September - ‘Housing situation is a crisis within a crisis’ in Kilkenny

September started with great sadness as Kilkenny College mourned the death student Jack de Bromhead.

The 13-year-old, whose father is Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning trainer Henry de Bromhead, was riding at the Glenbeigh Festival on when his mount fell in the fifth race.

Jack had only started attending Kilkenny College before his tragic death.

TOP READ (2022): Kilkenny city in 1983 - see pics!

Pictures from Kevin's World (via RTÉ, 1983)

In September Thomastown based garda superintendent spoke to The Kilkenny People about the transition of An Garda Síochana from a crime-fighting organisation to a community-based service.

“I am delighted to be the new superintendent for Thomastown, with my area of responsibility being South Kilkenny,” he said.

Community-based policing is an integral part of Supt Farrell’s remit and he is passionate about having gardaí out in the community and also hopes to reach out to some of the more vulnerable people living in the locality.

“I intend to focus garda efforts on protecting the most vulnerable in our community, providing services to victims of crime and delivering a high standard of all.”

A public meeting was also held in September when local people with disabilities highlighted their struggles describing the housing situation as ‘a crisis within a crisis’.

Members of The Irish Wheelchair Association address the Mayor and First Citizen of Kilkenny as well as locals TDs and councillors in a bid to highlight their plight.

The group heard representations from Katie Kelly and John Grace, who both spoke emotionally about their experiences trying to live independents lives in unsuitable housing.

Local TD John McGuinness was the first politican to speak, saying that he was moved and impressed by John and Katie's stories.

“People with disabilities should be prioritised on local authority housing lists,” he said.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Pat Fitzpatrick, who has worked alongside people with disabilities for over twenty years, told The Kilkenny People that the council will be taking active steps in the next few months to develop a strategy that better addresses the needs of local citizens with disabilities.

There was also a significant funding boost for Kilkenny in September with more than €1 million announced for the Grennan Equestrian Centre in Thomastown.

The funding will be used to replace existing prefab classrooms and upgrade the tack room. The equestrian centre is part of the Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board (KCETB) and the onl ETB-owned equestrian centre in the country.

Another positive news story was the GAA and gardaí teaming up to tackle drug use. Representatives from hurling, camogie, football and handball clubs across Kilkenny attended a drugs awareness night at UPMC Nowlan Park.