29 August 2012

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 29 2012

Kilkenny ReporterT: 056 7795051 E: [email protected]

ALL IRELAND FINAL - SUPPORT THE BLACK & AMBER - DETAILS INSIDE P14

Ghostly Alice was there and a US artist arrived for a spell! » Story and pics P2

Ossory youth queue to meet Gospelhero » Story and pics P11

Dead for 700 years but the Dame is the catalyst for a city confab

Rapper sensation jets in from United States

PHOTONEW

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LOOKING FOR A JOB? THEN REPORTER PAGES 41&42 ARE FOR YOU

JACK, AGED 3, IN HIS FIELD OF DREAMS

He lives in Clogh in North Kilkenny and, fi ttingly, he had a great time at Nowlan Park on Friday. Three year old Jack Buggy was delighted to get the freedom of the park as our senior hurlers trained. The pitch became his fi eld of dreams and there are no prizes for guessing which team he supports. He proudly wore a black and amber jersey, a tracksuit bottom with black and amber stripes and pucked about a black and amber hurling ball. He is The Reporter black and amber star of the week» Story and pics P47

Exclusive pic: Donal Foley

2 | NEWS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

ALTHOUGH she has been dead for centuries, it was as if a notorious witch had called a recent Kilkenny meeting.

Signs were that Dame Alice Kyteler was the convenor. For a start, the gathering was at her original home and all three people at the historic city centre pow wow had direct lines to her!

Author Claire Nolan, a daughter of Kilkenny, College Road to be exact, now living in Dublin, wrote about the woman accused of being a witch and who, it is alleged, poisoned three of her four husbands.

Paddy Shaw, an American with an Irish name, is an artist who painted a picture of the Dame, which, rather spookily, looked remarkably like our author.

And Nicky Flynn is the proud owner of Kyteler’s Inn, St Kieran’s Street, one of Ireland’s oldest pubs, a popular bar and restaurant which arguably has the most fascinating history of any pub in our country, Europe perhaps, and even

Catalyst for the international

get-together was a painting which hangs on the wall of the bar in Kyteler’s, the brilliant handiwork of Paddy the Painter.

It was a painting that was to cause shock, even horror, when

Claire three years ago.The trio had never met or

even communicated before the painting became their common denominator. For the trinity, the Arts Festival confab was a history-making pressing of the

Paddy had heard about Dame Alice through his local library, his New York Studio was to become her home, until the

in an aeroplane – not on a broomstick, as the artist gifted it to Kyteler’s, sent home, accompanied by a short but cultured epistle:

To Kyteler’s Inn, Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny, Ireland

I painted this piece for myself. It didn’t like living with me. I think she wanted to go home. So have her. It was signed Paddy Shaw.

There were gasps, gulps and physical disbelief when Claire, her dad, Paddy, a former tourism

saw the painting which had already been exhibited in New York and Japan.

There was good reason for the shock and horror. Claire

Nolan could have been looking in a mirror. The Dame Alice painting, Paddy’s idea of what the Dame might have looked like, was her spitting image.

Yes it was spooky.Even more sinister than

anyone could ever imagine.Claire’s book, ‘The Stone’,

wasn’t launched until 2008. Paddy had painted the picture in 2003, at a time when Claire didn’t even know that she would ever write anything about the infamous witch.

So it was ironic that the bold Alice, or at least her portrait, should be hanging around as new found friends chatted about what is called an ‘amazing coincidence’.

We could have sworn that there was a grin on Alice’s face.

How she might have liked to be there in person, to bring her sorcery to the table!

But she was there in spirit.And no doubt the chatter

turned to the late, great, greedy, grandious, gregarious or perhaps gargantuan Dame Alice. Was she a wonder woman or entrepreneur or did she delight in demons, all depends on how one interprets the pages of history.

Stories always tend to get better with the telling and more often than not the truth is not allowed to spoil a good tale.

For centuries the story of the Kyteler girl has fascinated historians, who no doubt differed in their views. Nothing extraordinary there.

Was she a witch or was she a victim of trumped up charges by jealous stepchildren? A musty old tome, swathed perhaps in cobwebs and stink with the urine of vermin may carry the true story.

But even the Lord Himself

such book. And, depending on his allegiance or otherwise to the Dame, Old Nick may not oblige either.

In the meantime Alice continues to fascinate men and women, boys and girls, most of whom may carry in their mind’s eye an image of an evil woman on a broom.

Claire, Nicky and Paddy no doubt drank a toast to their convivial Arts Week confab. And Paddy got to enjoy ‘The Stone Musical’ which was being performed at Kyteler’s

US.The witch that was, or wasn’t,

may never dominate their lives, yet if ever her name is mentioned in their company, the likelihood is that a debate will resume.

That in itself is truly spellbinding!

Oh dear.

Th e Dame was hanging around as a big three held a branch meeting!Spooky, exciting too as Alice was the fl y on the wall

[email protected]

From left, Claire Nolan, Nicky Flynn and Paddy Shaw, with Dame Alice lurking in the background Did you say something there, Alice, Paddy appears to be asking Pics: Vicky Comerford

Pics: Vicky Comerford

Claire’s popular book, ‘The Stone’

READ MORE:Dame Alice out of work Page 12A dead woman walking Page 22Meet our ghost hunters Page 27

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER NEWS | 03

WE RAISED our glasses to good friends and devoted Re-porter readers during the week.

Members of what we might loosely call the Tuesday Night Club at Phelan’s Bar, Parlia-ment Street, drank a toast to absent friends along with a young man called Raymond Morris.

But last Tuesday wasn’t the same without the company of an old mate whom we had just accompanied to his funeral service at St Canice’s Church.

Tommy Morris had died suddenly at his Common Hall home, off Vicar Street, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

He had been in good form earlier as he chatted with friends at the NCOs Mess in James Stephens Military Bar-racks where he was a social club member.

knows how many years Tom-my wasn’t in Phelan’s Bar on Tuesday.

But his loving son Raymond turned up after the removal of his dad’s remains and there too was Michael Hayes, a brother of Tommy’s lifelong friend,

who passed away a little over two months ago.

Tommy, Dixie and Paddy Synnott of Kennyswell Road, a trinity of lifelong friends, had worked together for a combined total of 120 years at Padmore & Barnes Boot Fac-tory, Wolfe Tone Street. All three passed on in an eight-week spell. Tommy retired in 1985 due to ill health.

Tommy was born at 8 Ab-bey Street, a neighbour of John ‘Dixie’ who lived at No 6. They were lifetime pals who met religiously on Tuesday evenings at the bar owned by a man they respected as Thomas Brennan.

They sat together beside the

seat which is now a shrine to

camaraderie and decency.Friends from the Military

Barracks turned up in force for his funeral. Also represented was the now defunct Brewery Club where he was a member and there too were workmates from the Boot Factory.

All his life Tommy was de-voted to the Dominican Black Abbey where he started serv-ing Mass at the age of eight, along with his brother, the late Paddy Morris, and continued into his adult years.

He was a member of the old Black Abbey dance committee which raised funds for the Do-minican Church. He was also a promoter for the Abbey’s 1,000 Club and up to recent months he helped with church collections.

It was in the Old Mayfair Ballroom that Tommy met his wife Mary, a sister of the late Martin Doheny of Parnell Street, a man who built up one

businesses in the country.

Tommy and Mary were wed in St Canice’s Church on Au-gust 1, 1960. They have been devoted to each other and to their children for 52 years.

Margo Holden, Callan, Kim Clarke, Portlaw, Sinead Booth, Massford, Castlecomer, Mar-tin, Common Hall, and Ray-mond, Harley Park, Callan.

Tommy’s remains were re-ceived by Fr Lorcan Moran and Requiem Mass was cel-ebrated by Fr Jim Murphy.

A man of principle, Tommy was never late for work, never

time.He enjoyed a good newspa-

per. He was an avid reader of The Reporter which he ensured was delivered to all members of his family every week.

Aged 79, he was born on the 30/03/1933.

May he rest in peace. Jimmy R.

We drank a toast to absent friends

Sound man, Tommy Morris

Th ree lifelong pals passed away inside eight weeks


CLIMBING and music is an unlikely mix to be shown off by Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre.

Activities start on Saturday when families are invited to watch climbers from all over Ireland as they bid to conquer over 100 routes that lead to the top of a cliff face.

Under top class professional supervision everybody gets a chance to challenge the rock between 2pm and 5pm. A barbecue at 7pm should help to restore energy.

A talk and slide show of Dermot Somers is at 8pm. A climber and mountaineer, Dermot has travelled the world and was a member of the Irish

Mount Everest expedition in 1993. The presenter of travel and adventure programmes on TG4 and RTÈ will take the

audience on his journeys to faraway places. Admission is €5. Action continues on Sunday with climbing displays all day.

Scaling new heights with a brilliant German Band

In the mood: A German Youth Band

To highlight the full potential of the venue, parallel to the climbing a concert will be held in the Amphitheatre at 2.30pm by the Upper Rhine Youth Wind Band from Germany.

The music will range from jazz to challenging concert pieces. Conductor Julian Gibbons promises: “The dynamic performance of these 54 young musicians will take the entire audience, young and old. by storm.” The band’s programme includes pieces from Star Wars, Riverdance and Danzon 2. admission is €5.

a barbecue, what is expected

Ballykeeffe season.Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre

is a member of the Kilkenny Community Festival Network. The network, supported by Kilkenny Leader Partnership, includes Irish Conker Festival (Freshford), Graignamanagh Town of Books, Abhainn Rí Festival (Callan), Inistioge Summer Festival and Savour Kilkenny.

The sky’s the limit

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER CLASSIFIED | 5


Henry and Ruby provide a boost for SusieORDINARY people continue to do extraordinary things for charity despite tough economic times.

A couple who held an ‘After-noon in the garden’ event raised €2,210 for the Susie Long Hos-pice Fund (SLHF).

Henry and Ruby Miller kindly opened up their beautiful gar-den at Bawnmore, Johnstown, to neighbours and friends for a fund raising afternoon.

