bareback cashel pad
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bareback cashel pad
DUNGARVAN Friday, 10 January, 2014 €1.70 A l l - I re l a n d Minor Hurling Championship Medal P rese n ta t i o n N i g h t Government divided over health concerns of EirGrid pylons SOUTH-EAST CAR & VAN HIRE DUNGARVAN NISSAN Call us first for Van and Car Hire Prices from as little as €24.99 per day 058 44888 info@southeastcarhire.com www.southeastcarhire.com Call to Elizabeth for her consistent customer care and advice A GAPING chasm has developed between the Fine Gael / Labour coalition government over the EirGrid pylons saga, with one Fine Gael Minister expressing fears over possible health concerns of electricity pylons and a Labour Minister stating that there isn’t any conclusive evidence that the pylons would be detrimental to health, writes Paul Mooney. Health Minister, Dr. James Reilly (FG), sent a letter to Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte (Labour) and Environment Minister Phil Hogan (FG) stating that “as a doctor and Minister for Health” he was worried about health risks from electromagnetic fields. He also quoted DCUbased Professor Anthony Staines, public health expert, who said it was well established that “low frequency magnetic fields increase the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia”. Lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common form of cancer in children, but can also affect adults. However, Minister Rabbitte has said there is no conclusive evidence that exposure to EMF from powerlines or other electrical sources, is a cause of any long-term adverse effects on human, plant or animal health. In a report in last Monday’s Irish Examiner, Minister Rabbitte said he has been assured there is no connection between health risks and pylons. “There are none I can find; and clearly I have asked that question and I find it very, very difficult to believe that any agency of Government would give Nutritional Therapist For a consultation call 087 3492991 or email nutrientbalanceireland@gmail.com Dungarvan Alternative Health Clinic Main Street, Dungarvan & Kelly’s Pharmacy & Wellness Centre Unit 5, The Bridge, Dungarvan ANITA WALSH, BSc, DipNT, mNTOi Psychiatric Nurse – Nutritional Therapist Certified Walsh Research Institute Practitioner LONDON CALLING 02 Want thousands of buyers to view your property? Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds showcase properties Pages 2, 3, 4 & 5 deadline for public submissions to EirGrid’s Grid Link Project passed last Tuesday afternoon. The original deadline was 26th November, 2013, but was extended into the New Year. There have been thousands of submissions to EirGrid from concerned members of the public in County Waterford in relation to the proposed plans. Continued on page 15 See what’s going on... Anita Walsh Specialising in: • Autistic Spectrum Disorders • Depression • Anxiety • Post-Natal Depression • Schizophrenia • Food Intolerances • Children’s Health • Gastrointestinal Health • Blood and Urine Analysis me the assurances that I have been given,” said Minister Rabbitte. “I mean, Eirgrid, and no agency of Government has a vested interest in exposing any citizens to risk, and they point out, of course, that we have such powerlines in this country since we’ve had electricity and there is no established connection,” Minister Rabbitte told the Irish Examiner. The division in the Cabinet ranks comes as the I don’t SEeEfuss th what allou is ab t ! Nugent’s Centra, Clonea Road, Abbeyside, sold the €6.00 Lotto ticket which won the Lotto Plus 1 jackpot of €350,000 on St. Stephen’s Day. Pictured are: Frank Nugent, owner of Nugent’s Centra; and Nicola Maher, Centra staff member. Nugent’s Centra sells winning Lotto ticket A LUCKY County Waterford couple celebrated a belated Christmas present when they scooped the €350,000 jackpot on the Lotto Plus 1 draw on St. Stephen’s Day, last. The couple, who wish to keep their win private, are regular lotto players and picked their own numbers for the draw, purchasing the lucky €6.00 ticket at Nugent’s Centra, Clonea Road, Dungarvan, on Tuesday, 24th December, 2013. “We can’t keep the smile off our faces,” said the couple, as they toasted their win with a glass of Champagne at National Lottery headquarters in Dublin. The couple said they plan to use the unexpected windfall to pay off some bills. “This is a great start to 2014,” they said, as they took home the massive cheque. Frank Nugent, owner of Nugent’s Centra, said the winning Lotto Plus 1 ticket was the first big win the shop has sold. “We are all delighted the winning Lotto Plus 1 ticket was sold here at Nugent’s Centra,” said Frank, speaking to the Dungarvan Observer. He said that over the years, they’ve had small wins on lotto tickets and scratch cards, but nothing as big as the Lotto Plus 1 jackpot. Could lotto lightning strike twice at Nugent’s Centra? “Buy a ticket and find out,” laughed Frank. I’d like toead SEE yobuudried and FREE EYE TEST for everyone 1 High Street, Dungarvan Phone: 058 45844 Open Late Thursdays til 8 pm Terms and Conditions Apply Offer ends 31st January 2014 2 ADVERTISEMENT Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 LONDON CALLING Want thousands of buyers to view your property? If you would like your property to be seen by a much wider audience, then let us take it to the 2014 Sherry FitzGerald Irish Property Show in London. Contact David Reynolds Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds Bridge Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford T: 058 23444 E: sherryfitzreynolds@cablesurf.com Irish Property Show sherryfitz.ie London 2014 ADVERTISEMENT Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Lismore Asking price €99,000 38 Railway Gardens Private Treaty Brand new 3 bed detached bungalow is located in the recent Lismore dev. Whether you are a retiree looking to downsize or are searching for the ideal starter home this spacious new bungalow ticks all the right boxes. OFCH. 80 sq.m. (857 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. 3 Stradbally Asking price €339,000 Kinoith Private Treaty A stunning location coupled with a spacious design and meticulous presentation, 4 bed family home on 1.5 acres approx. located within 1 mile of the coastal village of Stradbally, easy commute to Dungarvan and Waterford. OFCH. 223sq.m. (2,410 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Dungarvan Asking price €130,000 3 Coolcormack Valley Private Treaty Superb two storey 3 bed semi detached house located in an exclusive holiday home village of only 35 residences on West Waterford Golf & Country Club. The open plan area downstairs is bright and airy with direct access to the rear patio. ELCH. 99 sq.m. (1,068 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Abbeyside Asking price €119,500 41 Glendine Drive Private Treaty This superb 3 bed semi detached two storey house is located in the prime residential area of Seapark, Abbeyside. Enclosed rear garden. Ideal for first time buyers or for investment purposes. OFCH. 107 sq.m. (1,150 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Cordonia House, Dungarvan Asking price €449,000 Private Treaty Magnificent architect designed 4 bedroomed detached property standing on 0.75 of an acre approx. of lawned and landscaped gardens enjoying wonderful countryside views within 3km drive of Dungarvan town centre. In pristine condition throughout the current owners have recently built the property and have lovingly finished it to a very high standard. One will not find a more peaceful area of County Waterford in which to settle, this is the perfect rural retreat for those looking for a substantial family home that has every modern convenience at hand and is close to Dungarvan town centre. OFCH. Acc: Ent. hall, lounge, living, kit./dining, sun lounge, utility, wc, 4 beds, (2 ens.), bath, two attic store rooms and walk in wardrobe. 343 sq.m. (3,700 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Lismore Asking price €349,000 Glenasaggart Private Treaty Pristine architecturally designed, 5 bed detached bungalow is standing on one acre approx. of lawns with unrivalled views of the valley and the meeting of the waters the picturesque River Blackwater and its tributary the River Bride. High spec finish. OFCH. 250 sq.m. (2,700 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Dungarvan Asking price €259,000 Carrowcashlane Private Treaty An ideal family home this superb 4 bed det. dormer bungalow is standing on 0.6 of an acre of lawned and mature landscaped gardens. Only 2.5 km from Dungarvan town centre. Highly recommended for viewing. OFCH. 181 sq.m. (1950 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Lismore Asking price €269,000 Knockaungarriffe Private Treaty Standing on 2.1 acres approx., this 5 bed dormer bungalow has a pristine interior which is beautifully presented throughout. Just 4.5 miles from Lismore with stunning views of the Knockmealdown mountains. OFCH. 260 sq.m. (2,800 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Stradbally Asking price €229,000 3 Ballyvooney Park Private Treaty Impeccably maintained 3 bed detached bungalow with sun lounge and detached garage located in the picturesque coastal village of Stradbally. In show house condition, maintenance free garden/patio, with secure gates to the driveway. OFCH. 150 sq.m. (1,615 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Kilmacthomas Asking price €249,000 Crough Private Treaty Perfect 3 bed det. bungalow on 0.75 of an acre with magnificent views of the Comeragh mountains and surrounding countryside it is just a stone’s throw from the famous Mahon Falls. Spacious interior. Geothermal under-floor heating. 180 sq.m. (1,933 sq. ft.). Viewing strictly by appointment. Valuations Moving in 2014? LEGAL, BANKING, SALES & INSURANCE Valuations for: • MORTGAGES • RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY • COMMERCIAL PROPERTY • FARMS • FAMILY LAW • FAMILY TRANSFERS • EXPERT WITNESS • DEVELOPMENT LAND • and much more ... Contact DAVID REYNOLDS 058 23444 drsherryfitz@cablesurf.com % Call David or Gerardine today on 058 23444 Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds, Bridge Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • Tel: 058 23444 • sherryfitz.ie • myhome.ie • daft.ie 4 ADVERTISEMENT Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Lismore Asking price €149,000 High Acre Private Treaty Idyllic setting this 2 bed detached bungalow stands on 0.5 of an acre approx. and is one of two desirable properties adjacent to one another in a much sought after area. Excellent condition throughout. Only 2km from Lismore, scenic views. OFCH. 82.50 sq.m. (888 sq. ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Lismore Asking price €149,000 Four Ways Private Treaty This 3 bed detached bungalow stands on 0.5 of an acre approx. and is one of two desirable properties adjacent to one another in a much sought after area. Excellent condition throughout. Only 2km from Lismore, scenic views. OFCH. 93 sq.m. (1,000 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Dungarvan Asking price €136,000 44 Silversprings Private Treaty Presented in walk in condition this 3 bed semi detached dormer has been extensively insulated. With a south facing maintenance free rear garden and pristine interior it would be an ideal family, holiday or retirement home. Walking distance to town centre. OFCH. 125 sq.m. (1,345 sq. ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Ballinroad Asking price €139,000 12 Cul na Cille Private Treaty This magnificent modern block built 2 bed detached bungalow constructed just four years ago is located in the popular small Cul na Cille development ideally located close to Dungarvan town centre, schools, sports facilities and Clonea beach. Pristine condition. OFCH. 72 sq.m. (775 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Kilgobinet Asking price €195,000 Tommy Hallinan’s Pub Private Treaty Tomás O’hAllanáin’s Pub, once a thriving meeting place has not been trading for the last twenty five years. Potential to establish a new business, requires refurbishment. OFCH. Acc: Ent. hall, kitchen/living, bar, snug, rear hall, bath, lounge, 3 beds, bath. 148 sq.m. (1,600 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Dungarvan Asking price €169,000 23 Coolcormack Valley Private Treaty Exceptional fully furnished, two storey 4 bedroom semi detached house is located in an exclusive holiday home village of only 35 residences on West Waterford Golf & Country Club. The property has been finished and decorated to an excellent standard. ELCH. 112 sq.m. (1,200 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Touraneena Asking price €195,000 Skeheens Private Treaty Superb 3 bedroomed detached bungalow located in Skeheens standing on 0.6 of an acre approx. just 3 miles from Touraneena Village and overlooks magnificent rolling countryside views. This is the perfect tranquil setting. OFCH. 123 sq.m. (1,327 sq.ft.) approx. plus garage 36 sq.m. (387 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Ballinamult Asking price €495,000 Lackendarra Lodge Private Treaty Simply stunning, this unique 5 bed (3 ens) architect designed home set on 9 acres approx. in a most peaceful location, with rolling countryside views, is any family's dream home. OFCH. 232 sq.m. (2,500 sq.ft.) approx. double garage 56 sq.m. (600 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Ballinroad Asking price €129,000 48 An Grianan Private Treaty Ideal family home, this 3 bed semi detached property is located in the popular An Grianan development in Ballinroad. Large private rear garden with secure side access. Ideal for first time buyers or for investment. OFCH. 83.60sq.m. (900 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. What do we do to make sure we stand out from the crowd? Simple. We work harder to sell your house. We have a large database of potential buyers and have carried out hundreds of viewings this year. So if you’re considering selling, consider us. Call 058 23444 or visit sherryfitz.ie LETTINGS Kilgobinet Asking Price €40,000 Ballyconnery Upper Private Treaty Beautifully situated in the scenic area of Ballyconnery Upper this 0.5 acre site may be purchased subject to p.p. Only 6km from Dungarvan town centre and with close access to the N25, ideally situated for commuting to Waterford and Clonmel. Kilrush Price on Application Geal Ghua Private Treaty This “ready to go” site is located in a prime residential area of Dungarvan. It is close to all town centre amenities and has full p.p. for a dormer bungalow. Full details on request. Aglish Price on Application Toor Private Treaty This site 0.9 of an acre is located in Aglish and is subject to planning permission. Ballyduff Upper Price on Application Tooradoo Private Treaty This good quality grazing land 20 acres approx. is just a short drive from Ballyduff village and has extensive road frontage. It is suitable for the construction of a dwelling house subject to p.p. Dungarvan Price on Application Shandon Private Treaty Prime development land (5 acres approx.) situated on the N25 between the McDonald’s Roundabout and The Park Hotel. Suitable for numerous commercial / retail activities – subject to p.p. Viewing strictly by appointment. URGENTLY REQUIRED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TO LET TO SUITABLY QUALIFIED TENANTS Contact GERARDINE REYNOLDS Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds Lettings 058 23444 087 2458848 This is Gerardine She will take the headache out of letting your property Call her to find out more on 087 2458848 or email sherryfitzreynolds@cablesurf.com Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds, Bridge Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • Tel: 058 23444 • sherryfitz.ie • myhome.ie • daft.ie Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 ADVERTISEMENT Clonea Castle Apts., Dungarvan Price on Application Private Treaty The former Convent building is in a pivotal location overlooking Clonea Beach and Dungarvan Bay. It has been converted and extended into 5 high quality apartments. The site area is approx. 