carlowpeople highest, most frequent readership in carlow
.ie .ie t: 059 914 1877
November 19, 2019 December 28, 2021
FREE
12,000 copies
FREE
www.carlowpeople.ie t: 059 914 1877 www.carlowpeople.ie
02
December 28, 2021
carlowpeople highest, most frequent readership in carlow
.ie .ie t: 059 914 1877
November 19, 2019
FREE
December 28, 2021
12,000 copies
€100 for everyone as fuel bills rocket EACH household in Carlow will get €100 deducted automatically from their electricity bill in a one-off scheme by the Government to try and ease the financial burden of rising energy prices. The total cost is estimated to come in at €170m. The credit will cover the first two months of next year and will be deducted from household bills in February or March and will not be means-tested.
According to figures released by the Central Statistics Office, electricity, gas and other fuels are up 29% on an annual basis. Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe said the Government is working on a number of options to try to ease the burden of rising living and energy costs for people. “What’s really important is that we can do something that is fast,” he said. Mr Donohoe said targeted
measures, including changes in the tax and the social welfare system, have been made to assist people with rising costs all year long. He said resources are concentrated where they are needed most, but that the price of energy is one issue that will affect everyone. However, Social Justice Ireland (SJI) claimed the move was largely symbolic, as hardpressed households were faced
with growing cost of living expenses all round. SJI’s Michelle Murphy said: “€100 on an electricity bill is a gimmick when you consider a year of price increases with no corresponding increases in welfare,” she said. “For those in arrears, €100 means next to nothing.” In response, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said the Government was very conscious of rising bills.
FREE
www.carlowpeople.ie t: 059 914 1877 www.carlowpeople.ie
Robbie and Claudine Keane at the Mater Hospital as they presented the funds raised from their ‘Our Hospital Heros appeal’ which raised €371,604.72. Pic: Brian McEvoy
COVID-19 Vaccines
You should get a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose if it’s been 5 months since your last COVID-19 vaccine and you are: • aged 50+ • a healthcare worker • aged 16+ with a high risk condition
50+
#ForUsAll
COVID-19 cases in the community are high. It is very important to get your COVID-19 vaccine booster when it is due. Without a booster, you are more at risk of serious illness if you get COVID-19.
When should I get my booster? You need to wait at least 5 months after your last vaccine dose. If you had the Janssen vaccine, you need to wait at least 3 months but you may need to wait longer.
How will I get my booster dose? If you’re in one of these groups: • Go to a walk-in vaccination clinic. Visit hse.ie/covid19vaccine for clinic times and locations. • You’ll get an appointment by text message from the HSE. If it doesn’t suit you can reschedule or go to a walk-in clinic. • Contact a participating pharmacy or GP. Visit hse.ie/covid19vaccine for a list of pharmacies in your area.
For more information visit hse.ie or freephone 1800 700 700
Walk-in clinics from December 20th HSE Vaccination Centres will be running extra walk-in clinics during the week of December 20th. Get your vaccine wrapped up before Christmas, and check hse.ie or HSE social media for clinic times and updates.
04|
December 28, 2021
December 28, 2021
| 05
06 |
December 28, 2021
Dogs Trust gets 2,155 Teen spending sprees online calls to house new pets rise by 184% DOGS Trust, Ireland’s largest dog welfare charity, has revealed that they received 2,155 requests in 2021 from members of the public asking the charity to take their dogs in for rehoming. This is an 82% increase on 2020, when dogs were in huge demand. The most common reason provided for people wanting to relinquish their dog was due to behavioural issues. The charity is particularly concerned since the beginning of the pandemic, when the demand for dogs saw prices soar into the thousands for puppies being sold online. These concerns always rise at this time of year, when people have bought new dogs at Christmas and are struggling to cope within a matter of days. Ciara Byrne, Head of Communications at Dogs Trust Ireland explains: “Sadly, this is the most lucrative time of year for puppy farmers, and we know genuine dog lovers don’t want to fuel this vile trade. “It’s not just the puppy that you buy that’s affected, it’s the
Leah Quish (9) at the launch of Round Up for Ronald McDonald House in Crumlin Hospital. Pic: Andres Poveda 16-week-old crossbreed puppies who were surrendered to Dogs Trust Ireland at before Christmas.
parents of the puppies that are left behind in often appalling conditions that suffer the most and that’s why we launched our End Puppy Farming campaign in November. “We want to show that the public wants to see an end to the
horrors these poor dogs endure daily, all in the name of profit.” This year alone, Dogs Trust cared for 130 victims of illegal puppy farming. The dogs were described by the charity’s veterinary and behaviour teams as ‘terrified’ of human contact.
