Kilkenny Today 17 05 2018

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May 17, 28, 2018 2015,t:t:056 01 901 May 781 5556/7, 7070 info@wicklowvoice.ie e: kilkennytoday@carlowpeople.ie

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kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

kilkennytoday DELIVERED DOOR-TO-DOOR TO HOMES

INSIDE: FREE

May t: 056 01 901 May28, 17,2015, 2018 t: 7815556/7, 7070 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie e: kilkennytoday@carlowpeople.ie

IN THE CITY AREA

12,000 COPIES

FREE

t: 056 781 7070 e: kilkennytoday@carlowpeople.ie

House prices rising by €90-a-day for buyers

By Jake Maxwell FAMILIES and couples struggling to get on Kilkenny’s property ladder face a race against time as the average price of a home is now rising by more than €90 every day, according to R൶FLDO ¿JXUHV The grim statistic comes from the CSO’s latest Property Price Index, which states that the cost of buying a home in the county

will set buyers back, on average, ¼ Nationwide, prices rose by ¼ ± XS RYHU WKH year to March – bringing the national average price for a KRXVH WR ¼ Of our neighbouring counties, a house in Wexford or Waterford will cost homeEX\HUV RQ DYHUDJH ¼ A home in Laois will set SXUFKDVHUV EDFN ¼

In Carlow, the average cost of a home is €160,000, while Tipperary houses are lower in SULFH DW ¼ In exclusive Dublin 4, prices soared by an average of €55,000 ± IURP DOPRVW ¼ ODVW \HDU WR ¼ WKLV \HDU DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH &62¶V ¿JXUHV Despite the increases, home SULFHV DUH VWLOO ORZHU than their pre-crash high in May

‘The fact that the overall SULFH LQFUHDVH LV FORVH WR would suggest we need to get more [housing] supply from both those sources, both new DQG H[LVWLQJ ‘We have seen that some of the large-scale schemes get planning permission under fast-track planning, which is a JRRG WKLQJ Continued on page 4

Fiona Brennan and Caoimhe Carrigan partaking in Darkness Into Light, James Stephens Barracks. Image by Rue Photography. More pix inside

04|

kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

An abortion clinic at St Luke’s is crazy talk, says top doc

news in brief An exhibition to be animated about... $1,0$7,21 ZLOO QRZ KDYH an opportunity lovers are in for a treat at The Butler Gallery, which is hosting interactive exhibition by local animation studio, Cartoon Saloon’s of its ODWHVW 2VFDU QRPLQDWHG ¿OP 7KH %UHDGZLQQHU The multimedia exhibition includes a large selection of original drawings by the studio WHDP 7KLV *DOOHU\ DQG &DUWRRQ Saloon previously collaborated RQ DQ H[KLELWLRQ DERXW WKH ¿OP 7KH 6RQJ RI WKH 6HD

Top accolade for Kilkenny woman WELL done to Kilkenny businesswoman Siobhán Talbot, who has been named the YHU\ ¿UVW ,ULVK 7LPHV %XVLQHVV 3HUVRQ RI WKH <HDU Siobhán, who is chief executive of Glanbia, was presented with the award by $Q 7DRLVHDFK /HR 9DUDGNDU at a ceremony in the Mansion +RXVH LQ 'XEOLQ She was judged the overall ZLQQHU IRU KHU H൵RUWV LQ RYHUVHHLQJ D GHDO WR VSLQ R൵ Glanbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Irish dairy and agribusiness operation, Glanbia ,UHODQG The awards are intended recognise excellence and outstanding achievements in ,ULVK EXVLQHVV

Upgrade: Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre in Kilmanagh

By Jake Maxwell

Outdoor theatre gets a makeover worth â&#x201A;¬150,000

$ &2168/7$17 DW 6W /XNH¶V hospital has condemned claims online that an abortion clinic will be built on its grounds in the HYHQW RI D <HV YRWH Ray Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan, who is a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the hospital, said the claim made on Facebook was â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;absolute nonsense of the highest RUGHU ¶ Speaking on KCLR FM, Prof Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan revealed how he was prompted to go online himself to refute the inaccurate claim after D PHPEHU RI KLV VWD൵ LQIRUPHG KLP RI LW â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This notion that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve opened up a ward at St Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s or any hospital for this purpose LV MXVW QRW WUXH 7KH YDVW PDMRULW\ of any such care in the future will be done on an outpatient basis,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; KH VDLG µ2Q WKH DLUZDYHV LW¶V GL൶FXOW to contain myself and the language I should be using to describe somebody who came

XS ZLWK D VWRU\ OLNH WKLV â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;People seem to actually believe it which I found absolutely incredulous that they ZRXOG DFWXDOO\ EHOLHYH WKLV , want to reassure people that this LV QRW WKH FDVH â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Should the Eighth be repealed, which I anticipate it will, this wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be the case any ZD\ $ERUWLRQ FOLQLFV ZLOO QRW EH VSULQJLQJ XS DURXQG WKH FRXQWU\ 7KHUH ZLOO EH QR QHHG IRU WKDW

Festival set to offer real treats for culture fans

300 houses set for development on Dalyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill site

By Jake Maxwell ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S going to be a full-house DW WR %DOO\NHH൵H $PSKLWKHDWUH in Kilmanagh after over â&#x201A;¬150,000 in funding was provided for upgrades by Kilkenny County Council and Kilkenny Leader Partnership.

