kilkenny reporter 29 feb 2012

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 29 2012

Kilkenny ReporterT: 056 7795051 E: [email protected]

Amazing local auction fi rm is set to break bargain barrier » Story and pics P2

‘We are a country of wimps’ protester tells cheering marchers » Story and pics P10

Grandfather’s clock fetches €400k: Get his armchair for €5

‘Get the cells ready’ is the message from tax opponents

Pic: Donal Foley

TOUCH OF CLASS AS VERO MODA FASHIONS REOPENSA top fashion store has given the thumbs up to our city as a centre for high quality shopping. Vero Moda has just reopened its high class store at the Market Cross Shopping Centre, High Street after four weeks of renovations and refurbishment. It is now one of the top stores of its kind in the South East. Friendly and helpful local staff members were raring to meet new and old customers as Alison McGrath of Kilkenny Chamber cut the ribbon. Staff members, from left, are Sarsh Tallis, Karen Bolger, Amy Lawlor, Karen Brennan and Louise Raggett. » Story and pics P16

PHOTO NEW

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2 | NEWS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 2 2012

House Tax: Authorities reminder over penalties

Gospel Choir concert in St Fiacre’s

Local firm to smash records at an amazing €5 auction

Castlecomer is capital of world of auctioneering

Intrepid auctioneer: George Mealy

JIMMY RHATIGANJRHATIGAN@

KILKENNYREPORTER.IE

EXCLUSIVE

29 2 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER ADVERTISEMENT | 3


Joe Crockett: Business opportunity

Hospital’s pilot scheme gets off to a flyerNew course will help reduce the fear factor

Nicky Power, Colm O’Farrell, Jim Power, Kevin Curran (Physio), Catherine O’Keeffe (Occupational Therapist), Kate Walsh (Respiratory Nurse), Mary McHugh, Pat Shortall (Deputy General Manager) and Dennis Brennan

€23m water project could lead to new jobs

Minister Phil: Belview boost

29 2 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER NEWS | 5

Council is given €1.8m for elderly

Bowl of soup will help bring new life

The sound of music is set to boost funds for nursery

Fundraiser is vital for a thriving local kindergartenAISLING [email protected]

Children enjoy a ‘Billy Goat Gruff’ puppet show Pics: Donal FoleyStaff and volunteers Lucia McNena, Stefanie Roetzer, Liz Jackson and Julia Boronczyk


Fancy a trip to Lourdes with Ossory pilgrims?

Chubby Brennan

APPLICATIONS are now being invited from those wishing to travel as an assisted pilgrim. Names and addresses should be with the committee before March 16.

Local lottosGolf €11,900; GAA €11,450; Vaults jackpot €350.

SympathySympathy has gone to the families of the following who died recently:

Brigid Breen, Knocknadogue, Maurice Clancy, Ballyragget/Ballyhemon, Sheila Gleeson, Ballyragget Road, Eamon Boland, Kilkenny Road, Kathleen O’Neill, Maryville.

Clogh bingoBingo is held in Clogh Parish Centre every Friday, 8.30. All are welcome.

Presentation National SchoolPrincipal Ms Margaret Maxwell reminds parents who wish to enrol a child for September that they should call and fill in a form before March 16

Parish drawTickets for the parish draw are now on sale. Cost is €40 or €10 a month over four months. Tickets are available from area promoters or from the Parish Centre at 4441262, or sacristan Maureen Kelly.

The shrine at Lourdes in the South of France

Young thespians: Matthew Murphy and Aine Ryan

But local romantics will meet them before they arrive!

