February in Kilkenny: Work began on WWI memorial, and one of our great politicans laid to rest

In February, the Kilkenny People highlighted the plight of Cezy Fosca (11), who was left without access to a medication she needs for her Morquio A syndrome.

A public consultation period began on temporary parking for the former brewery site, while local councillors considered a parking options assessment report for the city.

Work began on the city’s new World War I memorial in Peace Park, recognising the 825 Kilkenny men and women who lost their lives in the Great War.

The 2018 Kilkenny Rose of Tralee launched kicked off in MacDonagh Junction this month, with 19 hopefuls putting their names forward.

Members of Kilkenny Taekwondo Club returned from a successful trip to Milan in February for the first Song Moo Kwan European Championships. A reception was held for the group at HQ on the Hebron Road, with a number of lads bringing home medals.

The great Kilkenny Statesman Seamus Pattison died and was laid to rest. The family of murdered Kilkenny mother Marie Tierney made a public appeal for her killer to hand themselves into Gardaí.

Meanwhile, in County Hall, local councillors agreed to explore the idea of creating a number of ‘horse-free zones’ in the city to tackle animal cruelty and road safety issues. Later in the month, they agreed to make 18 additions to the list of Protected Structures here.

A brand new festival, Kilkenny Animated, got under way this month also. From animation workshops, film screenings, dance and theatre, there was something for people of all ages to enjoy.

The next phase of archaeological testing began on the former brewery site following a competitive tender process.

A proud moment came with the granting of the Freedom of Kilkenny City to hurling hero Eddie Keher. Family, friends and over 100 others turned out for a formal event in the Picture Gallery of Kilkenny Castle: “The only experience I had like this, I think, was in a dressing room before an All-Ireland final,” the Inistioge native remarked.

In this newspaper, Sean Keane delved into the history and folklore surrounding Kilkenny’s only natural lake, Lough Cullen.
In a stylish affair to raise funds for Danesfort GAA, fashionistas from around the county were invited to attend a ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ event in the community hall.

Finally, and also with a sartorial theme, students from a number of local schools were celebrating after making it into the regional finals of the 2018 Junk Kouture competition in this month.