The extensive works will see the tiered limestone seating extended to facilitate approximately 1,000 people, as well as a wheelchair-accessible area and toilet facilities for wheelchair users.

Upgrades to the electrical

system, the addition of LED lighting, and the construction of a structure to separate the performance area from the bar are also part of the works.

To date, approximately â&#x201A;¬450,000 has been invested LQ %DOO\NHH൵H $PSKLWKHDWUH VLQFH LW ¿UVW RSHQHG DOPRVW years ago. The theatre,which LV UXQ E\ YROXQWHHUV R൵HUV D great venue for performance.

The summer season of events there starts in.

6HH ZZZ EDOO\NHH൵HDPphitheatre. com. for more information

Fake news: Professor Ray Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan, of St Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hospital â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;There wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be abortion FOLQLFV OLNH WKLV 7KDW¶V FUD]\ VWX൵ 7KDW¶V FUD]\ WDON ¶ KH WROG WKH UDGLR VWDWLRQ µ7KH GL൶FXOW\ LV WKHUH¶V JRLQJ to be so much mis-truths, half truths about this, scaremongering RQ ERWK VLGHV RI WKH GHEDWH â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;People will be trying to get the votes for Repeal or for the DPHQGPHQW WR UHPDLQ 6R ZH¶UH going to hear all sorts of stories,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; KH DGGHG

By Jake Maxwell THE music of Montverdi will form one of the highlights for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kilkenny Arts Festival. Return of Ulysses focuses on the period ten years after the fall of Troy, when Ulysses continues his wanderings as the gods quarrel over his fate.

The production by Opera Collective Ireland is directed Patrick Mason.

Christian Curnyn returns to the Festival to conduct one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most acclaimed early music ensembles, the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin â&#x20AC;&#x201C; an operatic marriage of Homerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s epic and renaissance Venice. It will be staged in the Watergate on Thursday, August 9, 10 and 12.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a ten-day series of Brahms in the Afternoon concerts running in August at St Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Priory during the festival. Discover masterpieces like his piano trios and quartets, string quartets and quintets, viola and cello sonatas, piano solos and duos.

New site: Over 300 houses could be built at Dalyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill From Page 1 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;It does take time for those units to be built,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; said Property Industry Ireland director David 'X൵\ The West region â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; showed the strongest percentage growth at 18% but the Border region â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo â&#x20AC;&#x201C; showed the weakest price growth, with house prices increasing less than

Meanwhile, 300 houses are planned to be built at the Dalyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hill site which sold at auction UHFHQWO\ IRU ¼ PLOOLRQ 7KH DFUHV RI ODQG ZKLFK

is zoned mixed use residential, is in the western outskirts of the FLW\ $ WRWDO RI DFUHV ZLOO EH JLYHQ RYHU WR JUHHQ DUHDV 7KLV LV WKH ¿UVW EORFN RI ]RQHG land to come on the market in WKH FLW\ IRU WHQ \HDUV ,W LV KRSHG the sale will see a resurgence of FRQVWUXFWLRQ LQ .LONHQQ\ 3DWWHUVRQ %DQQRQ $UFKLWHFWV undertook a feasibility study which showed the prospect of UHVLGHQWLDO XQLWV RQ WKH VLWH Sherry Fitzgerald McCreery DQG &DVKPDQ :DNH¿HOG VROG WKH land on behalf of receiver Mark 5H\QROGV %LGV VWDUWHG DW ¼ million in the recent auction at WKH 2UPRQGH +RWHO EXW ZLWK ¿YH interested that sum soon rose to ¼ PLOOLRQ

kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

|05

06| news in brief Deadline looms for student scholarship PUPILS studying two or more of the following subjects: physics, chemistry, biology, engineering, mathematics and applied mathematics are being invited to submit entries for the thirdlevel Naughton Foundation Scholarship scheme.

Application forms must be submitted by 5.30pm on Friday.

Each Naughton Scholarship is valued at â&#x201A;Ź20,000, ie. â&#x201A;Ź5,000 for each year of the studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thirdlevel course in any publicly funded university or ThirdLevel institution in Ireland.