Dogs Trust are directing people who want to buy a dog or puppy this year to go to: www.PetBond.ie which is run by a team of vets. For more information, or to sponsor a dog, go to: DogsTrust. ie/EndPuppyFarming
A RISE in spending online among teens has prompted a warning to parents as credit and debit cards come out once more to pay for the extravagant Christmas spending spree. It comes as spending online in the lead-up to Black Friday in November soared 184% among teens, with a 40% increase in online spending recorded among 18-25-yearolds, leading to fears the trend will be repeated over Christmas. Advising online shoppers, Edel McDermott, Head of Fraud at Bank of Ireland said: “Irish consumers are clearly spending more money in 2021 than for the same period in 2020 and a significant proportion of this is being spent online. “This increase in online transactions has multiplied opportunities for fraud,” she added. And with a warning aimed at parents, Ms McDermott advised them to “check in with teens and younger
members of their household” to ensure they are shopping online securely and that their spending is being monitored closely. “Not only are people at risk from things like fake websites and links to bogus offers, they are also particularly busy and distracted at this time of year,” she said. “This is a dangerous combo, meaning consumers may be more likely to let their guard down,” she said. “There has been no let-up in the alarming increase in ‘smishing’ (fraudulent text) attempts we have witnessed this year.” It is unfortunately very simple for fraudsters to ensure that their texts land alongside genuine texts. If they use a sender ID like ‘BOI’, your phone assumes that the text is coming from the same place that used that ID before. This is not something that banks – or other companies and service providers – have any control over.
| 07
December 28, 2021
Think before you sink the dinner fat
Chef Kevin Dundon goes in for the big clean-up
IF, like so many of us, you are only now getting to all that washing-up — the roasting dishes, pots, pans and the myriad unknowns hiding under the foil — then pause for a moment and consider what you are going to do with all that fat and grease. While the temptation is there to lash it into the sink and hope for the best, Ireland’s wellknown chefs, including Kevin Dundon, is asking you to ‘Think Before You Pour’ — and we’re not talking about the beer and wine here. Fats, oils and greases may seem like liquid when poured, but they cool and harden as they
travel along the pipes and can cause blockages in the sewage system. When combined with other waste they can build up to form fatbergs and the results are catastrophic. Kevin offers the following advice before you go in for the clean. “My best advice is, using kitchen paper, scrape the setting fat into a container and dispose of the fat in the general bin. “It is a simple step that the family can do at home and help keep our pipes clearer. So this Christmas, use as much butter and cream in your recipes as desired and Think Before You Pour!”
42% of us say mental health hit in pandemic
A NEW survey has shone a light into the dark places that the pandemic has reached — our mental health. Some 42% said that their mental health had disimproved since the pandemic and mental health charity Aware has confirmed that more than one million people accessed its website and social channels last year for information and support. Almost half (48%) of people in Ireland are feeling nervous socialising, 38% are exercising less and 43% are eating more, according to new research by Aware, which looked at the impact of the pandemic on physical and mental wellbeing. The charity answered more than 27,000 calls, many from people who were experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time. Leading clinical psychologist, Dr Eddie Murphy, said: “We’ve been living with the pandemic for almost two years, which is a very long time, and our coping mechanisms are suffering from prolonged wear and tear.” For support and more information: www.aware.ie
ARE YOU CURRENTLY IN RECEIPT OF
PUP PREPARING TO RETURN TO WORK IN 2022 WOULD LIKE TO LEARN ABOUT OPTIONS FOR FURTHER EDUCATION & TRAINING WITH KILKENNY AND CARLOW ETB? COURSE FULL TIME COURSE PART TIME EMPLOYMENT FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT
WHY NOT CONTACT KILKENNY AND CARLOW ETB’S ADULT GUIDANCE SERVICE! This is a free, confidential and impartial service for adults, where you can make an appointment to meet with an Adult Guidance Counsellor
E TIM T RT MEN A P OY PL EM
E TIM E RT URS A P CO
E IM L T RSE L FU COU
E TIM T LL EN U M F OY PL EM
Further Education and Training with Kilkenny and Carlow ETB can put you on a pathway to wherever you want to go, in education, in work and in life.