Dry days have been few and far between this summer but the rain held off and the sun shone for a few hours of beauty with Henry and Ruby.

The Millers enjoyed the sup-port of locals, with some even becoming ‘kitchen staff’ for the day helping with tea and re-freshments.

“Neighbours have always

been a great support,” said Ruby who has held the garden party at her home in aid of the SLHF for the past four years.

“People are so good, they come and go all afternoon. Some give money if they can’t make it,” she added.

The Millers chose the SLHF as their charity as they made a personal connection with the late Susie Long’s husband, Conor Mac Liam and the cou-ple’s son, Fergus.

“Conor and Fergus joined the table tennis club we belong to so when we found out the con-nection to Susie, we decided to go for that,” explained Ruby.

The Millers were joined by their great-niece Charlotte Han-nah who is pictured presenting a cheque to Tommy Roche, chair-man of the SLHF.

Above: Charlotte Hannah presents a cheque for €2,210 to Su-sie Long Hospice Fund Chairman Tommy Roche. Included are garden hosts Ruby and Henry Miller and Eamonn Corcoran of the Susie Long Fund. Left: Party time in Johnstown

CELTIC CRY, the brilliant Watergate show which brings us on a journey through the ages with mu-sic, song and dance has its

-day, and tomorrow.

And as a last hurrah, the talented entertainers are to help boost the funds of a lo-cal charity.

For every seat for the shows sold by Anne Cody and her colleagues at CEART Patientwise, the Watergate will donate €5 to the charity.

Also supporting the project are Camphill qnd L’Arche who will also ben-

“It would be a victory for everyone if the Watergate

shows,” Anne Cody en-thused. “It would be a boost for the charities, it would be good for the Watergate and

for the musicians, singers and dancers of Celtic Cry,” Anne told The Reporter.

The hotline to ring for tickets is 087-9028534. Cost is €10 for adults and €5 for children.

The show which starts at 7pm is a brilliant evening’s entertainment. It lasts for approximately 75 minutes and is excellent family en-tertainment.

Now the Celtic Cry is to help charities

Celtic boy; James Blennerhassatt

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER ADVERTISEMENT | 7


Martin is one of the rare old stock!

to

NED [email protected]

Chairman in the Board: Martin Gannon

Beautiful camogie maids

Youth impress in Newpark warden schemeStars of the future

Action man, with green helmet, while the boy in yellow helmet takes a deserved rest

Young wardens in actionYoung Litter Wardens pictured with Co Council Chair Marie Fitzpatrick, Deputy Mayor John Coonan, Sheila Donnelly, Manager Newpark Family Resource Centre, Frank Cody, Newpark FRC, Nora Webster, Newpark FRC and Seán Leahy of Keep Kilkenny Beautiful Pic: Donal Foley



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Slimming: Eat up it’s time to lose weight!

Above left: Anne before diet and right, feeling happier and healthier after diet

BREDA GARDNERCOMPLEMENTARY HEALTH THERAPIST

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on the issue in the Memorandum of

Abandon plans, say Sinn Féin


HE COULD well prove to be the sensation of this weekend’s International Gospel Choir Fes-tival in our city.

Adrian ‘Fro’ Johnson, one of America’s top Gospel rappers,

on Friday and Saturday he will

talk about gospel and rap to up to 1,000 young people when he hosts festival workshops.

He will meet Ossory Youth at Desart Hall on Friday at 7.30pm and on Saturday another bum-per attendance is expected at the Ormonde Hotel, Ormonde Street at a workshop at 11.45am.

The inaugural festival, hosted

Choir, will feature hundreds of performers from Ireland and abroad. Action days are from Friday to Sunday inclusive.

A myriad of events will be thrown open to visitors, includ-ing a free gospel performance on Friday afternoon at Castle-

Choirs will sing alfresco in the Estate Yard.

-day is expected to be a spectacu-lar event. All choirs here for the festival will unite in a concert at St Mary’s Cathedral and will be joined by all festival guests, in-cluding rapper Johnson.

The award-winning singer songwriter Don Mescall and his long term friend in writing

-cial anthem for the International Festival. Don will sing the an-them, ‘Faith and Friendship’

the cathedral concert.“Faith and Friendship was a

joy to write,” Don told The Re-porter. “For me music feeds the

soul, lifts the spirit and makes you feel better about the world. I am really looking forward to hearing these amazing choirs sing this song to-gether. It will be a mo-mentous occasion and I’m so excited to be part of it.”

Festival Founder and Kilkenny Gospel

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-ward to revealing this new song and our choir is thrilled to be

-cial recording. This festival

all involved and we have some fasci-nating guests from the United States in-volved.”

The choirs will

join forces for three days of musical and cultural activities,

including concerts and per-formances at city and

county venues.Among the big

hitters is Dr Eddie Jones, an educator, performer, and con-

ductor who has ilives. He is the Associate

Music at the Univers i ty of Arkan-sas where he teaches voice, cho-ral meth-ods, and c o n d u c t s the UA C o n c e r t Choir and the UA Inspira-t i o n a l Chorale.

internationally known liturgi-cal composer, author, recording artist and speaker, will be a key workshop leader.

United States rapper is our festival sensation

Kilkenny Gospel Choir Pic: Dylan Vaughan and right ‘Fro’

JIMMY [email protected]

Boxing round up at St Patrick’sTHE RECENTLY revived St Patrick’s Boxing Club is enjoying an exciting new lease of life. There is tremendous interest in the club and training sessions at the Watershed are well attended.

Here is the training schedule which is overseen by a team of dedicated coaches:

Mondays: 7-8pm, 10-15 year olds; 8-9pm 16 year olds and adults; Thurs-days: 7-8, 10-15; 8-9, 16s and adults; Saturdays: 11-12 noon, 10-15; 12-1pm, 16s and adults.


OVER 60 students attended the Summer Camp of the Budo Martial Arts Centre, Kil-kenny. The club teaches authen-tic Shotokan Karate as taught in Japan.

Budo, which has its headquar-ters in the Watershed Sports Complex regroups shortly after a summer break and invites all interested in taking up karate to enrol on its numerous beginners’ programmes which begin next week.

The club runs kids only classes, adult classes, teenage

classes and family classes.Immediately after the two-day

summer camp almost all of the students presented for grading in front of Chief Instructor Sensei Kevin Shortall.Successfully graded were:

10th Kyu: Sean Dalton, Aoibhe Lawlor, Tadgh Byrne, Charlie Whelan, Doireann Hogan, Aoibhe Murphy, Grace Murphy.

9th Kyu: Rebecca McCann, Cormac Kennedy Power, Oi-sin Meally, Bill Doherty, Tom Murphy, Harry Boyle, Gavan

Corcoran, Finn Corcoran, Owen Stafford.

8th Kyu: Sean McGlone, Rachel Bowe, Sarah Manuel, Aaron O’Brien, Aisling Kennedy Power, Caoim-he Kennedy Power, Jacab Smollen, Natalia Smollen, Glen Lewis, Daniel Kelle-her, Padraig Minogue, Tom Gorey, Geri Doyle Ryan, James Quigley, Matthew O’Neill.

7th Kyu: Wayne McCann, Rebecca Murphy, Dean Red-dy, John Phelan, Matthew

Kane, Ronan Walsh, Shane Wall, Justin Sharkey O’Leary, Karina Sharkey O’Leary.

6th Kyu: Diane O’Reilly, Anna Phelan, Ellie Phelan, Hannah Kane, Eillie Kane, Joe Breen, Rosin Welland.

5th Kyu: Roisin Brophy, Mark McRory, Cara McRory, Marian Reade.

3rd Kyu: Tom McDonald2rd Kyu: Jake Nolan, Mag-

gee Welland.1st Kyu: Adrienne King,

John Hunt, Owen Lynch.

IF TRAIL Kilkenny has its way, Dame Alice Kyteler will be out of work!

For they have come up with an imaginative ‘dial a ghost’ plan to woo visitors.

In a nut shell, it is planning to frighten visitors using modern technology.

It is exploring the possibility of adding a hi-tech, spine-

chilling Ghost Trail to its leisure and activity routes as part of its latest rural tourism initiative.

Ghost stories are being gathered and there are plans to bring these to life via a smartphone app and video technology.

Idea is to entice visitors to explore the county and visit historic locations where spooky events have occurred.

This will help to uncover Kilkenny’s rich heritage and varied history.

As well as a traditional printed trail guide and signage, Trail Kilkenny is investigating the use of cutting edge technology to lead walkers along the trails. Visitors will download an app to a smart phone or similar device

through which a storyteller will narrate ghost stories; using

the latest augmented reality techniques to visualise the story at some locations.

“Essentially a ghostly event will be recreated

using video at a historic site and

this video will be activated when the visitor scans the scene at a particular

location using a smart phone,” says spokesman Eoin Hogan.

“This is history with a difference. Visitors are being encouraged to explore Kilkenny’s heritage by presenting it in a light, entertaining way that uses ghost stories to tie history with heritage sites.

“This should have broad market appeal and we also plan to incorporate elements into the trail product to attract

school tours, families and other visitors.

“Other destinations market ghostly tours very successfully. Edinburgh’s Witchery Tour for example is a must for visitors. Ours is a very innovative project. Nobody has developed something quite like this.”

Trail Kilkenny is working with Thomastown-based Glass Eye Productions. Plans are to have the project ready before Halloween!

Off you go Alice: It’s dial a ghost time

Karate Kids get kicks out of passing exams!


Junior member Sarah Manuel, left, sparring with Dean Reddy under the watchful eye of Sensei Tom Walsh, Senior Instructor


14 | ADVERTISEMENT KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012


A BRIDGE, a series of gates and a cow house were designed for Callan as part of Common-age Summer School 2012.

Commonage, a research, de-sign, and curatorial studio based in Callan, facilitated the projects that were completed over 17 days by up to 50 people from

The bridge or elevated walk-

way will be a seasonal structure that will make a planned scenic river walk more accessible. The cow house at Westcourt Farm and the gates will all be situated along the pedestrian right of way by the King’s River.

