Kilkenny Today 14 02 2018

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Net loss – gardai have no broadband By Jake Maxwell

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Chloe McHutcheon, Aine Gladney and Rebecca McHutcheon at Gerry Adams’ final event as President of Sinn Féin in the Newpark Hotel. Image by Rue Photography. More pix inside

04| news in brief Lifting the lid on the secrets of success ,) <28¶5( looking for the VHFUHW RI VXFFHVV WKHQ EH VXUH WR DWWHQG &UHDWLQJ 6XFFHVV D PRWLYDWLRQDO WDON LQ WKH +RWHO .LONHQQ\ RQ )HEUXDU\ 6SHDNHUV RQ WKH QLJKW LQFOXGH VROLFLWRU *HUDOG .HDQ IRXQGHU RI 7D[EDFN 7HUU\ &OXQH HQWUHSUHQHXU HQWUHSUHQHXU DQG IRUPHU 79 µ'UDJRQ¶ 6HDQ *DOODJKHU DORQJ ZLWK &(2 RI 6WDWH 6WUHHW &DWKDO 6P\WK DQG 0HW (LUHDQQ¶V (YHO\Q &XVDFN 7KH\ ZLOO GLVFXVV WKHLU journeys to the top of their UHVSHFWLYH ¿HOGV DQG WKH OHVVRQV OHDUQHG DORQJ WKH ZD\ 7LFNHWV FRVW MXVW ¼ DQG DUH DYDLODEOH IURP ZZZ FUHDWLQJVXFFHVV LH

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Have you got what it takes to be the county’s Rose? By Jake Maxwell THE search is on to see who will represent Kilkenny in this year’s Rose of Tralee. The launch of this year’s Kilkenny Rose competition took place in the Ormonde Hotel over the weekend, when would-be entrants got to meet current Kilkenny Rose, Tara Roche, as well as coordinators of the competition. Sixty-seven Roses from around the world will take part in the competition, which promises the winner a ‘Lifetime of Memories’, not to mention an assortment of prizes, including jewellery and homewares as well as €25,000 travel prize fund and use of a new car for the duration of the year. If you know someone you would like to nominate as an applicant all you have to do is download the entry form from the Rose of Tralee website, www.roseoftralee.ie. This year’s Kilkenny Rose is sponsored by MacDongh Junction. The competition will take place at the Ormonde Hotel on April 14. The Rose of Tralee runs from August 17 to August 21.

Number of Civil Defence volunteers plummets By Jake Maxwell

Winner: Current Kilkenny Rose Tara Roche

Schools get €388k for computers By Jake Maxwell 6(9(17< 6,; VFKRROV DFURVV .LONHQQ\ FLW\ DQG FRXQW\ ZLOO UHFHLYH D WRWDO RI ¼ LQ IXQGLQJ IRU FRPSXWHU HTXLSPHQW )LQH *DHO -XQLRU 0LQLVWHU -RKQ 3DXO 3KHODQ 7' KDV FRQ¿UPHG 7KH JUDQW ZKLFK ZLOO EH UHFHLYHG E\ DOO VFKRROV EXLOW SULRU WR LV ZRUWK LQ H[FHVV RI ¼ IRU D SXSLO VFKRRO DQG DOPRVW ¼ IRU D SXSLO VFKRRO DW SULPDU\ OHYHO $W SRVW SULPDU\ OHYHO WKH JUDQW LV ZRUWK DOPRVW ¼ IRU D VWXGHQW VFKRRO DQG RYHU ¼ IRU D VWXGHQW VFKRRO Minsiter Phelan said the fundLQJ FRXOG EH VSHQW RQ GHVNWRS 3&V ODSWRSV WDEOHWV RU K\EULG GHYLFHV 6FKRROV FDQ DOVR SXUFKDVH SURMHFWRUV DQG FORXG EDVHG WRROV DQG VRIWZDUH DSSOLFDWLRQV WR VXSSRUW OHDUQLQJ ³7KLV ZLOO PDNH D KXJH GL൵HUHQFH WR VFKRRO FRPPXQLWLHV DW ERWK SULPDU\ DQG VHFRQGDU\ OHYHO DFURVV .LONHQQ\ DQG ZLOO KHOS HTXLS FKLOGUHQ ZLWK WKH VNLOOV WKH\ QHHG IRU WKH IXWXUH 'LJLWDO WHFKQRORJ\ FDQ WUDQVIRUP WKH ZD\ SHRSOH OHDUQ HQFRXUDJLQJ FXULRVLW\ H[SORUDWLRQ DQG FUHDWLYH WKLQNLQJ ± DELOLWLHV HRSOH ZLOO QHHG LQ WKH IXWXUH ´ KH VDLG