3.31 acres and includes substantial car parking with the remainder in lawns. The property is superbly located right on the sea front with spectacular sea/beach views and could be described as a "holiday makers dream". The property could suit an investor wishing to let all 5 apts. or perhaps to live in one and let the remaining 4 apts. It would also suit a client wishing to convert it back to one magnificent residence. There are 2 apts. on the ground floor and the remaining 3 apts. are on the first floor, all with magnificent sea views and Comeragh mountain views. OFCH. Viewing strictly by appointment. 5 An Rinn Asking price €339,000 Helvic Private Treaty A stunning property coupled with amazing uninterrupted panoramic sea views, exclusive homes don't come better than this. Located on an elevated site of 0.33 acres approx, this spacious 4 bed (2 ens.) detached dormer home will take your breath away. OFCH. 210 sq.m. (2,260 sq. ft. approx.). Viewing strictly by appointment. Mountain View House, Dungarvan Price on Application Private Treaty Beautifully restored period house dating back to 1815 retaining many of its original features including sash windows, shutters, coving and arches. In magnificent condition it has 7 ensuite bedrooms, stunning drawing room with Carna marble fireplace and separate dining room with fireplace and pine crafted surround. Impressive light filled entrance hall, original front door with intricate side glass panels and sunburst. Choice of colours accentuates the ornate coving and feature arches. Original staircase leads to the wonderful split level landing. Large kitchen with solid oak fitted units and island, large butler’s pantry and a “servants” staircase leading to the first floor. Enclosed patio area to the rear. OFCH. 375 sq.m. (4,035 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. BER EXEMPT Boolakiley Asking price €119,000 The Log House Private Treaty This pretty 2 bed log house from Finland is a dream home in superb show house condition on 0.75 of an acre approx. Beautiful handcrafted pine kitchen and wood burning stove ensures a cosy interior. Located close to Lismore in a quiet tranquil setting with amazing views. OFCH. 55 sq.m. (595 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Lismore Asking price €129,000 7 Chapel Street Private Treaty Pretty 1 bed cottage style terraced property with traditional stone front located a stroll from Lismore Heritage town with all its amenities. Recently completely refurbished to a very high standard it is being sold with some contents included. ELCH. 65 sq.m. (703 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Dungarvan Asking price €349,000 Willow Wood House Private Treaty Magnificent 4 bed detached residence standing on 0.75 of an acre approx. is located just a short drive from Dungarvan town centre and all its amenities. This property is beautifully designed and in pristine condition throughout with wonderful landscaped gardens. OFCH. Viewing strictly by appointment. Lismore Asking price €279,000 South Mall Private Treaty This substantial period house, in need of complete renovation, dating back to the 1800’s is located on the prestigious South Mall in Lismore. Retaining many of its original features it was once a commercial hotel. Enclosed courtyard and side garden with secure access. OFCH. Viewing strictly by appointment. Stradbally Asking price €298,000 Rathnaskillogue Private Treaty A stunning property coupled with breathtaking views of the Comeragh mountains and surrounding countryside, family homes don't come better than this. 4 bed det. dormer on in excess of 4 acres approx. OFCH. 202 sq.m. (2,175 sq. ft. approx.) plus large detached garage 38 sq.m. (410 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Abbeyside Asking price €269,000 70 Tournore Park Private Treaty Only a stroll away from the town centre and lovely sea shore walks this 4 bed detached bungalow is close to all amenities and schools. In pristine condition throughout it is very spacious and has a detached garage and enclosed lawned rear garden. OFCH. 133.8 sq.m. (1,440 sq. ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Ballinroad Asking price €149,000 105 Pairc na mBlath Private Treaty Attractive 4 bed semi detached property overlooking a green area is located on a corner site in popular Pairc na mBlath. Just a short drive to Clonea beach. In excellent condition, ideal family, holiday or retirement home. OFCH. 120 sq.m. (1,300 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Ballymacarbry Asking price €195,000 Barnashingaun Private Treaty Located in a rural setting this unique 3 bed renovated old farmhouse which is standing on 0.5 of an acre approx. is only 1.2km from the main Dungarvan/Clonmel road and half way between Dungarvan and Clonmel. Gas CH. 161.70 sq.m. (1,741 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. An Rinn Asking price €99,500 Baile na nGall Private Treaty In the village of Baile na nGall this 3 bed detached cottage is centrally located a stone’s throw from the pier. It has an enclosed rear yard with side access and requires some redecoration. Ideal for first time buyers or as a holiday or retirement home. OFCH. 71 sq.m. (765 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. Dungarvan Asking price €69,500 5 Fitzgerald’s Terrace Private Treaty Located within walking distance of schools, shops and restaurants, this 3/4 bed mid terraced property offers excellent potential as either a starter home or an investment property. Externally, there is rear access to the small yard plus a garden shed. OFCH. 62 sq.m. (667 sq.ft.) approx. Viewing strictly by appointment. TO LET / FOR SALE Large selection of Commercial Properties in Dungarvan Town Centre / Cappoquin / Lismore Includes Retail Units, Office Space and Industrial Units For further information contact us at 058 23444 Sherry FitzGerald Reynolds, Bridge Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • Tel: 058 23444 • sherryfitz.ie • myhome.ie • daft.ie 6 NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Waterford people “opened their hearts” to support Déise Philippine Apeal COUNTY Waterford people opened their hearts to an appeal for donations of food and clothing items, which filled two 40 ft containers, to help the people of the Philippines, who were devastated by super typhoon “Haiyan”, writes Paul Mooney. Typhoon Haiyan caused widespread damage in the Philippines last November, killing over 10,000 people and leaving millions more people homeless and displaced. An appeal was made locally by the Déise Philippine Appeal with the aim of sending a container of essential items needed by the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan. Such was the response to the appeal that the relief aid filled two 40 ft containers, which were loaded at Dungarvan Business Park early last Monday morning by volunteers from various communities, schools, Dungarvan Men’s Shed and businesses. Once the two containers were filled, the relief aid was then transported the same day to Tivoli Port in Cork, bound for Cebu in the Philippines. Items sent to Cebu included non-perishable canned foods; shampoo; bath soap; laundry soap; towels; sweets for children; One of the containers being filled at Dungarvan Business Park last Monday morning. bed sheets and pillow cases; light sleeping bags; mattresses; pillows; torches / flashlights; games and books for children; hair brushes; toothpaste; batteries (AAA, AA, etc); doorlocks and door handles (to help people rebuild homes); Summer clothing, sandals, crocs for all ages, etc. Various schools, businesses and individuals collected the items over the festive season, while other events were held throughout County Waterford in aid of the Philippines disaster, such as raffles, table quizzes, collections, donations and fundraising events. “Donations came from Kinsalebeg in the west of the county right across to Faithlegg in Tramore,” said Audrey Hallahan, who spearheaded ‘The Déise Philippine Appeal’. “The appeal started on 14th November, and it took off from there. Communities from all over the county got on board with this appeal, and a Facebook page was set up (Déise Philippine Appeal). Emails were sent to schools and workplaces and everyone got on board and did their thing, whether it was fundraising or collecting donations.” Volunteers from Dungarvan Men’s Shed and Dungarvan Town Council organised collections from various communities and schools around the county. Ms. Hallahan said the people of County Waterford “just emptied their hearts and their homes, and gave the best of everything to the appeal” and in some instances, people donated their ‘Kris Kringle’ money to go towards the cost of the containers. Relief aid came from companies, including Celtic Linen, which donated 5,000 bed sheets along with towels and duvets, etc; Pinewood Healthcare donated loads of pallets of relief aid; while Paul O’Connell Transport waived their fee for carrying the containers up and down to Tivoli Port in Cork. Relief aid poured in from schools as well as other communities and businesses in County Waterford, which Ms. Hallahan described as “a fantastic and overwhelming response” to help the devastated people of the Philippines. “Déise people should be very, very proud of themselves,” Ms. Hallahan added. The Focolare Group (which operates in 182 countries, including the Philippines), will take ownership of the two containers when they reach the Philippines. The two containers of relief aid from County Waterford will be taken to the Bukas Palad Social Centre in Cebu, Philippines, which is operated by Focolare, and then distributed to the families and people in need. Pictured above are volunteers working hard last Monday morning to fill a 40 ft container with relief aid destined for the Philippines. The volunteers eventually filled two of the 40 ft containers with relief aid from County Waterford. Tom Street; Nicky Sheehan, Dungarvan Town Councillor and member of Dungarvan Men’s Shed; and Eddie Bennett, helping to package and load parcels of relief aid onto a container at Dungarvan Business Park last Monday morning, destined for the Philippines. Ned Ryan, from Modeligo, helping to load relief aid onto the container destined for the Philippines last Monday morning. Pictured above: volunteers working hard to load relief aid into the container at Dungarvan Business Park. Relief aid included soft toys and games, clothes, bedding, sheets, duvets, non-perishable canned food, and much more, generously donated by the people of County Waterford. NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 7 Post Troika: Where now for Ireland in 2014? THE Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre at Central Library Presents: Post Troika: Where now for Ireland in 2014? Thursday, 16th January, 2.00 p.m., Theatre Royal, Waterford Keynote speaker: Mary O’Rourke; Chair: Shane Dunphy; Expert panel: Jim Power and Tim Hayes. Lismore trees may face the chop @By Christy Praker WATERFORD County Council may remove or replace streetscape trees from Lismore following concerns raised by the Town Council that they are more of a health and environmental hazard than they are worth. The issue emerged at January’s Town Council meeting after Cllr. Orla Russell sought an update on her previous request that the trees at Fernville be pruned as they were compromising the light quality of nearby residences. Acting Town Clerk Anita Meagher informed her that plans were in train to prune all overgrown trees in the area. Cllr. Jimmy O’Gorman then advocated that all such trees, ‘London Plane’, be removed as they were shedding an “unbelievable” amount of leaves (causing safety hazard when wet) and also taking over car spaces. “ They are not suitable for the size of the streets,” he concluded. Cllr Julie Landers said she had received similar recommendations from constituents. Cllr Orla Russell could see the good and the bad in the trees, while she feared for the footpaths if the roots were dug up. Cllr O’Gorman reassured that the roots could be “killed off.” Cllr Russell wondered then if an alternative type of tree could be planted in their place. Cllr. Ken Madden concurred that “a fine balance” be employed when dealing with the issue. Cllr. Bernard Leddy suggested the Tidy Town committee be consulted prior to any decisions being taken. Town Manager Paul Daly said he would ask the County horticulturist to consult with the Tidy Town and also to consider what species might be appropriate for the town. He would furnish a report to that effect for the next meeting. Discussing: Ireland’s future in Europe and the World. Free event but booking essential. Phone 051 849975 or email europedi- Thursday, 16th January, Theatre Royal, Waterford, 2.00 p.m. rect@waterfordcity.ie to reserve your place. Doors open from 1.00 p.m. All welcome. Information stands and light refresh- ments provided. This is an EU 2014 Election Event. Follow @eudirect on twitter #ep2014 #posttroika 3 months free home phone and super-quick broadband Search Vodafone at Home or call 1800 598 598 Vodafone Power to you Country Markets open from this Friday, 10th January AFTER a nice festive break, Dungarvan Country Markets will return this coming Friday, 10th January. The award-winning market will open around 9.30 a.m. until 1.00 p.m. at the Causeway Tennis and Bowls Club, Abbeyside, with all the usual delectable homemade cakes, buns, jams and preserves, and freshly baked breads, as well as fresh eggs, seasonal fruits and vegetables, plants, fresh cut flowers, knitting, crochet, homemade arts and crafts; and not forgetting the second hand book sale, with proceeds going to charity. Pop in for \ tae and a chat with the local producers and browse around. All are very welcome. 