LIVING IN CARLOW:
059 913 3123
LIVING IN KILKENNY:
056 776 4448
Check out our social media platforms: KCETBfet
KCETBfet
Có-mhaoinithe ag an European Aontas Eorpach Union Investing inby your Co-funded thefuture European Social Fund European Union
A number of programmes are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union
08 |
December 28, 2021
December 28, 2021
| 09
10 |
December 28, 2021
opinion&comment
I’ll make my New Year move when I find this wonderful land
S
omewhere over the rainbow is a land called Other Jurisdictions. I can’t find it on the map and my satnav is no help, but I intend to keep looking, for it is a wonderful place. Everything in Other Jurisdictions works better than in Ireland, according to some industry representatives, many media commentators and all Sinn Féin spokespersons. The Covid pandemic has been handled much better in Other Jurisdictions. So obviously this outstanding land can’t be in Austria where the government felt obliged to make vaccination mandatory. Or in France where new curfews have been imposed in some cities and very tight restrictions introduced at airports. Covid restrictions are far less severe in Other Jurisdictions, unlike Ireland where the Gov-
Michael Wolsey
ernment, out of pure spite, has decided to destroy the hospitality industry, ruin the life of
entertainers and spoil sport for everyone. So clearly Other Jurisdictions can’t be in Wales where the regional government has ordained that sports events must take place behind closed doors, or in Scotland where Nicola Sturgeon canceled the celebrations for Hogmanay, Scotland’s booziest, grooviest night of the year. But everyone knows why they have handled the pandemic so well in Other Jurisdictions. It’s because their health system is so much better than the poor old HSE. In which case Other Jurisdictions can’t be in Italy where, at one stage, they were treating patients in the car parks of overflowing hospitals. Or in Australia, where the biggest city was sealed off for most of 2021 because its intensive care wards were full. The thing is, they plan everything so much better in Other Jurisdictions. When they make
a decision they stick to it. So obviously Other Jurisdictions can’t be in Sweden where they originally planned to have no Covid restrictions at all but have now introduced rules that are much the same as Ireland’s. Or in neighbouring Denmark,which had announced an end to all Covid curbs but has now closed concert halls, theatres, cinemas, museums, galleries, community centres, zoos, casinos and amusement parks . And you can’t buy alcohol there after 10pm, not even to take away. If you think Other Jurisdictions might be located north of the border, think again. In Northern Ireland, where Sinn Féin is in government, the infection rate has been running at two to three times that of the Republic. The Executive has reluctantly introduced rules similar to those that apply here and may tighten them when they work out what Boris Johnson is doing in England. They could
be waiting a while. In the meantime my hunt for Other Jurisdictions will continue. In that great land they drink less, exercise more and eat better than us poor slobs in Ireland. Their schools are better run, their transport more sustainable, nobody is homeless and people are dancing in the streets, not sleeping on them. But here’s an amazing thing. The United Nations has conducted a survey of 189 countries and decided that Ireland is the world’s second best place to make your home. The UN Human Index report ranked Ireland Very High for quality of life, just ahead of Switzerland, Iceland and Germany. The index is measured by health, education and income. Yes, health. In Ireland life expectancy, for anyone born now, is 82.3 years. The chart topper here is Hong Kong with a life expectancy of 84.9 years. It’s the time of year for such
01 2043600
January - Evening Courses
Courses will start on Monday Evening, 17th of January 2022
international stock taking. So here’s another list to ponder. Ireland has been named ‘Best Good Country in the World’ by the Good Country Index which says we have made the greatest contribution to humanity and the planet. The survey ranked 125 countries by combining 35 separate indicators from the United Nations, the World Bank and other international institutions. Ireland topped the league. The UK came seventh. Other Jurisdictions didn’t get a look-in. But surely it must have made that UN table? If Ireland came second, good old OJ must be top of that one. So is my search over? Can I now start packing for my move to Other Jurisdictions? Sadly, no. According to the UN Human Index, the best country in the world is Norway. The hunt for Other Jurisdictions continues. With luck I may have found it by this time next year.