“There’s a long-term ambi-tion that the river walk will be developed as an amenity, so what we did was create shad-ow projects,” Hollie Kearns of Commonage told The Reporter.

The group also created an in-

door/outdoor auditorium and theatre space in Callan’s old Co-Op building. The disused build-ing on Green Street had become dilapidated and was vandalised before being redeveloped.

Commonage was initiated as an architectural strand of the Ab-hainn Rí Festival in 2010. The Co-Op building was cleared out and made accessible. After host-ing a number of exhibitions there the space was recognised as valu-able so the building was further

developed in 2011 as part of an art commission called ‘Culturstruc-tion’. Unsafe areas were cor-doned off, outdoor tiered seating, an indoor performance space and projection screens were added.

The venue has since been used for gigs, seminars, screenings, readings and public talks and other local groups including Flash:Light have held events there.

“The idea of Commonage is that it’s something that we share.

More than just sharing the space there’s also a constant negotiation and people have to take respon-sibility for using that space and maintaining it,” she explained.

Commonage, a professional organisation, is led by Jo Anne Butler, Rosie Lynch, Hol-lie Kearns and Tara Kennedy. They work with and get great support from the local commu-nity. Local tradesmen Michael and Jimmy McCormack volun-teered their skills to renovate

the toilets in the co-op and car-penters from last year’s sum-mer school donated two days to help make temporary walls.“There is a really nice ethos of participation in Callan. Or-ganisations support each other. What’s phenomenal for Com-monage is that so many people are open to working with us in so many different ways. There are four of us but there are probably about 100 people in-volved,” she said.

‘Until it’s time to go’, a meal by Jennie Moran during Commonage Summer School 2012. Above and below, volunteers at work. Pic: Brian Cregan

Four is the focus but over 100 are activeAISLING HURLEY

[email protected]



SURVIVAL in business is a reason

climate, an awards launch was told on Friday.

Speaker was Chamber of Com-merce President Donie Butler who reminded of the reality of business during a recession.

Occasion was the launch of the Kilkenny Chamber 2012 Business Awards at City Hall, sponsored by food giant Glanbia.

But while Donie’s words may have struck a chord with guests, the mood was upbeat as the Chamber announced details of a string of ac-colades to be presented at a black tie function in the Lyrath Estate Ho-tel on November 24.

The list included a new innova-tion award and a craft award which no doubt will be hotly contested by some 120 crafts groups in Kilken-ny, the largest in any county.

Amanda Horan of Fáilte Ireland will chair a panel of judges. Donie paid tribute to sponsors Glanbia, saying that the involvement of a

-bia only added to the prestige of the awards.

He also paid tribute to category sponsors and partners such as AIB

Bank, Kilkenny County Enterprise Board, RIKON, South East BIC, PRL Group, Eirgrid, State Street, St Canice’s Credit Union and Lyrath Estate Hotel.

John Murray, former host of The Business Programme on RTE Radio 1 will compere the awards ceremony.

Awards: Business/Person of the Year, Excellence in Tourism, Serv-

ice Provider, Retailer, Exporter, Emerging new business, Employ-er of the year, Employee of the year, Excellence in communica-tions, Innovation, Customer Serv-ice Excellence, Craft, Food produc-er, Small business, Family business, Manufacturing, Diaspora award, Age friendly, Lifetime achieve-ment, President’s award.

Members of the extended Butler family who gathered at the Parade Tower, Kilkenny, for a clan rally on Saturday Pic: Donal Foley

‘Survival in business a reason for celebration’

Launch time: From left, John Murray, Donie Butler, President Cham-ber of Commerce and Redmond Barry, Glanbia Pic: Donal Foley

Welcome home: A warm welcome home from Tralee was accorded to Kilkenny Rose, Aobhin Murphy, fifth from left, by Colin Aherne, Ormonde Hotel, Margaret and Aoife Murphy, Cacilin Power, Ciara Conryan, Paul Murphy, Mayor Seán Ó hÁrgáin, Kevin Mooney, Shauna Murphy and Geoffrey Menage Pic: Donal Foley



In Castlecomern with Chubby Brennan

Choir Festival pays a visit to our townCHOIRS taking part in Kilkenny’s fi rst international Gospel Choirs Festival will visit our town on Friday. There will be a free gospel choir performance at 2.30pm in the Discovery Park. The concert will be in the Estate Yard.The organisers are looking forward to a good turnout of local people who will be assured of a top class gospel singing afternoon.

Local lottosGAA €15,350; Golf €9,200; Vaults €950.

Paint the town in the coloursFly the black and amber for the coming weeks. That’s the message to local people as the countdown continues to the Croke Park All-Ireland senior hurling fi nal clash with Galway on September 9.Castlecomer is a great sporting town and there is no doubt but that it will be represented at

GAA HQ on the big day.

The Race for LiamA county table quiz on local radio called The Race for Liam will be in Dillon’s on Thursday, with Erin’s Own Hurling Club.

All aboard for CobhThe trip to Cobh on the October Bank Holiday weekend has been fully booked. Word is that a certain Chubby will be driver and conductor on the coach!.

Remember the days... The Doheny brothers, Frs Michael and Kevin and a fellow clergyman, pictured with Senator Ted Kennedy



THIS YEAR has been

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Our hero shed five stone and kicked smoking

Loving daughter tells of losing mum to cancer

Margaret had her head shaved for cancer fund raiser Pic: Donal Foley

AISLING HURLEYAHURLEY@

KILKENNYREPORTER.IE

Alan before losing weight A weight off his mind!


Warrington Tetrathlon Team who had great success at the UK Tetrathlon championships last weekend in Hartpury, England. They won the team event with Cian Drennan, Ruben Pim, Mike Healy and Mark Collins. Sam Pim also competed at senior level on the Irish team. Mike was third in individual and joint first in the swim. The boys swam, ran, shot and had to ride a challenging cross country course.

WE WOULD like to remind readers that the entire Kilkenny Reporter is now available every week online.

This should be a boost in particular for our Kilkenny Diaspora who are spread throughout the world but never forget their roots.

It will be a big boon too for our advertisers, for, as well as having a copy of our compact newspapers delivered to local homes, we are delighted to be online and the address can be given to extended families and friends at any time.

Simply key in www.kilkenny.reporter.ie and enjoy a good read

DELANEY’S Kells, jackpot €1,400. Numbers: 12-17-30. No winner. Consolation €30 Linda Molloy, John Kelly, Ann Tierney, Josephine Coady, Miriam Kelly. Promoters’ €20 Elaine Bookle, Tosh O’Neill. Next draw, September 3, Sheridan’s Ennisnag, jackpot €1,500. Then The Harvester Bar, September 10.

Your online Reporter

Danesfort GAA & Parish Lotto

&CommentOpinion

THERE IS good in everyone and, regardless of what any of us think of her, Dame Al-ice Kyteler, one time resi-dent of St Kieran’s Street, is a woman who has just given a boost to our medieval city.

Was she an evil woman or a good woman who was much maligned? We will probably never know the answer but what we do know is that the said woman still has quite an in-

for over seven centuries now.

Our lead story today highlights the powers which a man or woman may still have for genera-tions after he or she has passed on. Dame Alice is long dead, yet she lives in folklore and in notori-ety and we know that she is well and truly alive when it comes to bringing good people together. How she achieves it is one thing but she has just proved that she can call a meeting without ever really calling it, if you get our drift.

The spooky story of the Dame Alice painting, an artist’s impression, which looked amazingly like a Kilkenny woman, broke in 2009. It was an uncan-

ny tale which shocked people, particularly those directly involved. Many wondered if the Dame was up to her old tricks as she posthumously got her face into the picture, as it were, and perhaps had a little chuckle at the expense of all of us as she stole the limelight from beyond the grave.

The painting in question by New York artist Pad-dy Shaw now hangs proudly in Kyteler’s Inn Bar and Restaurant, the artist’s impression of a woman of the world who was whatever the hell she was, a citizen of our city who made her mark on history where many so-called ‘important’ people failed to impress and faded into the pages of unimportance.

If she never achieves anything else, albeit in a strange way, Alice will have done a very good deed for two of her fellow citizens and a friend from afar. Had Paddy Shaw not completed a paint-ing of what he believed Alice Kyteler might have looked like and sent it to Kilkenny as a gift, he would probably never have met author Claire Nolan or local business woman Nicky Flynn of Kyteler’s Inn. New friendships have been made and that in itself has to be a plus for the Dame. If she were bad she certainly knows how to do good, a mere 700 years after she went AWOL.

Nicky is the proud keeper of Alice’s Kilkenny connections, including her one time town house in St Kieran’s Street, now a popular local pub, res-taurant and entertainment centre, an excellently run business which revels in the name Kyteler’s Inn. And the picture which hangs on the wall of the pub, a painting of Alice Kyteler which looks frightening like talented College Road woman Claire Nolan, no doubt adds to the mystique of a city centre business which glories in the fortunes and perhaps misfortunes of a supposed witch. It is a business which is hugely popular because of its professionalism, its warm welcome, and perhaps most important of all, particularly in times of re-cession, its commitment to giving good value for money.

Some time ago, two years now perhaps, a couple from the United States came to Kilkenny to get married. They had never been here before but they

love with Kilkenny Castle and were married in the Parade Tower. The Reporter was privileged to be among the guests at the civil ceremony and was not in the least surprised when told that the recep-tion was to be in Kyteler’s Inn. It was a case of

loves. They were thrilled with our castle, delight-ed with Kyteler’s Inn and its people.

As we eavesdropped on what proved to be a delightful meeting of three good people, we mar-velled at a series of events in which a woman who is no longer with us played a major role.

Not everyone can live next door to Alice, in the same street or indeed in the same city. That is the privilege of our present generation and indeed of generations to come. Our bet is that when the rest

our footsteps, the great Dame Alice Kyteler will still be a dead woman walking!

