The Ireland team to play Italy in the RBS 6 Nations Championship at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday has been named and coach Declan Kidney has opted for an unchanged lineup.

Declan Kidney had a full strength squad to choose from having put his big match preparations against the French on ice following the late postponement of the Stade de France encounter.

]]> 1.3549653 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:02:21 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/kilkenny_walkers_club_1_3544888

ON Sunday members of Kilkenny Walkers Club will be heading for an outing in the Galtees.

The group will meet at Castle Park (9.30pm) or at Cahir Castle (10.45am).

On St Patrick’s weekend there will be a trip to Scotland and then to Kerry for Easter. All details from 056-7765835.

KILKENNY will swing into the new Allianz National Hurling League with a fluid squad; the make-up of the League is not for discussion now and there will be no Henry Shefflin until the summer.

Oh, and the Cats will be chasing everything again.

That was the news round up from Kilkenny manager, Brian Cody, when he spoke with the ’People on the eve of the new National League and what promises to be a cracking opening game against Tipperary in Nowlan Park on Sunday.

“The League is a huge part of our year,” insisted Mr Cody when we talked at the press conference to announce Glanbia’s continued sponsorship of Kilkenny teams. “We will be going out to do as well as we can, and that includes trying to win it. There is no point in playing if you are not interested in winning.”

Last season the Noresiders won the All-Ireland final, beating Tipperary, after losing the McCarthy Cup decider against the same opposition the previous season. The Cats also contested the League final, losing to Dublin.

Laid down marker

Now the current super powers and greatest rivals in the game will kick start the new campaign, just like they did 12 months ago when Kilkenny won in Thurles.

Looking back on that match and how the season ran subsequently, many observers suggested the Cats laid down an important marker that evening in Semple Stadium.

With both counties reportedly training harder at the moment than they might want to suggest, would there be an element of ‘message sending’ in Sunday’s clash?

“We are training for the year ahead, not specifically for the Tipp match or any other match,” was the way Mr Cody put it. “We are training to build a base of fitness over the year ahead and there is a process you go through for that.

“The level you would want to be at come championship time is different to the level anyone could be at during the League. We will take on the League, and plan beyond that for what we want to do.”

Yes, but did last year’s League opener have a bit more meaning to it, bearing in mind the All-Ireland clash the previous September? Was it a statement making day?

“It is easy to say that,” said the man who is now entering his 14th season in charge. “I don’t know if you do or don’t lay down a marker. For me it is straight forward. You go out to play, and whatever match you are involved in you want to be competitive.

“We will be competitive against Tipperary. So will Tipperary! Because of the quality in both squads the game should be good.”

Kilkenny won’t be holding back in anything this season, we suggested.

]]> 1.3549239 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:00:25 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/drennan_ready_to_tackle_turkey_1_3544531

KILKENNY’S Mikey Drennan is all set to tackle Turkey.

The Aston Villa striker has been called into the Republic of Ireland’s under-19 squad for the first time, with manager Paul Doolin naming Drennan in his 20-man squad for next week’s double-header friendly in Istanbul.

Ireland will play the first of two friendlies against Turkey at the Maltepe Stadium in Istanbul, next Tuesday. They will play the second match against the hosts two days later at the Pendik Stadium in Istanbul. Both games kick off at 1.30pm local time.

The games will be used as preparation for the UEFA under-19 elite stage qualifiers. Ireland will play mini-group hosts Portugal along with Ukraine and Israel over six days in May, with the group winner qualifying for the Estonia-hosted finals in July.

“We’ve brought in a few players to have a look at over the two games,” said Doolin. “Last season, some lads took their chance in friendly matches and ended up staying in the squad for the qualifiers. It’s important that we have options available for the squad, as we may need to call upon them if someone was to get injured or wasn’t unavailable for the qualifiers.”

Republic of Ireland: Sean McDermott (Arsenal), Alan Smith (Glasgow Rangers), Michael Barker (Bohemians), Sean Kavanagh (Fulham), Neil Byrne (Rochdale), Bradley Garmston (West Brom), Thomas Hoban (Watford), Neil Yadolahi (Burnley), Colm Horgan (Salthill Devon), Kealan Dillon (Hull City), Graham Burke (Aston Villa), Mikey Drennan (Aston Villa), Anthony Forde (Wolves), George Smith (Southend United), Paul George (Celtic), John O’Sullivan (Blackburn Rovers), Aiden O’Brien (Millwall), Connor Smith (Watford), Frankie Sutherland (QPR), Danny Morrissey (Cork City).

THE success of last year’s Gaelic for Girls programme in Graignamanagh and the primary schools league has borne fruit with a new girls’ Gaelic football club in South Kilkenny.

The club will encompass the areas of Graignamanagh, The Rower, Inistioge, Gowran, Goresbridge and Skeough. The girls will play under the title Barrow Gaels.

Following an information and registration night a number of girls, aged 10 to 14 years, have signed up to the new club. A note sent through the schools yielded a great response, with several more players expected to register in the coming weeks.

Such was the enthusiasm of parents and children alike that training will get underway in Graignamanagh GAA pitch tomorrow (Thursday) at 5pm. All girls in the area are welcome to join.

Officers elected to the new Barrow Gaels committee are chairman Joe Fox, secretary Gerald O’Reilly, treasurer Noeleen Neville, registrar Olivia Staunton, PRO Carmel Moore, children’s officer Sheila Murphy. The Gaels hope to have panels at under-10, under-12 and under-14 levels.

Plans are also in the pipeline to set up new clubs in Castlecomer and Muckalee. Coaching courses will be available for mentors who would like to get involved in girls’ Gaelic football. A series of fun blitzes will start in April where the young girls will get a chance to put their newly-acquired skills to use.

With 28 schools taking part in last year’s Primary Schools League the talent emerging and the enthusiasm throughout the county has been infectious. Any parish or amalgamation of parishes who wish to learn more about starting a club in their area can contact Caitriona Corr, Ladies Football Development Officer, tel 086-1724044.

Coaching

A ladies football coaching course will be held at Castlecomer Community School on Saturday for mentors to learn the skills required for coaching girls’ Gaelic football. The course will run from 10am to 4pm, with lunch provided.

The first in a series of courses for mentors and coaches, it will be run by qualified tutors from the Ladies Gaelic Football Association at Croke Park. The course is an introduction to good coaching practices where mentors gain an insight into the theory of successful coaching and have the opportunity on the day to do some practical coaching. The course is ideal for mentors already involved with or hoping to be involved with juvenile or adult teams as well as school teams and is open to anyone over 16 years of age.

Bookings to Caitriona at Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership, tel 056-7720870 or e-mail caitriona@krsp.ie

Leinster 3-14

Munster 1-16

KILKENNY provided a strong presence as Leinster held off a Munster revival to reach the inter-provincial hurling final.

Eleven members of the team who won last year’s All-Ireland lined out for the province in Sunday’s semi-final at Nowlan Park, including all six of the starting defence.

Also there was Michael Fennelly. He reprised his role as a goal-scorer from September’s final, cutting through the Munster back-line to drill a low shot past Donal Og Cusack with little over a minute on the clock.

All three of Leinster goals had some Kilkenny involvement. Richie Hogan set up the second, grabbing a quick puck-out before teeing up Joe Bergin to provide the finish midway through the half while Richie Power helped himself to the third, converting a 30th minute penalty after Dublin’s Ryan O’Dwyer was fouled in the square.

By half-time Joe Dooley’s side looked to be in a good position, as they led Liam Sheedy’s men by nine points (3-8 to 0-8).

Munster were sharper after the restart, getting a great start when John Conlon netted a fine strike on 39 minutes. The points began to flow for Sheedy’s side, with John Gardiner and Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh getting in on the act as they narrowed the gap to just two with five minutes to go (3-11 to 1-15).

Munster had a great chance to take the lead when Pauric Mahony was fouled in the square, but Patrick Horgan’s penalty was saved. Leinster worked the sliotar clear, getting possession downfield for Richie Power to point before Colin Fennelly added a long-range insurance score to seal Leinster’s place in the final. They will play Connacht in the decider in a fortnight’s time.

SCORERS: Leinster - Richie Power (1-5, 1-0 pen, 0-3 frees); Shane Dooley (0-5, 0-1 free); Joe Bergin (1-1); Michael Fennelly (1-0); Brian Hogan, Eoin Larkin, Colin Fennelly (0-1 each). Munster - John Conlon (1-3); Patrick Horgan (0-3); John Gardiner (0-3, 0-2 frees, 0-1 65); Pauric Mahony (0-2 frees); Eoin Kelly (0-1, free); Pa Cronin, Shane McGrath, Patrick Donnellan, Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh (0-1 each).