Spanish girls set to hit Graignamanagh

JIMMY [email protected]

Enterprise board offers new training programme

8 | ADVERTISEMENT KILKENNY REPORTER 29 2 2012

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Awards: (l to r): Tony Lenehan, Fáilte Ireland, Miriam Corcoran, Eileen Landy, Susan Bailey Daunt, Samuels, Denis Fahey, Michael Ring, Minister for Tourism, Caroline Brophy, Aisling B&B, Mooncoin and Nellie Cassin, Grove Farmhouse, Inistioge

Our B&B owners are simply the best

MARY ANN VAUGHAN

Rural schools in Ireland could be part of policy reforms in latest round of cutbacks


Angry protesters outside Minister’s office

United: Men, women and children marched

Kay B: A nation of wimps

Get cells ready: Postman delivers a grim messageAngry city woman has a pop at ‘Minister for Pooh’


Postman delivers: Open the jail cells

All pics: Donal Foley


The O’Neill family, MooncoinChris Dodd, Billy Delehanty and Mikey Kearns

Mooncoin girls with Bishop Seamus Freeman Carrigeen Confirmation kids

Mooncoin boys who were confirmed

Students and bishop are pen palsA conundrum: And Church rules may have to be changed!JIMMY RHATIGAN

[email protected]


Those were the days: Called to the bar at The Brewery ClubIt was a time when the electorate codded the candidates!

Good golly: Did anyone see Wally?

JIMMY RHATIGAN

A Wilde night: George Wilde in full voice, with Nicky Dullard on the piano. From left, Tommy Blanche, Christy Kerwick, Joe McKee, Marty Buckley. Front left, Paddy Traynor.

Good friends: From left, Dan Smithwick, Danny Lanigan, Luke Connery, Billy Walsh, Eamon Hennessy

Pint to pint: From left, Mick Hoban, John Burke and Billy Ryan

Included are, left, Christy Phelan, manager, The Harp Bar, Jimmy Saunders, Michael Davin, Seamie Dollard, Greg Blanchfield, Billy Wyse


Walking has gone to the dogs as Petmania launch challenge

Good to go: Holly is set for the ‘off’

‘Bridge Tidy Towns awakens from slumbers

The ‘Bridge in Eucharistic Congress Year 1932

Anyone see Wally?

Liz Walsh: Passion for books

16 | NEWS FEATURE KILKENNY REPORTER 29 2 2012

Top fashion store Vero Moda comes back with a new look

A touch of class and great clothes tooAbove: Waiting for the doors to open. Right: Louise Raggett watches as Alison McGrath of Kilkenny Chamber cuts the ribbon

Left: The redesigned Vero Moda shop. Shoppers Edwina Hayes, Catriona Dalton and Marie Kennedy

Nicola Dunne and Alena Phelan and first customer Shauna O’Neill

AISLING [email protected]

Pics: Donal Foley


VIP treatment for mothers and babies

Champion shops: Liam O’Dwyer BWG Foods, with John Eivers, Spar, Irishtown and Bridget and MJ Maher, Spar, Goresbridge

Local stores crowned for fifth year in rowCity and Goresbridge score again in major awards


Review of Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte - A love not meant to be

BY PAMELA BYRNE

Emergency Services keep the ball rollingRadiotherapy Trust will get deserved fi nancial boostJIMMY RHATIGAN

[email protected]

Stephen Hogan, Joanne Sainsbury, Lisa Mullins, Evelyn and Superintendent Michael Nevin, Paula and Mayor David Fitzgerald

Mariesa Cahill, Niamh Cottrell, Caroline Phelan, Avril Byrne and Marie Raftery from South Kilkenny

Colm Flaherty and Laura Keogh Lisa Mullins and Conor O’Neill Stephen and Helen Hogan Catherine and Denis Dalton

Pics: Donal Foley

&CommentOpinion

I H

How safe is our city?

WE FEAR FOR THE LIVES OF OUR

CITIZENS. WE LISTEN TO SENIOR GARDAI

WHO SAY THAT THE CRIMINAL, THE

GANGSTER, THE THUG, THE KILLER

IS BEING GIVEN THE UPPER-HAND

AS DETECTIVE GARDAI LOSE

THEIR POWERFUL WEAPONS. THE

CRIMINALS MUST BE LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK

OR POST OFFICE ROBBERY AS THEIR

GUNS RULE

“EAMON MAY

HAVE OMITTED TO MENTION,

OR IN FAIRNESS MAY NOT HAVE

KNOWN, THAT SOME OF HIS COMRADES

IN POLITICS SPEND THEIR TIME

MANIPULATING OR COURTING SOME

JOURNALISTS SO THAT THEY

WILL GRAB THE HEADLINES.

