Kilkenny Today

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kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

kilkennytoday DELIVERED DOOR-TO-DOOR TO HOMES

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May 28,28 2015, t: 01 901781 5556/7, March , 2019 t: 056 7070 e: info@wicklowvoice.ie e: kilkennytoday@carlowpeople.ie

IN THE CITY AREA

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Kilkenny’s John wins Dancing With Stars! By Kilkenny Today reporter A KILKENNY professional dancer won Dancing With The Stars Ireland on Sunday night. John Nolan accompanied celebrity Mairead Ronan in the Irish version of the hit international show this year. After 12 weeks of televised competition the couple took to WKH ÀRRU ZLWK WKUHH GDQFHV RQ Sunday. They scored 29 for their ¿UVW GDQFH WKH &KDUOHVWRQ

IRU WKHLU VHFRQG GDQFH D FRQWHPSRUDU\ URXWLQH DQG IRU WKHLU ÂżQDO VKRZGDQFH John Nolan is an Irish national ballroom and showdance FKDPSLRQ +H LV QRZ WKH ÂżUVW male professional dancer to win the show in Ireland. Last year he partnered celebrity dancer Deirdre 2Âś.DQH UHDFKLQJ WKH ÂżQDO RI the competition. In 2017 he made it to week eight with news reporter Theresa Mannion. MairĂŠad and dance partner

-RKQ 1RODQ WROG 57e WKH VKRZÂśV hosts that it felt “surrealâ€? to be holding the glitterball trophy. Speaking to RTÉ Entertainment moments after being named the winners of the third series of Dancing with the 6WDUV 0DLUpDG VDLG VKH GLGQÂśW let the pressure get to her ahead RI WKH JUDQG ÂżQDOH Âł 7KHUHÂśV QR SUHVVXUH ZH KDG GRQH DOO WKH ZRUN ´ VKH VDLG “I really wanted to enjoy tonight and I can honestly say I enjoyed every single dance

... even the showdance. I was a little bit nervous before but , WKRXJKW Âľ)HFN LW JR RXW DQG enjoy it’. It was fantastic.â€? Kilkenny native John said. “Every moment of tonight feels surreal. We made the decision during the week that we knew we had done everything we FRXOG LQ HYHU\ DVSHFW Âł6R ZH VDLG Âľ/HWÂśV MXVW JR RXW and enjoy every second’. And we did. “And then to get this to top it Rŕľľ , FDQÂśW EHOLHYH LW ´

Best feet forward: Kilkenny native John Nolan with dance partner celebrity Maireacd Ronan ecstatic after winning this year’s Dancing With the Stars on Sunday night

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kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

news in brief

Brexit will impact on local hotel business

Mosque planning move put back A decision due from An Bord PleanĂĄla on plans to build a mosque in Kilkenny has been postponed. Three separate appeals are being considered after planning was granted by the county council last year for the development in the Hebron Industrial Estate. A judgement was due a week ago. A spokesperson for An Bord PleanĂĄla has said it will now be published on or before April 29th .

Learners waiting 12 weeks for car test Local learner drivers are waiting 11 and a half weeks or longer to sit their driving test. 5HFHQW ÂżJXUHV VKRZ WKLV the average waiting time in Kilkenny and Carlow, but some have had to wait up to 20 weeks. Between the two counties more than a thousand people are waiting for a date for their test. Driving instructors say the long wait has many implications for learners who can often stop taking lessons and run the risk of their driving habits deteriorating.

Mags Murphy, Mags and Katie Egan with Nicola Moses at Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Fashion Show, Ormonde Hotel. Image by Rue Photography

As easy as ABC for Orlaith KILKENNY schoolgirl Órlaith McDonald is this year’s winner of the Co. Kilkenny Eason Spelling Bee Final. Órlaith, who is a 6th class pupil at Ballyfacey National School, came out on top after VWL྾ FRPSHWLWLRQ IURP KHU fellow spelling enthusiasts and will go on to compete in the Leinster Provincial Spelling Bee in May. Órlaith is an avid reader and particularly loves the Harry Potter series. The Eason Spelling Bee LV WKH YHU\ GH¿QLWLRQ RI IXQ

for school kids, encouraging them to read more, expand their vocabulary and fall in love with literacy. Brendan Corbett, Group Head of Marketing at Eason, said; “We’re now in the ninth year of the Eason Spelling Bee and we’re incredibly proud to see it going from strength to strength annually. “Each year, the children involved continue to impress us with their level of spelling skill and it’s wonderful to see schools across the country continuing to support this competition.�

Along with the prestigious title of Eason Spelling Bee &KDPSLRQ WKH ZLQQLQJ speller will also take home a collection of books for their school library, worth Âź DV ZHOO DV D SHUVRQDO collection of books worth Âź 7KLV \HDU VFKRROV around Ireland will take part in the nationwide contest. Eason are partnering with Today FM for a fourth year and, in early summer, presenter Alison Curtis will host the Provincial and All Ireland Spelling Bee Finals.