Leinster (Kilkenny, unless stated) - G. Maguire (Dublin), P. Murphy, N. Hickey, J. Tyrrell, T. Walsh, B. Hogan, J.J. Delaney, M. Fennelly, M. Rice, R. O’Dwyer (Dublin), R. Power, E. Larkin, S, Dooley (Offaly), J, Bergin (Offaly), R, Hogan. Subs: W. Hyland (Laois) for R. Hogan, 36 mins; D. Stamp (Wexford) for B. Hogan, 36 mins; C. Fennelly for O’Dwyer, 55 mins; R. Hanniffy (Offaly) for Bergin, 61 mins; R. Jacob (Wexford) for Rice, 70 mins.

Munster - D. Og Cusack (Cork), M. Cahill (Tipperary), P. Curran (Tipperary), T. Condon (Limerick), J. Gardiner (Cork), P. Maher (Tipperary), P. Donnellan (Clare), S. O’Sullivan (Waterford), S. McGrath (Tipperary), P. Cronin (Cork), M. Walsh (Waterford), B. Maher (Tipperary), J. Conlon (Clare), E. Kelly (Tipperary), P. Horgan (Cork). Subs: D. O’Grady (Limerick) for McGrath, 39 mins; S. Molumphy (Waterford) for Cronin, 46 mins; G. Ryan (Tipperary) for Kelly, 55 mins; P. Mahony (Waterford) for Gardiner, 58 mins; K. Moran (Waterford) for Donnellan, 67 mins.

Referee - A. Kelly (Galway).

BOTH parties involved in the proposed development of the old Kilkenny Mart side on Barrack Street-Castlecomer road, Kilkenny City (Kilkenny Mart Co-operative and David Lyons of Melcorpo Ltd who make up Citymart) have expressed their disappointment with news that the joint company set up by them ) has gone into receivership.

And the mart co-operative made it clear that the move had absolutely no implications for the new mart at Cillin Hill, Kilkenny which has been ahuge success.

In a statement issued by the chairman of the mart, Michael Parsons, Kilkenny Co-operative Livestock Mart (KCLM) noted the appointment of the receiver by National Irish Bank to Citymart, a company in which KCLM has a 50% interest. It said KCLM’s involvement in the project dates from its relocation to its current site at Cillin Hill in Kilkenny.

In a separate statement from The directors of Citymart, made up of Melcorpo Ltd and the Kilkenny Co-op Mart and with Michael Parsons, again as spokesman, said it too was disappointed with the decision to appoint a receiver to its site at Barrack Street, Kilkenny. “The directors regret that the proposals presented by Citymart to the bank for viable development of the site were not acceptable to National Irish Bank,” the statement said.

Both the Co-operative mart and Citymart believe that the development of the site remained an exciting opportunity for Kilkenny city and the surrounding areas.

“Unfortunately the dramatic and rapid economic downturn has made the development of the site immensely challenging. Citymart hopes that the site will reach its full potential over time,” the Citymart statement said.

It said that KCLM, along with its 50% joint venture partner, Melcorpo, had proposed to develop the strategic 14 acre site which was formerly occupied by Kilkenny Mart.

The Mart co-op, through Mr Parsons, said it also regretted the decision taken by the Bank to place Citymart into receivership. “Notwithstanding the current economic situation Citymart had been working energetically to pursue development for the site in the belief that, despite the current financial situation, it would have been possible to ensure a viable future for the site in the longer term,” the Citymart statement said.

While the mart co-op, KCLM, believes that the site remains a viable and attractive site of strategic importance in the development of Kilkenny city. KCLM stressed that the decision had absolutely no implications for the Mart’s activities at Cillin Hill. y.

The mart co-op added that its involvement in Citymart was structured to ensure that all borrowings in relation to the project remained totally separate from the co-op and its business in Cillin Hill.

“All debts of Citymart were ring fenced to that company and KCLM is not, and will not be, liable for any debt incurred by Citymart,” the mart co-op said.

The mart co-op statement ended by stating: “Kilkenny Co Operative Livestock Mart will continue to develop its considerable business interests at Cillin Hill. These include the livestock Mart, Saturday Market, the nationally recognised Hub events centre, and a business park with many tenants, and a site suitable for further development.”

]]> 1.3549042 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:58:47 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/record_maker_o_brien_is_a_supreme_champion_1_3544890

THE high achievers in sport in Kilkenny during 2011 were honoured through the Hotel Kilkenny and Kilkenny People sports star scheme at a glittering annual gala dinner in Hotel Kilkenny on Friday night.

The stars honoured during the various months were feted for their achievements, and the two top gongs, the Supreme and Endeavour Awards were also presented.

The Supreme Award, which is generally recognised as the top accolate in sport in the county, went to star jockey, Joseph O’Brien, from Piltown, who was unable to attend because he was racing in Dundalk.

The top apprentice and star of the Breeders Cup was ably represented by his parents, Aidan and Ann Marie O’Brien, who collected his monthly and Supreme Awards on his behalf.

Special award

A special Supreme Award was commissioned to mark the 25th anniversary of the scheme. It was crafted by KDW based gold and silversmith, Des Byrne, whose lengthy array of exquisite pieces includes the new Sam Maguire Cup, the trophy for the winners of the All-Ireland senior football championship.

To mark an unbroken spell of 25 years on the Awards Selection Committee, Noel Skehan, the former Kilkenny goalkeeping great, was given the honour of presenting the Supreme Award to Aidan O’Brien on behalf of his son.

The second big prize, the Endeavour Award, went to the Kilkenny and District youths team that won the FAI Umbro inter-league cup final for the first time in 27 years. The award was accepted on behalf of the team by captain, Declan McQuillan.

Griffin Hotel group managing-director, Liam Griffin, presented the Endeavour Award and congratulated all the winners, which he described as a stunning list of high achievers.

The season of highs enjoyed by Supreme winner, Joseph O’Brien, were read to the captains of industry and sport and invited guests by MC Ger Cody.

The citation read:

“My oh my, where to begin is the question because there is so much to relate in terms of achievement from the 2011 season that was like no other.

There were personal wins at home and abroad; wins on different continents; wins involving the family and history making in all part as well.

Storm of victories

At the centre of the storm of victories and high achievements is a youngster who once wrote that the best piece of advice he ever received was simply to “always do your best”.

Well, he most certainly did that.....in spades...........

Joseph O’Brien, son of Piltown, County Kilkenny, who is attached to the Ballydoyle stable run by his famous dad, Aidan O’Brien, rewrote the records in horse racing on a number of fronts.

His victory aboard St Nicholas Abbey in the Breeders Cup in Churchill Downs, Kentucky, in November was probably the highlight in a string of highlights.

At 18 years and 5 months, Joseph O’Brien was the the youngest ever winner of a Breeders Cup race.

For the record, he took the record from Ferrando Jara, who was 18 years and 10 months when he won a Breeders Cup race in 2006.

There was an historic dimension for the family in Kentucky as well. Aidan O’Brien was the only overseas trainer to produce a winner at the 2011 meeting.

Actually, he did it at the double, having saddled Wrote to win the Juvenile Turf event prior to the big race.

St Nicholas Abbey is trained by Aidan O’Brien, so Joseph and Aidan went into the history books as the first father and son/trainer and jockey combination to win the event.

According to one learned commentator, Joseph’s performance was that of a seasoned, top flight jockey rather than one who rode his first winner in May 2009.

He was poised and patient during the opening 10 furlong, stalking English raider Sea Moon into the straight. He allowed Sea Moon to run down the leader, Brilliant Speed, before sweeping past them both to take the race and winners pot of $3-million.”

Dream come true

“I got the gaps when I needed them, and he picked up really well,”Joseph was reported as saying afterwards.”Its a dream come true.”

“Joseph wasn’t only the youngest winner of the ’Cup. Standing at 5’ 11” he was possibly the tallest too.

Another highlight from the season was the Irish 2000 Guineas win on Roderic O’Connor just two days before his 18th birthday in May.

There was more. Joseph O’Brien was also the champion apprentice jockey. Almost inevitably, there was a record involved.

He ran up a phenomenal 57 wins during the season, which for a man who struggles to make the 9 stone weight was some going. That 57 mark was a record too, out-stripping the previous best of 54 recorded by the great Paul Cerberry.

Another major milestone during the season was the winning of the Racing Post Trophy on Camelot, which was his first Group I winner in England.”

So who is this Joseph O’Brien, jockey extraordinary? During our trawl through the records we unearthed an interesting questions and answers piece with Joseph on the goracing.ie website.

Here goes, from the man himself:

Best moment outside of racing: Winning a bronze medal at the European Pony Championships in 2009.

Favourite restaurant: The Cashel Palace hotel.

Favourite food: Chicken.

Person you most admire: All the top jockeys are an inspiration to me.

Favourite book: Any of the racing autobiographies like Ruby, AP and Mick Kinane.

Favourite film: Man About Dog.

Favourite football team: Man United.

Excited by: Riding winners.

Well, by his own admission so Joseph O’Brien must have enjoyed a very, very, very exciting year during 2011.

The Hotel Kilkenny and Kilkenny People sports star committee saluted Joseph O’Brien - extraordinary talent, extraordinary jockey as the Supreme Award winner of 2011.

THE marketing of Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum, Inistioge must be placed higher on the list of priorities with Kilkenny County Council.