3 months free offer is available to all new customers signing up to a Vodafone at Home landline and/or a fixed broadband bundle on an 18 or 24 month contract between 27th Dec ’13 and 31st Jan ’14. 8 NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Landslide closes Waterford railway line County Council vote of sympathy on death of Nelson Mandela CONDOLENCES from Waterford County Council are to be sent to the South African Embassy in Dublin on the death of former South African President, Nelson Mandela, who died on 5th December, 2013. Proposing the vote of sympathy was Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald (SF). County Mayor Damien Geoghegan (FG) concurred with the proposal, which was unanimously passed by the Council. Shoppers asked to be more vigilant MEMBERS of the public who are shopping are being asked to be more vigilant and wary of strangers approaching in a car park and requesting change for the trolley. At the recent Joint Policing Committee meeting, Cllr. Nicky Sheehan said it came to his attention that an elderly woman was robbed of her purse recently, after a young woman approached her and asked for change for the trolley. Cllr. Sheehan said it happened in a supermarket car park. The public were asked to be wary of such approaches from strangers. Supt. Leacy said criminals would focus on elderly people and people who let their guard down during the festive period, such as leaving a mobile phone or a purse / handbag unattended on the table. Cllr. Sheehan said it was opportunistic theft, and warned that even in Church, people are going up to Communion and leaving bags behind at the seat. “There are people watching the whole time,” he warned. Cllr. Ann Marie Rossiter said a great comparison is to ask someone would they leave €500 sitting on a table in a pub? - if not, then why would they leave their mobile phone sitting on the table. Supt. Leacy agreed that people on a night out are more relaxed and let their guard down. “They forget there are people watching. We want people to take reasonable precautions so they won’t be the victim of a crime,” added Supt. Leacy. Council to receive over €2.6m in roads funding WATERFORD County Council is to receive over €2.6 million in funding for road works on national roads in County Waterford, for 2014. Waterford Fine Gael Deputy John Deasy was informed of the funding by the National Roads Authority. With reductions in road budgets in recent years, the focus is on maintenance and upkeep of existing roads, with very few new projects being brought through the planning process, or into construction. The €2.6m in funding is separate to the funding for regional and local roads. Funding for road works and pavement overlay on the N72 at Cappoquin will total €750,000. Emergency services praised A FAMILY paid tribute to the emergency services who helped them escape from their smoke filled home. Sean Power, his partner Louise, and their newborn baby were asleep in their second storey apartment at Main Street, Carrick-on-Suir, when a fire broke out last Monday night, 30th December. The alarm was raised by a neighbour. Both the fire brigade and Gardaí were quickly on the scene and had to break into the apartment. The family were found asleep in a bedroom and were safely removed from the apartment by the emergency services. They were taken to South Tipperary General Hospital for treatment and later released. The family expressed their gratitude towards the emergency services for their quick response to what could have been a tragic event. At the EASON after hours event at the Causeway Tennis Club in association with Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber were Daniel Hegarty, Catherine Power, Anne McAuliffe and Pat Whyte, Eason. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Waterford sees net loss of 3,300 jobs over five year period FIGURES presented to Sinn Féin through recent parliamentary questions reveal that there was a net loss of 3,300 jobs in Waterford between 2008 and 2012. According to the figures, over the five year period, there were a total of 581 jobs created in IDA supported companies in Waterford, but 2,441 jobs lost over the same period, giving a net job loss of 1,860 over the five year period. Over the same period, there were 2,841 Enterprise Ireland jobs created, but 4,281 Enterprise Ireland jobs lost, giving a net loss of 1,440 jobs. The net loss of 1,860 jobs in IDA supported companies and 1,440 Enterprise Ireland jobs totals 3,300 jobs lost between 2008 and 2012. IDA SITE VISITS Meanwhile, the number of site visits to Waterford by the IDA and potential investors show that there a total of 12 visits in 2012. In 2010 and 2011, there were 11 such site visits to Waterford; eight visits in 2009; 12 visits in 2008; nine visits in 2007; 12 visits in 2006; 10 visits in 2005; 13 visits in 2004; and eight visits in 2003. Further figures show that the IDA paid over €18.9 million in grants to Waterford between 2006 and 2010 (€4.6m in 2006; €7.26m in 2007; €4.7m in 2008; €854,934 in 2009; €1.4m in 2010). NATIONWIDE Nationwide, the IDA said that a total of 13,367 jobs were created by client companies in 2013, but there were 6,296 job losses. The IDA said that when job losses are taken into account, the net increase in employment was 7,071, the highest level of job creation in over a decade. The IDA said that total employment in IDA client firms stands at 161,112, the highest level on records; while there was an 18 percent rise in first time investors to Ireland. The IDA said it is examining future opportunities to bring new forms of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country. MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE While the IDAs figures were welcomed, Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane said more needs to be done to ensure sustainable job growth. Senator David Cullinane said more needs to be done to ensure sustainable job growth. Senator Cullinane is Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. “The increase of employment in foreign direct investment is to be welcome and reflects the energy and commitment of the IDA,” said Senator Cullinane. “Large multinationals account for around 20 percent of employment and should complement jobs growth in the wider domestic economy. “Sinn Féin believes that FDI employment should be both sustainable and deliver jobs across the regions most affected by unemployment. “It is extremely disappointing that the IDA has failed again to reach its own target of 50 percent of jobs outside of Dublin and Cork,” Senator Cullinane continued. “Many areas have not even had one investment visit over the past number of years,” he pointed out. “The Minister needs to put in place initiatives to support and promote employment across the regions and such as a pilot IDA regional office for the South East. “With regard to sustainability, it should be noted that over 6,000 jobs were lost in this sector last year and significant challenges remain with the international community focusing on this states facilitation of tax avoidance. “The IDA needs to identify how many of these jobs are companies abusing tax loopholes, including the ‘Double Irish’, and how many are recruited from abroad or through internal company transfers.” Senator Cullinane added: “There is a need for openness and transparency in these figures”. A LANDSLIDE at Waterford City’s Plunkett Train Station forced the closure of the railway line over the festive period. The landslide of rocks occurred on New Year’s Eve, 31st December, 2013, causing major disruption to travel arrangements. Iarnród Éireann set up bus transfers for rail passengers between Waterford and Kilkenny for its Waterford to Dublin train services, while there were transfers between Waterford and Carrick-on-Suir for the Waterford to Limerick Junction train service. The company carried out an operation which involved removing the fallen rocks and debris, carrying out an assessment of the area and works to secure the rock face near the train station. The bus transfers for rail passengers are expected to remain in place until work is completed. For service information and updates, check out www.irishrail.ie, or on Twitter @irishrail. New Year’s message from Meningitis Research Foundation ON behalf of Meningitis Research Foundation, staff and Trustees, we would like to wish our members, supporters and donors a wonderful year ahead. For all of you who you who raised money for us in 2013 we appreciate your support. The charity celebrates a milestone in 2014 – it’s our 25th anniversary; a quarter of a century of supporting people as they face life after meningitis. On this fantastic occasion we will be holding various fundraising and awareness raising events and we would like to encourage members of the general public to join us, volunteer or hold a fundraiser for the charity during our special 25th Anniversary year. With your help we will be able to continue to raise awareness; support families affected and fund medical research. For more information about our birthday celebrations please check the charity website www.meningitis.org The world has changed a lot since we began, but much has remained the same – meningitis continues to be an everyday threat to hundreds of people and still kills more children in Ireland than any other infectious disease. If you are interested in supporting the charity this year or would like to obtain more information about our work and achievements over the last quarter of the century, please contact our office on 01 819 69 31 or email info@meningitis-ireland.org. Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 NEWS 9 Rural Roads need urgent attention SINN Féin local election candidate for the Dungarvan Area, Siobhan Whelan, has called for urgent action to repair rural roads in the area. Ms. Whelan said that awful weather conditions over the festive period took its toll on already poor conditioned roads. “I have taken the time to visit a number of sites across the Dungarvan area over the past week along with Cllr. Brendan Mansfield to survey the damage first hand,” said Ms. Whelan. “It is totally unacceptable that residents and motorists should have to put up with such roads. “The public are correct to query where the money from the Local Property Tax is being used! Certainly not on the rural road network. “I have witnessed first hand serious pot holes and spoke with frustrated locals in all of these areas, including Kilbrien, Colligan, Old Parish, An Rinn, The Brickey Valley, and Abbeyside.’’ Ms. Whelan said Cllr. Mansfield has taken the details and contacted the Local Area Engineer for an update on repair dates. “I fully realise that the bad frost combined with heavy rain hasn’t helped the condition of some roads,” said Ms. Whelan. “However, they should not have been negeclected for so long, which resulted in the roads getting into this state. “Speaking to the Council outdoor staff, they too are frustrated as they bear the brunt of complaints from the public. “If you have an area you wish to highlight, I would ask that you contact the Civic Offices or myself directly,” Ms.Whelan added. The dire state of the road at Knockateemore, Abbeyside, with potholes on both sides of the road. L&K FURNITURE WAREHOUSE UNIT 5, KILRUSH BUSINESS PARK, DUNGARVAN, CO. WATERFORD 087 6873842 • 058 24522 Luke & Kate Connors would like to thank all our customers for their support in 2013. We wish them well for the New Year. We are looking forward to seeing them in 2014 to view our New Range of Quality Furniture at our Usual Bargain Prices. • 3-PIECE SUITES (CLOTH & LEATHER) • • TABLES & CHAIRS • FIREPLACES • • FLOORING (SOLID, SEMI-SOLID, LAMINATED) • • BEDROOM FURNITURE • OCCASIONAL FURNITURE • • CARPETS & LINO • • GREAT PRICES ON BULK DEALS • • 10K SQUARE FOOT SHOWROOM • MASSIVE SALE ON 12mm FLOORING Large selection in stock – Must Clear! OVER 100 ORTHOPAEDIC MATTRESSES IN STOCK – MUST CLEAR! Monday – Saturday 10.15 a.m. – 5.30 p.m. • Sunday 2.00 p.m. – 5.30 p.m. Tel: 058 24522 | Luke: 087 6873842 | Kate: 087 9222195 E: lukeconnors99@gmail.com | W: www.landkfurniture.com 10 EDITORIAL Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 A Christian Christmas WITH Christmas well in the past and the women’s celebration of Nollaig na mBan over and done with, it is time to reflect on the Christmas which has just passed and what it meant to the people of the town and county. As usual, the majority of people will have enjoyed the celebration with family and friends, exchanged presents and welcomed Santa on Christmas Eve, not particularly conscious of financial matters, having been in a position to provide ahead for the holiday expenditure. However, an ever-growing number of individuals and families, including the elderly are finding it difficult to make ends meet, both during the year and particularly so at Christmas. The withdrawal of the double Social Welfare payment some years ago has placed additional pressure on the less well off and, of course, the shortfall has to be made up from somewhere. Traditionally, this has come from the St. Vincent de Paul Society, other voluntary organisations and conscientious individuals. The St. Vincent de Paul Society is funded for the most part by their regular collections, other donations and by some who remember them in their wills. A significant income comes from the now much anticipated and very well supported Lions Club / WLR Christmas Appeal, which this year brought in a staggering total of €57,000 locally. Thankfully, despite the harsh economic conditions, the total sum realised was only slightly down on previous years. The Lions Club recently expressed their thanks to the people of the town and county who had been extremely generous once again and had enabled them to extend their help to needy people and had brightened their Christmas as a result. If some recipients appeared not to be in need of help, do not rush to judgement either of their circumstances or of the Lions Club / St. Vincent de Paul donation. Better to err on the side of generosity than see the genuine needy go without. Those who administered the campaign so effectively and those who donated so generously can feel pleased that they were part of a genuinely Christian act, or had done their social duty whichever is their