CIVIL DEFENCE in Kilkenny LV XQGHUJRLQJ D VWD൶QJ FULVLV as the number of volunteers in the organisation has more than KDOYHG LQ WKH SDVW ¿YH \HDUV DFFRUGLQJ WR JRYHUQPHQW ¿JXUHV In a response to Sinn Fein’s 'RQQFKDGK 2 /DRJKDLUH Minister of State at the 'HSDUWPHQW RI 'HIHQFH . Flashback: The blaze at the Paul Kehoe revealed that there Kilkenny Civil Defence HQ ZHUH DFWLYH SHUVRQQHO LQ WKH ZLOO FKDQJH IURP \HDU WR \HDU .LONHQQ\ EUDQFK LQ GXH WR ZRUN FKDQJHV DQG IDPLO\ ,Q DQG WKH ¿JXUH FRPPLWPHQWV ´ VDLG .LONHQQ\ KDG GURSSHG WR ZKLOH LQ DFWLQJ &LYLO 'HIHQFH R൶FHU WKH QXPEHU ZDV EDFN XS WR (LOHHQ /DQLJDQ /DVW \HDU KRZHYHU WKDW QXPEHU .LONHQQ\¶V &LYLO 'HIHQFH +4 of volunteers had plummeted to ZDV EDGO\ GDPDJHG LQ D ¿UH LQ MXVW SHUVRQQHO 'HFHPEHU ZKHQ ERDWV &LYLO 'HIHQFH SURYLGHV VXSSRUW YHKLFOHV DQG D ZLGH UDQJH RI WR IURQW OLQH HPHUJHQF\ VHUYLFHV equipment were all destroyed in DQG DVVLVWV FRPPXQLWLHV 7KHUH WKH EOD]H DUH FXUUHQWO\ PHPEHUV DFA number of neighbouring WLYH WKURXJKRXW WKH FRXQWU\ properties were also damaged Volunteers are trained in a va- LQ WKH ¿UH +2ZHYHU IROOZRULHW\ RI DUHDV LQFOXGLQJ WUHDWLQJ LQJ VLJQL¿FDQW LQYHVWPHQW VLQFH FDVXDOWLHV VHDUFK DQG UHVFXH WKHQ DOO YHKLFOHV KDYH QRZ EHHQ DX[LOLDU\ ¿UH VHUYLFH FRPPXQL- UHSODFHG JLYLQJ &LYLO GHIHQFH D FDWLRQV DQG UDGLDWLRQ PRQLWRULQJ FXUUHQW ÀHHW RI YHFKLFOHV ³$V &LYLO 'HIHQFH LV SUHGRPLIf you would like to join the QDQWO\ D YROXQWDU\ RUJDQLVDWLRQ RUJDQLVDWLRQ VLPSO\ ¿OO LQ WKH WKH QXPEHUV RI DFWLYH SHUVRQQHO IRUP RQ ZZZ FLYLOGHIHQFH LH

Store scoops top award

Award: From left, Martin Kelleher, managing director Centra, Joe and Diane Deegan, Deegan’s Centra, Urlingford, JF Michel, account director Three and Ian Allen, sales director Centra celebrating Deegan’s Centra being named Centra Store of the Year for 2018

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06| news in brief Loreto developments prove a real class act LORETO secondary school is top of the class in terms of facilities after just opening a series of buildings for students. A new special needs unit – Ionad Saoirse – and a multipurpose hall (Hughes Hall), which can be used as a study and exam hall, or as a canteen extension, will make school WLPH PRUH ÀH[LEOH $ QHZ OLEUDU\ ZDV DOVR RྜFLDOO\ opened at a ceremony recently. Chairperson of the Loreto Board of Management Tony Joyce paid tribute to all who contributed to these developments, which were funded solely by the school.

‘Burglars targetting school-runs’ – gardai OPPORTUNISTIC criminals are targeting homes during school-run times, gardai have warned. Homeowners are being urged to ensure property is fully secured even if only going out for short periods of time. Crime statistics for Kilkenny indicate that criminals are looking out for people who regularly leave their homes at set times during the afternoon. Residents are urged to set alarms when they leave the house.

kilkennytoday February 14, 2018

Taste of life on the farm proves a hit with tourists

Food for thought on meals

By Jake Maxwell

HAVE you got fussy eaters in your home? If so, then you might want to take the time to go to the City Library on Thursday, where blogger and writer Ciara Attwell will share some of her tips on how simple changes to diet can KDYH D SRVLWLYH HŕľľHFW RQ KRZ your family Mum-of-two Ciara, who is originally from Kilkenny, was inspired to start her blog – myfussyeater.com - to encourage her young daughter to eat a better and more varied diet. “My work is now not just limited to this blog. I contribute to other leading websites and magazines,â€? said Ciara (pictured). She now lives in the UK where she regular appears on TV and radio. Ciara works as a food writer and recipe developer and her ÂżUVW FRRNERRN 0\ )XVV\ Eater, will be available in bookshops from April 19.