After four years of hibernation, newly co-opted councillor succeeded in having a meeting of the Woodstock monitoring committee last week. “I called for the meeting because it is important to use this wonderful attraction to its full potential. Tourism is of paramount importance to the economy of Kilkenny and Woodstock is in the top ten gardens in the country and has also earned renown and admiration across the seas,” the Bennettsbridge woman said.

The group met in the tea rooms at Woodstock and discussed a range of issues from the history of the gardens to income and expenditure and future developments. All members present agreed that the marketing of Woodstock Gardens could be improved to increase visitor numbers and to inform people from near and far about what Woodstock has to offer.

“There is so much to see in Woodstock including the remains of the majestic Winter Garden, the romantic Rose Garden, the playground, the Noble Fir walkway and even the longest Monkey Puzzle avenue in Europe,” she pointed out.

“ I would urge anyone in Kilkenny who has not been to visit the gardens to go and see what you are missing. It is a cheap, healthy and fun activity for all ages,” she added.

“We need to spread the word about Woodstock so that it brings tourists to Kilkenny and when they come here our amazing attractions will keep them in the county spending and taking great memories home.

Kilkenny has an adundence of history and heritage and this is typified in the beautiful Woodstock Gardens in the picturesque village of Inistioge. We are so lucky to have this gem in our area and it is a great testament to those in Kilkenny County Council and to the local community who worked tirelessly to restore the gardens to the glorious state they are in today,” she said.

]]> 1.3535940 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:34:41 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/two_men_found_dead_in_suspicious_circumstances_1_3548696

TWO men have been found dead at neighbouring farms near Bagenalstown in Co Carlow.

The body of a man in his seventies was found at a farmhouse at Ballycormack near Bagenalstown at 4am this morning. It is believed that he died from gunshot wounds. A number of hours later the body of a second man was found in a building in a nearby farm.

A full forensic and technical examination is currently taking place.

]]> 1.3548696 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:27:21 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/the_clapper_bridge_in_ruins_who_is_responsible_1_3535498

IF ever there was a heritage gem that was hidden, forgotten about, left to deteriorate, allowed to become a dump then it is the Clapper Bridge close to Little Venice. Where you ask? For over 800 years this foot bridge had been used by the people of Graignamanagh to cross the rich and clean Duiske River as it meanders its way into the the River Barrow from Brandon Hill. It was one of the oldest standing bridges in Ireland?

How, you ask could this happen?

Disgraceful is a harsh word and one not to be used lightly. However, when you consider the history attached to this place and its crucial part in the development of one of the most beautiful towns in Ireland, it is an apt word.

There have been promises made by the County Council and by others to do something about it. Civic minded souls in Graignamanagh Historical Society like Owen Doyle and Colm Walsh, Billy Hoare and others have done their best to highlight as have politicians like Ann Phelan TD and newly co-opted councillor, Tommy Prendergast. But there protestations have had the same affect on the powers that be as the droppings of a swallow on the water levels of the Grand Cooley dam in Washington State.

It gets worse - Now it appears that the central stone of the bridge has gone. It does not appear to be in the bed of the river. Was it washed away? No one seems to know. What is really is the lack of passion among many people in Graignamanagh that an iconic piece of its past has been all but lost.

This is the fourth in our series of hidden heritage gems in the city and county and probably the most important in terms of highlighting what has happened to it and for the first time putting the facts on record.

To begin to appreciate the story of the Clapper Bridge you have to look at the long association between the town and the Cistercian monks and Duiske Abbey. Duiske takes its name from Dubh Uisce (black water) and in 1204, the Norman Cistercians from Stanley Abbey in Wiltshire, England decided to build an abbey in the deep secluded valley where the Duiske and Barrow rivers meet.

They started the mill and can you see the water which powered the Mill Wheel, diverted from the Duiske river, coming down the waterfalls made by the monks and rejoining the Duiske below Lady’s Well just yards from the bridge.

The Clapper Bridge crossed the river on the shortest, route between the 13th century abbey and its mills.

In medieval times, the monks would bring the corn from the abbey, which was 20 times the size it is today, and have it grinded in the mill, before returning with it to the abbey. Of course, a community grew up around it and these first monks lived by their three vows and a huge part of their role was providing food and alms for the local people.

Then it became the walkway for the local people and remained so for hundreds of years. While the Barrow navigational has had a major impact on the lives of the people of Graignamanagh the Duiske seems closer to their hearts and hence the name Little Venice for the homes enveloping it. Of course when it floods, the Duiske causes chaos and many houses are filled with water and silt as a result.

Just as an side, it must be heartbreaking for people in business, like Philip Cushen of Cushen’s Mills to look at the walkway from the mill to the abbey and try to comprehend how things were left to get so bad.

Absolutely nothing has been done to address the mess and plans Cushens had for a visitor centre between the mill race and the river will now probably never see the light of day because of red tape.

Grandiose sentiments have been expressed by Kilkenny County Council, to reconstruct the bridge and these are contained in the County Development Plan of 2008.

But is this part of a bigger problem? Many people think that Graignamanagh is suffering because it is on the border of the county, away from the centre of power in Kilkenny city. It may not be true but if ever there was a case for positive discrimination, it is here. And there is no point in asking the OPW to get involved because all they will do is put up a plaque stating that the monument is in the care of the Commissioners of Public Works. And how the Clapper Bridge is not already a national monument is beyond me, an outsider, and I would suggest, any reasonable person.

Would a world class heritage gem like the Clapper Bridge, the waterfall, Lady’s Well and the old walkway from Cushen’s Mill to Duiske Abbey be left in this state if it was in Kilkenny city? I know that Sean Leahy, Kieran Crotty, Peter Bluett, Sean Kerwick and Elaine Bradshaw and the other great people in the the Keep Kilkenny Beautiful (KKB) committee would have path worn to city hall land county hall demanding action.

Before people say that this is an Eamon Dunphy type rant just look at the facts and the history surrounding this structure.

The people of Ireland a huge debt to the medieval monks who populated this country and left us a built, heritage which remains in some cases, largely intact despite centuries of neglect. No where is this more obvious than in this beautiful town of Graignamanagh where Duiske Abbey stands as a testimony to the Cistercian order who built and to the local people who paid for its restitution.

Part of that heritage of Graignamanagh is the Duiske river which provided the water for the Mill constructed and rum by the monks.

Between the two most important sites is the River Duiske and the first bridge over it, The Clapper Bridge.

It was the main crossing for the Cistercian monks as they made their way from what is now Cushen’s Mill to Duiske Abbey. It also boasted Lady’s Well. The well is now full of silt and needs to be cleaned out. It is not that long ago since people used the water from the well as their drinking water, knowing that it was filtered bythe rocks and graveland on its way down from unpolluted Brandon Hill.

Someone needs to lead a campaign to bring this disgraceful situation to an end. If this area was brought back to life it would reflect well on the community, would draw people and could do what the last government’s urban renewal scheme failed to do, spark a revival in the centre of the town. Why not a trail of the Duiske from where it rises in majestic Brandon Hill, the highest point in County Kilkenny (Brandon Hill will feature later in this series) to the mill and then the Abbey, That might appeal to a lot of tourists.

Over the years many promises have been made to the people of Graignamanagh that something would be done. Nothing has happened and the place is a shambles. Local people are partly responsible and the rubbish left at the site is generated locally. Looking at Graignamanagh as a whole, it has not received the official TLC it requires. On Mondasy of this week, The Minister for the Environment, Phil Hogan has given a commitment to visit the site in the next two weeks and on Tuesday morning, the Minister for Heritage, Arts and the Gaeltacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD has undertaken to ask officials in his deaprtment to provide him with a brief of what can be done.

EVEN in death, James “Duff” Tynan continued to give as he had during the 25 years he spent on this earth - Brightening the lives of every person with whom he came into contact.

and so it was on Monday night, a number of ambulances waited at the emergency entrance South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel to transport his heart, lungs and other organs to terminally ill people waiting on a miracle and a transplant. His parents Delores and Pascal, his sisters Elizabeth, Jacqueline, Nuala, Kay and brother Neil and his girlfriend Fiona Morrissey aswell as nephews, nieces, and cousiibs were present for the final blessing before the life support machine was switched off and his organs harvested for the benefit of others that he did not even know. Ther sirens lit u in the ambulances and the body parts were transported to Dublin and overseas.

Only last Friday, the kind 25-year-old had told his heartbroken girlfriend and best friend Fiona, that he wanted his organs donated if the unthinkable happened. This was prompted by the untimely death of a young Gortnahoe man last week, Stephen Barnaville who had cystic fibrosis.

James died after falling and hitting his head off the pavement in a totally unprovoked assault in the centre of Thurles at around 1.30am on Sunday morning.

There has been an unprecedented outpouring of grief for the Tynan family since the tragic events of early on Sunday morning. Blessed with an outgoing and warm personality like his father, he loved to sing and was extremely popular with people of his own age and with everyone in the North Kilkenny area. Blessed with a placid personality he has left his loved ones with precious memories.

