November: Heroes and businesses celebrated in Kilkenny

A big part of our annual Year In Review is celebrating local people who do incredible and heroic things.

With that in mind, the month of November saw local lad David Dunne and his friend Mike Bolger receive National Bravery Awards for rescuing three children and a man from the River Barrow in Graignamanagh in 2020.

Mr Dunne and Mr Bolger were at a local park in the town on that day when they heard screaming coming from the river.

They saw a man and three children in difficulty in the water and jumped into the river without hesitation to rescue them.

Their selfless and heroic actions on that day deserve every bit of recognition that they receive.

Another local hero that was recognised in November was Jamie Blanche from Ballykillaboy in South Kilkenny.

He was recognised as a ‘Hero of the Year’ at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards for being the longest serving volunteer within Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, which is in its 13th year of operation.

THE BOSS RETURNS

Tickets were snapped up almost immediately in November for Bruce Springsteen’s upcoming and highly anticipated return to UPMC Nowlan Park.

The Boss will be returning to the Marble City with his E Street Band next May as part of his European tour - more than a decade since his unforgettable last gig here!

END OF AN ERA

It was the end of an era for a beloved local couple in November as Michael and Alice Blanchfield stood down from their management roles at Blanchfield’s Centra in Mooncoin after more than two decades serving the local community.

In their time at the helm, the shop sold two winning lotto jackpot tickets, an incredible feat of chance!

ALDI

In Castlecomer, news that works had started at the Aldi site in the town was mostly welcomed locally.

After years of waiting for the go-ahead from An Bord Pleanála, it was confirmed in November that demolition and asbestos removal works would take place on the site pre-Christmas.

It was also announced that site works would commence in January and that ‘Aldi proposes to commence building in March 2024 with a projected open date for Aldi in September 2024’.

RESTAURANT NEWS

‘Keith Boyle at the Bridge House’ was crowned the best restaurant in Leinster at the Food & Wine Restaurant of the Year Awards in November.

This award came just shortly after Keith Boyle himself was crowned the ‘Best Chef in Leinster’ at the Restaurant Association of Ireland Awards.

November also saw the Michelin Guide compile a list of the most affordable Michelin Star dinners in Great Britain and Ireland and Campagne in Kilkenny was listed amongst them, the only Irish eatery on the list.

BUSINESS AWARDS

At the end of November, the who’s who of Kilkenny business turned out in all their finery at the annual Chamber Business Awards.

Almost 500 representatives of businesses in Kilkenny gathered for what was a glittering evening, celebrating success.

Twenty-three awards were presented during the evening, including the President’s Award which went to Joe and Bill Connolly of Connolly’s Redmills and the Lifetime Achievement Award which went to Jim Brennan, Club House Hotel.

The black tie event saw Merlyn Showers crowned Overall Business of the Year.