| 11
December 28, 2021
WILDLIFE
ninenottomiss
Santa’s Little Messengers
history of the week
with Justin Ivory
A Christmas card from 1934 (National Museums Liverpool, accession number 1976.561) Did you ever wonder why there seems to be so many Robins about this time of year and why they are always singing? Well they are Santa’s little messengers and they are singing all the information back to him about how well (or otherwise!) the boys and girls are behaving. About two weeks ago my daughter was reminiscing about all this, how when she was younger and the magic of Santa was still working for her and how she had to be on her best behaviour as the robins seemed to be everywhere watching her and her brother! The association of Robins with Christmas really goes back to Victorian times when the sending of Christmas cards started in 1843, the brainchild of a civil servant, Sir Henry Cole. The postmen of the day wore bright red coats and became known as ‘Robins’ or ‘Redbreasts’. In no time at all Christmas cards started depicting Robins delivering the post to houses! There are also many traditions and stories linking Robins to the Christian faith. It is said a small brown bird tried to keep the baby Jesus warm as he lay in a manger by fanning the flames of a fire with its wings. Some embers from the fire scorched the breast of the bird turning it red for evermore, and thus Robins as we know them were created! Another story tells how a Robin went to comfort Jesus on the cross by singing gently in his ear. He cut himself on a thorn on Jesus’ head and his breast got stained red. As a reminder of that good deed all Robins since have had a red breast. Another variation of this is that the Robin plucked a thorn out of Jesus’ head and got stained with his blood. Whatever your beliefs or traditions, I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas.
Robin (Photo Justin Ivory)
book of the week
HOROSCOPES
movie of the week
beyond 2022 www.beyond2022.ie
One Day at a Time Diary 2022 Abby Wynne
the 355 Cinemas Nationwide from January
Beyond 2022 is an all-island and international collaborative research project working to create a virtual reconstruction of the Public Record Office of Ireland, which was destroyed in the Civil War on June 30th, 1922. The ‘Record Treasury’ at the Public Record Office of Ireland stored seven centuries of Irish records dating back to the time of the Normans and what was lost in that terrible fire one hundred years ago is now being brought online in time for the centenary of the Four Courts blaze on June 30th, 2022. In the meantime, have a look at the progress and discover more about the fascinating project.
ABBY Wynne’s One Day at a Time Diary 2022 is both a practical diary that provides space to write down your stuff, and an inspirational workbook that is filled with uplifting affirmations and space to journal your thoughts and emotions. Drawing on information from astrologers, the diary will support you through the energy shifts of the coming year through monthly themes, exercises and affirmations, if that’s your bag. And why not? This diary provides the tools and support to enable you to slow down, step out of time and reconnect for the year ahead.
THE world is in trouble. A deadly weapon has fallen into the wrong hands! Mercenary hands! The world needs to be saved! We’ve heard it all before! Well, kind of. Move out of the way Bond, Men from UNCLE, Kingsmen etc etc, this time around it’s up to a female CIA agent to pair up with other international agents to save the world and recruit some top female leads. Jessica Chastain first proposed the idea for a female-led spy film back in 2018 and she stars alongside Marion Cotillard, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, Fan Bingbing and Lupita Nyong’o. There is one bloke in it, Edgar Ramirez, but quite what he’s doing there is anyone’s guess.
season of the week
music of the week
charity of the week
AriesYou’re especially popular for the next month Group activities go well. Get out in public. Social activities benefit your career. TaurusTake on more responsibility. Watch for opportunities to advance your career. Assume authority. It’s easier to advance your agenda. GeminiTravel entices over the coming month. It’s easier to venture forth now. Set study goals. Explore and discover fresh terrain. CancerFeed the family kitty. This month is good for saving money. Review numbers. Increase your assets with organization and attention. LeoYou love learning. You’re especially clever and creative with communications. Write, record and express your views.
talking depression janssenwithme.ie
ozarks season 4 Netflix (January 21)
rte choice music prize www.choicemusicprize.ie
THE Byrdes family journey — what’s left of it — is coming to an end in 2022 with the first half of the two-part final season arriving in January. If you haven’t watched it yet, then you have the chance to catch up early in the new year and we highly recommend you do — especially if you thought you’d had a dysfunctional family Christmas. Bet you didn’t get involved in laundering drug money for a Mexican cartel? We’ve followed the family all the way, and every season they’ve dug themselves deeper and deeper into the hole they’ve dug for themselves, so here’s to seeing just how deep that hole really is.