EVIDENCE OF THAT IS ALL AROUND US

Eamon wasn’t let off of the Hook!

“

KILKENNY REPORTER 29 2 2012

JIMMYRHATIGAN

29 2 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER DOWN MEMORY LANE | 23

A

The canal that nearly was!SEAN HURLEY

The Canal Walk Kilkenny

LIVINGWITH AISLING HURLEY [email protected]

Indoor and outdoor creature comforts

KILKENNY REPORTER 29 2 2012

REPORTER WISH LIST THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVOURITE THINGS...

Sleep tight!DO you have problems sleeping? A natural cure for sleeplessness is the Yantra Mat. Based on the ancient healing of acupressure, the Yantra Mat has helped millions of people across the globe with sleep problems.Used daily before bed the Yantra Mat can signifi cantly alleviate sleeplessness and even insomnia. By lying on the mat, the weight of your body provides the pressure needed to stimulate contact points along the spine, which increase blood fl ow, releasing and circulating endorphins which bring about an increased feeling and state of relaxation by balancing the mind and body.Available for €29.95 from www.yantra.ie and leading pharmacies nationwide.

Give it a lash!‘GET Big! Lashes’ volume boost mascara from essence (€2.89) adds density and plenty of volume for a dramatic and spectacular look. The fi bres of the brush reach even the tiniest of lashes and cover each individual lash without

causing them to stick or feel heavy. Add even more volume with essence ‘Volumizing Lash Powder’ (€3.79). This latest innovation

consists of synthetic mini-fi bres for a breath

taking, false- lash eff ect. Apply mascara as normal. Next dust a little lash powder on the still moist mascara then seal the powder with another coat of mascara. The results: dramatic lashes with a real wow-eff ect!Essence is available in Penneys and pharmacies countywide.

Radiant, glowing skinTREAT yourself to some radiant, glowing skin with VOYA ‘Me Time’ moisturiser. The ultimate in daily skin treats it packs a punch when it comes to antioxidant, fi rming and protecting action. Its’ highly concentrated formula contains minerals, trace elements and vitamins B1, B2, and B12, polysaccharides and alginic acid.

Strongly hydrating, it harnesses the potent

moisturising properties of organic algae to improve suppleness and condition, whilst

priming skin cells for regeneration.‘Me Time’ (€57)

also contains pro-collagen, aloe vera

and chamomile extracts which stimulate circulation and improve skins ability to protect against environmental pollutants.Available from Lyrath Estate Hotel.

Head turning styleTHIS stunning turquoise bird print dress from Dorothy Perkins will turn heads wherever you go. It is bang on trend with its boat

neck and soft draping sleeves.It is extremely fl attering on with its tie belt that can be cinched in to show off a small waist or give the illusion of one. Falling just below the knee it could be worn this time of year with knee high boots and a comfy cardi and as the weather improves it would look great worn with strappy sandals.

That’s just Dandy!RESCUED from a dusty shelf after a full life as a hard cover annual this iconic book has been re-bound with approximately 50 pages of heavy weight 100% re-cycled paper, perfect for doodles, notes, sketches, photos or even watercolours.You will also fi nd a few pages from the original Dandy scattered throughout - a pleasurable reminder of childhood memories!Perfect for milestone birthdays such as 18th, 21st and 30th; Remind them of their favourite annual, comic, TV show or get them one from their birthday year! Also available in Topper, Beano, Cor!, The Bash Street Kids and Buster among others.

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We are all of one skin, same blood, same soul! LIVINGWELL

by Franc Micklem - [email protected]

It’s time to put a spring in your step F

What size am I: Do you measure up?