MANY OF us who are

something may re-call our wild youth when our good moth-

them, would utter the following words, with

an exhausting sigh: “I might as well be talking to the wall.”

The saying is very apt today and can be particular-ly relevant when we, the voters, the citizens of this country, ask a question of members of our Coalition

when we would get a better response if we were addressing a wall.

A case in point is the soaring cost of petrol and diesel which will be a real slap in the face in partic-ular for cash-strapped families when the children of our nation return to school after holidays. The crawl towards €2 a litre is getting there slowly but surely and the prediction is that the magic, or perhaps trag-

another belt at fuel prices in the December Budget.France has already given a positive lead by tem-

porarily reducing fuel costs ‘to ease the pressure on

hold a stubborn line regardless of who pleads for mercy as fuel hikes hit families and small business in particular.

Opposition parties have already called on the

on deaf ears and a mother’s wailing words may now be echoing around our country: ‘I might as well be talking to the wall’.

In asking for relief for motorists, Fianna Fáil pointed out that some months ago they had pub-

out of character with their anti-people policies as they told FF that they were living in an ‘economic

had no bother in ensuring that families under pres-sure go on suffering a nightmare existence.

Reminding that there would be no leniency, a spokesperson for the Department of Finance said that money man Minister Michael Noonan had replied, in answer to parliamentary questions, that temporary tax changes would not be introduced as

uer. The Exchequer it seems must be cuddled and mollycoddled at all costs and to hell with families on the breadline or small businesses struggling to keep doors open.

So as many frustrated parents skimp on food and other necessities to buy school books and uniforms, they may have no alternative but to abandon a fam-ily car and march their children to school, no matter how long the journey. That won’t bother the money minister or indeed any other ministers for that mat-ter. They don’t have to worry about the price of a litre of petrol, or 1,000 or more litres either as they get lavish expenses courtesy of battered taxpayers.

And of course there won’t be a peep out of any

tesy, respect or cowardice, take your pick, take on the silence of the lambs and, like sheep, genu-

mouths when they are told to shut them, or have them closed for them!

For that is the politics of ‘our democratic’ country.

Exchequer rules as ourfamilies suff er

OPPOSITION PARTIES HAVE

ALREADY CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO EASE THE PAIN, BUT CALLS HAVE FALLEN ON DEAF

EARS AND A MOTHER’S

WAILING WORDS MAY NOW BE

ECHOING AROUND OUR COUNTRY:

‘I MIGHT AS WELL BE TALKING TO

THE WALL’.

“ IT WAS AN UNCANNY

TALE WHICH SHOCKED PEOPLE,

PARTICULARLY THOSE DIRECTLY

INVOLVED. MANY WONDERED IF THE DAME WAS UP TO

HER OLD TRICKS AS SHE POST-

HUMOUSLY GOT HER FACE INTO THE

PICTURE, AS IT WERE, AND

PERHAPS HAD A LITTLE CHUCKLE AT

THE EXPENSE OF ALL OF US AS SHE STOLE

THE LIMELIGHT FROM BEYOND

THE GRAVE

Alice will always be a dead woman walking

“

KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

JIMMYRHATIGAN

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER DOWN MEMORY LANE | 23

CRIPES! A ‘Pussy Riot’? Surely the beauteous maid-ens of Kilkenny haven’t run amok, shedding all inhibitions - and sundry diaphanous ‘scanties’? Phwat’s th’oul world co-min’ ta, at all, bejay? I was

somewhat ‘puggled’; the two words of the girl band title are familiar to me. But joined together in such a strange context? Hmmmm…. The crafty moggy is often referred to by the P word – but riots were what happened in the ‘Fifties when our Kilmoganny team played Coolagh. Or anybody.

Then, when all the fun of the brawl {ahem… match} was over, it was down to the pub for a few peace-loving pints. During which happy time hostilities often erupted again, for no remem-

friends. Until the next match. A bit about the girls

their liking in a Moscow church. This, to a man who came from a religion-soaked background, was brain-stewing news indeed. Wild clever girls yahooing, gimping - and roaring at our very own (practically-Irish) dear V Mary to kick Putin’s arse out the Kremlin front door. Crazy stuff, indeed.

Now those brave chicks are going to pay for it. But could not the viewers of their odd antics

have agreed that these bold girls should just get a few swipes of the old deftly-hand-stitched strap so beloved of Irish Brothers and teachers, dead and gone - and be sent home to their mammies? Or – in this case - Babushkas? Would not that be severe enough? And, who knows – with the ’Fifty

Shannon-like out the doors of good dacent book-shops all over our new semi-pagan land – perhaps the Russki colleens would even be pleasured when such nettle-stingy batas’ collided with their cute little derrieres?

The way it wasBut seriously, folks – where’s the sense? We look

back at centuries of bloodshed and massacre – a lot of it in the name of religion. Oh listen, nit-pickers – don’t give me that old faux-intellectual cliché that ‘Christianity is different from religion’ – it’s not, pal – it’s all the same. We like to talk of Sir Thomas More – later a saint – but chopped down by Henry the Eighth. Bad boy Henry! But – Tho-mas had stretched many a man on the rack - and burned several women – because their Bible views were different from his. Yep, folks - for reading the

a real ‘nice one’ going: he’d promise freedom to

a ‘heretic’ – if he/she would confess. Heretic then confesses to: stoning the crows, p**s**g on the parish priests potato plants - and supporting Man United. Thomas then says; “sorry, Mr/Ms Heretic – those yokes are such heretical bad sins that my promises don’t have to be kept! Please step this way, dear H; and do notice my dinky-dandy tim-ber/rope/pulley contraption - which increases your length/height exceeding fast. Observe, also, my modern shriek-proof cellar walls…”

Cats and snakesBack to the original subject of the P word. In the

old days, cats were seldom noticed. It was only when my children in West Australia brought home a little white bundle of fur that I came to like the haughty small beasts. My dear departed daughter Noreen was particularly fond of this found kit-ten, and called her ‘Snowy’. She talked about this loved little animal every time I saw her, until the end. But the Snowy of her childhood memories had one trick that was extremely life-threatening – to herself. She developed the dangerous habit of bringing home snakes – always dead. They’d be there, stretched out in rigor mortis on the veran-dah; Tigers, King Browns, Dugites – the tiny but lethal Death Adder - any of the many local slither-ies – on long-gone summer mornings.

Snowy would later – after we’d expressed (doubtful) happiness at her ‘present’ – share the serpent with her mate ‘Blackie’. And he wasn’t even black – but a mixture of all cat colours. The two’d scoff the lot – head, guts, tail – and snooze the sunlit Bush day away, as only cats can. Then one morning I went out, and Snowy was lying there, hardly moving. I knew that this time, the snake had won. Well, sort of. A King Brown was lying there too; but motionless. The vet couldn’t save Snowy - she was too far gone. The King Brown carries enough venom to dounce a bullock - too much altogether for a cat - whose heart pumps the poison speedily round and round until the small life-motor seizes up. So we bur-ied Snowy, and my little children said their own particular tearful pet-prayers for her. And remem-bered her forever.

Blackie then picked up on Snowy’s habit. Many a snake he brought home - the Bush area around Roleystone being alive with them. Blackie must have had a stainless steel heart – because often

groggy and panting – but – after costing me many bucks at the vets – he always recuperated, and

Then, one day, he failed to return after his usu-

all supposed – hopefully – that he’d just ran off elsewhere to further his cunning beastly career, or maybe fell violently in love with some slinky seductive feral female. That he might have joined Snowy in the heaven of all cats was never men-tioned. But it was thought of.

Our ‘Koala’I go back a bit now, in my disorganised fashion.

While those two much-loved pussies were still in -

tion. Roaring and screeching – and one of the kids saw a ‘real big cat tearing off into the Bush’ – and our two up on the roof. This went on for several nights, until I set a large ‘box-trap’ for the lad. I attached a bell to the half-chicken I baited it with – and kept our two cats inside. The bell goes off after midnight, and the ‘whole house’ tears out. I expected a big wild beast. Big he was, all right – huge. But purring – like a Diesel motor! I put my hand to the chicken-wire of the trap – and a long rough tongue snaked out to lick it.

We took him out – and he was so like a big cuddly friendly koala that he was straight away named so. A lovely gentle furry huge creature. But – only with humans! We found out that he had previously lived at the house with Lars and Ivana – two great sociable Russians. But they’d gone East, and this lad would have no trespass-ing pussens on ‘his’ patch – so I went to the cat pound. There I found the name of a lady who’d lost her own mog - and ‘Koala’ had his new home. We went to visit him many times - then he

and no more is known of him.I have a red lad down here in Farnogue with me;

10 years old now. I lost his lovely sister – killed on the road. I always imagine that living with a noble Queen must be similar to having a cat. Both doing only as they like, giving little thanks for choice meats, being condescendingly snooty, consenting to petting only when in the relevant royal mood. My lad even turns his nose up at ordinary ham – it has to be ‘crinkle-cut’ – otherwise he’ll sulk away up the stairs and hide under the bed.

And his drink has to be cooled-down water from the hot tap. I’ve often tried to trick him – run-ning the tap beside his bowl in the sink – and giv-ing him back what he originally had. He cops it, every time – and sulks off, glaring snottily at me. It says a lot for the accumulated wisdom of 76 years - that I can’t even cod the cat. Look at <Ned Egan, Utube>, and you’ll see Pussens there, giv-ing the camera the old skinny eye. I think he’s also on my site, <kilkennyabu.com>

A strange sort of ladYesterday I saw a news item. To do with ‘pussy’

of some genre? Maybe…. Anyway, it turns out that some sweet lissom Olympic Chinese gym-nast was rather perturbed by inappropriate sounds emitting from an adjacent toilet cubicle. So she called for PC Plod. The lawman banged on the relevant door, and requested ID, sharpish. Big voice was then heard, trying to sound like tiny Chinese lady. Pitch was not perfect, to say the least. Unsurprising, as the owner of the unmelo-dious squawk turned out to be a very Chinese-gymnast-unlike person indeed – a 15-stone light-ly-bearded Brit.