His nickname of Duff came because he followed Chelsea Soccer club in England and at one point, the Irish Republic international, Damien Duff played for them. James’s friends thought he looked like Damien Duff so they called him Duff. The sobriquet stuck and James didn’t mind at all.

And while it was harrowing for his family to watch as the life support machine, aiding his breathing, was turned off, they had some little comfort knowing that James, as he had requested, had given the gift of life to others and provided them with a second chance.

James worked with his father Pascal and brother Neil in the family business Tynan Meats and he will be remembered there for his kindness and good humour by his fellow workers.

A post mortem was carried out on his body yesterday (Tuesday) in association with the garda enquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The funeral arrangements will be announced once James’s body is returned to the family following the autopsy carried out by a member of the State Pathologist’s office who came from Dublin to carry out the examination.

The gala fundraiser held in Langton’s of John Street, Kilkenny on Valentines night in aid of the Carlow Kilkenny Home Care Team was an overwhelming success and completely sold out.

Events like these don’t just happen. Lots of hours of work go on behind the scenes trying to get sponsors, items for auction and spot prizes. The Committee of Áine Fitzgerald, Kevin Fennelly, Dave Matthews, Carolanne Buckley and Mary Harrington thanked everyone who helped them and Pamela Farragher Sheridan of PF Design and Print designed and printed up the posters and tickets.

Langton’s pulled out all the stops with a fantastic menu, delicious food, served up efficiently and to their normal high standard. Fast Lane Audio Visual had set up a big screen with a slide show of everyone who helped out, listing sponsors, donations, auction items and spot prizes. They had also lit up the whole room in red so that it looked like something out of a bridal magazine. Signiatec were the main sponsor. Mr. Simms donated a chocolate truffle for each guest. Specsavers donated a free eye test for everyone who attended also. Flowers by Lucy donated a flower to every woman. “The women were thrilled as for most of them it was the only flower they got for Valentine’s Day,” organiser Mary Harrington claimed.

The presence of the Liam McCarthy and Sam Maguire cups added to the occasion and people queued to get photos with them. Thanks to Noreen and Dave Murphy who brought Sam along and to Rackard Cody for the McCarthy Cup. Donations were received from Andy O’Keeffe Auctioneer, Doheny Wheelie Bins and Recycling Limited, Jim Denieffe in Highway Safety Development, Ballyhale Gun Club. Brendan Hennessy was the MC for the night and also the auctioneer. He kept everything running smoothly and with his hawk eye there were no bids missed during the auction!

All auction items were sold and over €30,00 was raised at the auction. Items were - 4 Ball in Mount Juliet; 2 Nights B&B in Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa in Clonakilty, Co. Cork; 2 Nights B&B in Lyrath Estate Hotel; 2 Nights B&B in the Fitzwilton Hotel in Waterford; 2009 Grand Slam Jersey with 16 signatures on it; 2 Premium tickets for the Ireland v Italy match (were sold prior to auction); a service for a trailer/GPS tracking device from SMS Trailers; a service for a car from Eoghan Farrell and Darragh Phelan of Gowran Motors at Morrissey Motors; a Pendant from Jackie and Ed Keilthy; a voucher for a headpiece from Rebekah Patterson Milliner; Vouchers for Top Oil; Guided Tour around the Rhythm and Hues Animation Studios in Los Angeles.

There was 39 Spot Prizes on the night which consisted of a JVC CD player from Mrs. Brophy; a Rudolph Heltzel voucher; two tickets for the Blue Light Ball; Hot Stone Massage from Lilac Lodge; 1 Night B&B in Bewley’s Ballsbridge; Lunch for two in Zuni; Voucher for two in Yindees Downtown; Chocolate Hamper from the Little Coffee House in Carlow; Hamper from Broderick Brothers; Hamper from Kilkenny Design Centre, Green fees at Callan Golf Club; Green fees at Mountain View Golf Club; a Pandora Bracelet from Murphy Jewellers; a piece of Jewellery from Belle in William Street; Dublin Tourism Passes; Country Life Voucher; a voucher for a birthday cake from Cafe 1; a voucher from Falcon Travel; a voucher from Dick Dooley Butcher; a Spray Tan at home from Caroline; 2 tickets for the Visual Arts Centre in Carlow; Voucher for Lohs Restaurant; a Voucher for Cafe Sol, a voucher from Blueberry; a voucher from Boots; bottles of wine; a Marble City Tea Rooms gift card; a voucher for Dubray Books; a Voucher from K Bowl; biscuits, sweets and wine from Eddie and Frances Kennedy; Sam McAuley Hamper; Box of Chocolates; Lunch for tw in the Talbot Hotel.

The Marble City Sounds provided the music and it is no wonder their reputation is that of being the best band in the area, the floor was packed from the time the first note was played. Pat Treacy followed the band with a disco and anyone who was still there definitely had sore feet going home in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

]]> 1.3544059 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:34:44 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/two_injured_in_crash_1_3548037

TWO people were taken to hospital following a crash on the Freshford Road earlier today (Wednesday).

The accident, which involved two cars and a tractor happened at 8.30am. Emergency services were at the scene within minutes and two people were brought to St Luke’s Hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be serious. Traffic diversions were in place for a short period of time but the accident has now been cleared.

]]> 1.3548037 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:13:19 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/this_week_s_gaa_results_and_fixtures_1_3544454

Kilkenny GAA Fixtures

Wednesday

Duggan Steel Under-14 Football League

Bennettsbridge: O’Loughlin Gaels v Thomastown (7.30pm)

Ref: Paschal Connolly

Minor Football Challenge

Muckalee: Kilkenny v Carlow (7.30pm)

Kilkenny Education Centre

There will be a training night held at 7.45pm in the Kilkenny Education Centre, Callan Road. The training will help all Bord na nÓg secretaries learn how to use their newly updated email systems. All clubs are asked to attend.

Saturday

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons SF League

Moneenroe: Railyard v Dicksboro (3pm)

Ref: John Guinan

Thomastown: Thomastown v Mullinavat (3pm)

Ref: John Walsh

Canon Kearn’s Park: Erin’s Own v Mooncoin (3pm)

Ref: Sean Cleere

Jenkinstown: Conahy Shamrocks v Kilmoganny (3pm)

Ref: Denis O’Sullivan

St. John’s Park: O’Loughlin Gaels v Glenmore (3pm)

Ref: Thomas Duggan

Larchfield: James Stephens v Muckalee (3pm)

Ref: Eamon Mansfield

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons IF League

Inistioge: Rower-Inistioge v St Patrick’s (3pm)

Ref: John Bennett

Piltown: Piltown v Danesfort (3pm)

Ref: Dominic Connolly

Tom Walsh Park: Blacks and Whites v Clara (3pm)

Ref: Paschal Connolly

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons JF League

Ballyhale: Ballyhale Shamrocks v Tullogher-Rosbercon (3pm)

Ref: Julian O’Dwyer

Windgap: Windgap v Graigue-Ballycallan (3pm)

Ref: Willie Kearney

Duggan Steel Under-14 Football League

Ballyhale: Ballyhale Shamrocks v Graigue-Ballycallan (11.30am)

Ref: Raymond Byrne

Danesfort: Danesfort v Ballyhale Shamrocks (11.30am)

Ref: Paul Whelan

Jenkinstown: Conahy Shamrocks v O’Loughlin Gaels (11.30am)

Ref: John Mc Cormack

Páirc na Ratha: Glenmore v Erin’s Own (11.30am)

Ref: Martin Quilty

Lisdowney: Lisdowney v Kilmacow (11.30am)

Ref: Podge Butler

Piltown: Piltown v Barrow Rangers (11.30am)

Ref: Gavin Quilty

Callan CBS: John Lockes v Slieverue (11.30am)

Ref: Paul Hunston

Urlingford: Emeralds v St Martin’s (11.30am)

Ref: Eugene Ryan

Tom Walsh Park: St Fiacre’s v Mooncoin (11.30am)

Ref: John Minogue

Gowran: Young Irelands v Dicksboro (11.30am)

Ref: James Barry

Dunnamaggin: Kilmoganny v O’Loughlin Gaels (1pm)

Ref: John Kennedy

Duggan Steel Under-14 Roinn D 13 a-side

Freshford: St Lachtain’s v Carrickshock (11.30am)

Ref: Colin Breheny

Development Squad Training

St James’s Park: Under 14/16/15 Football (4pm)

Sunday

Allianz Hurling League

Nowlan Park: Kilkenny v Tipperary (2.30pm)

Ref: Michael Wadding

Match Information: Patrons are advised to come early as a large crowd is expected Admission is E13 to all sections of the ground. Students/Senior Citizens: E5/Under-16s: Free

Season Ticket Stiles: Hebron Road (New Stand Side) Stiles 15, 16, 17 & 18 O’Loughlin Road (Old Stand side) Stiles 36 & 37. Group Passes admission is through Stile 23 Ardán Ó Cearbhaill (New Stand behind country end goal)