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TEN

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THE newly opened ‘Old Curiosity Shop’ at Johns’ Bridge (beside Tynan’s Bar) is a treasure trove of antique and retro items. The shop is packed full of china, ceramics, glassware, furniture, paintings and household items. It is well worth a wander around even if only to have a look at the Victorian style buggy and cot that is currently in stock.New items are being delivered to the shop on a continual

basis so keep a regular eye out and you’d never know what sort of treasures you might pick up.Most items have prices on them but if you are not sure about the value of something just ask the staff who are very chatty and full of wonderful advice.With wedding season around the corner you will have no excuse for not fi nding something a little bit diff erent for the happy couple.

THE Bridge Brook Arms in Thomastown will host a music weekend in aid

of the Thomastown Community Kindergarten on Friday, March 9

and Saturday, March 10.The exciting programme of

events will see a variety of artists come together to help raise much needed funds for the community-based kindergarten.Friday night will see a gig with Bridge Brook Arms

regulars ‘Mill Street Blues’ hosted by the brilliant Kevin

Power. Kevin was among the many wonderful musicians that performed at The John Martyn Tribute Festival last year. Saturday night’s entertainment will see the glorious return of ‘Six Stories and half a dozen songs: An evening with David Donohue’ and special guest ‘Luka Bloom’. The evening will see Carlow born, Thomastown based author and musician David Donohue reading from his wonderful works with Luka Bloom joining him on guitar for his songs along with performing his own musical set. It’s a night not to be missed.

SALOME, a rarely seen fi lm adapted from the controversial Oscar Wilde play, will be shown at The Watergate Theatre this coming Monday.Made in 1923, Salome loosely follows the biblical story of King Herod and his desire for his youngstep daughter. This production brings together a screening of the 1923 silent fi lm with a live performance of the new

score specially written for the fi lm by Charlie Barber.‘Sound Aff airs’ off ers an inquisitive audience the chance to enter the world of contemporary music

and ‘cross art forms’ in an accessible and professionally presented format. The company has been

successfully touring for over 20 years. The organisation was founded by internationally known composer Charlie Barber.The music is performed by four percussionists, playing from two giant alloy towers placed on either side of the screen. The use of the towers adds a real theatrical twist to the evening. Show: 8pm. Tickets: €15/€12.

Shop of the week

Pub of the week

Theatre of the week

Book of the week

IF you are looking for a novel and fun way to get fi t you should consider investing in a Huku Balance Board.It’s a great training device to improve your balance and core strength. It also helps to develop coordination and faster reaction time.So whether you want to

improve your surfboard/

snowboard riding

skills, try a new type of workout or just have some fun with friends, the Huku Balance Board is a must have accessory.Handmade in Ireland they can be bought for €99.99 from www.bigsurf.ie.

IN ‘The Woman In Black’ by Susan Hill, Eel Marsh House surveys the windswept reaches of the salt marshes beyond Nine Lives Causeway. Arthur Kipps, a junior solicitor, is summoned to attend the funeral Mrs Alice Drablow, the house’s sole inhabitant, unaware of the tragic secrets which lie hidden

behind the shuttered windows. It is not until he glimpses a wasted young woman, dressed all in black, at the funeral, that a creeping sense of unease begins to take hold, a feeling deepened by the reluctance of the locals to talk of the woman in black - and her terrible purpose.

Product of the week

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68910

KILKENNY Design Centre on The Parade have just opened an amazing new Food Hall. Experience the fl avour of their new take home range, a freshly made sandwich or sit down with friends and enjoy a fair trade coff ee or a delicious light lunch. There’s also Wifi which makes it a handy stop off point for a pot of tea if you have a few emails to send.They also have an excellent range of Irish food products and good, honest wholesome food to choose from including salads, soups,

terrine, toasties, tarts, baked potatoes, lasagne, curry and fi sh pie. Sweet options include cupcakes, carrot cake, scones, Danish pastries, Rocky Road and caramel slices.While you are there why not pop next door where you will fi nd a huge range of Irish gifts from some of

Ireland’s leading makers. Items include knitwear, accessories and jewellery. New lines arrive weekly.Open seven days a week.