There are 26 scholarships available - one for each county SOXV ÂżYH GLVFUHWLRQDU\ RQHV The school of each winner is also awarded â&#x201A;Ź1,000.

For more information, see thenaughtonfoundation.com. .

Gardai probe report of approach to child THOMASTOWN gardai are investigating a report of a suspicious approach made to a child at Upper Grange, Goresbridge on May 5 at 5.55pm.

The alleged incident is said to involve a black hatchback, fourdoor vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to contact gardai on (056) 7754150.

kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

Top Australian DJ says Gâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;day Kilkenny for live broadcast to 300,000

By Jake Maxwell KILKENNY tourism got a big boost Down Under thanks to an Australian DJ who broadcast live to his 300,000 listeners in Sydney, Brisbane and Canberra.

The Chris Smith Radio Show was a guest of Tourism Ireland and FĂĄilte Ireland,and Chris took the opportunity to explore the history of his Irish ancestors, particularly his great-grandfather Kyran Coogan, who emigrated from Kilkenny in 1875.

With the help of Oak Ancestry, Chris traced and met his third cousins, Canice Coogan and John Paul &RRJDQ ZKR KHOSHG ÂżOO LQ some gaps in his genealogical research. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has beenâ&#x20AC;Ś itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to describe what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like,â&#x20AC;? he told The Irish Post. Âł,WÂśV ÂżOOHG LQ VR PDQ\ JDSV for me and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been a wonderful experience.â&#x20AC;?

Chris went on to enjoy all of Kilkennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tourism

Digging up the past: DJ Chris Smith

hotspots, from the Medieval Mile and Kilkenny Castle to The Hole in The Wall and the Smithwickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Experience Kilkenny. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are delighted that The Chris Smith Radio Show chose to come and broadcast live from Kilkenny and Ireland â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the kind of publicity that money simply could not buy and a superb way to highlight Ireland to more than 300,000 Australians, positioning Ireland as a highly desirable place to YLVLW ´ VDLG 6RÂżD +DQVVRQ

Tourism Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manager Australia & New Zealand. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Publicity is an important element of our overall promotional programme, helping to raise awareness through the Australian media of the many things to see and do on a holiday around the island of Ireland.â&#x20AC;?

Last year, Ireland welcomed around 208,000 visitors from Australia and New Zealand. Tourism Ireland has an extensive programme of promotions under way this year, to grow that number.

Gardai raid suspected brothels in the county GARDAI have raided a series of properties in Carlow and Kilkenny, leading to the closure of seven premises that were suspected of being run as brothels and were the possibility RI KXPDQ WUDŕľśFNLQJ LV EHLQJ investigated.

The operation also involved members of the National Digital Intelligence Unit, who LGHQWLÂżHG ZHUH WKH VXVSHFWHG brothels were operating from in the two counties.

The raids also focussed on the possibility that there might EH YLFWLPV RI KXPDQ WUDŕľśFNLQJ involved.

Three properties in Kilkenny were raided by gardai on suspicion of prostitution occurring there. A further four properties were raided in Carlow. There were no arrests made.

New â&#x201A;Ź1.9m fund made available for older people living on own

By Jake Maxwell ALMOST â&#x201A;Ź1.9m is to be made available for Housing Adaptations for Older People and People with a Disability living in private houses in Kilkenny.

The investment will facilitate changes needed to make homes suitable for a person with a physical, sensory/intellectual disabilLW\ RU PHQWDO KHDOWK GLŕľśFXOW\ to help them remain living independently in their own homes for longer. In some instances, it will also facilitate early return from hospital of many people, Minister Phelan said.

Announcing the new allocations which includes â&#x201A;Ź1.495 million from government funding and sees Kilkenny County Council invest a further â&#x201A;Ź373,926 under the Scheme, he DGGHG Âł, DP SOHDVHG WR FRQÂżUP the Government has announced an increase in the funding for this important programme by

some 11% in 2018. All local authorities will be getting an increase in 2018. The grants are 80% funded from the exchequer by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, with 20% funding from the relevant local authority.

Grants of up to â&#x201A;Ź30,000 are available to assist people with a disability in carrying out necessary works to make a house more suitable for their needs. Up to â&#x201A;Ź8,000 is available to assist older people living in poor housing conditions to have repairs or improvements carried out. The programme includes grants of up to â&#x201A;Ź6,000 for mobility aids to address mobility problems for a member of the household. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The grants also create employment opportunities for builders and local businesses and help reduce the dependency on our health services by supporting independent living for as long as possible,â&#x20AC;? said Minister John Paul Phelan.

Once the searches were completed, evidence of prostitution was discovered and the premises were then closed down.

