Posters will be around the pubs soon. The names are to be in for 9th April and the draw will take place on the 10th April. So get your teams ready for this great fun game.

CLUB DAY OUT Weather permitting we will be having our club’s day out on March 7th to Fermoy. Car pool at the club at 9.30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY TOURNAMENTS Names to be in for 10.00 a.m. Tee off 10.30 a.m. No game.

SATURDAY TOURNAMENT Names to be in by 1.00 p.m. Tee-off 1.30 p.m.

Nett: Evelyn Torrens, Aiden O'Rourke.

Gross: Kathleen Foran, Patsy Hackett.

From now on with Saturday games please note: The inexperienced player on each team will now mark the card (this is to get used to marking cards).

HOLE IN ONE Last year we held a Hole in One competition, so will continue with a prize for the most hole in ones during the club competition season this year as it proved very popular. To date Patsy Hackett has the first one of this year.

BONUS NUMBER Bonus number this week is 45. No winner this week.

COMMITTEE MEETING Our next committee meeting is on 5th February at 7.00 p.m.

DID YOU KNOW? Pitching – Place the clubhead behind the ball. Keep both arms straight, pull elbows close together. Your feet should be about shoulder width apart. Flex the knees a little, your weight should be on the left foot. Use your hips and knees as well as your arms and shoulders. Keeping your eyes on the back of the ball, the hands and arms swing the club down the ball on the same line as the backswing, with your right arm close to the body.

Accelerate through the ball at impact to a high follow through. Your weight will transfer smoothly from right to left.

MEMBERSHIP FEES Membership fees are now due for the year 2015, the clubhouse will be open between 1.30–3 p.m. if anyone wants to pay.

Adults €80; Family €150; Over 60s €50; Juveniles €45; Life Members €30.

Club jumpers, tee shirts and caps and gloves are for sale in clubhouse.