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons J.F. League

Moneenroe: Railyard v Fenians (11.30am)

Ref: Ger O’Grady

Gowran: Young Irelands v Muckalee (11.30am)

Ref: Ollie O’Neill

Wednesday, February 29

Cadbury’s Leinster Under-21 FC

Ballyragget: Kilkenny v Louth (7.30pm)

Ref: John Hickey

Kilkenny GAA Results

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Senior FL

Mooncoin 4-4, Mullinavat 2-5

Railyard 2-8, Erin’s Own 1-4

Muckalee 1-11, Glenmore 0-1

Conahy Shamrocks 1-6, James Stephens 1-5

O’Loughlin Gaels 1-16, Kilmoganny 0-4

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Intermediate FL

Clara 1-6, Danesfort 0-7

St Patrick’s w/o, Piltown scr

Blacks & Whites 3-4, Rower-Inistioge 1-6

J.J. Kavanagh & Sons Junior FL

Tullogher-Rosbercon 1-6, Windgap 0-7

Ballyhale Shamrocks 2-9, Graigue-Ballycallan 0-7

Railyard 3-9, Muckalee 0-10

Kilkenny Citroën Centre Minor FL

Erin’s Own 0-13, Dicksboro 1-7

Mooncoin 3-6, Cloneen/Railyard 2-8

Tullogher-Rosbercon 3-9, Conahy Shamrocks 2-6

Lisdowney w/o, John Lockes scr

St Martin’s 4-6, Clara 1-7

Emeralds 3-9, Fenians 2-0

Tullaroan 2-6, Kilmoganny 0-8

Carrickshock 5-5, Kilmacow 3-5

James Stephens 4-2, Rower-Inistioge 1-7

Duggan Steel Under-14 FL

Piltown 6-9, Rower-Inistioge 1-0

St Martin’s 2-5, St Fiacre’s 2-5

Lisdowney 2-6, Barrow Rangers 3-2

Emeralds w/o, Slieverue scr

Tullogher-Rosbercon 7-8, John Lockes 1-0

James Stephens 2-3, Bennettsbridge 2-2

Tullaroan 6-8, Dicksboro B 4-3

O’Loughlin Gaels 5-12, Young Irelands 4-3

Duggan Steel Under-14 ‘D’ FL 13 a-side

Carrickshock w/o, Mullinavat scr

Cloneen/Railyard 4-4, St Lachtain’s 1-4

Umbro Kilkenny & District League

Saturday

Rafter Dempsey’s Youths’ League (2.30pm)

Lions v Clover United.

Evergreen A v Freebooters.

Newpark/Ormonde Villa v Thomastown United.

Under-9 Barnaville Print League South (2pm)

Stoneyford United v Evergreen City.

Highview Athletic v Thomastown United.

Under-9 Barnaville Print League North (11am)

Fort Rangers v East End United.

Lions v Freebooters.

Under-11 SFAI Menton Seery Cup (Last 16)

Edenderry Town v Freebooters, 12.30pm.

Beechwood (Dublin) v Thomastown United A, 12.30pm TBC.

Under-11 Nolan Jewellers League Division Two

Deen Celtic v Freshford Town, 11am.

Freebooters B v Evergreen United, 1.30pm.

Under-11 Nolan Jewellers League Division Three

Highview Athletic v Paulstown 06, 11am.

Freebooters C v Stoneyford United, 3pm.

Under-13 Kilkenny People League Division One (3pm)

Thomastown United v Deen Celtic.

Bridge United v Freshford Town.

Under-13 Kilkenny People League Division Two

Stoneyford United v Callan United, 11am.

Southend United v Paulstown 06, 1.15pm.

Under-15 SFAI Evans Cup (Last 16)

Evergreen v Malahide United (Dublin), 2pm.

Under-15 St Canice’s CU League Division One (11am)

Ormonde Villa v Bridge United.

Thomastown United v Freebooters B.

Under-15 St Canice’s CU League Division Two (11am)

Southend United v Evergreen B.

Freshford Town v Deen Celtic.

Under-17 TC Tyres League (11am)

Deen Celtic v Freshford Town.

East End United v Fort Rangers.

Sunday

St Canice’s Credit Union Premier Division

Fort Rangers v Evergreen A, 11am.

Evergreen B v Freebooters A, 11am.

Deen Celtic A v Bridge United A, 2.30pm.

Division One

Freshford Town v Thomastown United A, 11am.

Newpark United A v Clover United A, 11am.

Stoneyford United v Callan United, 2.30pm.

Eamonn Maher Coach Hire Division Two

Highview Athletic A v Gowran, 11am.

Lions B v East End United B, 2.30pm.

Duiske Glass Division Three

Bridge United B v Deen Celtic B, 11am.

AC Kilkenny B v Clover United B, 2.30pm.

St John’s v Orchard Rovers, 2.30pm.

Rico’s of Gowran Women’s Division One (11am)

Thomastown United v Bridge United.

East End United v Tullaroan.

Jimmy Cuddihy Women’s Division Two

St Joseph’s v Deen Celtic, 11am.

Clover United v Orchard Rovers, 2.30pm.

Under-14 SFAI Goodson Cup (Last 16)

Corduff (Dublin) v Freebooters, 2pm.

RESULTS

Leinster Junior Cup

Evergreen 2, Ballymun United 3.

St Canice’s Credit Union Premier Division

Bridge United A 2, Lions A 1.

East End United A 0, Freebooters A 5.

Division One

Spa United 3, AC Kilkenny A 3.

Clover United A 2, Callan United 3.

Freshford Town 1, Newpark United A 1.

Eamonn Maher Coach Hire Division Two

East End United B 1, Thomastown United B 2.

River Rangers 0, Brookville 1.

Lions B 2, Gowran 1.

Duiske Glass Division Three

AC Kilkenny B 3, Bridge United B 1.

Newpark United B 2, Orchard Rovers 1.

St Anne’s 3, Deen Celtic B 3.

Rico’s of Gowran Women’s Division One

Tullaroan 1, Bridge United 0.

Thomastown United 2, East End United 0.

Jimmy Cuddihy Women’s Division Two

Deen Celtic 1, Clover United 0.

Evergreen 3, St Joseph’s 0.

Rafter Dempsey’s Youths’ League

Evergreen City 2, River Rangers 2.

Clover United 1, Freebooters 4.

Under-16 TC Tyres League

Evergreen C 0, Evergreen A 8.

Highview Athletic 1, Bridge United 9.

Ormonde Villa 3, Freebooters 1.

Under-16 K&DL Girls’ League

St Joseph’s 3, Thomastown United 2.

Freshford Town 6, East End United 0.

Under-15 St Canice’s Credit Union League Division One

Freebooters B 0, Freebooters A 6.

Under-14 Bennettsbridge Parts League Division One

Thomastown United A 1, Evergreen A 4.

Under-14 Bennettsbridge Parts League Division Two

Thomastown United B 0, Urlingford 5.

Paulstown 06 1, Freshford Town 2.

Evergreen B 2, Freebooters B 2.

Under-13 Leinster Inter-League

Carlow League 1, Kilkenny & DL 1.

Kilkenny & DL 2, Midlands League 1.

Kilkenny & DL 3, South Dublin FL 1.

Under-12 Glanbia League Division One

Freebooters A 2, Evergreen A 1.

Southend United 6, Bridge United 2.

Under-12 Glanbia League Division Two

Highview Athletic 1, Evergreen B 0.

Lions 8, Freebooters B 0.

Callan United 10, Ormonde Villa 1.

THE long wait is finally over and residents who live in close proximity to Grange Bridge, Ballyragget. A start up date has been set. The funding of €255,000 had been in place since 2009 but numerous difficulties had to be overcome. Cllr Maurice Shortall said that a contractor, Mr. John Cradock had been appointed and that work will commence in June.

Kilkenny Design Centre is currently undergoing an exciting re-development, involving the refurbishment of the restaurant and the opening of a new foodhall.

The Foodhall will be a wonderful new venue for Kilkenny’s coffee lovers providing flavoured coffees, herbal teas and freshly-made sweet and savoury treats in a beautiful and historic setting. They will stock a carefully-selected range of high quality Irish food products and by providing regular tastings and cookery demonstrations we hope that the Foodhall will provide inspiration for our customers in their own kitchens.

Popular chef, Edward Hayden, has joined forces with the team at the Kilkenny Design Centre to develop a great concept for the new space; incorporating a café and foodhall where Kilkenny Design Centre’s “Take Home” range will be available. The idea is simple quality, fresh food for you to take home and enjoy with family and friends. Be it a simple chowder or a tasty Beef Bourguignon, or a cake from the bakery area for tea. A selection of high quality Irish made products such as Mileeven honey, Goatsbridge Farm trout, fantastic chutneys and jams from Dunbrody Country House and of course Edward Hayden’s wonderful orange marmalades will also be available.

Wexford artist Simone Walsh will be displaying a selection of her large, vibrant canvases on the walls of the Foodhall. While the original works will be available for purchase, those with more modest budgets may buy high-quality prints of Simone’s work in the Design Centre store.