belief. However, on behalf of the people of Dungarvan and County Waterford we extend our congratulations once more to the personable Garda who has brought honour in abundance to herself, her family, her club and her community. We hope there will be more to come, but few accolades will be as high as her most recent achievement. Incorp. Munster Industrial Advocate Perhaps by next Christmas there will be some respite in austerity and need may not be quite as great. Whichever the case, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, the Lions Club and WLR will probably combine their effort once again, which they have been doing so effectively for over twenty years now, to see that as many as possible will have a genuinely happy Christmas. World recognition for Niamh CONGRATULATIONS once again to Niamh Briggs, the Abbeyside woman who has taken the rugby scene by storm and who has scaled all the heights to which she can aspire in her chosen sport. While in the men’s game, Ireland have won a Grand Slam on only ten occasions in well over a century, experiencing one particularly barren spell of thirty-three years, the women have won a Grand Slam in their relatively short life of less than a decade of serious rugby. Niamh has been one of Ireland’s most influential players over the last few years and she has combined her exceptional rugby talents with her friendly and outgoing disposition to make her one of the most popular also. The latest accolade of World Player of the Year in Womens Rugby, was announced on the Scrumqueens website over the Christmas period and brings Niamh’s status to an exceptional high. To be recognised and honoured on the world stage in any role is a major achievement, though Niamh has been suitably modest and dismissive of the title. Wintry Weather WHILE our weather may not be quite what the North Eastern United States has had to contend with, including sixty degrees of frost, the last three weeks have been harsh for many and even frightening for some, as gales lashed our coasts and countryside unmercifully, doing considerable damage to property and causing great disruption to people’s lives. We were fortunate that the death toll has been low and injuries relatively small in number. Coastal areas were worst affected, but the almost hurricane force winds battered many areas inland as well and no one will be sorry to see these conditions recede. Not everyone acted sensibly during the weather crisis, with many taking unnecessary chances, putting their own lives and the lives of would-be rescuers at risk. Some of this was bravado, others were just reckless while many did it for the photograph. Despite warnings from the Coast Guard and other rescue services, Gardai and first responders, people still went into harms way and were lucky to survive. There were several near misses including one incident in Cork where two men were actually swept away by an enormous wave, only to be deposited behind a fence in a field. These are the kind of thoughtless people who will put themselves equally at risk in the Summer and the media would be better served not printing their photographs or referring to their ‘braving the dangers’. There is little brave about putting others lives at unnecessary risk. Thankfully, the forecast is for less extreme weather ahead and those who have had their premises flooded, or structures damaged, can at last begin to effect repairs and refurbish their homes. This may well be the last of the storms and it is to be hoped that dreaded snow- no matter how attractive the photos- will leave us alone this year. Reg. in GPO as a Newspaper • Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford • 058-41205/42042 • www.dungarvanobserver.ie • news@dungarvanobserver.ie Councils to hold their Budget Estimates meeting on Thursday, 9th January THE 2014 budget estimates for Dungarvan Town Council and Waterford County Council will be held on Thursday, 9th January, 2014. Both budgets will be considered by Councillors at the special budget meet- The track machine in the harbour. [On The Spot Photography/www.onthespotphotography.ie] ing. The County Council will hold their budget meeting at 2.00 p.m. on 9th January, while Dungarvan Town Council will hold its budget meeting at 8.00 p.m. that evening. A copy of the budget of both local authorities can be inspected by the public, free of charge, at the Civic Offices in Dungarvan during office hours. A copy of the budget can be supplied to anyone at a cost of €5.00. Six New Year’s Day babies for County Waterford Four Waterford babies born on Christmas Day Take-over of County Council by City Manager marks beginning of merger LAST Thursday, 2nd January, 2014, marked the start of Waterford City Manager, Michael Walsh taking over the reins of Waterford County Council, as the two local authorities begin the process of merging. Former County Manager, Denis McCarthy, retired on 1st January, 2014. He announced his retirement at the December meeting of the County Council. The change in management marks the beginning of the amalgamation process as Waterford County and City Councils merge into one new local authority. Mr.Walsh told media last week that while the amalgamation is challenging, there are a host of opportunities in store. He said there would be no changes to the waste collection services operating in the County and City and said services will not be affected as the two local authorities merge into a new body. THE first New Year’s Day baby born in County Waterford was at 3.05 a.m. according to information from the HSE. The baby was born at Waterford Regional Hospital, and in total six babies were born on Wednesday, 1st January, 2014 - four girls and two boys. Meanwhile, there were four babies born on Christmas Day, 25th December, last, at WRH - two boys and two girls. Meanwhile, at South Tipperary General Hospital, there were two babies born on New Year’s Day. The first New Year’s Day baby born at South Tipperary General Hospital was to Denise Kavanagh from Carrick-on-Suir, at 4.15 a.m. A second baby girl was born to Amanda Cashin from Thurles. In other areas of HSE South, there was one baby girl born at Wexford General Hospital on Christmas Day, while there were four babies born on New Year’s Day all boys - and the first was born at 5.17 a.m. At St. Luke’s General Hospital for Carlow / Kilkenny, three boys and one girl were born on Christmas Day, while on New Year’s Day, there were four babies born. Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 NEWS 23rd successive year of Credit Union’s “Monster” School Quiz 11 DUNGARVAN SHOPPING CENTRE SIRLOIN ROAST 50% OFF Local schools encouraged to enter competition before 24th January PRIMARY Schools in County Waterford are being encouraged to participate in the first stage of the Monster Credit Union Quiz 2014. This is the 23rd successive year of the Schools Quiz, which is organised by the Irish League of Credit Unions and involves over 25,000 school children under the age of 13, competing in over 300 venues throughout the 32 TV personality and presenter, Marty Whelan, with two ‘monsters’ at the launch of the Credit Union Schools Quiz in Dublin recently. Marty will be Quiz Master at the finals which will be held in Dublin in April. Counties. Schools will battle it out at local level in the first stage of the quiz, which will be held by Dungarvan Credit Union on 31st January, 2014, at 7.30 p.m., in Dungarvan Sports Centre. The closing date for entries into the School Quiz is 24th January, 2014, at 5.00 p.m. at Dungarvan Credit Union - local schools are being urged to get their entry in before the closing date. There will be two quizzes run simultaneously - Competition A for school children who have not reached their 11th birthday on, or before 31st December, 2013; and Competition B, for school children who have not reached their 13th birthday on, or before 31st December, 2013. The Monster Credit Union School Quiz consists of two ‘knock-out’ stages - one at local level to be held on 31st January, and the second stage Chapter level, which will be held in March. The competition then culminates in a national final with 100 qualifying teams participating, which will be held in Dublin in early April. The questions are compiled by Primary School teachers and cover general topics, such as geography; history; music; literature; and sport. Liam Moore, of Dungarvan Credit Union, encourages all local Primary Schools to participate in the Quiz. “The Quiz is a well-run event and a great night’s entertainment,” said Mr. Moore. “There will be big prizes for the schools. It is well worth schools taking part.” In addition to silver salvers, certificates and prizes to the winning teams, the winning schools will also receive cash prizes. For more information contact Dungarvan Credit Union, Parnell Street, Dungarvan, on 058-44088 / 44094. Cllr. Doocey welcomes Minister Reilly’s input into pylons saga WATERFORD County Councillor Declan Doocey has welcomed comments from Health Minister James Reilly voicing his concerns about health risks posed by electromagnetic fields from pylons. Minister Reilly sent a letter to Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte and Environment Minister Phil Hogan stating that “as a doctor and Minister for Health” he was worried about health risks from electromagnetic fields. He also quoted DCU-based Professor Anthony Staines, public health expert, who said it was well established that “low frequency magnetic fields increase the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia”. Lymphoblastic leukaemia is the most common form of cancer in children, but can also affects adults. Minister Reilly said that while he recognised the EirGrid project is an important part of national infrastructure, “I can’t ignore the health concerns”. There has been uproar in County Waterford and other South East communities over EirGrid’s plans to run a €500m corridor of 45 metre high pylons through scenic landscape and communities, resulting in numerous anti-pylons groups forming in opposition to the plans. The outrage concerns possible health risks from these high voltage wires and pylons, which, the anti-pylons groups say, can be placed underground. However, EirGrid said undergrounding the cables would add around €2 billion to the cost of the project. Cllr. Doocey welcomed Minister Reilly voicing his concerns about the pylons, pointing out that health risks from pylons are the main concerns of the general public, as well as concerns about how tourism will be affected and the decimation of the scenic landscape of Waterford. BPC launches new Personalised Practical Plans for clients LOCAL company BPC Financial Planning has developed a new range of personalised plans that are designed to suit individuals, couples and families to provide them with financial peace of mind on an on-going basis. The very practical and personalised plans which are now available are designed to suit everybody as they move through different life stages such as - being single and not married to being married with or without children to planning for education, retirement and other purposes. All plans ensure that clients are Protected, Saving and Investing tax efficiently and specifically for short, medium and long term requirements. The level of Protection, Saving and investing within clients plans is decided having considering factors such as the optimum level recommended, client budgets and the short, medium and long term requirements of clients. My Plan and Our Plan developed by BPC Financial Planning are now available to both existing clients and new clients. Both Plans have been built with complete flexibility that allows easy movement between plans if required. Plans have been designed to offer clients 100%, 75% and 50% coverage with increased and decreased coverage flexibility within plans. Plans are reviewed at least annually but can be reviewed more frequently if required. Commenting on the Plans, John Organ with BPC Financial Planning stated “The Plans that we have developed suit individuals, families and self-employed people as they are very practical and fully personalised to individual situations and ensure that clients are protected while saving and investing tax efficiently and specifically for particular needs. In many ways these plans look at what is required now and in the future and ensure that clients have either optimum coverage or acceptable coverage that can be increased or decreased in the future as their circumstances change.” As a Financial Broker firm, BPC Financial Planning provides clients with independent financial advice and is not tied to any insurance company. For further information on My Plan and Our Plan you can contact BPC Financial Planning in Dungarvan by calling the office at (058) 75942, by email at info@bpc.ie or visit www.bpc.ie BPC Financial Planning Limited, trading as BPC Financial Planning is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. SIRLOIN STEAKS 4 FOR €10 We are proud to be 100% Irish owned Tramore narrowly misses out on being crowned Ireland’s cleanest town TRAMORE narrowly missed out on being named the Cleanest town in Ireland, being pipped at the post by Kilkenny city, in the Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL) Anti-Litter League for 2013. Earlier last Monday, it was announced that Tramore was shortlisted in the top three for the crown of Ireland’s cleanest town, along with Cavan and Kilkenny. At an awards ceremony, held in Dublin on Monday evening, Kilkenny was announced as the overall winner, narrowly beating Tramore and Cavan. There are a total of 42 towns and cities ranked in the IBAL Anti-Litter League. Waterford City improved its position on the league table from 20th position to 5th position. An Taisce, who carries out the survey on behalf of IBAL, said it was a “super result” for Tramore. My New Year Resolutions … (1) Lose Weight (2) Call The Weight Clinic SAME OLD RESOLUTION, DIFFERENT YEAR? • Private One 2 One Weigh In’s • No Gimmicks, Bars or Supplements • Easy to Follow • Affordable • Genuine Weight Loss Results • Weight Loss Maintenance Included in Plan Ok, so we have answered all your questions, next thing is to book in for your FREE CONSULTATION at 087 9580316 12 Einstein and the Big Bang Explained WHERE did it all come from? Why are there stars, planets, and galaxies? What was the Big Bang? How will the Universe eventually end? These are some of the biggest questions in cosmology, and in a major New Year Lecture for the general public next Monday, January 13th, Astronomy Ireland presents Dr. Cormac O Raifeartaigh, who will explain the Big Bang and how Einstein’s amazing theories are giving us great insight into the life of the Universe. Almost 14 billion years ago the entire