A number of exhibits were seized and â&#x20AC;&#x153;investigations and inquiries are ongoingâ&#x20AC;?, a Garda spokesman said.

Gardai said that evidence was found at all the addresses that corroborated the suspicion that brothels were being run from the properties, which were subsequently closed down.

Meanwhile, gardai also launched a series of inspections in Kilkenny and Carlow on fastfood outlets, restaurants and nail EDUV E\ LPPLJUDWLRQ RŕľśFHUV A woman in Carlow was arrested for suspected LPPLJUDWLRQ RŕľľHQFHV LQ &DUORZ Gardai said that investigations are continuing.

Your chance to walk and run 5km with Ciara HUNDREDS of people will put their best foot forward when they gather at Castle Park to take part in the 5km Memorial Walk and Run with Ciara.

Members of Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Loughlin Gaels GAA Club will participate in the fundraising run along with players from several other GAA clubs in Kilkenny.

This is the eventâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; named after young Ciara Lawlor, who died in 2016. All monies raise will go towards the Friedreichâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ataxia charity, which supports those VXŕľľHULQJ IURP WKH GLVRUGHU which attacks the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s central nervous system.

Ciara Lawlor (inset) died from a heart condition while attending a Kodaline concert.

She was a student at the Loreto Secondary School at the time. The band have written a song in her memory which will be released on their upcoming album.

The event starts at 11am on May 20. Participants can register for it at Kilkenny Tennis Club at 10am.

kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

|07

08| news in brief Rea of sunshine at the Watergate...

HEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S a starred in hit movies like The Crying Game, Michael Collins and Interview With The Vampire, and now acclaimed actor Stephen Rea is set to tread the boards of the Watergate Theatre on August 17-18 for a project with leading poet Derek Mahon in his work New York Time.

The work is described as an intensely personal poetic sequence drawing on the poetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s years living in Manhattan.

Rea proved a huge hit when he performed work by Seamus Heaney and Oscar Wilde at the Kilkenny Arts Festival in 2016 and last year.

Conversation Salon is the talk of the town FANCY a good chat and want to meet new people then pop down to Loughboy Library and join in their Conversation Salon, on Friday, at 5.30pm.

The Conversation Salons bring people together for uplifting conversation on a range of topics. In a relaxed cafĂŠ-style setting over tea and FRŕľľHH \RX FDQ FKRRVH IURP D conversation menu of thoughtprovoking questions which RŕľľHU WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ RI KHDULQJ VRPH GLŕľľHUHQW RSLQLRQV

kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

Discovering love and Firm buys war at Talbot Tower McDonagh

Junction in â&#x201A;Ź20m deal

By Jake Maxwell WHEN it comes to ancient artefacts, this county â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and Kilkenny the city in particular â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are spoiled for choice. The Medieval Mile is a glorious trip through time, from St. Caniceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 800 years of worship, a wonderful Round Tower and a Tudor inn to a Dominican abbey, a 17th century abbey and a rather large and PDJQLÂżFHQW $QJOR 1RUPDQ castle... Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty to see. $GGHG WR WKDW OLVW Âą ÂżQDOO\ Âą is Talbotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tower, on Ormonde Street, whose ditch and high stone wall helped to keep the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s citizens safe from attack in the 13th and 14th centuries.

It is the only surviving com plete defensive tower of the old City Wall, and from atop its stone steps stretches a view that takes in the Castle, the Cathedral and Round Tower as well as St Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church.

But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the artefacts found at the top of the tower that rally bring us closer to our pastâ&#x20AC;Ś and a rather racy past at that.

From pieces of Victorian wine

By Jake Maxwell

Blast from the past: Talbot Tower is now open to the public bottles and clay pipes to hair .303 shell casings of bullets pins, ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; buttons and lace SUREDEO\ ÂżUHG IURP )UHH chapes (which were used to 6WDWH /HH (QÂżHOG ULĂ&#x20AC;HV DW WKH hold ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; undergarments in Republicans who occupied place), itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not hard to imagine Kilkenny Castle during the some of the dalliances that Civil War. took place â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ones where the Musket shot from around view over the city was the last the 16th century was also thing on peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mindsâ&#x20AC;Ś discovered at the site during $QG WKHUH ZHUH RWKHU renovation work. items recovered, tooâ&#x20AC;Ś ones With such a rich history and that speak of a more violent great views, Talbot Tower is time, such as a collection of PXVW YLVLW VLWH WKLV VXPPHU

Chill with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Dudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; at college ST. KIERANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S College may not be the place you associate with chilling out, but nowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your chance to kick back and hang out with the ultimate â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

The college grounds will be transformed into an summer cinema on June 1 where a special screening of The Big Lebowski will be shown as part of the 7UP Free Summer Your Way campaign.