THE RTÉ Choice Music Prize will return in 2022 as one of the music industry’s biggest nights, will be back in Vicar St on Thursday 3rd March and celebrated in an exclusive live broadcast on RTÉ 2FM, along with a TV-special on RTÉ2 later that month. The Choice Music Prize key dates include: Irish Album of the Year 2021 Shortlist Announcement – Wednesday 5th January; Irish Song of the Year 2021 Shortlist Announcement, Wednesday 26th January. Both the Irish Album and Song of the Year 2021 will be announced live in Vicar St. (Pictured is last year’s winner, Denise Chaila)
FORMER Waterford hurler Maurice Shanahan and Dublin Ladies Senior Footballer Nicole Owens are lending their support to Talking Depression, a new campaign to encourage open conversations as new research reveals that almost half of Irish adults (47%) do not feel equipped to have a conversation with a family member or friend who they suspect may be experiencing a mental illness, despite almost two thirds (62%) having more empathy towards mental illnesses, such as depression, compared with before the pandemic. The campaign is in tandem with a new book, The Little Book of Big Conversations.
album of the week
stream of the week
website of the week
VirgoThings could get lucrative. Your health, work and fitness blossom. Energize your performance. Infuse love into your labors. LibraYou’re especially lucky in love with Venus in Aquarius. Artistic efforts sparkle. Practice skills, talents and hobbies. Give in to romance. ScorpioMake your home your love nest. Enjoy domestic arts, crafts and projects. Focus on home and family. Make household improvements. Sagittarius-
Communication is key. Partnerships flower. Compromise comes easier. Share your heart, passions and commitments. CapricornHarvest windfall apples. Gather new income. Enjoy a profitable phase. Discover a professional highperformance zone.
kiefer sutherland Bloor Street AH, here, hang on a minute now, is this your man? ... from 24? Jack Bauer? Indeed it is ... So what’s he doing making an album then... Well, he has made two albums actually, country and Americana sort of vibe. This album was produced and mixed by the multiple Grammy Award winner Chris Lord-Alge (Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood) ... you don’t say, anything else ... Well, to promote it, Kiefer is heading out on a major European tour ... Cool! Coming to Ireland then? ... Em, no. No? So what are we giving him a plug for? Cos he’s Jack Bauer.
the tender bar Amazon Prime January 7th
the world in 2022 www.economist.com/the-world-ahead-2022
STARRING Ben Affleck, Lily Rabe, Tye Sheridan and Christopher Lloyd, The Tender Bar is about a neighbourhood pub in Manhasset, Long Island which becomes a second home for a fatherless boy. Directed by George Clooney, it follows JR, whose father disappeared from his life before he was old enough to speak, and he moves into his grandfather’s dilapidated house after he and his mother once again hit hard times only to discover friends in a local bar. You do worry that Affleck has done a lot of boozy movies of late, but this is a little gem.
So if you’ve had too much pudding and gin and beer and wine and chocolate . . . the last thing you need is a heavy dose of politics and grim predictions for 2022, right? Wrong. Roll up to your desk, grab your phone or one of the kids’ new tablets and have a little gander on this authority’s predictions for the year ahead. And actually, there is much to cheer about. Vaccines will get better and Covid will weaken; Brazil’s election offers hope for the rainforest; hybrid work is on the up; world poverty will fall; and Donald Trump is coming back.
AquariusYou’re in the love light with Venus in your sign. Your charm and charisma shine. Upgrade your personal presentation. Get stylish. Step onstage and smile. PiscesSavor peaceful privacy. Pursue your own thoughts and dreams with Venus in Aquarius. Nature soothes your spirit. Connect with your passion and compassion.