Upstairs, the award-winning restaurant has gone from strength to strength. There is a full drinks license in place and flexible seating for up to 200 people with fantastic views of the Castle and the Castle Yard. The culinary team has developed an impressive celebration buffet menu, making the restaurant at the Kilkenny Design Centre the perfect venue for family and corporate events.

The new foodhall will be ready for business on February 22 and will be open seven days a week from 8.30 am to 6.30 pm. An exciting calendar of events such as tastings, cookery demonstrations and musical evenings will also take place over the coming months. The upstairs restaurant will also be open for private functions. Keep an eye on the Kilkenny Design Centre’s Facebook page and website for news.

]]> 1.3540173 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:52:11 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/kilkenny_farmer_convicted_following_major_fish_kill_1_3544468

AT last week’s Kilkenny District Court, Mr Paul Madigan of Graigue, Windgap was prosecuted by Inland Fisheries Ireland (IFI) following investigations into a fish kill on the River Glory which took place as a result of the discharge of silage effluent.

Mr. Patrick Kilfeather Senior Fisheries Environmental Officer with IFI told Judge David Anderson that following receipt of a complaint on Monday, June 13, 2011, Inland Fisheries Ireland carried out detailed investigations on the River Glory over a number of days, and had established that in excess of 1,100 fish including trout and salmon as well as invertebrate life had been killed over a distance of 5.1 kilometres from below the outfall from Mr. Madigan’s farm to Clone Bridge.

Giving details of sampling and analysis undertaken, Mr. Kilfeather confirmed the discharge from the farm to a roadside watercourse and thence to the Glory had seriously elevated ammonia, orthophosphate and BOD levels. He said that on the evening of June 13, 2011, he instructed Mr. Madigan to immediately terminate discharges, and remove all remaining effluent residues from the watercourse.

However, when he returned to assess progress on the following afternoon, discharges were still occurring, and he had to speak again with Mr. Madigan concerning the lack of effectiveness of the steps taken. In reply to Mr. Laurie Grace, Solicitor for Mr Madigan, Mr Kilfeather confirmed that by 9pm on the Tuesday night when he again inspected the farm area, discharges had been terminated, and subsequently the watercourse had been cleaned out using an excavator.

Mr. Grace who had earlier told Judge Anderson there was a plea in the matter said that the discharge occurred as a result of the failure of an electric pump, and as soon as this had come to Mr. Madigan’s attention, he had taken steps to keep an effluent storage tank alongside his silage pit emptied.

He sought leniency on behalf of his client, who he said had invested heavily in the provision of silage storage facilities, and said that Mr. Madigan’s Single Farm Payment had, following the incident, been reduced by €2,000. Judge Anderson convicted Mr. Madigan and imposed a fine of €500 and awarded legal costs of €1.611 and expenses of €2,828.53 to Inland Fisheries Ireland.

The expansion of the milk production sector when the EU quota comes to an end in 2014 could bring a boost of €50 million per year to the Kilkenny economy, according to the county manager.

“The biggest economic capture that the county could potentially make,” Mr Joe Crockett said at Monday’s meeting of Kilkenny County Council.

“It could add €50 million per year into the Kilkenny economy.

“That is being researched at the moment,” he said as part of an update about the county’s Invest Kilkenny economic development strategy.

Nationally, the Department of Agriculture has set a target of a 50% increase in the production of milk and milk products by 2020.

That goal is set out in “Food Harvest 2020,” a “strategic plan drawn up by a committee of industry representatives for the development of the sector over the coming decade.”

Published in 2010 by the Department of Agriculture, the report “outlines the positive prospects for the dairy sector over the medium to long term, and sets an ambitious target of a 50% increase in milk production by 2020.”

HE MAY have 11 tough, demanding, high pressure and successful inter-county seasons behind him already, but Jackie Tyrrell can’t wait for the 2012 campaign to begin, writes John Knox.

Already six All-Ireland and three National League titles richer, the James Stephens man’s appetite for the game is far from satisfied and he readily admitted he missed the game during the winter breaker.

“Yea,” he admitted when it was suggested that he looked like a guy who was rarin’ to go again when we spoke at the Glanbia press conference to announce their continued sponsorship of Kilkenny teams.

“To be honest I missed it, the players, the craic, the training during the break. You live in each others pocket for so long you are family.

“Last year we were going together for nearly nine months. To go from that intense environment, finishing in an All-Ireland final, to absolutely nothing is a real change.

Mad to get back

“While you are delighted for the break and so on, from about November on I was mad to get back into it. I am delighted January is gone and we are coming into the League. I am looking forward it.”

The GAA have planned a glamorous opening to the Allianz League, with an All-Ireland final repeat between champions, Kilkenny and Tipperary on the bill for Nowlan Park on Sunday.

In the All-Ireland final in September, Tyrrell turned in the proverbial blinder as the Cats took back McCarthy from Tipp, but that, he was quick to point out, was history now.

“That was a good day for Kilkenny,” smiled the Glanbia sales representative. “It took a real team effort to win.

“Still, it is great to start the League with an All-Ireland final repeat. It is a wonderful advertisement for the game of hurling. It doesn’t get much better in terms of an attraction.

“Last year it was the same. Tipp were the All-Ireland champions when we met them at the start of the League. We were mad to get at them. I am sure they will be mad to get at us this time.

“It all adds up to something really exciting. The rivalry appears to be getting bigger and better. The last few All-Irelands have been great, for the promotion of the game, the fans and the players too. I am sure this League game will be the same.”

The 6’ 2” giant defender loves the involvement and preparations, and he said he immersed himself so much in the game that he never felt pressure. He just didn’t have time to think about it.

He loves it all

“It is great to be involved, and if the mental preparation and focus is right, you are cool because you are totally clued in to one thing….the game,” was the way he explained it. “You don’t see anything, think about anything else. When the game comes you don’t notice things going on around you. Before you know it, it is half-time, or the end of the match.

“You don’t have time to look around. The games fly. The only things you thing about are surviving and keeping an eye on you man

“I love it all. It is my life now. It almost takes you over and consumes you. It is not just training three times a week and then leave it at that. You have the rest element, the diet, the gym side of things to look after also.

“You live and breath it 24/7, constantly thinking about the next training session and how you can prepare as best as possible for it.”

Kilkenny manager, Brian Cody has drilled in into the players that they are privileged and honoured to play for the county. He gets the players to buy into that thinking. Tyrrell is a devoted follower.

“Why wouldn’t you love it,” Tyrrell shot back when one suggested his face was aglow with excitement merely talking about the upcoming season.

Fans here don’t talk about winning Leinster crowns or things like that; they want national titles, one suggested to him. Does that place an added burden on the players?

“That is the way Kilkenny people are,” he smiled. “That comes from our tradition. That can be a good thing. It helps keep us on our toes. They let us know the standards they expect. As far as I am concerned it is great.”

The Cats opened the season by winning the Walsh Cup, led by new captain and Tyrrell’s club colleague, Eoin Larkin.

Larkin a great captain

“Eoin can be a great captain,” Tyrrell insisted. “It is a great honour for the person, the club, your family to be a county captain. Eoin is very aware of that. We have picked up the Walsh Cup already. Hopefully we can add to that during the year.”

The new season brought a whole new challenge for everyone involved in the Kilkenny squad.

“We start the season with a clean sheet of paper,” was the way Tyrrell put it. “All the places on the team are up for grabs. It doesn’t matter how many All-Irelands you have or haven’t.

“Whoever trains and plays the best will make the team. That is the way Brian (Cody) has set up things. We all know where we stand and the situation we are in. It is all about working to get your name on that team sheet every day.”

St Kieran’s College0-15

Colaiste Eoin1-8 (11 pts)

This was what you would class a ‘move on performance’ from stuttering defending Leinster and All-Ireland champions, St Kieran’s College, writes John Knox.

The Kilkenny school booked a place in the provincial final against city rivals, Kilkenny CBS in two weeks time, but the prize gained more than the performance put in against physically strong and determined Colaiste Eoin (Dublin) was the thing that will occupy the minds of the victors more than anything else.

To be honest, St Kieran’s will have to improve on this showing in Dr Cullen Park, Carlow, on Sunday.

“We have played better,” admitted St Kieran’s official, David McCormack, who will now see his charges face his alma mater. “We always knew Colaiste Eoin would be difficult, and it will be the same against the CBS. There is never much between us, and it will be the same in the final.”

Colaiste Eoin, who employed a seventh defender during most of the match, worked their socks off and they didn’t allow the champions build up any sort of momentum. Kieran’s best period was during the closing six minutes when lovely striker, Thomas O’Hanrahan, sub Jamie Maher, after combining with fellow sub David Burke, and deadly free taker Michael Donnelly at the double produced the points which divided the teams at the finish.

Showed character

“We showed real character during the closing 10 minutes or so to win,” was the summary of Mr McCormack.