A CLEVER sheep dog, a cosy farmhouse, a stunning castle and a brewery tour all proved memorable experiences for visitors to Kilkenny last year, according to CIE Tours International. The four Kilkenny tourist sites were among 84 winners recognised at this year’s Awards of Excellence, which are based on customer feedback The awards honour hotels, entertainment venues, and tourism destinations – which this year included Merit Awards for Kilkenny Castle, Bungalow Farmhouses B&B, the Smithwicks Experience and Jerpoint Park Sheep Dog Trials. While it’s not too surprising to have the grandeur of Kilkenny’s mediaeval castle included on the list as well as the fascinating story behind the international success that is Smithwicks’ brewery, it is wonderful to see less well-known attractions having such an impact on tourists. The Border Collie and the dog’s handler at Jerpoint Park deserve their mention. Demonstrations of sheep or

Charming farm: The Bungalow farmhouse B&B outside Freshford. Right, Jeproint sheep dog trials geese herding have proved very popular with visitors to the park – something which has QRZ EHHQ UHÀHFWHG LQ WKH DZDUG from CIE. Meanwhile, the Bungalow )DUPKRXVH R྾HUV LWV RZQ unique twist to an overnight stay. Set on a working beef, sheep and horse farm, 6km from Freshford. Guests are welcome

to see, and where possible, take part in the farm activities that are taking place at the time of their visit such as feeding the orphan lambs and horses. +RVW *UHWWD 3RZHU RŕľľHUV D warm welcome. Guests can also watch Sean the Farmer/Host making silage/hay, rounding up

the sheep or they can just go for a casual stroll around the farm. Congratulations to all four winners for what are clearly successful and innovative approaches to tourism.

Councillor ‘sorry’ for telling TD to ‘keep clothes on’

Patrick McKee and Ruth Coppinger, TD on. Please #cblive.â€? By Jake Maxwell That didn’t go down too well with some people and he came A KILKENNY councillor has in for some criticism which landed himself in hot water resulted in another tweet in with a Dail Deputy after posting which he apologised, “During a debate on the a tweet urging her to keep her Claire Byrne Live Show, I clothes on. Irish Solidarity-People Before tweeted a personal opinion referenced @ 3URÂżW 7' 5XWK &RSSLQJHU ZDV which speaking on the Claire Byrne RuthCoppingerTD. I want show, arguing that boxing to apologise to Ruth for any matches should stop using RŕľľHQFH FDXVHG ,W ZDV FHUWDLQO\ ‘ring girls’ in skimpy clothes as not intended. #CBLive he said. In response, Ruth Coppinger part of their events because it said she would only say that promotes sexism. Independent councillor Patrick Mr McKee’s remarks show “the McKee tweeted during the show level of sexist abuse out thereâ€?. She commented: “If a to say, “If women want to wear a bikini and take part in sporting councillor is tweeting a TD events let them. It has nothing like that, you realise what to do with you Ruth Coppinger. any woman who gives a view Please just keep your clothes exposes themselves to.â€?

Joanna takes lead role at Watergate

KILDARE woman, Joanna Cunningham has been appointed as the new director of Watergate Theatre. Joanna (right) was recently in charge of the music programme at the Garter Lane Arts Centre and theatre in Waterford city. A keen musician (she plays cello, piano and guitar), she has a strong background in the performing arts. Joanna has an honours music degree from University College Cork (UCC) and holds a master’s degree in music from the University of Limerick (UL). She takes over the role from Ger Cody and says she wants the community to share in all WKDW WKH :DWHUJDWH KDV WR R྾HU

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08| news in brief Ferrybank centre to get new lease of life A BUILDING that was completed but mostly empty for \HDUV FRXOG ÂżQDOO\ EH DERXW to see some developments. The construction, once intended to be a new shopping centre in Ferrybank, looks set for a new lease of life. Speaking on KCLRfm, Councillor Pat Dunphy says the owner has committed to having the building cleaned up E\ 0DUFK ZLWK D YLHZ WR ÂżQDOO\ attracting companies to rent space there. Councillors in the district were given an update on the building at their municipal meeting recently.