Universe was extremely small and hot, and it began to rapidly expand. This event is known as the Big Bang. As the Universe grew, it gradually cooled down enough to allow energy turn into matter and light as we know it now, which in turn formed the first stars and galaxies.We know this happened because we can see the Universe still expanding: our telescopes can spot distant galaxies rushing away at great speeds. Dr. Cormac O Raifeartaigh is a renowned Irish physicist, based in Waterford IT. He is an established science communicator through writing in national media and appearances on television and radio, and he never fails to draw a big crowd for his excellent lectures. Indeed, Cormac’s late father, Lochlainn, was himself an established physicist of great repute around the world in the fields of supersymmetry and cosmology. In his talk, Dr. O Raifeartaigh will discuss the history of the Universe itself, guiding us along a tour through the Universe’s birth, its life, and its eventual death. The lecture is aimed at the general public and is suitable for people of all ages, regardless of experience or knowledge of astronomy. Einstein and the Expanding Universe will take place in Trinity College Dublin on Monday, January 13th, at 8.00 p.m. All welcome. For tickets and DVDs of the lecture, please visit www.astronomy.ie.We recommend people book early as such a major speaker is likely to attract a large number of people. NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Submissins sought for Lismore Town Council ‘Capital Project’ Funding @By Christy Parker LISMORE Town Council is seeking submissions for a singular ‘capital project’ to which it can donate its leftover reserves prior to its imminent dissolution next May. The submissions will compete, along with any suggestions the town council itself may devise, for a lump sum. Submissions must carry details and information on how the proposed project will evolve.The successful scheme will effectively serve as legacy to the doomed system of Local Government that has been upheld in the town since the State’s foundation. Acting Town Clerk Anita Meagher told January’s town council meeting that the council’s at stand currently funds €29,539.19 but it is uncertain how much of the total will remain available for grant aid come the end of the council’s life. LONG-TERM The proposal was first raised by at Heneghan John Cllr December’s town council meeting and subsequently discussed at January’s sitting. The meeting reiterated that the money be allocated as a single payment for one project rather than be divided amongst several initiatives. The members also agreed that the chosen project should represent longevity and be for the betterment of the entire community rather than any particular sector. Cllr. Ken Madden suggested that the fund could effectively be doubled if it was used as match funding for a project. This aspiration was discarded after Town Manager Paul Daly explained that a funding application would take a considerable time to process and would most likely surpass the town council’s survival. Cllr. Julie Landers, asking that its identity remain unpublished, revealed that a particular organisation in the area, which is in “serious trouble,” had requested financial assistance and would be contacting the town council on that issue. It was decided that any financial issues concerning the party in question required the intervention of a different authority. Cllr. Heneghan described a bridge walkway project on which, as he understood it, the Tidy Towns committee was working represented the type of venture ideal to the initiative. SHORTLIST Cllr. Madden sought clarification of the process. Cllr. Heneghan explained that the council would select a shortlist from submissions based on the additional information supplied. Only submissions from within the electoral boundary will be accepted. The town manager suggested that “in the interests of Corporate Government” an advertising procedure be deployed. Cllr. Heneghan was more nonchalant, advising that even were “every rule in the book broken,” the council’s abolition would deny censure! Cllr. Madden warned that “not everyone buys newspapers,” while Cllr. Leddy suggested that public notices be posted in some public buildings.This, along with word of mouth and the sometimes read newspapers was deemed efficient promotion. The closing date for entries is Friday January 31st. The shortlist will be subsequently drawn up and the winner announced at date yet to be decided. Submissions by post only to: Waterford County Offices, Old Monastery Building, Lismore, Co. Waterford. Flahavan’s invests €340,000 in new ‘Energy for Life’ advertising campaign ‘ENERGY for Life’ is a new €340,000 advertising campaign launched by Flahavan’s, producers of Ireland’s leading porridge oats brand. The value of the hot oats market in Ireland is estimated at €27m and, with over 55% of the market, Flahavan’s is Ireland’s leading provider of porridge products. The 30-second Flahavan’s commercials will be broadcast on television and radio over the next three months from 6th of January until the end of March. The campaign will start with a new TV commercial, which will air over 450 times across 28 terrestrial and satellite channels. The radio advertisements will be broadcast on national and local radio stations. Irish International developed and created the ‘Energy for Life’ campaign. The production company for the TV commercial was Butter, directed by Brian Williams. John Noonan, Flahavan’s Sales and Marketing Director, said: “This campaign highlights what consumers like about Flahavan’s and what sets it apart from the competition – its strong Irish heritage, its wholesome goodness and slow release of energy and its distinctive creamy taste. Our research showed that Irish people have become more conscious of the need to be healthy and are increasingly involved in a number of sports and healthy activities. Flahavan’s is the perfect breakfast food for these healthy lifestyles.” Flahavan’s has been operating in Co. Waterford for over six generations, making it one of Ireland’s longest family-run businesses. The family has been milling quality oats in Kilmacthomas for over 200 years. The company sources locally produced oats from local Irish farmers for its range of products. Flahavan’s has been at the forefront of the growing Irish hot oats market and recognises consumers’ increasing interest in porridge as a healthy breakfast cereal choice. Flahavan’s was one of the first companies to support the Love Irish Food initiative, which promotes genuine Irish brands. NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 13 INDEPENDENT TD Mattie McGrath has said the decision by the Government to delay making a final choice on the controversial routing of Eirgrid’s overhead pylons through the Country until after the May local elections is one that smacks of political cowardice and hypocrisy. Deputy McGrath was speaking after receiving confirmation of the decision which has infuriated those who have been attempting to engage in constructive dialogue with Eirgrid and the Government concerning the range of issues which have emerged since the Grid Link Project was announced: “There is simply no way for the Government and in particular for this Labour Minister for Communications to spin this postponement that will not look like the desperate act of cowardice that it is”. “What we have here is an unequivocal example of putting the electoral interests of the Government ahead of the health, property and tourism concerns that tens of thousands of people across the Country have given voice too,” said Deputy McGrath. “Minister Rabbitte in particular is being deeply hypocritical here given his recent statements that have at least hinted at the need for more meaningful consultation with the public. “An election is the best way we have of consulting with the public and yet it is being avoided; why? It is questionable, to say the least, how anyone can take what he is saying on these issues even remotely seriously after this farce of a postponement. “The Government know that this is a hugely significant issue at local level right across the Country and yet instead of standing in solidarity with the people they have chosen to cravenly duck away from the kind of robust public engagement that happens at local elec- tion time. The decision speaks for itself really.” Under the Grid Link proposals, almost 1,300 pylons will run across the country from Cork to Great Island in Wexford, to Dunstown, Kilcullen, Co Kildare on a cross-country corridor yet to be decided. However, it has been confirmed further routes will link the Dunstown "hub" with the greater Dublin area and the UK. The project has given rise to serious divisions within Government parties concerning the impact the project is likely to have at both environmental and electoral level. “This whole process has been marked by disingenuous behaviour right from the beginning,” said Deputy McGrath. “We have had a charade of a public consultation process, a Minister for Communications who has practically acted as a de facto spokesperson for Eirgrid and now we have the Minister for Jobs enter- PROGRAMME PROGRAMME PROGRAMME 1 2 3 1 2 3 Hand Car Hand Car Hand Car Wash & Wash & Wash & Chamois Chamois Chamois Dry Dry Dry CAR including including €6.00 Full Boot JEEP/4X4 Vacuum Mats €8.00 Tyre Polish Dashboard CAR Polish €12.00 Windows JEEP/4X4 Cleaned €15.00 Inside & Outside Tyre Polish Car €5.00 Freshener OFF with CAR €20.00 Programme JEEP/4X4 5&6 €25.00 ✄ “The postponement of Pylon routes choice is despicable cowardice,” McGrath Hand Car Wash & Car Valeting ✄ Government accused of political cowardice over delay in pylon route selection until after local elections with this advert. 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Grant 2007 SsangYong Rexton 2.7 Diesel Commercial €7,999 14 NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Pictured at Waterford City at WATERFORD1100 Vadrarfjordr Outdoor Spectacle are three Viking ships produced by Spraoi. [Patrick Browne] Pictured at Waterford City WATERFORD 1100 Vadrarfjordr. at [Patrick Browne] Bank Branch acts in response to phone confidentiality concerns @By Christy Parker AIB’s Lismore branch has initiated some alterations on its premises following concerns raised by the Town Council regarding its new Quick Banking service. Cllr Orla Russell had raised the matter at December’s Town Council meeting, when she said that on a visit to the bank, she had found the associated phone service in the banking hall fell short of confidentiality and she could clearly overhear a customer’s private details. The council subsequently communicated its concerns to the branch. In a detailed letter of response to February’s Town Council sitting, branch manager (Lismore / Dungarvan) Karl O’Doherty, explained that the Lismore service had instigated some changes in response. These included repositioning the queuing further forward and relocating the music speakers to provide a ‘sound barrier’ between the phone and the queue. CAUSE AND EFFECT In thanking the council for bringing the issue to his attention, Mr. O’Doherty added that the concerns had also been notified to AIB’s head office. He further explained that the problem arose following recent renovations.These had seen the branch double the banking hall capacity, install a new lodgement and deposit machine to encourage “less queuing and a speedier service,” provide a new drop safe for business customers and introduce “two new touch screen phones to give customers direct access to a number of banking services without the need to queue.” Rounding off the parchment of appreciation, the manager even advised that the council retained “the right to refer this matter to the Financial Services Ombudsman” should it feel the need to do so. He also provided the Ombudsman’s contact details. Far from disgruntled, Cllr. John Heneghan described the response as one of the most courteous and efficient responses to a council missive he had experienced.“There was no waffle; they simply took our views on board and acted on them. Fair play,” he concluded to universal agreement. Might be a good time to apply for a loan.... No rent increases as Council to absorb 2014 Property Tax @By Christy Parker WATERFORD County Council tenants will not be liable for Residential Property Tax in 2014 and the council does not envisage inducing cutbacks in lieu of absorbing the tax,Town Manager Paul Daly clarified to the January sitting of Lismore’s Town Council.The manager, who was responding to an inquiry from Cllr. Bernard Leddy, added that there would be no consequential rent increases either. Mr. Daly explained that revenue accumulated from Irish Water and the Local Government fund would render the new, joined local authority “financially better off ” and help to have the tax absorbed. The manager elaborated that rents would remain frozen in lieu of an impending national rental scheme for 2015 whereby local authority rents would be relatively standardised nationally, according to the type of accommodation in question. All that being said, qualified Mr. Daly, it depended on the proposed county council budget being adopted on January 9th. Cllr. Leddy remained less than satisfied, asking whether it was fair that tenants should have the Property Tax paid while house owners did not. “It’s a tax on property (not on people) that falls to the owner to pay,” informed Cllr. John Heneghan, describing himself as a tenant and thus someone to whom the tax did not apply. “Just as long as there are no cutbacks in services,” cautioned Cllr. Leddy. NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 15 Cullinane slams Taoiseach’s use of emigration to justify flawed EirGrid project SINN Féin Senator David Cullinane has slammed the Taoiseach’s use of the emigration to justify the EirGrid project. Senator Cullinane said: “To justify a project, that is seriously lacking in credibility, by linking it to emigration and unemployment is a cynical means of distracting from the issues surrounding EirGrid. “Frankly, the Taoiseach is exploiting the jobs and emigration crisis as part of a PR exercise for pylons. “While any opportunity to provide employment should be welcomed, the reality is that a network of pylons is not a genuine solution to the level of unemployment that produces the mass emigration that we are currently experiencing. That is just spin. “In relation to the jobs and emigration crisis, we need an actual and holistic jobs creation strategy. The document that this Government presented shortly before Christmas was not a jobs creation strategy. It was a strategy for deficit reduction. “The EirGrid project needs to be critically