Fans of the cult comedy will also get the opportunity to listen to a special Q&A with comedian and star of the movie, Dom Irrera (who played Tony WKH &KDXŕľľHXU LQ WKH PRYLH

beforehand.

The cult classic follows the VWRU\ RI ÂľVWRQHUÂś -Hŕľľ /HERZVNL known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the Dudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; who is mistaken by gangsters for a reclusive tycoon, and as a result is propelled into a series of kidnapping, blackmail and murder.

Before the movie kicks Rŕľľ JXHVWV FDQ VHWWOH LQWR a comfy billow bag with a complimentary 7UP Mojito Free, or pull up a blanket and get cozy. Tickets are priced at â&#x201A;Ź5 each and are available on the door. Early arrival is advised.

McDONAGH Junction Shopping Centre has been bought in full by Davy Real Estate in a deal that is believed to have cost â&#x201A;Ź20 m.

Davy purchased the remaining 50% shareholding from Davidson Kempner, a New York-based investment fund.

The shopping centre has proved to be a good investment, with a rent roll of â&#x201A;Ź3m and with an expected return of 7% for the overall investment.

Davy paid approximately â&#x201A;Ź60m for its original 50% stake in the shopping centre, which

opened just before the property crash in 2007.

With its 7,000sqm premises, Dunnes Stores is the anchor tenant at the popular centre, which had a footfall of over 3.2m shoppers last year, all no doubt attracted by the strong brand presence of outlets like River Island, Sketchers, Boots, JD Sports, H&M, Eason, TK Maxx and many more.

Lifestyle Sports will soon be added to that list when its store opens in the Goods Shed next month. Such is the popularity of McDonagh Junction as a retail site that there is only one vacant site (formerly Stonehouse Books) available for rent.

Kilkenny set for extra buses over weekend

By Jake Maxwell KILKENNY is one of 19 FRXQWLHV WKDW ZLOO EHQHÂżW IURP a state-funded late-night bus scheme that will bring drinkers home from rural pubs on weekends in a bid to clampdown on drink-driving.

The buses will run until 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The initiative will cost â&#x201A;Ź450,000 for six months and is being introduced by Transport Minister Shane Ross. If it proves successful, Mr Ross is expected to seek extra funding in next Octoberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Budget to expand the scheme.

Passengers will pay a nominal fee while travel pass holders and pensioners will travel for free.

There will be six routes across Kilkenny, Carlow and Wicklow.

2WKHU FRXQWLHV WR EHQHÂżW DUH Cavan/Monaghan (5), Donegal

/DRLV 2ŕľľDO\ &RUN

Waterford (3), Louth/Meath/ Fingal (2), Tipperary (2) and Kildare (1).

Following a funding call for

applications to all 17 Local /LQN RŕľśFHV WR GHOLYHU D UDQJH of trial evening and night time services, the NTA received 50 proposals from 12 of the Local /LQN RŕľśFHV The initiative came about following Mr Rossâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s request that the National Transport Authority review the Local Link service which is run under the Rural Transport Programme.

A list of suitable towns and villages for late night bus routes was then drawn up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The NTA has now approved funding for all 50 new services on a six-month trial basis,â&#x20AC;? Mr 5RVV FRQÂżUPHG â&#x20AC;&#x153;The services comprise 20 extensions to existing regular public transport routes and 30 demand responsive services, across 19 counties. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They will add 188 new trips per week to the network of rural transport services nationally, and will run on average from 6pm to 11pm, typically on Friday and Saturday evenings,â&#x20AC;? he said.

kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

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kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

opinion&comment

Vicky Phelan should not be dying

T

he CervicalCheck controversy looks like it will run and run and become one of the biggest Âą DQG GHÂżQLQJ news stories domestically of

2018.

Like most of the public Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve followed the unfolding story so far with a mixture of shock, incredulity and a mounting sense of anger.

Thankfully none of my loved ones have been impacted, but it could easily have been my wife, mother, daughters, sisters or friends.

The establishment of the independent inquiry is the least the government could do.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not impressed with their handling of the situation. If Kilkenny woman Vicky Phelan KDGQÂśW UHIXVHG WR VLJQ D FRQÂżdentiality agreement when she was awarded â&#x201A;Ź2.5m in the High Court against the US based laboratory that misread her smear test then possibly weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be none the wiser.

Vicky Phelan is dying of cancer as a result of the false

Brian Quigley negative smear test result she received.

It shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take the extraordinary bravery of a very ill woman to ensure that the right thing is done by the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s women.

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Minister for Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s job. Or the HSEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

A cervical smear test doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t diagnose cancer, and it isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fool proof â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it can return both false positives and false negatives in a minority of cases even when the tests are read correctly.

The test works by picking up abnormalities in the screening that may be indicative that something is wrong.