Noonan to contest Dail sseat for Greens GREEN Party councillor Malcolm Noonan has been selected by the CarlowKilkenny Green Party group to contest the next General Election. The party’s spokesperson for Local Government, Rural and Regional Development, Mr Noonan is a former Mayor of Kilkenny. He is currently studying towards an MA in International Development at Maynooth University. Married to Jennie, they have four children.

kilkennytoday February 14, 2018

President leads tributes to one of Kilkenny’s finest By Jake Maxwell PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins led hundreds of mourners as the city came out recently to pay its last respects to former Ceann Comhairle, Seamus Pattison. As well as President Higgins, the congregation at the Mass in St Patrick’s Church in Kilkenny city, not far from the late Mr Pattison’s home, included Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin, former leaders Joan Burton, Eamon Gilmore and Pat Rabbitte, and colleagues from all parties. Mr Pattison, who died aged 81 following a long illness, retired from the Dail in 2007 after serving as a member for 46 years. He had an illustrious political career, serving as a TD, councillor, Minister for State, Member of the European Parliament and three-time Mayor of Kilkenny. Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects to the former Labour politician who was a member of Dail Eireann from 1961 until his retirement in 2007,

Daily commute costing 17 hours of your life a year By Jake Maxwell

Funeral: Seamus Pattison by which time he was one of the longest-serving parliamentarians in Europe. The Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, was represented by his aide de camp Cmdt Caroline Burke. The eulogy was delivered by Brendan Howlin who spoke of Mr Pattison’s early days as a trade union activist. Mr Pattison was made a Freeman of Kilkenny city in 2008. He is survived by his brothers Monsignor Francis who is in San Diego, Joe and Michael, sisters-in-law and other relatives and friends.

COMMUTERS in Kilkenny are spending 17 hours a year in gridlock, according to a global survey. 7KH ,QUL[ *OREDO 7UDŕľśF Scorecard, which analyses congestion across 1,360 cities in FRXQWULHV ÂżQGV WKDW RYHUDOO Ireland is the 23rd most congested country in the world. .LONHQQ\ LV WKH ÂżIWK PRVW gridlocked county in Ireland. /HDGLQJ WKH FRQJHVWLRQ ÂżHOG is Galway, where commuters spend almost two days a year, or 44 hours, sitting in congestion as the city grinds to a halt during morning and evening rush hours. Next comes Dublin, where commuters are the most delayed by 31 hours a year, followed by Cork (25), Sligo (20) and Kilkenny (17). The ‘average’ time spent in gridlock nationally is 23 hours.

Congestion: Kilkrnny is the fifth most congested county Dublin “remains the slowest major city studied at 7.5kmh during all congested periods, with peak hour speeds at 6kmhâ€?, according to the report, which adds that the average speed is 14.4kmh. 'HSDUWPHQW RI 7UDQVSRUW ÂżJure show that congestion costs

the economy â‚Ź358m a year. By 2033, the cost is expected to rise to more than â‚Ź2bn. Spending 17 hours a year in gridlock is no joke, but spare a thought for commuters in Los Angeles, who were forced to spend 102 hours in congestion last year.

Pharmacy set to close at Market Cross centre

Fundraiser: participants in last year’s Darkenss Into Light walk

Book your place for Pieta’s charity walk By Jake Maxwell ORGANISERS of this year’s Darkness Into Light are hoping to improve on the great turnout 12 months ago when over 5,000 took part in the walk/run around Kilkenny. The walk, in aid of Pieta House, brings families of bereaved by suicide together and also lets anyone at risk of suicide know there is support. Pieta House helps people in suicidal distress or engaging in self-harm, and since being founded in 2006 has established 12 centres across Ireland and helped over 30,000 people. Pieta House are encouraging

people to wake up and walk from Darkness Into Light at 4.15am on Saturday, May 12. Darkness Into Light (DIL) has become much more than a fundraiser; it is a movement which touches the hearts and minds of people. DIL is an event that changes the perception of suicide, self-harm and mental health. In 2016, almost 500 people died by suicide in Ireland. Despite the sombre cause, the event itself is hugely inspiring for all those who take part. This year’s 5-kilometre route incorporates the new, St Francis Bridge. For further information, see www.darknessintolight.ie.

LLOYDS Pharmacy in the Market Cross Shopping Centre is set to close following a commercial review by the company. The KIlkenny branch and four other stores, including one in Carlow (Governey Square), will close on March 24, a company source said. ³$OO VWD྾ DW WKHVH VWRUHV KDYH EHHQ R྾HUHG UROHV HOVHZKHUH across our nationwide network of 88 pharmacies. We are also moving to ensure that the healthcare needs of our customers can continue to be met in their localities at an alternative Lloyds Pharmacy,� the statement added. Workers from the branch ZHUH DPRQJ VWD྾ WDNLQJ WKHLU employer to the Labour Court to demand better working conditions. The workers, who are members of Mandate trade union, are seeking improvements in pay and in annual leave entitlements. They also want a better deal in terms of sick leave and are calling for the elimination of zero-hour contracts. The Labour Court action is also being supported by Mandate members employed in Lloyds’ two Carlow stores.