analysed. Any such analysis would see the clear need for the carrying out of an independent costbenefit analysis on undergrounding. It would also show that EirGrid’s communications strategy up to this point has been centred on glossy presentations, nuanced positions and spin. That has served to compound problems and exacerbate the fears of communities “The Taoiseach’s comments are simply an extension of this strategy. The arguments for pylons lack substance as they are grounded in a short-term perspective and they marginalise the concerns of the affected communities. “EirGrid, Minister Rabbitte and the Taoiseach cannot pretend that these concerns do exist or that they are not substantial. The glaring need for an independent cost benefit analysis will not go away. Until that need is fulfilled, neither will the credibility issues for this project.” Government divided over health concerns of EirGrid pylons FROM FRONT PAGE The €500 million Grid Link project proposes to run a corridor of around 1,300 super pylons of at least 45 metres in height from Cork to Wexford, through County Waterford, which, EirGrid says, will ensure a high quality power supply for the South East. There is expected to be around four pylons per kilometre on the selected route corridor. EirGrid said it doesn’t expect to submit a planning application to An Bord Pleanála until after 2015. There was outrage at comments made on Morning Ireland last Tuesday morning, when Minister Rabbitte said that the EirGrid project is “a huge infrastructural investment programme” which cannot be changed on the “whim of some passing fashion” - which suggested that the people’s concerns were some ‘passing fashion’. However, when pressed on his comments by Morning Ireland presenter Cathal McCoille, Minister Rabbitte back-tracked and suggested that his comment wasn’t referring to the people, but rather to the question asked by the presenter. There was further outrage at comments made by Taoiseach Enda Kenny, whose comments suggested that more young people would have to emigrate unless the EirGrid plans get the go-ahead. He said it was ironic that people are telling him their children have to emigrate, yet in many cases they are emigrating to countries where such infrastructure as overhead power lines and pylons exist “as a matter of course as providing infrastructure for development”. Taoiseach Kenny said jobs and investment cannot be created without infrastructure such as water, roads, communication and power, and insisted plans to erect hundreds of the super pylons around the country were needed to upgrade the power grid and electricity infrastructure, so that more jobs could be created and less people would have to emigrate. “I don’t think it’s right for any government to say that they can deny the next generation of young people in our country to have a job and live and work in their own area,” said Taoiseach Kenny. Kieran Hartley, of Rethink Pylons (and Comeraghs Against Pylons Group) said it was a ‘throw-away’ comment by the Taoiseach, particularly when the electricity is generated in the regions where the pylons and power lines are, not in Dublin. Mr. Hartley told Morning Ireland that Waterford has been decimated by job losses and faces oblivion if EirGrid’s pylons go ahead. He pointed out that EirGrid did not advertise stages one and two of the process in the Dungarvan Observer, or Dungarvan Leader, the newspapers based in the county town of Waterford, which resulted in thousands of people unaware of EirGrid’s plans. It was later revealed in the programme that Minister Rabbitte is to meet with EirGrid’s senior management and board on Thursday to discuss the consultation process they used, which was ‘not as it should have been’. Minister Rabbitte also denied that the Grid Link project was to upgrade the electricity network to export energy to Britain. “No, no, no,” said Minister Rabbitte. “It is absolutely not the case.” He said exporting energy requires a different technology and a separate project. “That would be a standalone procedure and different underground technology because it is going under the sea,” he said. See also ‘The Newsreader’, page 30. MEP Nessa Childers outside the Bride & Blackwater Against Pylons HQ in Lismore last Monday where she met with concerned local groups from Waterford and East Cork to discuss EirGrid’s Grid Link plans. The person who doesn’t advertise knows what they’re doing – but no one else does! Call … 058-41205/42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie Happy New Year 54 Main Street, Dungarvan. Tel./Fax: 058 23901 facebook.com/BlastaWholefoods 16 NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Congratulations to the Health Care Assistants, employed in the HSE South - (Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford, Wexford) in the Acute, Care of the Older Persons, Intellectual Disability and Mental Health services, pictured following the presentation of the National Certificate in Health Service Skills, FETAC level 5 at a recent award ceremony hosted in the Education Centre, Waterford Regional Hospital by the Regional Centre of Nursing & Midwifery Education (RCNME), seated from left: Alan Whyte, Margaret Leacy, Emily White, Nuala Murphy and Lucy Knowles. Middle row, from left: Allen Herrera, Theresa Flynn, Marion Kennedy, Sinead D'Arcy, Linda Breen, Ann Finn, Cathriona Greene, Nurse Tutor/ Specialist Co-ordinator, RCNME and Mark White, Director, Nursing & Midwifery Practice Development, HSE South. Back row, from left: James O'Shea, Director, RCNME, HSE South, Louise Beresford, Clerical Officer, RCNME, Anne Murphy, Geraldine Malone, Assumpta Murphy, Anita Walsh, Catherine Ovington, Fiona Last, Marie Doyle, Claire Tully, Director of Nursing & Midwifery, Waterford Regional Hospital and Karen O'Sullivan, Continuing Education Officer, RCNME. [Aileen Drohan] Coffey calls on City and County Councillors to reduce commercial rates for 2014 FINE Gael Waterford Deputy Paudie Coffey has called on Waterford City and County Councillors to reduce commercial rates for businesses in 2014 when they are agreeing their budgets in the coming week. Deputy Coffey made the call after Waterford City and County Council were granted an additional €5 million by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan TD before Christmas. “I have worked closely with Fine Gael City and County Councillors on this matter for the last number of months to try and ensure that additional funding would be secured so that business rates could be reduced for 2014. Waterford will receive €37.2 million up from €32million from last year; this is extremely positive news and it affords the elected members of the Council scope to offset the affect of rates increases due to the revaluation process. “I am now calling on all elected Councillors from all parties and none to support the reduction in commercial rates when meeting to agree their budgets, that are taking place in the City and County this Thursday. Commercial rates should be reduced to the Dungarvan level which has the lowest rates in Waterford at the moment; this would benefit businesses right across Waterford City and County. “The amalgamation of Waterford City and County Council will lead to greater efficiencies and thus lead to a reduction in spending. This is a significant opportunity for elected councillors to show that they are pro-business and pro-enterprise and that they support the 1,500 jobs in Waterford City Centre and the many thousands of jobs right across Waterford County that could benefit from this decision. “As elected representatives we have a duty to ensure that jobs are protected and that the environment to grow further jobs in nurtured; by supporting a Paudie Coffey reduction in Commercial Rates Waterford City and County Councillors will be delivering on this. The economy is showing signs of a fragile recovery and everything must be done to make sure that it begins to take a firmer hold; I hope that Councillors will listen to my request when they are agreeing their budget in the coming days.” ‘Ar Fud na Tíre’ Friday, 10th January at 7.30 p.m. – Programme 1 IN a brand new weekly series for TG4 presenter Eibhlín Ní Choistealbha will bring viewers a wide variety of stories about inspirational communities and people from all across the island. In the first episode Eibhlín visits two Connemara women who have dedicated their lives to rescuing abandoned dogs. Former Galway hurler Cathal Moore opens up about his difficult and arduous recovery after a life threatening illness and Dublin Ciarán Mac Fhearghusa finds his zen by combining his two passions Yoga and Gaeilge. Sadly, January is a month that sees a spike in abandoned dogs after Christmas but Eibhlín travelled to Camus in Connemara to meet Tara Nic Dhiarmada and Marina Fiddler two passionate and dedicated women determined to turn the tide. They set up ‘MADRA’ dog rescue and adoption service with the aim of improving and sav- CLÁR 1-MADRA Eibhlín Ní Choistealbha ing the lives of hundreds of unwanted dogs in the Galway and Mayo area. Eibhlín spends a day at the shelter as she finds out about the vast amount of daily work involved in caring for dozens of dogs and meets some of the lucky dogs who have been happily rehomed by MADRA. Former Galway hurler and pundit for GAA Beo Cathal Moore was always a fit, healthy, sporting man but in 2010 he was faced with a life threatening illness when he suffered a brain hemorrhage. Luckily for Cathal and his young family he survived but he faced a long and arduous road back to health. Cathal was a teacher in Athenry Presentation Secondary School but after the hemorrhage he even had to learn to write again. Cathal opens up about his illness and his determination to get better, to return to work and to pick up a hurley once again. Ar Fud na Tíre is produced by Nemeton TV. NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 17 Rathgormack dairy farmer to stand in local elections for Comeragh area AS the local elections approach ever closer, a Rathgormack Dairy Farmer has announced his intention to contest the elections for the Comeragh area. The local and European elections are expected to be held at the end of May, 2014 (date to be confirmed later by the Department of Environment). Michael Flynn, a dairy farmer from Rathgormack, will stand as an independent / non-party candidate and is asking people for their number one vote, and where possible, to vote number 2 for another local candidate. “It is my belief that a local representative will work best for you,” said Mr. Flynn, who pointed out that he is funding the campaign entirely by himself. “I won’t accept any donations from any group, parties or individuals, because I need to represent those who vote for me without fear or favour. I will fully fund my own campaign,” he said. Amongst the objectives and issues he will fight on behalf of the constituents of the Comeragh electoral area is the controversy surrounding the proposed pylons by EirGrid. He accused government policy of “bulldozing through people’s property, slashing the value and in some cases making the property unsaleable, while also destroying the country side” with the proposed pylons. Mr. Flynn said the electricity cables “must go underground” and asked constituents to send a clear message to the government by voting for him in the forthcoming local elections. Mr. Flynn said if elected, he would also tackle agricultural concerns in County Waterford and issues affecting farmers. He pointed out that if EirGrid’s pylons are given the go-ahead, large swathes of woodland would likely be removed in the Rathgormack area, causing problems for farmers, such as the displacement of badgers, which could cause the spread of TB in cattle. Other agricultural issues Mr. Flynn hopes to tackle include the removal of quotas, which could be a potential loss to the exchequer and local co-ops. Among other issues and policies Mr. Flynn hopes to pursue if elected is to fight unjust budget cutbacks; tackle grossly unfair planning restrictions; campaign for pedestrian crossings, where needed; help to generate jobs projects for the Comeragh area in conjunction with Tourism plans; ensure a litter strategy policy for areas; campaign for new sewage systems, where needed; and pursue university status for WIT. Mr. Flynn lives in Rathgormack with his wife Mary (nee Lynch) and their children, Paddy, Katie and Aimee, where he also runs a Pedigree dairy herd, which was nominated as Waterford entrant for the Michael Flynn from Rathgormack, who will be standing as an independent / non-party candidate for the Comeragh electoral area in the upcoming local elections this May / June. National Dairy Council & Kerrygold Milk Quality Awards in 2013 (the ‘Sam Maguire of Farming’). Securing such a nomination for the award is a recognition of top quality farming. Mr. Flynn holds certs in agriculture, as well as news journalism, and has a vast amount of experience being involved with many different groups down through the years which include Rathgormack under age GAA player/juvenile secretary; Macra Na Feirme; Clonea Power Hurling Club; Toastmasters; Foróige; Rathgormack IFA Secretar y/Chair man; Comeragh Rangers; Agriculture Correspondent for ‘Three Counties’ newspaper, and was also involved with many radio interviews on agricultural and community issues. He is currently involved with Rathgormack GAA Club Committee (recently); Comeragh Cycle steward held in Ballymacarbry; IFAC, Glanbia Advisory; Sean Kelly Cycle steward; Playground Committee; Comeragh Rathgormack K9 Pylon Prevention Group; and Rathgormack Clonea all-weather pitch, as well as other community groups and issues. He said he would love the chance to represent his area on the Council and urged the public to give him their number one vote at the local elections later this year. Mr. Flynn was a candidate in the last local elections, held in 2009. Although he was not elected at the time, he said he was happy with his performance at the count and is positive about getting a seat this time. Mr. Flynn has been very active in the campaign against EirGrid’s pylons controversy, and said there are huge concerns about people’s health and animal health, if these 150 ft high monstrosities are erected throughout the county. He also pointed out that there has been no proper study carried out into the adverse affects these EirGrid pylons will have on various sectors, such as farming, tourism, and property prices. “I am going for this position because I have clearly shown a passion for it down through the years,” he said. “I love writing and voicing my opinion when I believe ‘the-powers-thatbe’ are ignoring those whom they represent on any issue,” he said. “I hope I am worthy of the people’s number one vote and that they will trust me to do a good job,” he added. CONTACT Michael Flynn, Rathgormack, Carrick-onSuir. Phone 051-646319; 087-2875103. Email: michaelflynn1@eircom.net OFF THE TOP BARBER SHOP Cook Street Cappoquin OPENING HOURS Tuesday to Friday 10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Saturday 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Lunch 1–2 p.m. PRICE LIST Adults €8.00 Child (U-16) €5.00 OAP €5.00 Parking Available Complimentary Tea & Coffee! Offthetop cappoquin Welcome to … Local based company in Dungarvan Eco Power Steam cleans … • Carpets • Upholstery • Windows • Patios • Guttering • Cars • Showers • Roofs • After renovations • • • • • Driveways Homes Grouting Offices plus much more Eco Power Steam is friendly on the pocket! POWER WASH SERVICE ALSO AVAILABLE Now is the time to clean the moss from your roofs, gutters, paths, patios, driveways!!! If you are looking for somebody who can do dirty jobs and give your home a new lease of life and if you want to come back to a beautifully refreshed place – just call! 