He appeared at the cubicle door, sporting a fetching blouse - and a sweetly adorable hand-bag. But sartorial class had deserted Dec when dressing the southern parts of his substantial frame. Not being the very brightest little pervert about, he’d failed to cop that ladies physical gor-geosity negates the need for the old frontal zip. And – unfortunately for the perv re his certainly-upcoming meeting with serious fellows wearing wigs – that little metal gadget was observed to be very much in the ‘down’ position….

Pussy Riot: When Kilmoganny played Coolagh in the ‘Fifties!SEAN HURLEY

This week NED EGAN contributes

ONCE more I am delighted to welcome my good friend and fellow writer Ned Egan whose cats’ tale brings us to Russia

Cat on the prowl Blackie inspects King Brown

Nick Anthony’s depiction of Pussy Riot Artwork: Nick Anthony

LIVINGWITH AISLING HURLEY [email protected]

Indoor and outdoor creature comforts

KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

REPORTER WISH LIST THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS...

Take a green VoyageIF you are lucky enough to be leaving the rain behind and heading to sunnier climes it’s a good idea to invest in travel size toiletries. Salt-water, sand and the sun can leave your skin parched. The 100% organic cotton Organic

Voyager is packed with VOYA greats; Softly Does It Body moisturiser, Squeaky Clean body wash, Silky By Nature shampoo and Forget Me Knot conditioner (all 75ml). It’s the perfect companion for green beauty on distant shores.See www.voya.ie where it’s available for €40.00.

Protect your child’s teeth!New ‘Fluor-kin’ is a patented, child-friendly mouthwash and toothpaste that combines fl uoride and calcium, to give superior and advanced protection against cavities and plaque. Their patented formulations have been specially created for children and the mouthwash is alcohol free.Mouth

washing is as important for children as brushing and fl ossing as it reaches parts of your child’s mouth that a toothbrush cannot reach. Bacteria can hide in these areas and can often be the root cause of gum disease and cavities.Available from pharmacies. Mouthwash €6.05 and toothpaste €5.03.

Be Kind to your skinWITH a multitude of beauty skin care products on the market today, choosing which kind to use can be an overwhelming process. Many products are also crammed

full of unwanted artifi cial and unnatural ingredients. Human+Kind have created an all-in-one range that is full of 100% natural, restorative ingredients. The products are dermatologically tested, allergy screened and suitable for sensitive skins. The range includes anti-ageing cream (€29.95), body oil (€14.95), family remedy cream (€22.95) and day + night cream (423.95).Available from The Good Earth, MacEneaney’s, J&M Healy Pharmacy and Healy’s Pharmacy.

A dress for all occasionsTHIS stunning ‘Feron Dress’ from Coast would take you anywhere. Perfect for the races, a wedding, a party or even a dinner date it will earn its keep in no time.The large poppy print is very much in season and will carry you through many summers to come. It is beautifully fi nished with sweeping pleats across the stomach area which means it will fl atter a not so svelte stomach. Available online at http://www.coast-stores.com for €285. Coast is also available from Goods, high Street.

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER LIVING | 25

LIVINGWELLby Franc Micklem - [email protected]

Outpicturing

Healing facewash for teenage boysA NEW 100% natural face wash for teenage boys promises to actively repair the damage and ill health caused by additives in normal skin care products. The ingredients in Joomo facewash for boys are

chosen for their specifi c active, therapeutic eff ects on teenage problem skin. These include calming, anti-infl ammatory, anti-bacterial, antiseptic,

moisturising, softening, scar healing, skin cell regenerating, oil production balancing.The wash claims to prevent acne, spots, blackheads, rashes, eczema

and psoriasis, rosacea, cold sores, dermatitis, oily/

blemished/rough/fl aky/dry/sore skin. Order yours for just €5.95 from www.joomo.coop.

Tones abs!WITH the ever present quest for perfect abs and a fl at stomach ‘Slendertone Abs’ is making a bit of a comeback. The company claim that 100% of users more toned and fi rmed abs in four weeks of use. Perfect if you have a sun holiday coming up and you are worried about squeezing

into a swimsuit or bikini.The belt delivers proven toning results, thanks to its exclusive, clinically proven electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) technology. Using the device

for 20 minutes a day provides a complete abdominal workout - the equivalent of 120 sit-ups and can be used with or without physical activity.Available for €159 from Littlewoods.

Magic nail polish removerTHIS new 1 second nail polish remover is like magic in a pot. For each nail, simply dip -

twist - remove in one second without any cotton wool.Plus, its red berry and vanilla fragrance leaves nails delicately scented. The acetone-free formula is gentle on nails and cuticles and it’s enriched with nourishing sweet almond oil. It’s also paraben-freeand dermatologically tested.Available from pharmacies.

26 | PICTURE SPECIAL KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

Supermac’s chip in with a super party

It was standing room only as big numbers of children and their parents turned up for a super Saturday party at Supermacs, High Street All pics: Donal Foley


A singing disembodied woman

A piano being played by a ghost

Invisible hands tugging at jeans

A ghostly monk ALL have been encountered by the Kilkenny Paranormal Investigative Society (KIPS).

The group believe that Kilkenny's old buildings are brimming with ghosts and paranormal activity. They have witnessed ghostly happenings in Kells Priory, The Hole in the Wall, Kytelers's Inn and Clomantagh Castle.

The Society, made up of brothers Jay and Richard O’Donoghue, Peter Fanning, Conor Keehan and Sandra Casey, began ghost hunting in 2010. Armed with specialist equipment including full spectrum cameras, digital recorders, night vision cameras and electromagnetic

their weekends and evenings

investigating haunted locations for evidence of supernatural activity.

According to Jay there are many types of hauntings. “A residual haunting is a moment in time played over and over. Visitations are where a spirit will come back every now and then. A real haunting is when it's there 24/7. In that situation the spirit doesn't want people there;

it sees the building as its own,” he told The Reporter.

KIPS also provide a free service for private homeowners. “Some people think if they are hearing sounds that they are going mad. If we go in and get evidence that it is haunted they can take steps to get it sorted,” he explained.

“If a spirit is pestering you, you have to be stern and tell it that

it is not welcome. If it doesn't move you can get a priest to bless the house. If that doesn't work you can bring in someone who can do vanishing spells,” he said.

Investigations in Kells Priory have been very eventful. The group photographed a ghostly

and saw an apparition of a young boy at the adjoining mill. On other nights Peter was

poked in the back, Jay in the side and Richard felt electricity go through his body.

An investigation at The Hole in the Wall resulted in some great voice recordings and they also managed to photograph an orb. “The theory of orbs is that they are balls of energy. When a spirit is manifesting itself it sucks in the temperature around it. If the room suddenly drops

in temperature that's the spirit draining the energy from the air,” Jay explained.

In an overnight investigation in the tower at Clomantagh Castle near Freshford the Society captured a voice on their recorder telling them to get out. When Jay retaliated and asked the spirit to do something about it his voice recorder pinged against his head and the batteries in all their equipment drained of power.

However it's rare that they come across anything that has frightened them. “The only place I sensed something malevolent was the Hell Fire Club in Dublin. It's not a great place. I'd say we've done about 90 investigations and

something that really scared me. There's not a good vibe there,” he said.

Scary or not the group love what they do. “It's an adrenaline rush. When I started off I was sceptical but I'm not anymore. As long as humans have been on this earth we can't explain half of what goes on. There's so much we don't know,” he said.

KIPS videos are available to watch at KIPS2011 on Youtube. They can be contacted at [email protected].

It’s haunting work: Chasing ghosts can be quite spookyAISLING [email protected]

Sandra Casey, Peter Fanning, Jay O’Donoghue, Richard O’Donoghue and Conor Keehan.

A night time investigation in Clomantagh Castle near FreshfordAn image that appeared in a doorway in Kells Priory.

28 | TOP 10 KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

FURNITURE & Design at Unit 2, Royal Oak Road, Bagenalstown, has been in operation for fi ve years now.

The shop started out selling furniture but over the years it has diversifi ed into selling everything a home could need. All rooms catered for from the kitchen to the bedroom or bathroom.

You are sure to fi nd a great selection of gifts, curtains, curtain

poles, bed linen, lighting, wall metal art and frames, bathroom accessories, candles and glassware.

Attention to service is second to none so if they don't stock exactly what you are looking for they will do their utmost best to source it for. Check out their website at www.

furnitureanddesign.ie where you will be able to browse a selection of stock. Specials are regularly off ered.

This week's special is a Lincoln walnut 2.3m solid rectangle table and eight chairs. It was €2,259 and is now selling for €995.

CELEBRATING their fi fth birthday in September, Barn Owl Players have built a remarkable reputation over the years. The company was born out of The Adult Thea-tre Club at Barnstorm Thea-tre Company.

Barn Owl Players produced a critically acclaimed produc-tion of Brian Friel’s ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ in the Water-

gate Theatre last March. To celebrate this milestone, Barn Owl will present a dou-ble-bill of ‘Laundry & Bour-bon’ and ‘Lone Star’, written by one of America’s best known playwrights James McLure who died in 2011.

Written in the late 1970s, both these plays have enter-tained and at times shocked audiences around the world.

And although each play can be, and often is performed as stand-alone one act, they in-terlock in numerous ways and are often performed together.

The setting for each play is Maynard, Texas, a tiny town in the middle of nowhere that seems to consist of burning sun and empty vistas. The play runs from September 28 to 30.

Business of the week

Event of the week

Theatre of the week

Book of the week

13245

Product of the weekHEMP wallets and vegans belts are available from Ethnical Wares at www.ethicalwares.com. This is an ethically-based mail order company run by vegans who seek to trade in a manner which does not exploit animals, humans or the wider environment.

All products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans and where the products come

from and how they are made are equally important to the company. Globally, the cloth-ing industry is one of the most exploitative industries around, but all products on the site can be brought without any fear of contributing to unacceptable.