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opinion&comment

At last, Spring is in the air

T

he weather may still be very cold but there’s an unmistakable hint of spring in the air. The mornings are that bit brighter, and there’s a corresponding VWUHWFK LQ WKH HYHQLQJV 'D྾RGLO shoots are starting to become visible. The Six Nations is in full swing. Valentine’s Day and the school mid-terms have arrived and Christmas 2017 is a ship that has long-since sailed. People always wonder if spring starts in February or March but I like to ignore the WHFKQLFDOLWLHV DQG JR R྾ FDOHQdar. Spring is more of a state of mind in my opinion. It’s something that I associate with our plans and dreams for the year crystallising out and getting into gear. In January we’re still in the dark winter tunnel, holding on to a part of the previous year. Spring – whenever you consider it starts – is a time when you’ve come out of the tunnel and start to drive full steam ahead into the year, ready to embrace all WKH JRRG EDG DQG LQGL྾HUHQW LW has in store for you.

Brian Quigley Spring is a very positive time. In nature things are coming back to life after being in hibernation. Colour is coming out everywhere. More daylight works better for us as people, boosting our serotonin levels. , XVXDOO\ ÂżQG ZLQWHU KDV EHHQ D harsh time to get through. Bad weather, lots of expenses and D IHHOLQJ RI EHLQJ FRQÂżQHG WR the house more than is natural. Obviously Christmas sweetens the pill a bit, but winter is still tough medicine to take, making spring all the more welcome when it pokes its head above the parapet. The survival armour can be cast of. Another clincher for me that LWÂśV GHÂżQLWHO\ VSULQJ LV WKH 7UR-

Kilkenny Rose of Tralee Search 2018 with current Kilkenny Roses Zara Kealy, Kelley Comerford, Lyn Moloney (Kilkenny Rose Co-ordinator), Alan Glynn (Brogan’s Bar Manager), Tara Roche (Kilkenny Rose of Tralee 2017), Shellie Walsh, Elaine Fleming, Aoife Doyle and Rachel McDermott at Brogan’s Bar. For anyone interested in entering contact Lyn on 0834631611. Image by Rue Photography caire box arriving home from school, as it did last week. I’m not the most religious of people and have been quite sceptical about whether we should continue to give to charities in light of all the scandals that have surrounded them in recent years, but the focus this year is

on Sierra Leone, a country that has had more than its share of hardship in recent years. They had the Ebola virus outbreak, and that was followed by the devastating mudslides last year. Trocaire boxes remind me of /HQW ZKLFK NLFNV R྾ WKLV ZHHN It’s a time we associate with

giving something up, whether that’s sweets, alcohol, smoking or whatever. Obviously the custom is rooted in religion but it’s a great opportunity nonetheless to do something to improve your health and wellbeing. I usually try to give up choco-

ODWH RU ¿]]\ GULQNV EXW WKLV \HDU I’m going to try and cut down on the amount of time I spend on my mobile phone, which is by far the most addictive thing I possess. Good luck with whatever you plan to give up (or take on) yourself!

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kilkennytoday February 14, 2018

kilkennyinpictures

John Donovan, Ber O’Mara and Robbie Roche at Set Theatre’s Benefit Night in Aid of John Travers. Image by Rue Photography

Seamus Doyle, Martin Fox, Dominic Kelly, John Fagan (Big John’s Karaoke), Declan Jackman, Amanda Dowie, Seamus Meaney & Eamonn Dunne at the 80s Style Fancy Dress Disco helping to raise €400 in aid of Relay For Life at Kyteler’s Inn. Image by Rue Photography

Kilkenny’s response to the mental health epidemic had its first meeting at The Tholsel - if you need support please contact Teac Tom on 0567796592 . Back row: Angela Hayes, Georgette O’Carroll, Cllr Andrew McGuinness, Derek Devoy. Middle row: Paul Brophy, Myles Kavanagh, Mark O’Grady, Kelsey Dowling, Kelsey O’Grady, Janine Dempsey, Geraldine Fahey, Bernie Keane. Bottom row: Dorcas Murega, Megan CaseyMcGuirk, Leanne Dreelan, Liz Campbell, Ashley O’Dea. Image by Rue Photography

Pauline and Eddie Parker at Set Theatre’s Benefit Night in Aid of John Travers. Image by Rue Photography

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16 | WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory

kilkennytoday February 14, 2018

ninenottomiss BOOK of the week

TV SHOW of the week

FILM of the week

HOROSCOPES

Glossy Ibis in Newcastle, Wicklow (Pic: Justin Ivory)

Strictly Come Ibis!