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PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE Call: JOANNA 087 7458241 18 NEWS IDA Investment decision in Waterford is to be welcomed FINE Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news that the IDA have committed to developing a new property that will total 25,000 square feet in the IDA Business and Technology Park in Waterford City. “This is a progressive and positive step by the IDA in Waterford and the South East Region,” said Deputy Coffey. “This development will help to attract Foreign Direct Investment to the region when these stateof-the-art facilities are completed. “This project underpins the IDA's commitment to Waterford as the Regional Capital,” he said. “We have seen a renewed focus on Waterford from the IDA in the last year with increased site visits and the creation of 200 jobs in Nypro. “The IDA are making a renewed effort in Waterford and I am pleased that this capital investment will take place. “The IDA must continue a sustained effort to attract jobs to this region, which still has a high unemployment rate well above the National aver- age,” said Deputy Coffey. The IDA has stated that it will build new property capacity in regional Locations to enhance regional offerings and Waterford is to be included in this development and jobs plan. Barry O’Leary, retiring CEO of IDA stated: “IDA has identified a number of specific locations where the private sector is unable currently to develop property solutions and some companies do not have the luxury of waiting up to two years for planning permission for bases outside of Dublin”. Deputy Coffey stated that “this IDA investment in Waterford will further increase the opportunities to attract jobs and employment to our City and it is my hope for 2014 that this will happen sooner rather than later”. “There are positive signs that our economy is improving and jobs are being created but government focus and its priority on jobs must remain steadfast and this announcement will no doubt increase the attractiveness of Waterford City for foreign direct investment,” he added. Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Dungarvan Aglow [Photo Vincent Morrissey] Dungarvan Aglow - Thank You THE Dungarvan & West Waterford Chamber would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in helping us to set Dungarvan Aglow this Christmas! After months of planning in our offices, it was overwhelming to see the support and enthusiasm the initiative received as everyone embraced the theme of light, cooperation and community. Many businesses and residences went above and beyond to ensure a cheerful, glowing atmosphere throughout the town and it didn’t go unnoticed. Calls, letters, emails, texts and tweets were received from all over Ireland and from the UK congratulating Dungarvan on its magnificent festive display. The Dungarvan Aglow initiative received support from many quar- ters from its inception at beginning of 2013. The initial concept, planning and organisation was done by Jenny Beresford at Dungarvan Chamber with the support of Dungarvan Town Council and our membership. The essential funding for Dungarvan Aglow was provided by Waterford Leader Partnership, who were delighted to support this project to boost tourism and commerce in the area. An unprecedented €65,000 was spent on overhauling the town illuminations and creating the incredible display in Walton Park which announced to all those passing on the N25 that Dungarvan is vibrant and open for business. This message was only strengthened by so many businesses and residences setting Dungarvan aglow with their own Christmas Members of the Dungarvan Branch ATGWU pictured at their Annual Social in Lawlor’s Hotel, Dungarvan circa 1998. lights and displays, making the town look fantastic. The initiative was also supported by a very active and effective voluntary group including Chamber staff, members, Council staff and the general public. Working together, they created an impressive calendar of activities to promote Dungarvan, such as the Children’s Parade of Lights and Turning on Ceremony in Grattan Square, and a widespread advertising campaign conducted through the national media, social media and the Dungarvan Aglow advertising booklet. The voluntary group’s time, effort and dedication was essential and we are deeply grateful. The feedback from locals and visitors alike has been fantastic. The engagement with Dungarvan Aglow on social media has shown how deeply invested people are in promoting our community. This Christmas has also shown people’s continuing desire to support local jobs and businesses by shopping local. Over €160,000 of Chamber shopping vouchers were sold in November and December alone in 2013. These vouchers can only be spent in certain local businesses and so ensure that this money will stay in the local community.With many shoppers choosing to stay in Dungarvan this Christmas, the spirit of cooperation and community that Dungarvan Aglow hoped to generate was certainly in the air this year. Thank you again for supporting Dungarvan Aglow and the Chamber Voucher Scheme, they were a success because of you! [Rory Wyley] NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 DUNGARVAN LIONS CLUB Remembrance Tree Thank you for supporting the Lions Club / WLRfm Christmas Appeal MASS WILL BE OFFERED FOR THOSE WHOSE NAMES HAVE BEEN PLACED IN THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE IN FRIARY CHURCH, DUNGARVAN on WEDNESDAY, 8th JANUARY, 2014 at 7.30 p.m. EVERYBODY IS MOST WELCOME Blackwater Community School Lismore, Co. Waterford Tel. 058-53620 OPEN NIGHT For 5th and 6th Class Pupils and Parents On Monday, 13th January from 6.30–9.30 p.m. Principal’s Address 8.00 p.m. Any further details from 058-53620 19 It's Bigger and it’s Back! RIAC National Classic Car Show Returns RDS on the 1st and 2nd March, 2014 THE Royal Irish Automobile Club announced this week that the prestigious RIAC National Classic Car Show, which is supported by AXA insurance, will return to the Simmonscourt Hall at the Royal Dublin Society Showgrounds in Dublin on the 1st and 2nd March, 2014. The inaugural show last February saw huge numbers attend the RDS to see the finest collection of classic,Veteran and Vintage cars ever gathered together in Ireland. Vehicles that were displayed included some of the rarest examples of their marque. Exit polls showed one of the highest satisfaction ratings ever recorded at an event in the RDS and this prompted the RIAC to proceed with an all new show in 2014 and thereafter every two years. The RIAC have indicated that the show will be much bigger in 2014 and have taken over the whole of the RDS Simmonscourt to accommodate the increase in space requirements. Anyone visiting this year’s show can expect a completely new selection of vehicles on display in March. Show Director Bob Montgomery: “Following the success of the 2013 Show, the decision was 1946 Jaguar Mk. IV – Supplied by Frank Cavey & Sons of Camden Street, Dublin, who were Jaguar Agents and Assemblers since 1937, to a jeweller in August 1946. The car was lovingly restored in the 1990s by a long standing member of the Irish Jaguar and Daimler Club when the original Gun Metal Grey colour was changer to a more attractive Maroon over Black two tone scheme to better show off its very attractive styling. taken to organize the event again in 2014 after which it will be held every second year alternating in the RDS with the Bike Show. The 2013 Show demonstrated to us the wealth and variety of classic cars that exist in Ireland and I have no hesitation in saying that the 2014 Show will be entirely new and to the same high standard the first Show established. We will have significantly more space available and have exciting ideas as to how it will be filled.” The space allocated to Clubs has been doubled and as a result no less than 36 clubs will be featured, up from the 18 Clubs at the 2013 show. As a result visitors, whether an avid collector or someone looking for information on how to get started, will have the best opportunity to meet with enthusiasts from all over the country to share their passion or ask for help. The clubs in 2014 will have their own section within the show. In addition to the increased numbers of clubs attending there will be new feature stands, an autojumble for the first time, an Irish Motor sport section, a dedicated restoration feature and much more. As this is a family orientated event emphasis has also been put on creating a dedicated family section which will, amongst other entertainments, feature the Road Safety Authority’s ‘Street Smart Kids’ interactive learning initiative promoting road safety for children from the ages of 5 up to 12. Highlighting the success of the previous event AXA insurance have renewed their support for the 2014 show. Myles O'Reilly of AXA Insurance said: "We are delighted to re-affirm our support for the RIAC National Classic Car Show in 2014. Following on from the great success of last year’s show, the plans for this year’s event really excite us, and will give us great opportunities to meet customers, enthusiasts, their clubs, as well as fellow supporters. The RIAC are to be commended for their commitment to Irish historic motoring, and we welcome also, the involvement again of Irish Vintage Scene Magazine, and the Irish Veteran and Vintage Car Club, whose support underlines the importance of this event. AXA look forward to meeting you at the show in March." For spectacular displays of truly amazing classic cars and entertainment for all the family, visit The RIAC National Classic Car Show 1st and 2nd March, 2014. 1956 Triumph TR3 – This very attractive TR3 was assembled in early 1956 at Stand-Triumph (Eire) Ltd's assembly plant at Cashel Road, Dublin, from a CKD kit supplied from Coventry. It is an excellent example of a very original, all numbers matching TR3 and will be displayed on the TR Register's stand at the 2014 RIAC National Classic Car Show. RICH RAGS BOUTIQUE 5 O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford Tel. / Fax: 058-43390 HALF PRICE SALE Starts this Thursday, 9th January, 2014 at 10.00 a.m. Mother of the Bride Outfits HALF PRICE “HOME Instead Senior Care, the world’s leading provider of non-medical, in-home services to seniors, has been caring for seniors in Co. Waterford since 2009. With almost 1,000 branches worldwide, Home Instead Senior Care provides services to seniors in their own homes. The dedicated team of CareGivers helps clients maintain their independence by assisting them with activities of daily living such as meal preparation, laundry, shopping, light housekeeping, driving and transportation. The result is companionship and independence, allowing seniors to feel safe in their own homes.” Alzheimer's caregiving is a tough job; it's too much for one person to handle alone. No one is equipped to care for someone 24, 7. At first you may meet their needs and this can last months even years, depending on the disease progression and your own health. Eventually, however, your loved one will need help with eating, bathing and toileting. And just as the physical demands of caregiving increase, so can the emotional toll. Challenging dementia-related behaviours can strain the coping skills of the most patient and understanding caregiver. This is where we at Home Instead Senior Care can help, we understand the worries Alzheimer’s can cause in the lives of people and their families, we've witnessed the distress and loss that older adults can face. We’ve come to recognise how Alzheimer’s can affect family caregivers also. These conditions can affect their energy, peace of mind and happiness. If you’re living it now, you know all too well. If your loved one just received the diagnosis, you’re likely anxious about the future – for your loved one and yourself. You want your loved one to be safe and engaged. But given the changes that sometimes accompany dementia, how can you ensure this? And how do you also take care of yourself while providing excellent care to your loved one? Wherever you are on the care journey, Home Instead Senior Care can help. Our Professional CAREGivers are trained in expert, person-centred Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care. Such expert dementia care can help support your loved one to continue to live with a quality of life. If you’re worried please talk to us on 051 333966, we are here to support you. For more helpful advice call Home Instead Senior Care on 051 – 333966 or visit www.homeinstead.ie 20 NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 A view from the Pond area in Abbeyside shows waves crashing into the sea wall at the Lookout, Dungarvan. Dungarvan battered by severe gusts DUNGARVAN and Waterford did not escape the stormy weather over the last week or so, with gusts of up to 120 km/h sweeping across the county. The coastline and inland areas were battered during the gale force storms with widespread flooding, fallen debris and some damage caused to property. The roads also bore the brunt of the weather, as potholes opened up on local roads throughout rural areas. Some roads in West Waterford were impassable and in Lismore one road was completely flooded. Met Eireann issued an Orange Alert for the country - the second highest warning, last Sunday and Monday. Waterford County Council advised people to avoid the Dungarvan to Tramore Coast Road because of surface water, and to avoid coastal areas in general, such as cliffs, piers, harbor walls and promenades. While the weather abated by late last Monday, our pictures show the storm was still in full force that morning, as