12 |
Watch the waste this Christmas
IT seems our attitudes are changing towards recycling and shopping over the festive season. New research reveals that gift-giving still remains popular, as 25% will buy between 10-15 gifts this Christmas and 49% will spend €300 or less — a 16% increase on spending compared to 2022. Over half (54%) are doing most of their Christmas shopping online, with 69% citing the ability to avoid busy, crowded stores as the reason. But 57% of those polled have concerns over the green credentials of the retailers they purchase from and whether they have any sustainability programmes in place. We are expecting to generate 95,000 tonnes of packaging waste this Christmas, so not only is Christmas the most wonderful time of the year, it’s the time when recycling bins are at their fullest. The survey showed 65% of people will shop local, and by shopping with a Repak Member, consumers can feel assured they are purchasing from retailers who are helping to protect the environment. To find out more about Repak Members, visit: www.repak.ie/members/list
December 28, 2021
Make it your GOAL to run a mile in December Rugby international Luke Fitzgerald warms up for his GOAL mile;
IRISH rugby international, Luke Fitzgerald; Irish hockey international, Roisin Upton; Olympian, Ciara Mageean; and former Inter-County manager and player, Stephen Rochford, are among the stars urging the people of Waterford to step up together and take part in the GOAL Mile this Christmas season. For over 40 years, the GOAL Mile has seen tens of thousands of people run or
walk a mile to raise funds for GOAL to enable its work supporting vulnerable communities in 14 countries across the globe. You can take part in the GOAL Mile in a number of different ways, be it in one of the more than 150 GOAL Mile events being organised in Ireland, or by completing a mile in any place, at any time, during the month of December.
In support of GOAL’s efforts to get more people than ever to complete the GOAL Mile, partner AIB will be installing a number of start lines around the country in the lead up to Christmas. You can visit www.goalmile.org to register your participation, sign-up to organise a new event, or pledge to take the 2,000 steps at any time throughout the month of December.
You’re not ALONE this year
ALONE, the charity that offers help and support to the elderly, has said that a national support line and additional supports have been made available for older people over Christmas who have general concerns, or are facing difficulties relating to Covid-19. If you, or someone you know, needs support this Christmas, the charity helpline is available, seven days a week, until 8.00pm. ALONE operates 365 days a year so the charity has advised there will always be someone there to take your call when you need assistance. This year, to date, the ALONE National Support Line has received in excess of 19,000 calls for support from vulnerable older people from all over the country, who need support, advice, or sometimes just reassurance. Support issues ranged across the areas of help and befriending, security, home care, housing and even financial and legal assistance. To contact the helpline, you can phone: 0818222024. For more information on ALONE’s services and work, please visit www.alone.ie
Stay safe as 52 homes ravaged by fires in the county
Fire fighters in Carlow were called out to a total of 52 fires in 2020, prompting calls to check fire alarms in the home. The startling figures come from Government sources which were last updated in September, 2021. And although the advice is to test smoke alarms weekly and carbon monoxide detectors once a month, many Irish households don’t check either of these even once a year. This is according to a new survey from Peopl.ie, provider of home and life insurance, which found that 38% of households haven’t checked their smoke alarm in over a year — if ever, The insurer is urging people throughout Carlow to take five minutes out of their day to run a few checks that could prevent a Christmas or New Year catastrophe — particularly as many of us will be using our gas boilers extensively over the winter period, and Christmas lights and candles commonplace over the holidays. The survey reveals that while 4% of households don’t have a smoke alarm, as many as 22% don’t have a carbon monoxide detector. Commenting on the findings, Paul Walsh, CEO of Peopl Insurance said: “Christmas lights, candles, late nights, and lots of cooking — all ingredients for the fun festivities most Irish
households enjoy this time of year. However, without wanting to sound too like the prophet of doom, they can be also a recipe for disaster in some homes. “In 2020, there were over 5,000 fires attended by the fire brigade in homes around the country — with 52 of these in Co Carlow alone. Chimney fires and hot ashes, electrical issues, cooking and heating appliances, and smoking materials were all primary causes. “People do not always appreciate how quickly a fire can start and how they can become disorientated with the volume of smoke, even from a small fire. If someone is asleep in a room where a fire starts, the chances of coming out of it are very slim without a working smoke alarm. It’s all very well to have a smoke alarm installed but if it’s not working properly, it will not protect you or your family. Mr. Walsh continued: “Carbon monoxide exposure presents a range of dangerous health risks, even death, so it’s startling to find that 22% of people don’t have a monitor or alarm for this gas in their home, and that 4% don’t even know what one is. Six people die in Ireland each year as a result of unintentional poisoning, I think if people knew this, most would see the absolute need for a detector in their home.”