It was the Dubliners, who were facing the fresh breeze blowing from the town end, who took hold of the game early on. They opened with a quick point from Jack Phelan. That was followed by a fifth minute goal from Colm Cronin, whose shot from eight metres on the right somehow found a hole in the far side of the net through which the ball sneaked out, forcing a quick repair job by local officials.

The losers were held to a pair of points from frees by Michael Donnelly during the opening 20 minutes, when the Dubs packed defence unsettled them. Indeed, were it not for some excellent play by the full-back trio of Robert O’Hanrahan, Robert Lennon and William Allen, plus the drive of Peter Kenneally in midfield and Donnelly further up, St Kieran’s could have slipped further back.

As it was they faced into the closing 10 minutes of the half facing a slight deficit (1-2 to 0-2). The Kilkenny lads eventually came to grips with the game plan of the opposition, and with free man on the half-back line, Aidan Cleere, hitting a lot of ball, the scores began to flow.

Donnelly and Chris Bolger nicked minors before a long free from Cleere was batted out by a defender to the waiting Thomas O’Hanrahan, who clipped over the equaliser (1-2 to 0-5).

The hat-trick of points from Kieran’s inside line was completed when Jack McGrath and Ciaran Prendergast hit the target to take them, somewhat against the run of play, into an interval lead of 0-7 to 1-2.

Dubs on top

Kieran’s lost centre-back, Emmet Byrne, through injury late in that half but after their big finish the expectation was that they would drive on.

The opposite happened. Colaiste Eoin took hold of the game from the restart. Within 90 seconds Oisin O’Rourke (free) and Kevin O’Doherty, a really good score, posted points to level again (0-7 to 1-4).

During the 20-odd minutes that followed the scores were level four times, the last being in the 53rd minute when Jack Phelan did very well to haul the losers back to terms (0-11 to 1-8).

When their backs were to the wall, St Kieran’s finally lifted their game. With subs Burke and Maher adding a bit of an edge to the attack that was largely carried by Donnelly and O’Hanrahan, and Diarmuid Cody a strong presence in defence after being moved there from the attack, they cobbled together a strong effort that got them through.

Scorers: St Kieran’s College – Michael Donnelly (0-8, six frees); Thomas O’Hanrahan (0-3); Chris Bolger, Jack McGrath, Ciaran Prendergast, Jamie Maher (0-1 each). Colaiste Eoin – Kevin Doherty (0-3); Colm Cronin (1-0); Oisin O’Rourke (0-2, frees); Jack Phelan (0-2); Ciaran Callaghan (0-1).

St Kieran’s College – Noel Kehoe (Clara); Robert O’Hanrahan (Thomastown), Robert Lennon (Bennettsbridge), William Allen (Rower-Inistioge); Eoin Gough (Dicksboro), Emmett Byrne (Young Irelands), Aidan Cleere (Bennettsbridge); Peter Kenneally (Dunnamaggin), Cormac Wafer (Bennettsbridge); Chris Bolger, Michael Donnelly (Thomastown), Diarmuid Cody (James Stephens); Jack McGrath (James Stephens), Thomas O’Hanrahan (Thomastown), Ciaran Prendergast (Clara). Subs – Enda Morrissey (Bennettsbridge) for Byrne (inj) 25th min; David Burke (O’Loughlin Gaels) for McGrath 48th min; Jamie Maher (St Lachtain’s) for Kenneally 56th minute.

Colaiste Eoin – K. Smith; C. O Siochain, R. Murphy, C. Farrell; J. Clinton, E. Doherty, F. Ryan Byrne; C. Callaghan, J. Phelan; C. Cronin, K. O’Doherty, C. O’Neill; O. O’Rourke, D. Keane, F. Motherway. Sub – M. MacDonnacha.

Referee – P. O’Dwyer (Carlow).

Ireland’s rugby squad finally get the opportunity to bounce back from the opening Six Nations defeat to Wales this week.

Declan Kidney has a full strength squad to choose from having put his big match preparations against the French on ice following the late postponement of the Stade de France encounter.

No major changes are expected this weekend for the visit of the Italy.

THE first phase of the €23 million Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme which will facilitate industrial development and job creation in South Kilkenny and the South East is to be officially opened on Friday by Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan; IDA CEO, Barry O’Leary and Chairman of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Paul Cuddihy.

The Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme is an important economic infrastructure which will service 240 hectares of industrial land near Belview Port, and allow for the building of 10,000 additional houses in South Kilkenny and Waterford between now and 2031.

The Department of the Environment teamed up with Kilkenny County Council and the IDA to develop the water scheme.

With phase 1 completed the Belview Strategic Water Supply now provides 3,300 cubic metres or 725,000 gallons of water per day, primarily for industrial and enterprise use and also for the people and community of South Kilkenny. When all phases are completed, 15,000 cubic metres or 3.3 million gallons of water a day will be available, of which 9,000m³ or 2 million gallons will be available for industrial use - a major strategic capability.

The total investment for this phase of the scheme is €13 million of which €11 million was provided by the IDA and €2 million by Kilkenny County Council and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

The water supply infrastructure is matched by wastewater infrastructure with a wastewater treatment plant provided at a cost of €37 million by Waterford City Council, with capacity of 190,000 persons equivalent which the IDA has also supported.

Belview is four miles from Waterford City and a mile and ahalf from the village of Slieverue and incorporates 265 hectacres of zoned land including a Strategic IDA land bank, the Marine Point Business Park and Belview Port.

This scheme will be of important strategic benefit for the region by:

• Facilitating the development of water-intensive industry at Belview Industrial Park.

• Alleviating pressure on the domestic supply, which resulted in some water shortages over the past few years.

• Allowing for future housing development in the region.

The Belview Strategic Water Supply Scheme is one of the largest water supply schemes in County Kilkenny. It serves approximately 11,000 customers through 169km of pipework in the towns and villages of Mooncoin, Mullinavat, Kilmacow, Ferrybank, Slieverue and the surrounding areas.

Belview Port is the nearest deepwater major Irish port to mainland Europe, providing to shippers of both time and fuel while being a natural hub for the integration of port, shipping , road and rail freight services.

Two third of the Irish domestic market lie within a 160km radius of Belview with direct access to the mainland national rail network . The surrounding industrial area boasts substantial warehousing.

Kilkenny City and County Manager, Joe Crocket, says the water and wastewater infrastructure combined with port and rail services, the IDA Strategic Landbank, and other serviced and zoned lands make Belview a superb business opportunity.

Mr Crockett said the Belview Water Supply is an important development under the Invest Kilkenny programme, launched in 2010 to promote the area on its fast global access, high calibre workforce, and a great quality of life with a city steeped in a rich culture and heritage.

With the recent opening of the new M9 motorway, Kilkenny is only 70 minutes from Dublin Airport, and 30 minutes from Waterford with its regional airport and the Belview development zone, including Belview Port.

A Business Support Unit has been established to support the Invest Kilkenny initiative and a website www.investkilkenny.ie launched which includes a property finder and details of local business success stories.

GREAT ploughing on a fantastic site made Sunday one of the most memorable of all Gowran Ploughing Matches. And afterwards there was a carnival atmosphere in Connolly’s of Dunbell where an excellent meal was laid on by hosts, Jim and Theresa Connolly.

And the president of the National Ploughing Association was caught up in the excitement. james Sutton from Dublin spoke gloweingly of the site owned by Jim and Alive O’Neill at Grove, Dunbell and of the excellent manner in which the event was organised. It attracted 55 plough men from all over the South East, Tipperary and Cork.

Results: Senior two furrow: 1 John Treacy, Garryhill, Bagenalstown 107; his son Eamon from Corries, Bagenalstown was second with 103; 3 Willie Ryan, Tullogher 101; 4 Cathal Brady, Gowran 100. Under 28, two furrow: 1 John Cotterell, Tullogher 92; 2 Thomas Hartley, Glenmore 91.

Under 21 two furrow: 1 Tony McGrath, Mooncoin 106; 2 Mark Walsh, Tullogher 100; 3 William Kehoe 99. Three furrow standard: 1 Edward Forristal, Tullogher 77; 2 Ned Conway, Tullogher 75; 3 Liam Cassin, Maddoxtown 73.

Single furrow vintage: 1 Oliver Power, Waterford 149; 2 Peter McDonald, Mullinavat 139. Two furrow mounted vintage: 1 John O’Brien, Cahir 150; 2 John Somers, Wexford 145; 3 Paddy Doyle, Wicklow 144.

Senior reversible, John Whelan, Gussserane, New Ross; 2 Brian Ireland, Danesfort 112; 3 Garry Ireland, Danesfort 110.

Three furrow standard reversible: 1 Robert Madigan, Firhouse 96; 2 Daniel Dwyer, Johnstown 89.

Johnstown-Urlingford-Galmoy match on Sunday, February 26 at Bawn, Johnstown on land owned by the Duggan brothers.

Farmers who bought last week’s Farmers Journal cannot but be impressed with the photograph of their mart Cillin Hill. The front page photograph showed over 600 farmers who attended a special seminar on Profitable Suckling Farming.