Lack of ASD places a concern

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? We are now recruiting for the Army and Naval Service For further information and to apply log on to www.military.ie

THE Minister for Education, Joe McHugh TD, has been asked to meet parents in Kilkenny about the lack of ASD class places in local schools. Sinn FÊin Deputy Kathleen Funchion raised the matter in the Dåil last week when she asked Minister McHugh what his plans were to address the shortage. The Minister said the National Council for Special Education had told him that there was VXྜFLHQW SODFHV IRU WKH FRPLQJ year. However,. he agreed that that doesn’t tally with the information Deputy Funchion had supplied him with. Deputy Funchion questioned WKH ¿JXUHV KH TXRWHG IURP WKH National Council for Special Education (NCSE) about the number of secondary schools in Kilkenny with ASD places available. She asked Minister McHugh if he would meet with local parents about their concerns.

BUSINESS sentiment among hotels and guesthouses in Kilkenny and across the country has deteriorated sharply year on year, representing a stark change in outlook compared with 2018 according to the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF). An industry survey undertaken by the IHF ahead of its annual conference in the Gleneagle Hotel & INEC, Killarney, Co Kerry, reveals that only 40% of hoteliers nationally now have a positive outlook for their business in the next 12 months. This compares with 79% who reported a positive outlook at the start of 2018. Major concerns for the sector include the continued risk of a disruptive Brexit and reduced competitiveness due to the hike in tourism VAT, increases in the cost of doing business and growing economic uncertainty internationally. In particular, the higher VAT rate is putting investment in additional hotel capacity at risk, with 75% of hoteliers stating they are now reassessing plans to increase capital investment as a result of the increase. Performance this year has been mixed, with 39% of hoteliers across the country reporting a drop in overall business levels compared to this

time last year while 48% report an increase. This has largely been driven by growth from North America and Europe, which is masking continued poor performance of the UK market. Almost two thirds of hoteliers (65%) say advance bookings for 2019 from the Great Britain are down while almost six in ten (57%) are seeing a fall in advance bookings from Northern Ireland. With the vast majority of hoteliers (91%) concerned about the impact Brexit will have on their business over the next 12 months, Colm Neville, Chair of the South East branch of the IHF, said growth in recent years cannot be taken for granted. “With the prospect of a disruptive Brexit looming, the sharp fall in business sentiment among hoteliers is not surprising. “Our fear is that regional tourism businesses risk being hardest hit, especially those operating in areas that are heavily reliant on seasonal and UK markets,� he said. He said that maintaining our competitivenessmis absolutely vital to sustaining the growth of the industry, which supportsed jobs in every country and town.

Top insurance hub for the SE THE South East is set to become the engine of Ireland’s insurance sector with the announcement by Institute of Technology Carlow of an innovative Insurtech &HQWUH WKDW ZLOO DGG VLJQL¿FDQWO\ to Ireland’s attractiveness for foreign investment. resulting in 50 new businesses and supporting the creation of 300 jobs by 2022. Insurtech Networking Centre DAC (INC) is a new development by IT Carlow in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland, and also in partnership with Wexford County Council and Carlow County Council. The new centre is supported by insurance companies

UNUM, Wrightway, VHI and Zurich Insurance, all of which employ more than 1,000 people in the South East. INC is unique in that it will facilitate the Irish insurance sector at all levels, from retail insurance brokers through to international businesses, in gaining access to Insurtech and insurance innovation resources across all functions, regardless RI VL]H RSHUDWLRQDO SURÂżOH RU complexity. According to a statement from Institute of Technology Carlow, INC will not seek any equity stake-hold as it is focused on accelerating, launching and scaling start-ups.

kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

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kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

New Act is a better deal for farm jobs

news in brief Our soldiers are heading to Syria A number of local soldiers are preparing for their deployment to Syria. The 59th Infantry Group based in the Curragh, will form a Quick Reaction Force which is a small, highly mobile force that can respond immediately to emergencies. The troops were being reviewed at the weekend by the Minister for Defence. Paul Kehoe TD There are two members from Kilkenny and six from Carlow. Up to 120 Irish soldiers reurned from Syria in October after a tour of duty.

Tidy Towns ban on election posters A local Tidy Towns group says they are glad to be leading the way in Kilkenny by implementing a ban on election posters. Tullahought village is the only one the county to sign up to a national campaign banning the posters for May’s local and European elections. Two other villages in Carlow – Wrathfully and Leighlinbridge – are also backing the campaign. Mary Egan from Tullahought Tidy Towns told KCLR that the posters took from the hard work that went into keeping the village looking its best.