The long and dark Irish winter has well and truly been brightened up as some strange and exotic looking visitors have been touring the country on DQG R྾ VLQFH 2FWREHU Currently 3 of these characters have taken up a residency at Newcastle &R :LFNORZ ZKHUH WKHLU moves are reminiscent of a group routine from Strictly or a Bollywood dance troupe! Apologies – I’m letting my imagination run DZD\ KHUH 7KH XQXVXDO looking movers are Glossy Ibis and so far this winter there have been sightings of this rare winter visitor to our shores from :LFNORZ :H[IRUG 'XEOLQ :DWHUIRUG :HVWPHDWK 2྾DO\ &RUN &ODUH DQG .HUU\

Dance Practice! (Pic: Justin Ivory)

Glossy Ibis look VXSHUÂżFLDOO\ OLNH D ODUJH GDUN &XUOHZ ZLWK GDUN purple-brown plumage ZLWK JORVV\ LULGHVFHQW green feathers on the ZLQJV D ORQJ GRZQZDUG FXUYLQJ ELOO DQG ORQJ OHJV And while these birds like to frequent wetlands and marshes they are not waders but belong to the same family as +HURQV 6WRUN (JUHWV DQG 6SRRQELOOV Âą &LFRQLLIRUPHV Glossy Ibis use to be rare vagrants to our shores but are increasingly becoming more frequent YLVLWRUV WR RXU VKRUHV This is coincides with the species establishing ever expanding colonies at Coto 'RQDQD LQ 6SDLQ DQG WKH &DPDUJXH LQ )UDQFH :KHUHDV WUDGLWLRQDOO\ *ORVV\ ,ELV IURP 6( (XURSH PLJUDWHG WR $IULFD in the winter it seems that birds from these southern Mediterranean colonies have taken to moving QRUWKZDUGV LQ WKH ZLQWHU They are following a similar pattern to their FRXVLQ WKH /LWWOH (JUHW which colonised Ireland 20 years ago and are now ZHOO HVWDEOLVKHG KHUH ,W LV not beyond the bounds of possibility that the Glossy ,ELV ZLOO VRRQ IROORZ VXLW Breeding of the species has DOUHDG\ EHHQ FRQÂżUPHG

FORCE OF NATURE By Jane Harper

IRELAND’S GOT TALENT TV 3, Saturdays 7.30pm

DEN OF THIEVES Out now

A gripping new novel by Jane Harper, bestselling author of The Dry, returns with another atmospheric and gripping mystery, with lead agent Aaron Falk back on the case. It was supposed to be a straightforward camping trip - a company teambuilding exercise in the bush - but now Alice has disappeared. Has she wandered off or is there something more sinister at play? Is it simply a coincidence that she was in possession of sensitive company information? What does Alice now and where is she? Critics say you won’t be able to put it down. Get your copy now in store or online.

It is finally here, our very own talent show. Ireland’s Got Talent is new to our screens and we can’t wait to see the best of the best entertaining us every Saturday evening. The winner of Ireland’s Got Talent will receive a ₏50,000 cash prize as well as their own primetime Christmas television special. Judges of the show include our very own X-Factor favorite Louis Walsh and equally talented TV personalities Denise van Outen, Jason Byrne and Michelle Visage. Watch it with your family and let yourselves be entertained by the variety of Irish talent.

Every day, $120m in cash is taken out of circulation and destroyed by the Los Angeles Branch of the Federal Reserve, unless a notorious, elite crew of bank robbers can pull off the ultimate heist and get to the money first, right under the noses of LA’s most feared division in law enforcement. Nick O’Brien is the hard-drinking leader of the Regulators, an elite unit of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Ray Merrimen is the recently paroled leader of the Outlaws, a gang of exmilitary men who use their expertise and tactical skills to evade the law.