The speakers included Simon Coveney Minister for Agriculture, John Bryan President of the IFA, Director of Teagasc Prof Gerry Boyle and many more. All speakers were positive as to the future of farming and stated that prices should remain stable for the next few years .The Minister stated the importants of suckler farming to the Irish economy .He stated where as over 17,000 are involved in Dairy Farming over 100,000 are suckler farmers and this sector is the heartbeat of rural Ireland and should never be a byproduct of the dairy sector. With the arrival this week of Xi Jinping the next reported leader of China plus a large delegation of food experts it is hoped that this enormous market might develop for both meat and dairy products. If this happens job numbers will start to be increased in the food sector and confidence will start to soar in all Agri Business. Before I leave the subject well done to Terry Carroll and all the Teagasc team on organising such a successful conference.

Our Dairy sale of last week attracted almost 100 head with a top call of €2,020 on two occasions for freshly calved heifers. With customers coming from Monaghan, Galway, Wicklow and of course neighbouring counties there are plenty of customers for quality dairy animals. Also taking place on Monday is our calf sale which last week saw continental bulls selling to a high of €475 with heifers to €415 these prices show terrific confidence for the future which hopefully will be justified .Farmers should note that Dairy and Calf sales will be taking place every Monday until further notice. The calf sale starts at12.15pm with Dairy at 1.30pm.

The sheep sales are very small with prices steady .Most butcher type hoggets are ranging from €120 to €125 per head with a top call of €130 for 60kg hoggets.Even though numbers are small factory agents state the product is hard to sell in the present climate

On Thursday trade for all cattle remained strong with lots of customers for all types. A special sale of sucklers saw a top call of €1750 for a cow with a calf at foot .Light store bullocks and heifers are attracting lots of interest with prices as high as €3.20 per kilo. The question been asked is will these animals leave a profit. Since most of these animals will not be sold for at least another year the answer to that question is sometime away.

Until next week good buying,good selling and good luck

Sheep and calves

Smaller sale of sheep with trade similar to last week. Over 100 calves on offer with Cont Bulls selling to €450 per head. Dairy stock slightly easier with a top call of €1960 for a fresh calved heifer.

Butchers Lambs €68 to €80 over the kilo

No. Wt.(kg) €/kg Price(€)

20 56 €2.29 128

11 55 €2.45 135

22 52 €2.38 124

23 51 €2.37 121

Factory Lambs €62 to €72 over the kilo

No. Wt.(kg) € / kg Price(€)

10 Ewes 47 €2.55 120

20 45 €2.58 116

8 43 €2.49 107

10 41 €2.66 109

Store Lambs €40 to €62 over the kilo

No. Wt.(kg) Price(€)

12 42 €2.33 98

11 41 €2.49 102

10 35 €2.29 80

12 32 €2.25 72

Cast Ewes €45 to €135 per head

Breeding Ewes - Ewes with lambs at foot €245 to €265 per Ewes with Lambs at foot €245 to €265 per unit.

Calves

Friesian Bulls €120 to €320 per head; Continental Bulls €330 to €450 per head; Continental Heifers €300 to €435 per head; A.Angus/Hfd Bulls €280 to €380 per head; A.Angus/Hfd Heifer €200 to €310 per head Dairy Stock; freshly Calved Fr Cows and Heifers €1400 to €1960; in-calf Friesian Cows and Heifers €1200 to €1500; Fres Maiden Heifers suitable for service €720 to €850 per head.

Cattle

600 kg + €600 to €1040 over the kilo

No. Breed Wt. €/kg Price(€)

1 Cont 760 €2.37 €1,800

1 Fr 815 €1.88 €1,530

1 Herf 760 €1.86 €1,410

3 Lim 605 €2.64 €1,600

500 - 600 kg €500 to €920 over the kilo

No. Breed Wt. €/kg Price(€)

3 Sim 590 €2.21 1,305

2 Fr 570 €1.98 1,130

4 Lim 560 €2.64 1,480

1 AAX 510 €2.26 1,155

400 - 500 kg

No. Breed Wt. €/kg Price(€)

1 Cont 480 €2.15 €1,030

6 Char 450 €2.70 €1,215

2 Fr 445 €1.94 €865

6 Cont 445 €2.73 €1,215

Under 400 kg €315 to €705 over the kilo

No. Breed Wt. €/kg Price(€)

2 Lim 395 €2.78 €1,100

1 BB 380 €2.83 €1,075

3 Fr 355 €1.89 €670

4 AA 290 €2.45 €710

Cull Cows

No. Breed Wt. €/kg Price(€)

Fr Cull Cows €1.05 to €1.75 per kilo

Cont Cull Cows €1.65 to €2.00 per kilo

Beef Heifers €500 to €920 over the kilo

No. Breed Wt. €/kg Price(€)

1 Char 730 €2.26 €1,650

1 Char 665 €2.08 €1,380

2 Lim 645 €2.22 €1,430

1 AA 610 €1.80 €1,100

Butcher Heifers €400 to €720 over the kilo

No. Breed Wt. Price(€)

2 Char 505 €2.26 1,140

1 Cont 480 €2.33 1,120

3 Char 460 €2.52 1,160

1 BB 450 €2.56 1,150

Store Heifers €350 to €620 over the kilo

No. Breed Wt. €/kg Price(€)

1 Lim 415 €2.48 €1,030

4 AA 370 €2.22 €820

2 Char 280 €2.79 €780

2 AA 270 €2.48 €670

Sucklers - in-calf Sucklers €850 to €1300 per head; cows with calves at foot €1360 to €1750 per unit

]]> 1.3544533 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:39:30 +0000 http://www.kilkennypeople.ie/participants_sought_for_national_pyjama_day_1_3539155

Providers of early childcare and education services in Kilkenny are invited to don their “onesies” in support of National Pyjama Day on March 23.

Last year, 15 Kilkenny services raised over €3,500 Pyjama Day, and organisers are hoping to raise a total of €350,000 this year. The funding from the National Pyjama Day will help to support a dedicated hospice home care service for children.

Anyone involved in the early childhood care and education sector can take part in National Pyjama Day by registering through www.earlychildhoodireland.ie and clicking on the Pyjama Day logo on the home page; emailing nationalpjday@earlychildhoodireland.ie for a registration form; or calling 087 275 5675.

THE communities of Johnstown and Urlingford have been numbed by the death of James”Duff” Tynan from Johnstown yesterday evening. His family and girlfriend Fiona Morrissey were by his side when the life support machine, which was aiding his breathing, was turned off at South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel. He was assaulted outside Hayes’s Hotel, Thurles at around 1.30am on Sunday morning and never regained consciousness in what gardai believe was an unprovoked assault.

It brought back memories of another assault on a Johnstown man in 1999 when Kilkenny hurler, PJ Delaney was left for dead after an attack close to where James Tynan was assaulted.

Parish priest of Johnstown, Fr Frank Maher said the tragedy had devastated the Tynan family and appealed for an end to violence on the streets. “James never knew this man and he just isn’t the kind of person who would be in trouble like that,” he said. A 22-year-old man, understood to be from Co Tipperary, was released from custody on Monday night without charge after being questioned by gardai. The dead man was an uncle of Kilkenny People photographer, Eoin Hennessy.

FUNDING has been approved to carry out works on a number of dangerous junctions on the Callan bypass.

Cllr Tom Maher welcomed the announcement that €280,000 had been allocated by the National Roads Authority for safety measures on the bypass.

“The first thing to do is to put ghost islands on all the right hand junctions. These junctions are highly dangerous and there have been serious accidents in the past,” said Cllr Maher.

Diageo should donate its St Francis Abbey Brewery site to the city of Kilkenny after brewing operations cease there at the end of 2013, local councillors say.

Cllr Joe Reidy (FF) made the proposal at Monday night’s meeting of Kilkenny Borough Council, where he compared the situation to the sale of Kilkenny Castle to the city for a nominal amount in 1967. “When the Butlers left Kilkenny, they gave us the castle for about a pound,” he noted.

And while the St Francis Abbey Brewery site would have been worth much more during the Celtic Tiger years, it would fetch a far smaller sum in the current climate – an amount that would be “only a pimple on the balance sheet of Diageo,” Cllr Reidy said.

“I think we should approach Diageo and ask them to donate that site to the people of Kilkenny,” Cllr Reidy said. “They made millions out of there and most of the families of Kilkenny have had somebody working there. It would be a great gesture to do that and it would make no difference to their balance sheet.”

The proposal was supported by Cllr John Coonan (FF), who said: “There is no reason why we should not be positive and pro-active, and engage to see about the possibility of Diageo finding it within themselves to give us the site.

“It might seem out of the ordinary, but out-of-the-ordinary things to come to be reality as well,” Cllr Coonan said.

Members agreed to include the suggestion in their proposal to seek consultation with the company about the future of the site and the compensation that will be paid to the workers who are losing their jobs.

Cllr Paul Cuddihy (FG) said, however: “We have to also remember that companies make millions and millions, but one of the reasons they do that is they don’t give things away for free.”