Patrick Butler, Tommy Marriott and Paddy Butler at Progressive 25’s Cards Tournament in support of John Needs Pembro, Home Rule Club. Image by Rue Photography

Gardai launch first youth awards in two counties THE inaugural Carlow/ Kilkenny Garda Youth Awards, celebrating outstanding young people between the ages of 13 and 21 years of age, has kicked Rŕľľ ZLWK VSRQVRUVKLS IURP Netwatch. Gardai throughout the two countries, with Netwatch, recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young SHRSOH LQ HYHU\ FRPPXQLW\

The awards will celebrate the young people who, by WKHLU SUHVHQFH PDNH WKHLU FRPPXQLWLHV D EHWWHU SODFH to live or who have shown JUHDW GHWHUPLQDWLRQ LQ their own lives. Groups of WZR RU PRUH \RXQJ SHRSOH ZKRVH FRPELQHG HŕľľRUWV KDYH contributed positively will also be considered. Any one or group can QRPLQDWH DQ\ \RXQJ SHUVRQ

between the ages of 13 and 7KH QRPLQDWLRQV ZLOO JR before a judging panel which LQFOXGHV +HQU\ 6KHྡLQ &KLHI 6XSW 'RPLQLF +D\HV 'DYLG Walsh of Netwatch, Inspector /LDP &RQQROO\ UHWLUHG MXGJH :LOOLDP (DUO\ DQG .LONHQQ\ People Editor Brian Keyes. The awards will be SUHVHQWHG DW D JDOD FHUHPRQ\ with RTÉ’s Evanne Ni Chuillin later in the year.

THE new 2018 Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act has come into force and farmers should be aware of the changes and what it means to how you manage your employees. If you are a farmer with employees, or even one employee, it is important that you understand the implications of this new act and what you must do going forward. The Act provides that: Employers must give emSOR\HHV ÂżYH FRUH WHUPV RI HPSOR\PHQW ZLWKLQ ÂżYH GD\V RI starting work, The use of zero hours contracts will be restricted, There will be a minimum payment of here times the national minimum wage for people called into work but sent home without work, A “band of hoursâ€? system will be introduced where an employee’s contract does not UHĂ€HFW DFWXDO KRXUV ZRUNHG There are strong anti-penalisation provisions for employees who invoke their rights under

this legislation, and National minimum wage rates for younger people have EHHQ VLPSOL¿HG DQG ZLOO EH based solely on the individual’s age, while trainee rates have been abolished. Employees who do not receive the statements of their core terms of employment withLQ WKH VSHFL¿HG WLPHIUDPH FDQ bring a claim to the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and can be awarded up to four weeks’ remuneration. However, an employee must have one month’s continuous service with that employer before they are eligible to bring the claim. In addition to this, employers who fail to comply, or deliberately provide false inforPDWLRQ DUH OLDEOH WR D ¿QH RI up to ₏5,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment. The new Actwas signed by the President on 25 December 2018, having completed its passage in the Oireachtas on December 19th last.

Those Lottery miâ‚Źâ‚Źions keep coming our way A KILKENNY man has become the latest Irish millionaire as he claimed his â‚Ź1m Daily Million prize from the National Lottery last week. When asked how it felt, he simply replied: “As sure, isn’t it a grand feelingâ€? as he folded the cheque and placed it in his pocket. The winning ticket was as Quick Pick sold at the Londis Callan Co-Op in Kilkenny. The man said: “I checked my ticket just before 10pm that night and found out that I was a millionaire. “I couldn’t believe it – in fact I still can’t believe it but I’m going to take my time to see what I want to do with the money. There’ll be no spending spree for the foreseeable future anyway.â€? A spokesperson for the National Lottery said: “This

win is just the latest in a real hot streak for our Daily Million players across the country. “So far in 2019, there has been a total eight top prize winners of the Daily Million and Plus games. In the past seven days alone, we have had two â‚Ź500,000 Daily Million Plus top prize winners.â€? The win comes just two weeks after a south Kilkenny couple who won â‚Ź200,000 on a National Lottery scratch card VDLG WKH\ SODQQHG WR SD\ Rŕľľ their mortgage on their home with their lucky strike. The win came after the couple bought a â‚Ź10 ‘All Cash Spectacular’ scratch card at %ODQFKÂżHOGÂśV &HQWUD VWRUH LQ Mooncoin. They said they would use WKH ZLQQLQJV WR SD\ IRU Rŕľľ WKH mortgage on their house. The husband said: “I buy the

same scratch card every week and win a few bob here and there but never believed that I was going to win this kind of money. “I scratched the card in the car after I bought it in the shop and one of my numbers came up as a winner. “I then realised it had the â‚Ź200,000 symbol beside it! “I contacted my wife straight away and she told me that I was talking nonsense that I could not have won anything like this! It’s only sinking in with her now!â€? He added: “It might hurt a little handing over almost all of the money to the bank manager but there is no greater security in life than being mortgage free. “We’ll have a very small amount left over for a nice family holiday. It will be great to get away.â€?

kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

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08| news in brief €6m. to upgrade county’s roads A BUDGET RI DOPRVW ¼ PLOOLRQ KDV EHHQ VLJQHG R൵ RQ IRU WKH URDGV RI WKH .LONHQQ\ &LW\ 'LVWULFW IRU It was agreed at the latest PHHWLQJ RI FRXQFLOORUV IURP WKH area. Among the larger spends once again is the N76 Callan road where more than two million is going towards maintenance and pavement improvements. 1HZ VDIHW\ PHDVXUHV DUH going into Graignamanagh, 'XQJDUYDQ DQG %HQQHWWVEULGJH

Health visit follows HSE court fine THE Minister with UHVSRQVLELOLW\ IRU 0HQWDO Health, Jim Daly TD, is H[SHJWHG WR SD\ D YLVLW YLVLW Kilkenny. 7KH H[SHFWHG YLVLW IROORZV RQ IURP WKH +6( EHLQJ ¿QHG LQ FRXUW IRU EUHDFKLQJ WKH Mental Health Act at St Luke’s 'HSDUWPHQW RI 3V\FKLDWU\ ODVW month. Mental Health Commission inspectors said they were VKRFNHG E\ WKH XQDFFHSWDEOH FRQGLWLRQV WKH\ IRXQG Local Junior Minister John Paul Phelan says there’s still a ORW RI ZRUN WR EH GRQH

GOT A STORY? t056 781 7070

kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

16 local foodies line up for the top gongs SIXTEEN Co Kilkenny winners took part in the Leinster 5HJLRQDO ¿QDO RI WKH ,ULVK Restaurant Awards at the Killashee House Hotel recently where the top restaurants LQ HDFK FRXQW\ IRU ZHUH announced. More than. 600 restaurant RZQHUV DQG VWD൵ FHOHEUDWHG WKHLU hard work and achievements at the Awards, which saw many ZHOO NQRZQ UHVWDXUDWHXUV RI /HLQVWHU WXUQ RXW WR VHH LI WKH\ KDG ZRQ RQH RI WKH DZDUGV &KLHI ([HFXWLYH RI WKH 5HVWDXUDQWV $VVRFLDWLRQ RI Ireland, Mr Adrian Cummins, said: “Now in their 11th year, the awards continue to showcase WKH LQFUHGLEOH IRRG RQ R൵HU LQ WKH FDIHV SXEV DQG UHVWDXUDQWV RI ,UHODQG DV ZHOO DV UHFRJQLVLQJ WKH WHDPV EHKLQG WKHVH HVWDEOLVKPHQWV DQG WKH KDUG ZRUN and dedication that they put in. “With well over 90,000 nomiQDWLRQV UHFHLYHG IURP WKH SXEOLF WKLV \HDU WKH VWDQGDUG IRU

Chefs from Kilkenny and Carlow gathered recently for a mentoring workshop to support the National Commis Chef Apprenticeship Programme in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel. Pictured are Oliver Sullivan, Mark Gaffey , Caolan Prendergast Woodland Dolman Hotel, Mary Butler and Gillian Ryan, Gaven Moynihan- Paris Texas Bar and Restaurant, TJ O’Connor, Caroline Byrne, Eugene Callaghan - Kelly’s of Rosslare, Wexford, and Aidan Haverty - Langton House Hotel. Pic: Pat Moore the judging process was higher WKDQ HYHU ´ $OO RI WKH VL[WHHQ ZLQQHUV QRZ FRPSHWH IRU WKH Regional and All Ireland Titles, ZKLFK ZLOO EH DQQRXQFHG DW the Irish Restaurant Awards LQ WKH &OD\WRQ +RWHO 'XEOLQ on Monday, May 13th. The 16 awards handed out in Co. Kilkenny were: %HVW 5HVWDXUDQW ± 6SRQVRUHG E\

Tindal Wine Merchants Campagne %HVW &KHI ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ 1LVEHWV -RKQ .HOO\ RI /DG\ +HOHQ Dining Room at Mount Juliet Estate Best Newcomer Butcher Restaurant Best Restaurant Manager – AIB Merchant Services

5LFFDUGR &DYDOLHUH RI 5LVWRUDQWH Rinuccini Best Hotel and Guesthouse 5HVWDXUDQW ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ BWG Food Service Lady Helen Dining Room at Mount Juliet Estate Best Customer Service – 6SRQVRUHG E\ /RFNWRQ Zuni Restaurant, Bar & Boutique Hotel