Food of the Week

Fundraiser of the week

Restaurant of the week

Exhibition of the week

Gig of the week

KILA play Cleere’s Theatre this coming Friday. Playing for nearly 20 years, Kíla are one of Ireland’s most innovative and exciting bands. The seven members come from diff erent musical backgrounds and share a passion to create great music with an ability to absorb infl uences from across the globe. Kíla have created their own distinctive style of world music, which has won over audiences around the world.Made up of two sets of brothers

Kíla consists of; Rónán Ó Snodaigh on bodhrán, djembe, congas, bongos, guitar and vocals; Rossa

Ó Snodaigh on tin whistle, low whistle, clarinet, bazouki, mandolin, bones and vocals; Colm Ó Snodaigh on fl ute, tin whistle, guitar, saxophone, percussion and vocals; Lance Hogan on guitar, drums, and vocals; Brian Hogan on bass, double bass and vocals; Dee Armstrong on fi ddle, viola, hammered dulcimer, accordion and bodhrán. Eoin Dillon on uileann pipes, tin whistle, low whistle, shakers and vocals. Tickets €20.

7 KILKENNY Co Council Arts Offi ce in partnership with the Tyrone Guthrie Centre is extending its annual Tyrone Guthrie Bursary Awards to include three artists’ residencies in 2012. The bursary expansion will incorporate the opportunity for two artists working in print to spend one week sharing the Print Studio plus accommodation in the Stewart’s House and meals in the ‘Big House’. The bursary is very timely for Kilkenny with the opening of Blackstack Fine Art Print Studio last summer.

It is essential that at least one of the artists is an experienced printmaker and both successful artists must be members of a recognised print studio, preferably Blackstack.Closing date for receipt of applications is no later than 4pm on Tuesday, March 20. Further details from Niamh Finn, Arts Administrator, Kilkenny Co Council Arts Offi ce, No. 76, John Street. T: 056 779 4138 E: niamh.fi [email protected] Application forms can also be downloaded from www.kilkennycoco.ie/services/arts.

A FASHION show in aid of Kilkenny’s new cancer support centre will be held in Langton’s Hotel at 8pm on Tuesday, March 6.Featured shops include Serendipity Boutique, Mimi Boutique, Cameo Bridal and Pure Kids all on St Kieran’s Street. Hair and make-up will be by Kieran O’Gorman Hair and Beauty also on St Kieran’s Street. All models are local women ranging in size between 8 and 18.

Tickets are €10. The Kilkenny cancer support centre will open later this year. It is affi liated to the

Irish Cancer Society and is in the process of obtaining charitable status.The vision is to provide a

non-clinical and uplifting place where people aff ected by cancer can visit and access practical information. People will be able to access practical, emotional and psychological support in a confi dential, professional and non-judgemental environment.Donations can also be made to: Bank of Ireland a/c no. 91413782 sort code 906064.

WHEN Seymours in Bandon, Co Cork set out making biscuits, it was on the premise that because Ireland produces the best butter in the world, by natural extension we could also produce the best shortbread.Seymour’s shortbread has a dense texture and is crumbly and not too sweet. It goes well with tea, coff ee and hot chocolate and is packaged in a gorgeous box.To celebrate St Patrick’s Day they have produced a range

of their best selling pure Irish butter shortbread handmade into shamrock biscuits with a light sprinkling of sugar. They come hand-wrapped in a gold ballotin gift box with an emerald green ribbon bow. They would make a lovely addition to celebrations on the national holiday or would a great present for someone special living abroad.Shamrock shortbread is available for €4.25 a box on www.seymours.ie.