In these cases further testing or intervention may be warranted and, as you would imagine,

Kilkenny Senior Hurling Manager Brian Cody (top row third from right) officially launched the Irish Woodturnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Guild Southeast Chapter exhibition of award winning pieces, St Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital. The items were made over the past 10 years for the National Woodturning Competition which commenced in 2008. Image by Rue Photography the quicker the patient and their doctors are informed the better.

This didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen in the cases we are reading about currently, and that is both unforgivable and inexcusable.

People have died as a result of this negligence and withhold-

ing of information. Others, like Vicky Phelan, are seriously ill, including 37-year-old mother of ÂżYH FKLOGUHQ (PPD 0KLF 0KDthĂşna who gave a heartbreaking interview on RTE after being told recently that she is dying.

Many more are worried. What

must not happen though, is a ORVV RI FRQÂżGHQFH LQ WKH VFUHHQing programme, because since its introduction a decade ago it has done untold good (3m screenings) and saved many lives.

0DLQWDLQLQJ FRQÂżGHQFH LQ WKH

programme in the face of the ongoing controversy is the task facing the HSE and the government.

When I heard that some of the testing (including Vicky Phelanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s test) was outsourced to the US and not done domestically at either the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital or MedLab Pathology in Dublin, I was dismayed but not surprised.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve encountered outsourcing in other industries and while it saves money it also causes problems. Problems of quality assurance, reliability, accountability and so on.

Exactly what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen with the tests at the centre of the current controversy. Outsourcing can be a false economy, ZKLFK LV ÂżQH LI LW LV MXVW PRQH\ DW VWDNH EXW QRW ÂżQH ZKHQ LW LV lives that are at stake.

The inquiry must report as soon as possible but at the same time it should not report until LW LV VDWLVÂżHG WKDW LW KDV DOO WKH answers and can recommend measures to ensure something like this can never, ever happen again.

kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

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kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

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kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

AUDI A4 2.0 DIESEL

2014, WITH FULL SERVICE HISTORY, FULL LEATHER INTERIOR, SAT NAV, 1 OWNER, €200 ROAD TAX PER YEAR

HYUNDAI TUCSON 1.7 CRDI (CHOICE OF 2) 2016, ONE OWNER WITH FULL SERVICE HISTORY, TWO KEYS, LOW ANNUAL ROAD TAX OF 200 PER YEAR

€15,950

BMW 5 SERIES 520 D SE TOURING

2014,FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 1 OWNER, 270 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, JUST FULLY SERVICED

€21,950

FIAT DOBLO 1.3 MULTIJET

2012, 1 YEARS DOE , REAR PARKING SENSORS, ELECTRIC WINDOWS, CD PLAYER

€17,950

HYUNDAI 140 1.7 AUTO DIESEL

2013, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 1 OWNER, 2 KEYS, 390 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, REAR PARKING CAMERA

€3,999 plus Vat

FORD GRAND C-MAX 1.6 TDCI ZETEC

2012, 7 SEATER, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 270 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR

€13,950

AUDI A3 1.6 TDI

2014,FULL SERVICE HOSTORY, 1 OWNER, 180 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, JUST FULLY SERVICED

€12,600

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA 1.6 TDI

2012, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 1 OWNER, JUST FULLY SERVCED, 190 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR

€13,600

FORD FOCUS 1.6 TDCI TITANIUM ECO

2014, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 180 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, JUST FULLY SERVICED

€10,750

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.6 TDI

2014, COMFORTLINE BLUEMOTION TECH , NCT 2/20 , ONE OWNER WITH FULL SERVICE HISTORY

€11,850

FORD MONDEO 1.6TDCI TITANIUM

€13,950

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0 TDI SE

2013, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 1 OWNER, 200 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, JUST FULLY SERVICED

2015, NEW MODEL WITH FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 2 KEYS , SAT NAV, PARKING SENSORS

€11,850

€17,750

HONDA CR-V 1.6 I-DTEC 2

2014, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, SAT NAV, 2 KEYS, 180 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, JUST FULLY SERVICED

VOLKSWAGEN POLO 1.2 TDI MATCH

2014, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 1 OWNER , 2 KEYS, 190 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR

€14,950

MAZDA 6 2.2 SE

2014, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 190 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, JUST FULLY SERVICED

€10,750

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2.0 TDI S

2013, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 1 OWNER, 280 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, JUST FULLY SERVICED

€13,600

MERCEDES-BENZ E 300

2014, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 1 OWNER, 2 KEYS, HYBRID/ DIESEL , 190 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR

€13,950

VOLVO S60 2.0 D4 SE

2014, FULL SERVICE , 1 OWNER, 180 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, SAT NAV, FULL BLACK LEATHER

€14,750

€21,750

HYUNDAI IX35 1.7 CRDI 2WD S

2015, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 1 OWNER, 2 KEYS, 280 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR, JUST FULLY SERVICED

