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Coming togetherJanuary was also a month of coming together and celebrating in the community.The late, great Kilkenny health campaigner Vicky Phelan unveiled a portrait painting in Mooncoin Parish Hall, ahead of a national tour. Present for the launch in her native Mooncoin, Vicky spoke about the painting and her journey, having recently returned from the US. Friends, family and neighbours gathered for the event. The Triptych portrait was painted by Irish artist Vincent Devine, who was inspired by Vicky’s incredible courage. His aim was to convey the tragedies and the joys in Vicky’s life, through symbolism in the anatomy of her body and different objects. There was great celebration when one lotto player in Kilkenny scooped the €250,000 prize after purchasing their winning Lotto Quick Pick ticket on Friday, January 14 in Kitty’s Cabin on Rose Inn Street.
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Meanwhile, in Callan, the first Kilkenny baby of the year brought joy for proud parents Catherine Crowe and Bernard Grogan who welcomed their baby into the world three weeks early on New Year’s Day. Baby Bernard (pictured) arrived at 2.10am weighing eight pounds and three ounces. He is adored by his parents and is a brother to Adam (20), Jasmine (16), Aideen (9), Ryan (11) and Corey (9). Planning ahead, hurling legend DJ Carey and local councillor Joe Malone revealed plans to climb Cross Mountain in Medjugorje together later the year as part of the ‘Climb with Charlie’ campaign.Cllr Malone was particularly moved by the idea of the campaign after witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of Motor Neurone Disease on his mother and friends.