%HVW *DVWUR 3XE ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ Elavon 3DULV 7H[DV %DU $QG 5HVWDXUDQW %HVW &DIH ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ ,OO\ Knockdrinna Farm Shop & $UWLVDQ &DIp 3XE RI WKH <HDU ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ Jameson Caskmates The Dylan Whiskey Bar %HVW :LQH ([SHULHQFH ± 6SRQVRUHG E\ *LOEH\V Barrows Keep Best World Cuisine Indique Indian Restaurant Best ‘Free From’ – Sponsored E\ 3HURQL *OXWHQ )UHH The Cutting Vedge Best Kid’s Size Me The Hungry Moose Best Local Food Hero – 6SRQVRUHG E\ 5HZDUGLQJ 7LPHV 6LREKDQ /DZOHU RI *ODVUDt Goodies Best Emerging Irish Cuisine – 6SRQVRUHG E\ 2GDLRV Barrows Keep Best Casual Dining – Sponsored E\ -XVW (DW 7UX൷HV 5HVWDXUDQW :LQH %DU

Rise in alcohol and drug deaths Maura McInerney and Colette Dalton at Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Fashion Show, Ormonde Hotel. Image by Rue Photography

Son fulfills father’s dream at local castle A COUNTY Kilkenny IDUPHU¶V VRQ KDV ¿QLVKHG KLV father’s work in restoring a UXLQHG FDVWOH RQ WKHLU ODQG -RKQ &DPSLRQ KDV WXUQHG 7XEEULG &DVWOH WKH JURXQG ÀRRU RI ZKLFK ZDV XVHG DV D JUDLQ VWRUH LQWR D FKDUDFWHUIXO UHWUHDW WKDW LV UHQWHG RXW RQ $LUEQE $FFRUGLQJ WR $JUL/DQG 7XEEULG &DVWOH LV DW the foot of the rolling 6OLHYHDUGDJK KLOOV LQ QRUWK ZHVW .LONHQQ\ “The farm has been in WKH IDPLO\ IRU JHQHUDWLRQV

A Catherine Campion is UHFRUGHG DV OLYLQJ DW WKH FDVWOH DV D WHQDQW RI $UWKXU 5% 6W *HRUJH LQ WKH *UL൶WK 9DOXDWLRQ RI ´ VDLG -RKQ ³0\ IDWKHU -RKQ LQKHULWHG WKH IDUP IURP KLV IDWKHU 7KRPDV DQG PRWKHU 'HOLD He grew the farm by buying D QHLJKERXULQJ ODQG LQ WKH V ,Q WKH HDUO\ V 'DG WXUQHG KLV DWWHQWLRQ WR VRPHWKLQJ KH KDG GUHDPHG DERXW IRU \HDUV ± EULQJLQJ 7XEEULG &DVWOH EDFN WR OLIH ´ KH WROG WKH RQOLQH VLWH

$/&2+2/ DQG SUHVFULSWLRQ drug overdoses and hangings among drugs users are driving an ongoing rise in drug-related GHDWKV QHZ ¿JXUHV VKRZ Fatalities linked to drug use reached a new high in 2016, with 736 people losing their lives. 7KH ¿JXUH LV DQ LQFUHDVH RI RQH GHDWK RQ EXW the two years together represent D SHDN VLQFH UHFRUGV EHJDQ LQ 2014. Figures or drug-related deaths — equating to more than two people a day — compares WR URDG IDWDOLW\ ¿JXUHV RI LQ 2016 (148 in 2018). 6LQFH WKH QXPEHU RI GUXJ UHODWHG GHDWKV KDYH LQFUHDVHG IURP D MXPS RI over 70%. While overdoses (poisonings) KDYH IDOOHQ PRUH UHFHQWO\ IURP LQ WR LQ 2016), non-poisoning deaths, including hangings, have LQFUHDVHG IURP WR

7KH ODWHVW ¿JXUHV DUH IURP WKH National Drug-Related Deaths ,QGH[ SXEOLVKHG E\ WKH +HDOWK Research Board..

kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

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kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

kilkennyinpictures

Shirley Lanigan and Susan Keohane at Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Fashion Show, Ormonde Hotel. Image by Rue Photography

Emma McCreery and Claire Treacy, two of the models partaking in Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Fashion Show, Ormonde Hotel. Image by Rue Photography

Terence and Rosemary Kelly celebrating their 39th wedding anniversary at Progressive 25’s Cards Tournament in support of John Needs Pembro, Home Rule Club. Image by Rue Photography