€16,750

VOLVO XC60 2.0 D4 SE

2015, FULL SERVICE HISTORY, 1 OWNER, 2 KEYS , PARKING SENSORS, 200 EURO ROAD TAX PER YEAR

€22,750

OVER 120 VEHICLES IN STOCK FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT WWW.CONDRONCARS.IE

14 | WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory

Going Global!!!

kilkennytoday May 17, 2018

ninenottomiss BOOK of the week

TV SHOW of the week

FILM of the week

HOROSCOPES How many birds can be seen in one day? Fancy being a Citizen Scientist for a day? Want to join thousands of others around the globe in trying to set a new world record? If you answered yes then you need to take part in the eBird Global Big Day this Saturday 5th May. Traditionally a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is a quest by teams of birders (bird watchers) to try and see as many species of bird as possible in a given time-frame (typically 24-hours) in a GHÂżQHG JHRJUDSKLFDO DUHD The folks at the Cornell Lab and eBird a few years ago thought to themselves: what if people around the world joined together for a single Big Day?

SECRETS TO SUCCESS: INSPIRING STORIES FROM LEADING ENTREPRENEURS

By Sean Gallagher

THE HARDEST HARVEST RTĂ&#x2030; One, Wednesdays, 9.35pm

I FEEL PRETTY Out Now

This book is a compilation of forty-five inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs and business leaders. Sean Gallagher extracts valuable lessons from entrepreneurs about their journey from a start-up to successful business. We learn about their backgrounds and what shaped them, how they came up with their killer business ideas, as well as the challenges that confronted them along the way, and while they have enjoyed the sweet taste of victory, all, without exception, have known times of bitter defeat.

An Irish farmer, forester and fisherman travel to the harshest of environments in some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s poorest countries to live off the land and sea using nothing but their bare hands and basic tools. Can they cope with the gruelling day-to-day reality of subsistence living and the struggle for survival in subSaharan Africa? Cork dairy farmer Paula, Waterford forester Jamie, and Dublin skipper â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; John each leave behind family and friends to spend two and a half weeks living a handto-mouth existence in remote rural Africa, amongst the poorest of the poor.

Funny power woman, Amy Schumer stars as Renee Bennett in this hilarious new movie. She plays a woman who struggles with feelings of insecurity and inadequacy on a daily basis.

After suffering a fall at a spin class, she wakes up believing she is suddenly the most beautiful and capable woman on the planet. With this newfound confidence she is empowered to live her life fearlessly and flawlessly, but what will happen when she realizes her appearance never changed? This movie is a great reminder that we are all beautiful and is the perfect film to get together for a fun girls night out!!!

GIG of the week

VISIT of the week

CAFE of the week

ARIES- This week is a 7 Do the groundwork to realize a vision. Strategize and review priorities.

Postpone travels, and take care of business behind the scenes.

TAURUS- This week is an 8 Friends help out.

Collaborate on the structural and logistical details. Make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve handled the basics before elaborating.

GEMINI- This week is an 8 Navigate a professional challenge by focusing on organization, discipline and coordinated action. Work completed now can have ORQJ WHUP EHQHÂżW CANCER- This week is an 8 You can get what you need to take a trip. An older person makes an interesting proposition. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t overlook what loved ones need.

LEO- This week is an 8 Investments made now can KDYH ORQJ WHUP EHQHÂżW Strengthen by reinforcing foundations and supports.

Goldfinch (Pic: Justin Ivory) Thus was born the Global Big day and last year a new record was set with a whopping 6,659 species of bird reported in a 24-hour period from over 20,000 participants in 150 countries around the world. That is an incredible 65% of all the bird species on the planet.

As this is the Year of the Bird (bet you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know that!), there is a big push on to top last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record so eBird want more people than ever to take part in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s event.

MICK HANLY AND DONAL LUNNY Set Theatre May 25, 8pm Tickets â&#x201A;Ź21 (inc. bkg. fee) The combination of songwriter, Mick Hanly, formerly of Moving Hearts (to name just one of his accolades) and multi-instrumentalist/ composer, Donal Lunny (ex-Planxty and so many other musical collaborations) is a marriage made in musical heaven. Hanly brings a traditional influence to some brand new stories, with Lunny, as always, adding his unique touches to the mix.