Top ten

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F

It’s a special day out Communions and Confi rmations are big occasions for your children – but keeping costs under control is important

Choose the Springhill Court Hotel for a fun fi lled day out

29 2 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER FEATURE | 29

for all of the family...Top tips on making lasting memories

30 | ARTS & ENTS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 2 2012

Children’s fun and games at Rothe House & Garden

Mask making and salt dough modelling at Rothe House & Garden Children’s workshop

29 2 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER ARTS & ENTS | 31

Put yourself in the frame with photo competition

Studio ‘opens’ its doorsArtists’ impressions: Caroline Schofi eld, Deirdre Gallagher, Maeve Coulter and Vicki Cody

32 | ARTS & ENTS KILKENNY REPORTER 29 2 2012

FILM The GreyDirector Joe Carnahan

Liam Nesson fi nally takes the lead role in a decent fi lm after slumming it in below par thrillers and coasting

along in ‘mentor’ character parts for years.He plays a man haunted by lost love who now lives in the Alaskan wilderness shooting wolves to protect oil workers. His skillset makes him the reluctant ‘alpha’ male when a motley group crash into the snowy tundra and have to survive both beast and weather. There are the usual struggles both inside and outside as a savage pack of lupines picks them off one by one. Joe Carnahan who directed this has been hiding his fi re under a bushel for a while himself. After his superb ‘Narc’ he has made some very shoddy fare from ‘Smokin Aces’ to the abysmal ‘A-Team’. His trademark is macho banter mixed with violence shot stylishly. Here however there is an existentialist undercurrent to proceedings and the artic landscape allows him some wintry vistas to refl ect this bleak tale. Indeed it recalls some masterpieces of this genre- ‘Deliverance’ and ‘Runaway Train’ both sprang to mind and it wouldn’t embarrass itself in their company.Neeson is a revelation here. This

movie was made not long after the tragic loss of his wife and his performance seems to channel some of that grief. Indeed his back story which is revealed late in the fi lm evokes some of that feeling. Not since Oskar Schlinder have his chiselled features and steely gaze been used so eff ectively. Carnahan thankfully reels in that growly tone that has crept into his acting recently and not for a second do you question his authenticity.He is joined by a fi ne supporting cast who are largely unknown except for a virtually unrecognisable Dermot Mulroney. This makes it very diffi cult to guess who will survive since we have no previous attachment to them from other fi lms. It also concentrates the audience attention on the story but puts extra pressure on all involved to deliver the goods. What was really excellent was the pacing of the fi lm which allowed for a lot of character development as well as the thrills you would expect. It also has some pretty harsh things to say about religious belief for an American fi lm.This movie will keep you gripped not just by the tension of the scenario but unexpectedly delivers a rather moving drama as well. It is also great to see our Liam star in a fi lm that is worthy of his talents and makes you pray he can survive the litany of stinkers he has signed on for in Hollywood recently. – DARRAGH BYRNE

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46 | SPORT KILKENNY REPORTER 29 2 2012

Brilliant local club kicks up a StormIce cool kids enjoy a hockey trip to Cork

Storm juniors and coaches in the Odyssey Arena, Belfast

Talented students show class at international level

CBS stars: Sean Moran and Robbie Slater

Clara pair bid for World Games

Macra news by Kilian Kane

James Carrigan, Lisa Kehoe and Michelle Bergin, Clara, at last year’s finals in Dallas. Germany is the goal for James and Michelle

29 2 2012 KILKENNY REPORTER SPORT | 47

Kilkenny 2-17, Tipperary 0-15

It’s business as usual for the champs as Cats topple Tipp

Kilkenny soccer cup draws McCalmont Cup draw

10,700 watch Kilkenny win first league points

JIMMY RHATIGANJRHATIGAN@ KILKENNYREPORTER.IE

SOCCER with Keep your money in your pocket!

Kilkenny Junior and Youths Fixtures

SEAN OG

Eoin Larkin about to score Kilkenny’s second goal

Tipp’s Brian O’Meara is hopelessly outnumberedIt’s scrum time in hurling!Our intrepid snapper Donal Foley

Pics: Donal Foley

48 | ADVERTISEMENT KILKENNY REPORTER 29 2 2012

kilkenny reporter 29 feb 2012

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