On Ethical Wares you will fi nd everything from footwear and clothing to accessories like belts and wallets.

TOP

TEN

WITH ‘Sweet Tooth’ Ian McEwan returns to the thriller territory of his fi n-est books like ‘Amsterdam’ ‘Enduring Love’ and ‘The Innocent’.

Set in the dank world of Cambridge spies, this tips a nod to the master of the genre John Le Carre while keeping his own limpid prose style which has won

him the Booker Prize. A master craftsman whose

every sentence is a delight, he always manages to over-come the problems of his plotting with the sheer chut-zpah of his prose. Here it is 1972, and MI5 recruits Sere-na Frome, a maths graduate after being recommended by Tony Canning, a middle-aged don with whom she

has just had a romance. She in turn is ordered

to enlist a young writer Tom Haley for a new propaganda programme called Sweet Tooth. As expected they fall in love with Serena fi nding herself infl uencing Tom’s writing in some very strange ways. This is a great page turner told beautifully.

TICKETS are on sale for the John Martyn Tribute Festi-val in Carroll’s Market Yard, Thomastown on September 15 and 16.

Performers include Mick Pyro (Republic of Loose), Leslie Dowdall (in Tua Nua), Ultan Conlon, The Man Whom, Kevin Power, Rob Doherty, Deetrich, Mundy,

Iarla Ó Lionáird, Jacqui Mc-Shee, Doug Morter, Philip Donnelly, Chris Campbell, Ben Mac Caoilte.

The two-day festival follows on from a hugely successful one-day event in 2011. Each artist will be joined by John’s long time band over the festival week-end to perform songs from

decades of John’s career such as ‘May You Never’, ‘Over The Hill’, ‘I Don’t Wanna Know’ and more along with their own origi-nal material.

A limited number of 1,500 tickets are available via tick-etmaster.ie, Rollercoaster Records and The Book Centre.

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER TOP 10 | 29

Top ten

Food of the Week

Fundraiser of the week

Website of the week

Exhibition of the week

Gig of the week

68910

7 DON’T miss the opportuni-ty to see Patrick O’Connor’s fi rst solo exhibition since 2005 before it closes on Friday.

Patrick has being draw-ing since he can remember, doing just that in red South African earth before he was four. He still believes that drawing fulfi ls a basic hu-

man need and is a profound necessity. Highly regarded in South Africa, with work represented in 11 public col-lections as well as the Na-tional Gallery, Cape Town, the South African Embassy in Brussels and the Chase Manhattan Bank, New York, he also represented South Africa twice in the Sao Pau-

lo Biennale, fi rstly in 1969, very soon after graduating and again in 1975. He is, however, virtually unknown in Ireland, although he has lived and worked here since 1978.

Patrick O’Connor (1940 -) is available for viewing at Kilkenny Co Council Arts Offi ce, 76 John Street.

CLOSE out the summer holidays in style with a Family Fun Day and barbecue hosted by Young Ireland’s GAA club in Gowran on Sunday.

The day off ers games and attrac-tions for all ages. Denis Staunton of Funky kids will provide music and games. There will be hurling and camogie, skills’ challenges, wheel of fortune and bottle stall. Other fun ac-tivities include hook a duck, hoopla,

toy tractor course, arts and crafts and face painting.

For those wanting to test their strength there is a spin the tractor wheel. There will be lots of food, rang-ing from a barbecues, teas and home-made cakes to soft drinks and treats.

There will also be a dog show with categories for all shapes and sizes! Registration begins at 3pm with the show following at 3.30pm.

DJ Amos began DJing in 2005 and hasn’t stopped since. Music is his life and he loves travelling to play music.

He has a variety of hobbies including wheelchair basket-ball, soccer, hurling, meeting new people and entertaining crowds. His website https://sites.google.com/site/im-proveyourgroovewithdjamos/

gives his fans access to his ‘Im-prove Your Groove’ podcasts and details of coming gigs.

Amos is happy to play all genres of music and is avail-able for weddings, parties and events of all kinds.

‘Improve Your Groove’ was recently established as a label to allow Amos promote him-self even further and is grow-

ing in fans by the day.His most memorable

moment is when he sup-ported Orla Feeney of RTE. “Just before I fi nished my set, Orla whispered to me ‘You’re amazing; look at that crowd. Please savour this, I have never felt such a spine-tingling moment in all my life,” he said.

ON THE back of a brand new album, Jack Grace returns to Kilkenny on Friday with his custom mix of country rock, mariachi and mezcal. Guests include L Ron Cupboard on bass and Jamie Davis on drums. Grace is an Ameri-can alternative country rock singer, songwriter, ban-dleader and guitarist who

has a residence in Brooklyn and another in Bearsville, New York.

Jack has has been going for the last 17 years and in ad-dition to fi ve albums on his own label, Radia Records, he has also contributed mu-sic to the cult fi lms Super Troopers and Beerfest. An aspiring actor, Jack didn’t

pick up a guitar until he was 18 and has been evolving on the instrument ever since.

His theatrical background clearly made him extremely comfortable on the stage, to which his spirited live performances are a testa-ment. An icon in New York City, Jack is known as The Martini Cowboy.

ZUMO Smoothies in MacDonagh Junction is the perfect place to go for healthy smoothie or fruit juice. Made from freshest ingredients, their drinks have long been treats that are also really good at blasting your body full of nutrients and vitamins.

The juices range from

‘Carrot and Orange’ to a ‘Detox Special’ and a ‘Pineapple Kiss’. They are great for fi ght-ing off colds or giving you a boost if you are un-

der the weather. Their ‘Kickstart

Cleanser’, ‘Flu Fighter’ and

‘Energiser’ are re-nowned. Their delicious smoothies are made

with fresh low fat probiotic yoghurt and come in many fl avours including ‘Blueber-ry Burst’, ‘Mango Tango’, ‘Organic Vanilla Bean’ and ‘Holiday Spritzer’.

Staff are always friendly at this colourful stall where they magically whisk to-gether the produce in sec-onds fl at.

30 | FEATURE – FITNESS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

THE evenings are getting shorter. The time of the year

is marked by back-to-school, longer nights and the leaves tumble from the trees. It is also that time when we look afresh at our lifestyle and recommit to

For many, the onset of September heralds a last shot at coming good on those promises you made at the start of the year. You know the ones! But past is past. Now, before you grab the running shoes or join a new class... let’s stop and think. First question – what is your goal? Come December 31, what to do want to look back proudly on having achieved in relation

Weight loss, a personal best for the 5k, better cardiovascular health or simply feeling as good as you can remember feeling

Next, ask yourself, ‘What has worked for me in the past?’ What forms of physical activity do you actually enjoy? Most people never ask this question and rush headlong into a long gym membership or course of classes that they have not stuck with in the past. So what’s going to be different now?

Ask yourself: What do I want from

exercising?

Do I work best with a repetitive, structured programme or would I prefer more variety?

What did I enjoy as a child? Am I ready to try something

new? Do I want to exercise alone

or is a social element important to me?

What is my budget? These questions are important

to help you choose from the list of options available to you. Gyms, yoga classes, personal training, bootcamps – all of these options and more are available, but asking yourself

the right questions will help you make the right choice for you. As a consequence of this, you’re far more likely to stick to what you do.

Once you’ve decided what’s right for you, here are some great tips that I have used regularly to keep me motivated:The 10 per cent rule Week-on-week, aim to do 10 per cent more in your training. It may be an extra push-up, or walking/running and extra 100

to your exercise time each week. This is a great way of

ensuring constant progress and challenge for your body.Put it in the diaryKeep a training/food diary. Keep brief notes on your daily food intake, your daily exercise and most importantly, how you feel each day. This serves a

helps when you’re in a slump and you can look back through your diary to see how far your training has come.

Secondly, an honest written account of your food intake makes you far more conscious of what you are eating, making

you more likely to change your eating habits.

Thirdly, by tracking your emotional state, you will begin to notice patterns emerging. You’ll see how eating certain foods, or certain forms of exercise can lead to different emotional states. Identifying this can be invaluable to your lifestyle.Kick back Always reward yourself for work well done or goals achieved. You may choose to do this in many ways – buying new clothes, having a massage, going to a movie. Be creative with your rewards. This helps relate an element of fun and excitement with exercise and also helps keep you motivated.

Get fi t, look fi t, stay fi t... and Working out is important for your physical and mental health

THE Watershed is Kilkenny’s number one

sport and leisure complex, with world class facilities both indoors and outdoors.

Packed with loads of activities, it has a wide variety of options for you to improve

Its extensive and excellently equipped pool and gymnasium are always supervised by

Enthusiastic and attentive, The Watershed’s instructors

that is individual to each person – exactly what you need to get (and keep) you going!

The programmes are specially designed to help you achieve your goals, whether training as a serious athlete or someone who is just starting to

take regular exercise. The Watershed also caters

for sports clubs, teams and corporate groups with a variety

suit all tastes, experience and

Its unique Tanita Body Composition Analyser, which measures body fat percentage, body mass index, fat mass, fat-free mass, water, muscle mass

and more, will give patrons a greater understanding of what is going on inside their bodies and help both instructors and clients to see the effectiveness

All facilities are available to both members and “pay and play” customers, including patrons with disabilities and special needs.

The Watershed also has adult

and child swimming lessons programmes running throughout the year with a high success rate for beginners and those who might be nervous in the water.

The extensive children’s programmes include: children’s

activity camp, teen multi-activity camp and swim camp.

The Watershed really has something for everyone,

whether member or non-member, catering for

and competitive activities, for already active people and for those who just want to make a fresh start.

are not just physical, they also include boosting your self esteem and creating a better life balance.

Your Watershed moment

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER FEATURE – FITNESS | 31

feel great during the processTHE

Synergy Pilates – fi rst of its kind

32 | FEATURE – FITNESS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

KILKENNY’S newest Fitness, Strength and

Conditioing Club, Fennelly Fitness has gone from strength-

opening its doors to the public in July.