Childline here for every Carlow child
CHILDLINE volunteers are putting the message out that they are on hand every day of the Christmas holiday period to ensure every child and young person in Carlow has somewhere they can turn. Topics children and young people speak about most often with Childline at Christmas include loneliness, anxiety, strains in family relationships, bereavement, bullying and more. Any child or young person
in Carlow, or across Ireland, can contact Childline for free at any time of the day or night, to talk about any issue which might be on their mind. Volunteers ensure each child they will not be judged and they can get in touch in absolute confidence. The service can be reached in the following ways: Chat online: Childline.ie Call: 1800 66 66 66 Text: 50101
| 13
December 28, 2021
Tributes poor Public house gets €2,000 in for ‘much fine for gas tampering loved’ Eric
Tributes have come in after a ‘well-loved’ young Carlow boy died unexpectedly recently. Eric Ene (pictured) tragically passed away at St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny, just before Christmas. He is survived by his ‘heartbroken’ parents Adrian and Doina. The Graigecullen community has been left in mourning after the sad death. His local Educate Together school wrote: “Our school community was devastated to hear of the death of Eric Ene, a pupil in Gillian’s Junior Infant Class. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Eric’s parents and grandparents and extended family at this very difficult time. “Eric was a much-loved student in Junior Infants, both by his teacher, classmates and wider school community.
Listen to your gut and stay hydrated
SO you’ve just managed to squeeze in that bit of pudding and are crawling on all fours towards the couch, wondering where the sprightly Christmas you has gone. There is a scientific explantation behind the ‘Christmas Dinner Coma’, and it involves an increase in blood flow to the gut as part of the digestive process, with an associated drop in blood pressure, hence that sleepy feeling. Consultant Gastroenterologist Dr Deirdre O’Donovan said our energy levels are affected by our gut health and while a nap is fine, the concern is the failure to spot an underlying condition. Her advice is to watch your ‘gut health’ over the Christmas period, watch stress levels and hydrate. “It’s been a tough year for everyone,” she says. “It’s easy to drink too much alcohol over Christmas, which can harm the lining of the gut and the balance of bacteria. Staying well hydrated with water can reduce some of this negative effect.” She also recommends getting a good night’s sleep, reducing alcohol and caffeine . . . you heard it!
“We have been inundated by thoughtful messages of condolence and news of his death has had a huge impact on all of us.” O’Hanrahan’s GAA club wrote: “Eric was a member of our young Blues nursery squad and part of the under 7 team. “He was a joy to coach and was hugely popular with his team mates. His sense of fun and friendship shone through at every session.” Friends and family members also took to RIP.ie to pay tributes to the young boy. One wrote: “I saw him most mornings arriving on the bus to school and he was always happy and smiling. His was often talked about by my daughter... he will be sorely missed.” Another said: “Eric will be remembered as a joyful boy full of energy and joy in life.”
GAS Networks Ireland has welcomed the verdict in a case relating to the unlawful interference with a gas supply at a public house, with an address at Court Place, in Carlow. On December 7, 2021, Billy Idol Limited, trading as The Irishman’s, was convicted at Carlow District Court under Section 15 of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 on charges of unlawful interference with a gas supply. The court heard that Gas Networks Ireland had carried out an investigation at the property in December 2020 and found that there was an unauthorised gas connection at the rear of the property. A gas heater was found to be unlawfully connected to the gas supply without a gas meter or regulator. Following the evidence given by Gas Networks Ireland in court, a guilty plea was entered on behalf of Billy Idol Limited. Billy Idol Limited was convicted under section 15(2), 15(3) and 15(6) of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1995 as amended by Section 5
Lidl Dashers raise €3,220 for charity
Lidl Carlow customer Roksana Witaszek with husband Lukas and son Gabriel. OVER €3,220 has been raised by Lidl Carlow’s ‘Trolley Dash’ in support of charity partner JIGSAW, the national centre for youth mental health. Lidl Carlow customer Roksana Witaszek managed to grab over €350 worth of goodies making for a Merry Lidl Christmas. The fundraising initiative, now in its 7th year, raised over €280,000 across all of Lidl Ireland’s stores. For two weeks annually in November, Trolley Dash tickets were sold in Lidl stores for just €1 each, offering customers the chance to win a supermarket sweep style dash around their local nearest Lidl store. Since its inauguration in 2014
the festive fundraiser has raised over €2m. Speaking about the success of this year’s Trolley Dash, Lidl Ireland Head of CSR, Owen Keogh, said: “It’s an incredible milestone to have raised over €280,000 in this year’s Trolley Dash, it’s a fun and festive way to mobilise efforts in support of a super charity. With restrictions over the past two years, looking after local community’s big and small is more important than ever. “The team at Lidl Ireland are heartened by the generosity and that so many customers wanted to contribute to a cause that has a real impact for those looking for support in times of need.”