ACTIVITY of the week

COUNTRY QUADS Tinnecarrig, Borris, Co. Carlow Web: www.countryquads.net

MUG SHOT CAFE 25 James Street, Kilkenny City Web: www.mugshotcafe.ie

Country Quads provides exciting and fun packed activities, all year round and for all ages from 8 upwards in a beautiful rural location in Co. Carlow. They welcome individuals, families, groups of friends or corporate groups and you can choose from a range of activities, including exciting Quad Bike Trails, Clay Pigeon Shooting and now our unique Shooting Cinema. The course is suitable for all age groups - while you tackle the tougher, rougher, parts of the track, the kids can stay on the easier areas.

Located between St. Marys Cathedral and Market Cross Shopping Centre on Jamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Street, a funky, friendly and vibrant CafĂŠ awaits you. Daily Specials include homemade Soup & Brown Bread, Quiche and Bagels with a wide variety of salads. Chef Antonia Bottoni also provides hot lunches such as Cape Malay Chicken Curry, Kilmore Quay Fishermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pie, Mullinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Beef Stroganoff and Teriyaki Salmon.

FUN IDEA of the week

SHOW of the week

VIRGO- This week is an 8 Collaborate with your partner to realize a shared dream. Strengthen infrastructure. Find an inspiration that sings for both of you.

LIBRA- This week is an 8 .HHS \RXU ÂżWQHVV JRDOV Disciplined action builds long-term strength and health. Demands for your attention abound.

SCORPIO- This week is an 8 Keep practicing to improve your game. Focus on technique, and learn through repetition. Get coaching from a trusted expert.

SAGITTARIUS- This week is an 8

Make repairs and renovations. Coordinate with your family for shared priorities. Get creative.

Blackbird (Pic: Justin Ivory) %HIRUH \RX VZLWFK Rŕľľ this event is not just for FDPRXĂ&#x20AC;DJH EHGHFNHG telescope-toting, hard core birders and twitchers.

Absolutely not, this is for everybody and you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be a bird expert, or go out all day long. Even 10 minutes noting the birds in your garden or what you see while walking the dog counts.

So what you need to do now is go to the eBird website and sign up for an account and on the day follow the instructions for entering your sightings.

Have fun!

DIDIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S WALK-IN ART STUDIO FOR ALL AGES Priory House, MacDonagh Junction, Tel: 086 3085270 Website: http://dididobree-wilson.com Children can join art and craft classes on weekends, art camps in summer, and they can take advantage of the popular drop-in service where parents can leave children in a safe, creative environment to get crafty for an hour or two, painting, decorating and decoupage papier machĂŠ pieces, glassware, pottery, T-Shirts and jewellery, while parents tour Kilkenny or shop.

KILKENNY CASTLE CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PLAYGROUND Kilkenny Castle

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Watergate Theatre www.watergatetheatre.com May 16-20

Located within the park, the playground comprises a Corocord space net, supernova roundabout, a selection of swings and slides, spinner bowls, springers and play panels, one of which teaches the alphabet in braille.

All of the equipment is suitable for a variety of ages ranging from 2-14. Wet pour safety surfacing in a variety of colours, shapes and incorporating the use of play elements was installed over the complete area of the playground making it a heaven for children..

Kilkenny Academy of Dance presents â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Alice in Wonderlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Let Alice bring you through the whacky world of Wonderland with Kilkenny Academy of Danceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very own fun and beautiful interpretation of the classic. Act 2 will provide a variety showcase including Classical Ballet, Lyrical, Jazz and Hip Hop guaranteed to suit all interests! Students range from 3-18 years. Lots of fun for all the family.

CAPRICORN- This week is an 8 Capture brilliant ideas as they inspire you. Intellectual discovery provides a thrill.

What you uncover now has long-term implications.

AQUARIUS-This week is a 9 Abundance is available.

Gather up more than you spend for a positive balance.

Make agreements, and sign contracts.

PISCES- This week is a 9 Take ground with a personal project. What you do now FDQ KDYH ORQJ WHUP EHQHÂżW Provide the leadership to take it to a new level.

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kilkennyinpictures

Sophie, Michael, Geraldine and Brenda Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Hearn partaking in Darkness Into Light, James Stephens Barracks.

Image by Rue Photography

Syeda Sarah, Parveen Tahia and Maria Mahmood at Kilkenny Islamic Centre open day. Image by Rue Photography

Johnny Doyle, Shelby and Robin Newsome, Tiernaigh and John Murphy, Helen Prendergast and Siobhan Kennedy partaking in Darkness Into Light, James Stephens Barracks. Image by Rue Photography

Sarah Moore (proprietress), Samantha King (Blogger Champagne and High Heels), Carol Culleton and Valerie Kelly celebrating Lily Rose Boutiqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3rd Birthday. Image by Rue Photography

Melissa Burke, Rebecca Fitzgerald and Amy Thomas who graduated with an Edexcel Pharmacy Services Diploma (QCF) in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham with Daragh Connolly, President of the Irish Pharmacy Union recently

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