Established by Interna-tional Strength Athlete, James Fennelly, currently Irelands Strongest Man, and his former training partner John Ryan, who was a successful competi-tive Bodybuilder and Power-lifter for many years, the club boasts a range of facilities that include:

Weights Room (with over 2,000kgs of Olympic Free Weight)

Cardio Area Machine Weights Area Infra Red Saunas For Calorie

Burning & Sports Injuries Aerobics Studio (For Classes

& For Hire) In-House Neuromuscular

Therapy Various Timetabled Classes Standup Turbo Sunbed

Fully Equipped Strongman Area

“We’ve doubled our membership in a matter of weeks and are delighted with the success of the club so far,” says John.

“Lots of people have joined

to avail of the additional one-to-one services that includes weight training programmes, cardio and weigh loss programs, strength and conditioning programmes in addition to nutritional advice,” added James. “At Fennelly Fitness is our goal and to see that every member has the opportunity to consult with our highly experienced staff team and make step by step progress. At Fennelly Fitness we are working with beginners right up to advanced athletes, competitive sports enthusiasts and teams.”

A former Olympian Adrian O’ Dwyer is also an integral part of the team at Fennelly Fitness and Maurice Walsh is also on hand offering in-house physical therapy and dealing with sports injuries at his clinic.

“Our aim was to bridge the gap that existed between the large corporate leisure club that offers very little one-to-one and the smaller mediocre club that can only cater for a small minority. We approached this service from the point of view of asking ourselves what we would like, if we were to join a club, in order to advance our sporting needs and goals,” says John. “After years of

competing and training, we wanted a service that offers atmosphere results and a variety of equipment. We also wanted a highly experienced team thrown into the mix to give members the best possible chance to achieve their goals and get value for their money.” We have always stood by the opinion that money is never wasted on health and general wellbeing and we are all the time adding to and improving our service.

straight training or just simply weight loss, Fennelly Fitness has it covered.

“We’re launching out class timetable in September and re-vamping our classes. We’ll also be adding to classes continuously. Classes such as Body Conditioning, Pilates, Full Body Circuit, Core will be in full swing by mid-September and we aim to continuously add to our list of classes. Places will be limited so early booking is advised. Our studio is also available for hire and anyone interested can contact the club in advance,” continues James.

Contact info@fennelly-

fennellyitness.com for more details.

Fennelly fi tness is going from strength-to-strength

PRESENTED by Olympia Gym, Carlow and organised by Giani Gauca, champion bodybuilder and Nicoleta Chiorean (Former Miss Figure Ireland and Body Fitness World Champion Runner-up), the Fitex Extravaganza makes its debut in Ireland on Septmeber 8 and promises to be a two-day event not be missed.

From male models, to competitive bodybuilders and from female fi tness models and gymnasts, to powerful strongmen, there is

something for everyone over the two days.

“This is the fi rst Fitness Modelling Competition in Ireland and we hope to make it an annual fi tness festival and expand the event over time,” says Giani. “We wanted a two-day festival that would bring a variety of events not just for the fi tness enthusiast but also for families and to inspire younger kids to partake in exercise and fi tness.”

Each ticket purchase is in with a chance to win

€500 and day two of the event features a 10k fun run supporting Muscular Dystrophy Ireland and Sama’s Second Skin. You can enter on line at www.fi tnessextravaganzaireland.com.

Kilkenny’s own James Fennelly, Ireland’s Strongest Man will also be there on Sunday for the Strongman competition. A Strongwoman competition s also on the cards in addition to live music, BBQ and lots more for kids!

Fitex extravaganza comes to Carlow!

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER FEATURE - FITNESS | 33

Get Enough SleepWHEN you sleep, your body heals and repairs what was broken during the day. Getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick.

Avoid Stress When PossibleWe can’t control everything

that happens to us, but we must take responsibility for the decisions we can make about how we live our lives. If something creates a lot of stress in your life, consider changing it or, at the very least, consider ways to help you deal with the stress (like taking up yoga or kickboxing).Wash Your HandsAvoid catching whatever is going around by washing your hands often. Being dirty once in a while will help your body build up its immune system defenses; however, being sick all the time isn’t fun, either. Find a balance that’s healthy for you.ExerciseKeep your metabolism revving by exercising a little bit every day. Walking briskly for 30 minutes each day is one of the easiest exercises we can do. Park your car far away from your destination and walk. Take the stairs.Drink Lots of Water

are affected by how much water you drink. Make sure both are working smoothly by giving your body enough water.Eat Good FatMonounsaturated and

polyunsaturated fats found olive

are the good fats. These are necessary for improving your immune function, lowering total cholesterol, and regulating hormonal production.Eat More VegetablesThe nutrition available in fresh vegetables cannot be found anywhere else. Luckily, vegetables come in all shapes,

be afraid to try vegetables you’re unfamiliar with.

Eat BreakfastRegulate your eating cycles and start each day with a healthy breakfast. By doing so, you’ll actually eat less during the day. If you’ve never been a breakfast

this unhealthy pattern is actually quite easy. Start with something small like a piece of toast and build up from there.Eat Complete MealsEach meal should ideally include all three basic food groups: carbohydrates,

healthy fats, and protein. Your body uses all three to effectively absorb the nutrients it needs. If you leave out a food group, you are short-changing your body.Eat SlowlyIt takes about 10 minutes for your stomach to tell your brain that it has had enough. Eat slowly, chewing your food well and drinking plenty of water, so you don’t eat more than you need to. If you think you want to go back for seconds, wait 10 minutes and make the decision again.

Top tips for keeping healthy

Fitness4Home – your fi tness and gym equipment specialistsWE supply gym equipment and vibro plate machines for hire and sale throughout Ireland, for both home and commercial use. Try your equipment before you buy with affordable weekly hire rates and even pay on delivery!

Affordability is vital these days – we have no huge joining fees, no long term contracts and we’ll deliver when it suits you.

On delivery our driver will give verbal and written instruction on how to use your machine, and then you’re on

your way to a healthier new you!

If after your hire period is up you decide you love your machine too much to give back we will credit 50per cent of your hire cost off the sale price.

We have a nationwide local service network so any issues or request can be dealt with

charges where applicable. We deliver to the following

area’s on a daily bases:

Cavan, Monaghan, Longford,

Westmeath, Offaly, Laois, Kildare, Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary, Roscommon, Leitrim, Galway, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Cork.

Northern Ireland by Scheduled delivery.

Fitness 4 Home also supplies

our Health & Weight Loss category.

For more information visit our website www.

category list and product information.

34 | ARTS & ENTS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER ARTS & ENTS | 35

JACK Grace comes to Cleere’s Theatre this coming Friday night. Special guests include Kilkenny’s own L Ron Cupboard on bass and Jamie Davis on drums.

Jack Grace is a singer, song-writer and guitarist hailing from Brooklyn, NY. Simple enough, unless you happen to happen to work in the music business. The entertainment world loves a label: character

in-the-blank musician. Jack writes for himself and plays for others. Simple!

He’s been most recently known as a country musician, but that designation belies

shape his sound. It began with an obsession with The

Beatles, and as a teenager, he wore out his Zeppelin records like so many. Later, when he discovered Neil Young, he wore those discs out too.

a Zappa-inspired sound, he was told, when he was barely

couldn’t be bothered to stick to a single formula. Fitting. Later, after discovering he had a baritone eerily reminis-cent of the great Johnny Cash, he added some steel to the mix and suddenly everyone was calling him country.

Songs of Jack Grace’, was an acoustic affair, which many mistook as country. His most

Songs for Lovers’, had some

added mariachi horns to give

by his yearly pilgrimage to Tulum, Mexico, where he likes to write songs on the beach.

His previous outing was a country concept album called

turing in a bossa nova number with lap steel front and center. It worked.

His upcoming recording,

builds on the Latin bit, and also features some groovy mellotron (provided by the multi-talented Mr Martin), a saw, a tuba and more of Dar-ia’s vocals front and center. And so the evolution of the Jack Grace sound continues.

Amazing Grace

36 | ARTS & ENTS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

‘SPIRIT Family Reunion’ are coming straight in from Brooklyn, NY to play Cleere’s Theatre for one night only on Friday, September 7.

Their new album ‘No Separation’ has been receiving stellar reviews since being launched in recent weeks. ‘Spirit Family Reunion’ play homegrown American music to stomp, clap, shake and holler with.

Ever since they started singing together on street corners, farmer’s markets and

subway stations of New York City, their songs have rung-out in a pure and timeless way.

When Spirit Family Reunion gather to sing, there is communion. Strangers and neighbours come to rejoice in the sound, and there is no divide between performer and spectator.

In a strange bar room or a grand music hall, at a barn dance or on the sunny street corner, Spirit Family Reunion keep the book open, and that old familiar feeling that was

almost lost is again new. Dusty acoustic guitars,

accordions, with a woozy-yet-skintight rhythm section - and topped off with burr-edged vocals that sound like they’ve been soaked in a Mason jar for generations - it’s the type of music that blurs the line between past and present so thoroughly, and so deftly, that time feels irrelevant.

Tickets are just €12 from Cleere’s and Rollercoaster Records.

KILKENNY is set to be awash with some fantastic events during ‘Culture Night Ireland 2012’. The stunning St Canice’s Cathedral will host the second installation of ‘The Art of Music’ an exploration of the instrinsic links between painting and music.

The project, brings the two (art and music) together in one space and creates conditions for the painter, Gullermo Carrion, to work to a live improvised soundtrack created by musicians. Donal Dineen introduces the painter and uilleann piper, Matiu O’Casaide. Dineen, a native of Kerry, has spent time in

Carrion’s studio in Barcelona. “It’s a hive of activity and creativity. Music is very much the centre of that particular

piece of every jigsaw and the link between all the various chains,” Donal said.