Brendan O’Carroll and his wife Jenny at the launch of the Mrs. Brown’s Boys Pic: Chris Bellew /Fennell Photography of the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2012. A fine was imposed of €2,000 in respect of the offence under section 15 (2), the dishonest use or diversion of gas, with six months to pay. The judge noted that the prosecution was warranted due to the safety risk the lack of a gas regulator posed and the
significant hazard the heater presented given its proximity to customers. Gas Networks Ireland’s Networks Safety Manager, Owen Wilson, said: “This verdict sends out an important message to the public that unlawful interference of a gas supply is a serious crime with potentially
deadly consequences. “Fraud is a very serious issue, but far more serious is the risk to life that meter tampering and unlawful interference of a gas supply poses to the perpetrator and to people nearby,” he said. “We are working to end these unlawful and dangerous activities,” he added.
14 |
December 28, 2021
| 15
December 28, 2021
We take a look back at extracts from old newspapers to see what was in the news this month in years gone by
Freemans Jrn 15/12/1840
Irish Ind 13/12/1938
Irish Press 28/12/1963
Irish Ind 23/12/1921
Evening Press 31/12/1979
16 |
carlowpeople.ie December 28, 2021
opinion&comment
We will get through this
I
t has by any stretch of the imagination been an extremely challenging year for everyone. We were making real and tangible progress in bringing down the Delta variant when Omicron came charging in and ripped up the rule book. This new form of the virus is spreading faster than anything we have seen before becoming the dominant strain within a couple of weeks of first being identified. We had to respond quickly and decisively to reduce the impact of this new variant which was surging through the population. It has unfortunately meant that once again our hospitality industry has borne the brunt of those restrictions. I know businesses across Wicklow are reliant on the supports but the message from the Government has been loud and clear ‘We stand with you’. To date we have supported over 700,000 workers and almost 52,000 businesses but even more outlets, especially
Stephen Donnelly, Minister For Health
in hospitality, will now be able to apply for the new round of supports. The good news is the vaccine rollout is now firing on all cylinders. Shoreline vaccination centre carried out almost 5,000 vaccines over the weekend. To speed up the process we have accepted the medical advice to remove the 15-minute wait time and you can now book online to get your vaccine at Shoreline. The time between your last vaccine or time of infection has
also been substantially reduced. The smooth, efficient rollout of the vaccine at Shoreline is not just down to the excellent HSE staff but also the army of volunteers who have helped make it happen. Nationally, we saw an
astonishing 108,000 vaccines administered in a single day. The combined efforts of the HSE, our GPs and pharmacies means we are now offering the vaccine to the over 40s. We had hoped to administer 1.5 million vaccines by
Christmas, but we are already well past that target as we close in on administering 2 million by the end of the year. Right now, we are second in the EU for over 18s booster uptake which is credit to both the professionalism of our vaccine teams but also a recognition of the immense support of the public. I know people are exhausted and wondering why we are facing another Christmas with restrictions but it’s important to look at the progress we have made. Last year, we were in full lockdown as we saw the health system pushed to the limits with almost 2,000 people in hospital and over 200 seriously sick patients in intensive care. It is simply too early to tell what impact Omicron will have but what we do know is our cases will almost certainly be higher. What is still not clear is how much pressure our health system will come under, but we are doing everything we can to protect it.
While the most vulnerable in our society will have been vaccinated it is still important that we follow the public health guidelines. We all know what needs to be done and so far, we have been amongst the best in the world at keeping each other safe. On a local level as Minister for Health, I’ve made bringing several key health projects to the county a priority including the Rathdrum Primary Care Centre, St Colman’s Residential Care Centre, in Rathdrum and the refurbishment of the former Wicklow Hospital. And next year the Arklow Primary Care Centre is due to open. In total these projects bring over 120 new beds to the county. Now Rathdrum residents will no longer have to travel to Wicklow to receive healthcare. Remember, we will get through this, things will improve but for now we need to keep doing what we have been doing which is looking out for each other.