Eva Phelan and Clarissa O’Nualláin, two of the models partaking in Cois Nore Cancer Support Centre Fashion Show, Ormonde Hotel. Image by Rue Photography

kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

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kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

opinion&comment

Brian Quigley

FAI must give proper answers

W

ith it being the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock festival this year, I gave my DVD of WKH ¿OP DQ RXWLQJ UHFHQWO\ There’s a scene in it where the LQWHUYLHZHU DVNV D \RXQJ IHVWLval-goer if he advocates mass FKDQJH IRU VRFLHW\ Instead of giving the answer he’s expected to give, the teenager says that he doesn’t want PDVV FKDQJH EHFDXVH µPDVV FKDQJH MXVW OHDGV WR PDVV LQVDQLW\¶ With the FAI in recent times it looks like we have it the oppoVLWH ZD\ DURXQG ZH KDYH PDVV insanity, now we need mass FKDQJH :KHUH GR \RX VWDUW" :LWK TXHVWLRQV WR DQVZHU RYHU KLV ELzarre €100k loan to his employers, John Delaney gets into the escape pod and lands in the new SRVLWLRQ RI H[HFXWLYH YLFH SUHVLGHQW ZLWK D VWRS R൵ PLG ÀLJKW in Gibraltar for one last game), D UROH VHHPLQJO\ FRQMXUHG XS with a wave of the wand as far

Sean Lynch and Edel Holmes at Progressive 25’s Cards Tournament in support of John Needs Pembro, Home Rule Club. Image by Rue Photography DV WKH SXEOLF DUH FRQFHUQHG 7KH WLWOH LV JUDQG HQRXJK WR recognise Delaney’s former staWXV DV &(2 EXW QRW RQ WKH ERDUG so he won’t have to appear beIRUH WKH 2LUHDFKWDV &RPPLWWHH RQ 6SRUW RQ $SULO ± DOWKRXJK KH KDV VDLG KH ZLOO DSSHDU The new role comes with a salary of €120,000, down from ¼ DV &(2 ZKLFK ZDV LQ

addition of €3,000 per month in rent for Grainne Seoige’s forPHU KRPH LQ &R :LFNORZ The phrase jiggery-pokery FRPHV WR PLQG HYHQ WKRXJK , think it’s a cricketing term rathHU WKDQ D VRFFHU RQH 2U KRZ DERXW ULQN\ GLQN RU *8%8 *URWHVTXH 8QEHOLHYable, Bizarre and UnprecedentHG IRU WKRVH RI \RX ROG HQRXJK

WR UHPHPEHU &KDUOLH +DXJKH\¶V JRYHUQPHQW ,I \RX ZDQW IXUther recent examples of IDUFH WKHQ KRZ DERXW WKH )$, EULQJLQJ EDFN 0LFN EXW WKHQ DQQRXQFLQJ KLV GHSDUWXUH WLPHframe in the same breath, or JLYLQJ 'HFODQ 5LFH WKH <RXQJ 3OD\HU RI WKH <HDU DZDUG MXVW

DV KH GHIHFWV WR (QJODQG 7R VD\ WKDW WKH SD\LQJ SXEOLF ZHUH HQUDJHG ZRXOG EH WR SXW LW PLOGO\ The FAI’s own national team PDQDJHU VDLG WKH DZDUG VKRXOG EH µFKXFNHG LQ WKH /L൵H\¶ 3HUKDSV WKH QHZ VXSHU UDWV FRXOG HDW LW IRU GLQQHU Then there’s the years of neJOHFW RI WKH GRPHVWLF OHDJXH :KDW 'XQGDON DQG &RUN KDYH achieved has been done in spite RI UDWKHU WKDQ EHFDXVH RI WKH )$, 3UL]H PRQH\ IRU GRPHVWLF VXFFHVV UHPDLQV WRR ORZ $ FOXE can make more money by getWLQJ WKURXJK D FRXSOH RI URXQGV LQ (XURSH Being a soccer person , WDNH QR SOHDVXUH LQ VHHLQJ RXU QDWLRQDO association falling from grace like this, especially when it’s all going down in D ZHHN WKDW VHHV RXU new manager trying to NHHS KLV FKDUJHV IRFXVHG RQ ZKDW VKRXOG EH WKH PDLQ EXVLQHVV ± ZLQQLQJ (XUR TXDOL¿HUV , WRRN QR SOHDVXUH HLWKHU LQ seeing politicians playing foot-