EXHIBIT of the week

LUNCH of the week

ACTIVITY of the week

ARIES- This week is an 8 Develop the foundational elements of your writing and communications. Fantasy and reality clash. Unexpected news requires attention. TAURUS- This week is a 9 An income boost is possible, DOWKRXJK D FDVK ÀRZ squeeze could cramp your style. Stick to fundamental expenses. GEMINI- This week is an 8 'HVSLWH \RXU FRQ¿GHQFH results could be disappointing. Postpone travel or illusive fantasies. &RQ¿UP LQWXLWLRQ ZLWK IDFWV CANCER- This week is a 6 Finish old projects, and plan your upcoming moves. Avoid travel for now. Stick to solid ground, and avoid ephemeral mirages. LEO- This week is an 8 Friends are a big help. Things could get chaotic or awkward. Have patience with a mechanical or communications breakdown.

RUDOLF HELTZEL National Craft Gallery www.ndcg.ie Runs until April Master goldsmith and an icon of Irish craft and design, Rudolf Heltzel presents a solo exhibition of his exceptional sculptural pendants. Heltzel has gained an international reputation for the originality, quality and timeless aesthetic of his craftsmanship with each piece created meticulously by hand using some of the world’s oldest jewellery techniques.

FRIGHT of the week

CAFE L’ARCHE Callan www.larcheireland.org/#!kilkenny CafÊ L’Arche specialises in fresh home cooked foods and delicious desserts. They also make a wide variety of savoury and sweet dishes, taking inspiration from modern Irish and Mediterranean cookery. The cafÊ provides vibrant work and training for people who have an intellectual disability, and allows them express their gifts of cooking.

TRIP of the week

KBOWL Open 7 days a week 11am-10pm MacDonagh Junction, 056-7788200 kbowlkk.ie A night out with a difference! ideal for a work night out or a few friends looking for something different. We have a “bring your own beer� option which is available with food. KBowl has lots of fun interactive climbing games. The Hurricane Karts are also very popular - fancy bumpers but with a bit more skill needed to manoeuvre them.

GIG of the week

VIRGO- This week is an 8 Your work is attracting attention. Keep things professional and focused. $YRLG RŕľśFH SROLWLFV RU controversy. Stay respectful. LIBRA- This week is a 7 Get adventurous without taking unnecessary risks. ([SHFW WUDŕľśF RU VKLSSLQJ delays. Plan your itinerary carefully. SCORPIO- This week is a 7 Shortages would threaten your plans. Make reservations early to save. Have backup options. SAGITTARIUS- This week is a 7

Miscommunications between partners could slow the action. Make time to untangle a snarl as it occurs for least friction. Listen to all considerations. CAPRICORN- This week is a 9 The work pace is picking up and it could get chaotic. Postpone less urgent tasks. Don’t drop out exercise and health routines.

KILKENNY GHOST TOUR kilkennyghosttours.com A tour with a difference, where visitors wear witches hats and capes as they walk the cobbled lanes and listen to tales of how Kilkenny was the scene of Ireland’s first witch trial and witch. The tour is one hour long starting upstairs in Lanigans Bar and Restaurant at 8pm. Each tour will be guide by one of the characters (The Witch, Dr Death, Highwayman, Priest Hunter, the Monk or the Banshee).

WOODSTOCK GARDEN Inistioge www.woodstock.ie Located just outside Inistioge, the gardens, which overlook the River Nore Valley, offer the visitor a wide variety of attractions and are a most relaxing and beautiful environment in which to spend a day. The restored Victorian gardens and arboretum are said to be among the finest in the country. Enjoy Afternoon Tea in between admiring the flowers.

EDDI READER Watergate Theatre watergatetheatre.com Tuesday, 8pm. With nine critically acclaimed solo albums, three Brit awards, a Number One single and MBE in tow, Eddi Reader is well worth catching. The former Fairground Attraction frontwoman who also toured with Annie Lennox, is known for the depth and quality of the emotional performance and the ability to move the listener and connect her experience to that of her audience.

AQUARIUS-This week is a 7 Prioritize fun with your sweetheart, family and friends. It doesn’t need to be expensive. Avoid travel or complicated plans. PISCES- This week is a 7 Sometimes to clean a mess you need to make a bigger one. Domestic renovations could get messy. Postpone big decisions or expenses. Find creative solutions.

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insideback

The League’s big kick-off

T

he wait is over and the 2018 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division NLFNV R൵ WKLV weekend. No doubt Dundalk and Cork will be vying for top spot again in 2018. With the takeover by 86 LQYHVWPHQW ¿UP 3HDN FRPplete things are set up nicely for Dundalk to try to reclaim the title. Cork have a tricky opening GD\ ¿[WXUH DZD\ WR D 6W 3DWULFN¶V Athletic side that will be hoping to get into winning mode right from the start and avoid being dragged into the relegation zone from early on, as happened last \HDU ,I WKH\ FDQ WDNH SRLQWV R൵ Cork and Dundalk beat Bray WKHQ LW ZLOO EH ¿UVW EORRG WR 6WHSKHQ .HQQ\¶V PHQ Dundalk have prepared well for the new campaign, taking in games in Spain against China League One side Shanghai 6KHQ[LQ DQG 6RXWK .RUHD . /HDJXH ¶V )& 6HRXO WR 'XQGDON $ UXQ RXW DJDLQVW Brentford from the English