The ‘Art of Music’ is about arranging conditions and seeing what happens. The sound of the uilleann pipe is a powerful point of departure and a well of inspiration itself. Unique among instruments, it’s

every room it encounters. The torrent it unleashes is powerful enough to push paint around a page of its own accord. Add the

human touch and it is unknown where it might lead. Making the necessary arrangements is just a precursor.

“The main event is yet to be made up. The scene is black ‘till the sound strikes up and sets the ink rolling and the twilight reeling,” he saisd..

Numbers are limited so arrive early! Doors: 7.30pm. Free admission. Culture Night is a Temple Bar Cultural Trust initiative in partnership with the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Kilkenny Local Authorities. Visit www.culturenight.ie for more details.

The Art of Music descends on Kilkenny for Culture Night 2012

A spirited reunion


38 | CLASSIFIED KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012


40 | CLASSIFIED KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

YOU are certain to be asked

An online search

Continued on P41

How do I prepare for job interview?

42 | JOBS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

Continued from P42It’s also worth searching for

your own name to see what crops up – your potential employer may be doing the same thing. Industry sources

It’s not just information about the company you need – you should also have a good background knowledge of the industry so you can impress at the interview. Browse through business publications and websites to see what they are writing about your potential employer and their industry. Have a look on the newsstands at the big magazine retailers - there’s an amazing list of publications out there.

trade publications at university or public libraries, or you might be able to access them online. Some journals are even available for free or by subscription through their own websites.

If you’re already in the same industry as your potential employer, it may be possible to discreetly ask colleagues or your suppliers if they know anything about the company you’re interested in. Preparing yourself

This is the bit most people forget to give enough time to, so don’t get caught out. Just like when you’re going into

throw at you, and try to feel as good about yourself as you can. It shines through.

Here are a few top tips: Have a mock interview with

a friend based on the common

likely to face. Be sure you know the

time, date and location of the

interview and the name of interviewers.

Decide how you will get there and when you need to set off to arrive in good time, anticipating any delays. Do a dummy run if necessary.

If you look good, you tend to feel good too. Avoid any last minute panic by preparing what you’re going to wear the night before.

Don’t go into the interview with lots of baggage - psychological or physical. Take the bare minimum with you so you can concentrate on the interview, and nothing else.

If you are asked to bring

them ready well in advance to avoid having to chase around on the morning of the big day.

It may sound patronising, but make sure you use the toilet before you go in – you don’t want to be bursting to go when you’re mid-interview. Be methodical

Sit down with your CV and make notes, just as if you were preparing for an exam. Study your work record and what you have achieved. How do you see yourself? What have you done? What ambitions do you have? Make notes and prepare and rehearse sound bites about yourself. Do this out loud, even if it makes you feel weird.

of your CV back to the job

description. It will make it clear to the interviewer why they should hire you.

Remember, one of the most

is “Tell me about yourself.” Prepare a balanced and succinct

life history. Keep it business-like and don’t stray into personal feelings or family relationships.

Avoid anything to do with politics or religion like the plague. Interviewers use this

achievements –they should already have

those from your CV.

How to prepare for that job interview

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER MOTORS | 43

44 | MOTORS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER MOTORS | 45

46 | SPORT KILKENNY REPORTER 29 8 2012

THE LATE Sir Norman Wisdom retired from screen and stage at the age of 90 but his 1985 Rolls Royce Silver Spirit car is still delighting lovers of classic cars.

The classy vehicle was one of over 400 classic and vintage cars which came from all over Ireland to support the Kilkenny Vintage and Classic Motor Club’s show at St James’s Park on Sunday.

The show was in conjunction with the SOS, Callan Road,

proved to be a bumper success.The car, now owned by a

gentleman called Joe Higgins, proved to be a big attraction. It is in pristine condition.

Also on display was an array of vintage bikes, with many of the owners entering into the spirit of the occasion by

dressing up in period costumes.Kilkenny City businessman,

Michael Minogue of the Motor Club said his members were delighted to work in tandem with and to support the SOS.

He said the support the show received from all over Ireland was exceptional and said the

display of vehicles was one of the biggest ever in the South East.

He paid tribute to fellow vintage and classic car enthusiasts, who, he said, always looked after their vehicles very well.

“The day was a great success for SOS, for our club and for the region generally as many of

the car owners, some of them in their eighties, stayed overnight in our city.”

Norman Wisdom was a world famous actor, comedian, singer and songwriter who was awarded the OBE. He was born in 1915 and passed away in 2010.

Norman Wisdom’s car is huge attraction

Local men Michael Minogue, left, and Maurice McCreery. Below: Sir Norman Wisdom Pics: Donal Foley

Big tractor, little girl: Mia Hoban, Loughboy

Pat and Christine Adams with their 1907 Humber Bike James, Jade and Pauline Meaney with Bella Colette Power and her dog, Lily


29 8 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER SPORT | 47

All-Ireland U21 HC Semi Final Kilkenny 4-16, Galway 2-15J.J. Kavanagh and Sons Junior HL Section ‘A’ FinalPiltown 0-21, Cloneen 2-9J.J. Kavanagh and Sons Junior HL Section ‘B’ FinalClara 3-14, Mooncoin 0-12 Iverk Produce South Junior HC Semi Final Thomastown 5-11, Graignamanagh 1-8 J.J. Kavanagh and Sons North Junior ‘A’ HC Final

Graigue/Ballycallan 1-15, Lisdowney 0-14 Iverk Produce South Junior ‘A’ HC FinalMullinavat 3-17, Rower Inistioge 0-6 J.J. Kavanagh and Sons North Junior ‘B’ HC Final Barrow Rangers 2-12, Blacks and Whites 2-7 Country Style Foods South Junior ‘B’ HC FinalKilmacow 2-15, Graignamanagh 2-11

Tom Hogan Perpetual Cup FinalGraigue Ballycallan 0-21, Dicksboro 0-11 Kilkenny Honda Centre Minor HL Roinn ‘B’ Shield FinalDanesfort 3-16, Conahy Shamrocks 3-7 Duggan Steel U14 HC Roinn ‘A’ Dicksboro 6-15, James Stephens 0-5 Duggan Steel U14 HC Roinn ‘B’

Thomastown 3-10, Kilmacow 3-5 Danesfort 5-8, Mooncoin 2-10 Duggan Steel U14 HC Roinn ‘C’Glenmore 4-4, O’Loughlin Gaels 1-6 St Fiacre’s 6-19, James Stephens 1-6 Emeralds 2-18, Dicksboro ‘B’ 2-3 Duggan Steel U14 HL Roinn ‘C’ Shield FinalO’Loughlin Gaels 5-11, Dicksboro 4-8

IT WAS billed as a press evening and no doubt there were sharp journalists there who sussed out the real stories, leav-ing others to regurgitate tales which have been told over and over again. No food for thought there!

It was a shop window for gen-erous sponsors like Avonmore, aka Glanbia, an occasion for little boys and girls, grown men

and women too, to admire their hurling heroes.

The green sward that is the Nowlan Park pitch was picture postcard perfect thanks to the cajolings of men like Timmy Grogan and Michael O’Neill. Boys as young as three swung hurleys with de-light, not scoring points but perhaps signalling their goal in life.

It was a pleasant occasion, a few pucks in the park and a chin wag, a meal and a thirst

quencher at Eamon Langton’s, John Street.

It was upbeat, yet it was not easy to mask the effect which the recession is having on the beautiful game. Three smiling pensioners stood by a plastic container, aptly dressed in black and amber, the container that is, and collected for the players’ training fund. Supporters’ Club chairman John Mackey turned shop assistant as he manned the Supporters’ Club mobile store.

In the good times he would

have collected at least €4,000. Like any honest shopkeeper he had no bother spitting out his takings for Friday. A mere €460 will be banked.

But John, aged 63 now, was as upbeat as ever. “We’ll get there,” he said with a pride and passion, which, if bottled, could be a best seller.

We caught up with him again on Saturday. The Mackey Mo-bile was on country roads, tour-ing towns and villages and, surprise, surprise, collecting

money for the training fund.

armed with 50 signed Kilkenny jerseys he was happy that he

publicans who would encourage customers to cough up €2 in the hope of winning a collector’s item.

“Times may be tough but our people have real pride in their hurlers and the great efforts of our players certainly enjoy the support of the general public, despite frugal times,” said John.

“I love what I am doing, I love meeting people and I am happy to give this project 100%,” he said as he apologised for having to drive on.

“The lads in Urlingford are waiting for me,” he said.

Then he motored on.But he plans to be back in

Langton’s for Sunday’s corpo-rate dinner, with guest speaker Paddy Power of Paddy Power Bookmakers.

You can bet that John will be there.

Wednesday, August 29 (6.30)Premier Division: Bridge United v Thomastown; Evergreen ‘B’ v Freebooters ‘A’; Freebooters ‘B’ v Fort Rangers; Lions v Clover UnitedMonday, August 30Division 1, 6.30Southend v AC KilkennySunday, September 2 (11am)Premier: Clover v Evergreen ‘A’; Evergreen ‘B’ v Lions; Fort Rangers v Bridge United; Freebooters ‘A’ v Thomastown.

Division 1 (11am)AC Kilkenny v Urlingford FC; Callan United v Highview Athletic;’ Newpark v Southend United; Spa United v StoneyfordReporter resultsPremier LeagueFreebooters ‘A’ 3, Bridge United 1; Clover United 0, Evergreen ‘B’ 2; Evergreen ‘A’ 3, Lions 0.Division 1Southend 2, AC Kilkenny 1

Junior Soccer Fixtures Kilkenny GAA Results

It’s the Mackey Mobile with John at the wheel

Adoring fans Pics: Donal FoleyCollection point: Bridget Healy, Tom Delahunty and Seamus Webster

Mooncoin boys: Darragh Murphy, Martin O’Neill, Lee Treacy and Michael Murphy

‘Comer girls: Emma Coogan and Sarah O’Neill The generation game: Hurling and camogie stars of tomorrow Hurling lads: Shane Nolan, Niall Lawlor



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29 August 2012