EDOO ZLWK RXU )RRWEDOO $VVRFLDWLRQ XVLQJ LWV IRUPHU &KLHI ([HFXWLYH¶V KHDG DV WKH EDOO The team that called for DelDQH\¶V KHDG ZRQ WKH PDWFK Those that were content to let KLP VWD\ LQ SODFH XQWLO KH KDG a chance to speak on April 10 ORVW 7KH\ DUH DOO RQ VL[ ¿JXUH money themselves; do they JLYH YDOXH IRU PRQH\" 'HOaney’s head has been delivered and calling for it might have adYDQFHG VRPH FDUHHUV LQ /HLQVWHU +RXVH 7KH\ FDQ NLFN LW DURXQG Kildare Street now; perhaps if WKH\¶UH JRRG HQRXJK WKH )$, PLJKW HYHQ FDOO WKHP XS IRU ,UHODQG I never disliked John Delaney RQ D SHUVRQDO OHYHO +H¶V VRPHRQH ZLWK D JHQXLQH ORYH RI IRRWEDOO LQ P\ RSLQLRQ He’s the same age as me and KH GLG GR VRPH JRRG VWX൵ *HWting the likes of Trapattoni and 0DUWLQ 2¶1HLOO LQ DV PDQDJers was a brave move after the 6WHYH 6WDXQWRQ WHQXUH (YHQ WKHQ WKRXJK WKH VDODULHV ZHUH SDUW IXQGHG E\ SHRSOH RXWVLGH WKH )$, $K PRQH\ DJDLQ

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kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

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SIZES: 1.36M OR 1.8M

SIZE: 2M

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kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

WILDLIFE with Justin Ivory

Planet Cool!

BOOK of the week

TV SHOW of the week

FILM of the week

HOROSCOPES

THIS TIME last year, the world’s first permanent visitor centre dedicated to climate change, the Cool Planet Experience (CPE) officially opened its doors at Powerscourt House, Enniskerry. Somewhat ironically it took three attempts for the CPE to finally open its doors to the public as the first two attempts had to be cancelled due to extreme weather conditions! The centre in Wicklow is the first of 10 that are planned to open around the globe over the next three years.

The Cool Planet Experience at Powerscourt (Pic: Justin Ivory) Being a lifelong wildlife and environmental nut and having spent over two decades actively involved at various levels in relation to many aspects of biodiversity, conservation, sustainability and by default global warming and climate change it was with much anticipation I awaited the opening of CPE and hot footed it along to experience the Experience for myself!

HISTORICAL IRISH ODDITIES By Allen Foster

JUST HENRY Virgin Media 3, Tuesday March 26, 7pm

FISHERMAN’S FRIENDS General Release: 15 March 2019

Strange, zany and at times downright baffling, Historical Irish Oddities is a quirky compendium of true stories from all over Ireland. It is essential reading for anyone who loves to entertain friends and family with a good yarn or who needs further proof that Ireland is indeed a country with a unique cast of characters. From the Lismore man who rode to Fermoy in a tub pulled by a pig, a badger, two cats, a goose and a hedgehog, to the tornado that ripped through Limerick in 1851, Allen Foster’s stories may not be in the history books, but they certaintly provide an entertaining and addictive read!

One-off drama set in post-Second World War Britain, based on the novel by Michelle Magorian. Henry’s life has not been easy. Having lost his father in the war and seen his mother remarry soon after, the youngster has become troubled, suffering nightmares and taking no interest in his education. But when his father’s posthumous medal for bravery arrives in the post, he decides to go searching for answers about his death, leading to a series of surprises. Josh Bolt leads the cast, which includes Dean Andrews, Elaine Cassidy, Stephen Campbell Moore, Barbara Flynn.

A fast-living, cynical London music executive heads to a remote Cornish village on a stag weekend where he’s pranked by his boss (Noel Clarke) into trying to sign a group of shanty singing fishermen (led by James Purefoy). He becomes the ultimate ‘fish out of water’ as he struggles to gain the respect or enthusiasm of the unlikely boy band and their families (including Tuppence Middleton) who value friendship and community over fame and fortune. As he’s drawn deeper into the traditional way of life he’s forced to re-evaluate his own integrity and ultimately question what success really means.

TOUR of the week

SHOP of the week

GROUP of the week

KILKENNY CYCLE TOURS & BIKE HIRE 15 John Street (behind The Wine Centre) Kilkenny. T : 086 8954961

NICHOLAS MOSSE IRISH COUNTRY SHOP Bennettsbridge, Co. Kilkenny T : 056 7727505 E : eshop@nicholasmosse.com

HELP FOR ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, OCD, BIPOLAR AND PANIC - KILKENNY Tuesdays at 8pm St. Patrick’s Community Centre

Explore Kilkenny on a Guided Cycling Tour Spend a morning or afternoon cycling with us and visiting all of the main tourist attractions as well as some hidden gems. If you’re just visiting Kilkenny for a short time, this cycling tour of medieval Kilkenny is the best way to discover all of our historical attractions in a fun, casual, yet educational way. We use river bank cycle paths along the River Nore and backstreets so there’s no need to worry about traffic. We’ll cover about 10km in total. Our depot is at Sullivan’s Taproom (just behind The Wine Centre). Call Jason for details.