Brian Quigley Championship also helped the Lilywhites limber up for the new term – it may not have been WKH IXOO %UHQWIRUG ¿UVW WHDP EXW the 2-1 win for Dundalk was impressive nonetheless. %UD\ :DQGHUHUV FRXOGQ¶W KDYH DVNHG IRU D PRUH GL൶FXOW VWDUW EHLQJ DZD\ WR 'XQGDON 7KHUH¶V enough continuity at the CarlLVOH *URXQGV IURP ODVW VHDVRQ¶V WRS VL[ VLGH WR DOORZ WKH QHZ signings to bed in and to allow fans to hope that the club can VWD\ XS WKLV WHUP 7KH\¶YH JRW WKHLU OLFHQFH WKH\¶YH EHHQ H[RQHUDWHG IURP WKH PDWFK ¿[LQJ probe that was hanging over them since September so hopeIXOO\ WKH\¶UH UHDG\ WR ¿JKW IRU

EZ Living Furniture’s €2500 Golden Ticket Winner Lisa Dundon, who was chosen in the Clonmel Store, with her son and Store Manager Lisa Halley WKHLU SODFH LQ WKH WRS ÀLJKW :KR ZLOO ¿QLVK DV 'XEOLQ¶V top side this year? It has been Shamrock Rovers for the last few campaigns – the last time DQRWKHU 'XEOLQ FOXE ¿QLVKHG above Rovers in the League ZDV 6W 3DWULFN¶V $WKOHWLF LQ

,¶YH D KXQFK LW FRXOG EH Bohemians this time. I was impressed with them last term and think they can be even better this time out. As if to get the battle for Dublin supremacy underway right from the getJR WKH ¿[WXUH PDFKLQH VHUYHG

up Bohemians hosting Rovers at Dalymount Park on the opening weekend. ,Q WKH RWKHU RSHQLQJ ¿[WXUHV Sligo host Limerick and Derry City face the long trip to Water-

IRUG 7KHVH DUH H[FLWLQJ WLPHV for Waterford as they return WR WKH WRS ÀLJKW DIWHU GRPLQDWing the First Division last year. I was well impressed to learn recently that after Dundalk and the four big Dublin clubs, Waterford actually have more /HDJXH WLWOHV VL[ WKDQ DQ\RQH else. 7KRVH VL[ OHDJXH WLWOHV FDPH in a powerful eight-year period of dominance of Irish football EHWZHHQ DQG ZKHQ European football was played against the greats of the time, including a Matt Busby led 0DQFKHVWHU 8QLWHG LQ ZKHQ WKH 2OG 7UD൵RUG VLGH were defending their maiden European Cup win, and a tie against Glasgow &HOWLF WKH VLGH who had won the European Cup immediately prior to 8QLWHG LQ ,¶P VXUH DOO WKH players and fans on the opening weekend will EH SDXVLQJ WR UHÀHFW RQ WKH VDG ORVV RI /LDP 0LOOHU OHIW 0D\ he rest in peace.

CNM marks 20 years of training natural health practitioners

www.naturopathy-uk.com Advertorial THIS year marks the twentieth DQQLYHUVDU\ RI &10 &ROOHJH RI 1DWXURSDWKLF 0HGLFLQH being established in Ireland. Today, CNM is Ireland and the 8.¶V OHDGLQJ WUDLQLQJ SURYLGHU in a range of natural therapies. CNM Diploma Courses include Nutrition, Herbal Medicine, Acupuncture, Natural Chef, and more. What makes CNM unique is its naturopathic approach to health, combining evidence-

based research with traditional wisdom to help the body regain balance and achieve health. Teaching is based on a number of naturopathic principles, including that: the body has innate healing energies that are stimulated if given the right conditions rather than simply suppressing symptoms, root causes of illness should be addressed in order to prevent symptoms from recurring each person is a unique combination of physical, mental, genetic, environ-

mental, and emotional drivers, and should be viewed holistically prevention is always better than cure Naturopaths are not physicians. They are educators, guiding their clients towards taking better control of their own health. Selected CNM Diploma Courses are available to study part time in Dublin, Cork or Galway, allowing students to continue earning, or to manage family commitments as they learn.

Attend a FREE Open Evening in Dublin. Call 01 672 5036 or book online www. naturopathy.ie

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