The Nicholas Mosse Irish Country Shop offers the ultimate shopping experience to the pottery’s many fans. A complete range of every shape and pattern sits side by side with loads of bargain priced ‘seconds quality’ pottery. We are famous for our special discount table which changes constantly and is always worth a look. The entire Nicholas Mosse textile range is here and is complimented by loads of different styles of glassware to complete the look. The shop, in an old stone mill and only two minutes from the new M9 motorway, exit 9.

Do you suffer from Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar or Panic? This is a weekly self help meeting where you can learn the Recovery Method of Self Help. Charity delivered community service. Operating in Ireland since 1971. This method has been clinically shown to reduce distress in people suffering from poor mental health. Meeting takes place every Tuesday at 8.00pm. Recovery Self Help Method Ireland is an official Irish charity that was established in Dublin in 1971. To learn more about this charity, or the method, please visit www.recoveryireland.ie

EXHIBITION of the week

VISIT of the week

We have easy, free parking and if you’re lucky, our gaggle of geese might call out a welcome

THEATRE of the week

ARIES Talk about a home renovation you’ve been dreaming about. Make a practical upgrade without overspending. TAURUS Review instructions before attempting to teach anyone. Discuss plans. Communications seem unreliable. GEMINI 7R ¿QG RXW ZKDWœV JRLQJ on, follow the money. Business picks up, and your work is in demand. Provide excellent services and satisfying results. CANCER Talk about personal dreams. Reality could look GL྾HUHQWO\ WKDQ WKH YLVLRQ or fantasy you have. Get VSHFL¿F LEO +ROG R྾ RQ PDNLQJ D ELJ change. Organize and plan. Imaginative strategies get results. Private productivity percolates while distraction slows the action. VIRGO Keep your promises with a group responsibility. The impossible seems accessible. If you can’t do something, stay in communication. LIBRA Get help building a professional dream. Meditate and plan for later action. Let your imagination run wild. SCORPIO An outing could get postponed. Research reservations and routes. Domestic comforts could prove seductive. SAGITTARIUS

New information threatens an assumption. Stay optimistic, while avoiding risk. Leave nothing to chance. Waste not, want not.

Saving planet earth at CPE (Pic: Justin Ivory) What can I say - so enjoyed my visit. This place is Ăźber cool and pushing itself to the head of the vanguard of the sustainability zeitgeist. Like a naughty threesome of Blade Runner, David Attenborough and Erin Brockovich, CPE delivers its message using futuristic methods with a familiar, easy and engaging assurity while not backing down on the hard hitting facts. Do yourselves a favour and visit this place asap! P.S. Vists are via timeslots so advance booking via the CPE website is advisable.

POULAPHOUCA: NEW PAINTINGS & WORKS ON PAPER Butler Gallery, 16 March - 12 May

THE NATIONAL DESIGN & CRAFT MUSEUM THE HARVEST Castle Yard, Kilkenny, Ireland Watergate Theatre. Thursday, 28th March T: 0567796151 E: events@ndcg.ie T : 056 776 1674 E : info@watergatetheatre.com

The possibility of measuring our connectivity. The Butler Gallery is delighted to present the first solo exhibition in Ireland by the Wicklow-based American artist Sam Reveles. This exhibition will include new paintings and drawings that are imbued with great intricacy and detail. Throughout Reveles career he has explored the expressive possibilities of line and space to create abstract compositions inspired by landscape and ideas about infinity as seen in different aspects in nature.

The National Craft Gallery is the main exhibition space for the Crafts Council of Ireland. It has a wonderful location in the Castle Yard, which used to be the stables of Kilkenny Castle. The gallery is sure to capture the visitor’s imagination with a wide range of crafts on show from textiles, glass and furniture to baskets, jewellery and ceramics. Works by some of the world’s top craftspeople are also on show here. Admission to the gallery is free of charge so it’s definitely worth popping in here to check it out.

Life is sweet. Good job. Pretty wife. Nice house in the suburbs. Shame about the past, creeping up behind you. Charlotte is back on track, thanks to support from her steadfast husband Malcolm and son, Evan. She thinks she’s found another lifeline in her new friend, Shane. But Shane knows more about her idyllic life than she realises. And just how to destroy it. The Harvest is a new thriller from Jane McCarthy, about second chances and second lives. “The world knows about me. It knows what I did and it doesn’t care anymore. But what about you? What about what you’ve done?�

CAPRICORN Talk with your partner before investing time, money or energy into something new. Dreams can come true. AQUARIUS Guard private time for KHDOWK ¿WQHVV DQG ZHOOQHVV practices. Prioritize time for yourself. Movement energizes you. PISCES Don’t give up on someone you love. Prioritize matters of the heart, fun with friends and creative collaboration. Relax, and enjoy company.

kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

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kilkennytoday March 28, 2019

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