waves crashed over the sea walls in Dungarvan and Abbeyside. A large digger machine which was parked on a slipway at the Lookout had to be brought further inland last Monday because the raging sea began to float the vehicle in the high tide. The pond area of Abbeyside lived up to its name, as water flooded the car park. Flooding also occurred by the Lookout. Stormy seas cover the walkway leading to the buoy at Davitt’s Quay last Monday. Pictured top and bottom: Large waves coming crashing over the sea wall at Strandside South, Abbeyside, last Monday morning. The digger machine parked at the Lookout, which had to be brought further inland after the high tide began to float the vehicle. Top picture: The pond area of Abbeyside lives up to its name, with flooding in the car park. Bottom: Flooding occurred at the Lookout area. Left: A wave comes up over the wall at the Lookout. Right: A stormy swell at Boreenatra. NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 21 Stormy seas dismantle Youghal boardwalk @By Christy Parker YOUGHAL’S much loved and valued boardwalk at Claycastle beach has incurred major damage during the recent extreme storms that battered the coastline. The structure was subjected to ferocious waves and winds of up to 100 km.p.h., which resulted in several sections of the 400 metre walkway being torn from their base and claimed by a marauding sea. After suffering some lesser damage in the early hours of Friday morning, it was hoped that the teakformed structure would require relatively minor and affordable repairs. However subsequent high tides and gales over the following days wreaked havoc on the installation. Come Saturday afternoon, several sections of decking had been detached and on Monday morning large segments had been carried by the huge waves half a mile up-river to Green Park. At the Front Strand, some 200 metres from Claycastle, numerous sections of decking were seen smashed onto the rocks. Back at Claycastle what remained of the decking lay strewn about or semi-buried under deep layers of shifted sands. The boardwalk was opened in July 2012 at a cost of €220,000, 80% of which was provided by Fáilte Ireland. It has proved a phenomenally popular inducement, drawing crowds from near and far to a stroll parallel to the ebbing tide. DOUBTS AND DETERMINATION It has been anticipated that the structure would be extended another 1,500 metres to Redbarn and form part of the National Coastal Route. Cork County Council recently reiterated its commitment to the project. Youghal Mayor Sammy Revins felt that grave doubts pervaded over the entire scheme, inclusive of the Claycastle section, which is managed by Youghal Town Council. “You have to take risks sometimes with public initiatives like that,” he reasoned, “but you really can’t ever fully allow for the forces nature.” Meantime Youghal Town Clerk Helen Mulcahy strikes an optimistic note. She points out that the piles that form the foundations of the structure and which Flooding in Youghal. Youghal’s boardwalk is dismantled by the stormy weather and raging sea. [Ger Flanagan] are its more expensive aspect “are totally undamaged. So there is no doubt,” she continues, “that we will do our utmost to restore the boardwalk, though obviously in a more resilient form. We already have engineers assessing the situation.” Other than the boardwalk devastation, the high tide brought heavy flooding to a large section of Youghal’s back street on Monday morning. [Ger Flanagan] Youghal’s streets are submerged underwater. [Ger Flanagan] 22 NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 JPC vote of sympathy on death of former Councillors A VOTE of sympathy was expressed at the recent Joint Policing Committee meeting on the death of two former Councillors. Cllr. John Carey, who chaired the County JPC, proposed the vote of sympathy to the family of the late Michael O’Riordan, a Council disposes of land in Tramore WATERFORD County Council agreed to give Tramore Surf Lifesaving Club a portion of land, at the Promenade, Tramore. At the December meeting of the Council, Councillors were told that the transfer of 0.0027 h.a. of land, for a consideration of €10.00 per year for 25 years, is to facilitate the construction of a National Training Centre for Surf Lifesaving and a beachguard facility. Permission for the transfer of land was proposed by Cllr. Mary Greene (FG) and seconded by Cllr. Paddy O’Callaghan (Lab). Meanwhile, the Council agreed to transfer land to Tramore Tourism for ten years, at €10.00 per year, for construction of an inclusive play park and obstacle course. On the proposal of Cllr. Pat Daly, seconded by Cllr. Ann Marie Power, the Council agreed to transfer the section of land at the Public Park in Tramore, to Tramore Tourism. Cllr. Ann Marie Power (Non-party) said the development of a National Training Centre for Surf Lifesaving and a beachguard facility and the construction of a play park are “important and exciting projects” for Tramore. Director of Services, Brian White, said it was hopeful that the National Training Centre for Surf Lifesaving and a beachguard facility would be constructed and operational sometime in 2014. Cllr. Mary Greene (FG) said she was delighted the National Training Centre was going ahead in Tramore, because it would also affect and be beneficial to the people of County Waterford. “This will be a ‘national’ centre and it is an achievement for the organisation particularly since we are a coastal county,” said Cllr. Greene. former Councillor and Mayor of Dungarvan; and to the family of the late Jimmy Byrne, also a former Councillor and Chairman of the Town Council. Both Mr. O’Riordan and Mr. Byrne passed away on 16th December, last. Earthquake confirmed off Cork coast in December The waves crashing over the sea wall onto a stranded van on the Gold Coast Road last Monday. [On The Spot Photography/www.onthespotphotography.ie] High profile speakers at mental health awareness conference Waterford Dungarvan Youghal Epicentre of eathquake THE Irish National Seismic Network (INSN), which monitors seismic activity, confirmed that an earthquake measuring 2.6 magnitude occurred off the West Cork coast on Wednesday, 4th December, last. The INSN said the earthquake, which occurred around 7.57 a.m., in the Celtic Sea, approximately 18 km south of Ballymacshoneen, on the Seven Heads Peninsula, is the first known seismic event of its kind to be recorded in the region since Irish records began in 1978. The earthquake was recorded by the INSN’s seismic stations in Valentia, Dublin and Wexford, with reports from All interested parties and members of the public urged to attend THERE will be 11 high profile speakers at this year’s Mental Health and Suicide Awareness conference, which will be held in Dungarvan at the end of this month. The two-day conference, which is being organised by Cllr. Liam Brazil, will be held in Sister Gertrude Howley, the Park Hotel, GROW - one of the speakers Dungarvan, on 31st at the conference. January, and 1st February and all mem- conference include: bers of the public are Sister Gertrude Howley, very welcome to attend. GROW; Dr. John The speakers at the Connolly, Irish Association of Suicidology; Conor Cusack, Cork Hurler; Darryl Barry, Waterford Marine Search and Rescue; Chris Shields, Queens University, Belfast; a representative of Pieta House; Ann Barron, Samaritans; April Duff, Comhaire Dr. John Connolly, Irish na nÓg; Nikki Hayes, Association of Suicidology, will D.J. for Spin1038; Séan also speak at the conference. McCarthy, Resource Officer Suicide Prevention, HSE South; and Kevin Collins, AWARE. The conference will start at 7.00 p.m. on Friday, 31st January, 2014, in the Ballroom of the Park Hotel, Dungarvan, and will continue on Saturday, 1st February, 2014, from 9.30 a.m. and conclude at 5.15 p.m. Cllr. Brazil is encouraging everyone to attend the conference, which aims to raise awareness, and remove the stigma, of mental health and suicide issues, and promote positive mental health. The conference is being supported by Waterford County Local Authorities. For more information, contact Cllr. Brazil on 087-2119203, or email cllrlbrazil@waterfordcoco.ie Courtmacsherry and Timoleague, which are located 25 and 27 km respectively, from the epicentre of the earthquake. The event is unique because of the fact that it occurred in a region that has not previously shown any seismic activity in the 35 years since records began. One of the strongest earthquakes in Ireland took place on 6th June, 2012, when a 4.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded 60 km west of Aughleam, Belmullet, County Mayo, while the most significant land earthquake recorded in Ireland was in May, 2010, at Lisdoonvarna, County Clare, when a 2.7 magnitude earthquake occurred. Importance of JPCs highlighted THE importance of the Joint Policing Committees were highlighted at the recent JPC meeting held in Dungarvan. Raising the issue, Cllr. Ann Marie Rossiter said that despite Dungarvan Town Council being abolished in June, and the amalgamation of Waterford County and City Councils, there is still a need for a JPC based in West Waterford. Concurring, Cllr. Nicky Sheehan said if the JPCs are abolished along with the Town Council, or transferred up to Waterford City as part of the amalgamation, the ‘local knowledge’ will be lost. JPC member Gabriel Foley said it would become “a total bureaucracy” and no-one will know who to contact in relation to issues of crime and safety. All present agreed that the JPC was important for the local area. 23 NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Jobs Ireland – Free vacancy advertising for employers and vacancy search and advice facility for jobseekers Over 101,000 jobs advertised to end November 2013 WWW.JOBSIRELAND.IE has advertised more than 101,000 jobs to end November 2013. This service, provided by the Department of Social Protection, allows employers to advertise posts on www.jobsireland.ie and provides job-ready candidates to help employers fill vacancies.These services are provided at no cost to employers. The Department’s National Contact Centre (NCC), based in Edenderry, Co Offaly, which operates the free job advertising and matching service, provides employers and jobseekers with information and profiles about prospective jobs and staff through: • the websites www.jobsireland.ie and www.welfare.ie, • smart phone apps, • self-service kiosks in Department of Social Protection Intreo Centres nationwide and • FREEPHONE service 1800 611 116. The Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton TD said: “In 2013 to the end of November, the National Contact Centre handled 24,377 vacancy calls and 23,625 emails from employers, which resulted in 101,379 positions for IT professionals, the hospitality sector, account clerks and production workers among others. “Through the Freephone number jobseekers can also contact experienced Department staff in order to get up-to-date information and advice on current job vacancies and career information.” The NCC processes JobBridge National Internship Scheme applications for internship vacancies from employers and this year, the Centre has processed 17,376 applications. More than 24,000 internships have commenced since JobBridge was launched in July 2011, with more than 6,500 people currently availing of JobBridge internships. The NCC also undertakes surveys of employers to assess customer service levels. The most recent survey (January 2013 – June 2013) continues to indicate a strong level of satisfaction with 93% of employers positively rating the overall service provided by NCC. 84% of employers stated that they had their vacancy filled within two months of engaging with the NCC with 64% of these employers saying that they had done so with a Department of Social Protectionreferred candidate (when ‘Don’t Knows’ were excluded, this figure went up to 82%). Minister Burton continued: “I would strongly urge employers to avail of the Jobs Ireland service from my Department, which is registering very good levels of satisfaction with employers. Employers wishing to register their company and advertise a vacancy can avail of the free service at www.welfare.ie or via the Freephone number 1800 611 116. “Employers may find that they are also entitled to financial support when they recruit a person who is unemployed for more than 12 months through JobsPlus, the wage subsidy incentive for employers. Already JobsPlus has helped to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs since its launch last July.” Through JobsPlus, regular cash payments are made to qualifying employers to offset wage costs where they engage jobseekers who have been on the Live Register for more than 12 months. There are two levels of payment: a payment of €7,500 over two years to the employer for each person recruited who has been unemployed for more than 12 but less than 24 months; and €10,000 over two years to the employer for each person recruited who has been unemployed for more than 24 months. Further information and advice on all aspects of the JobsPlus Incentive is available by accessing www.jobsplus.ie, sending an email to jobsplusinfo@welfare.ie or by calling (071) 9672535/9672583 or by visiting any of the Department's offices. Sean Walsh, Local Independent representative in local elections “I HAVE been selected to stand as an Independent candidate in the 2014 Local Elections. I have taken the decision to stand due to the large number of residents urging me to do so. “Being actively involved in the running of Deputy John Halligan’s clinics in the area has enabled me to help resolve a wide variety of problems for people and I would like to continue this work in a more efficient way by seeking election to the newly amalgamated Waterford City and County Council. “I have actively campaigned on many issues affecting people both locally and on a regional level, including the Anti Property Tax campaign. Incidentally, this change will double in the upcoming year, while additional Water Taxes will place a huge financial burden on families struggling to pay their way. “I assisted in the renovation of the Portlaw Community Hall, a project which has greatly improved the facility for members of the local community. I have also worked with Deputy John Halligan in securing the rights of workers at the Woodlock Nursing Home, we are sill pursuing the issues of backpay and holi- Sean Walsh day pay. “I am also an active member of the local Community Alert and welcome Deputy Halligan’s upcoming Private Members Bill in the Dail on Restoration Justice. “On specifically local issues, the footpaths in many areas of Portlaw are disintegrating and are a danger to residents. An urgent repair/replacement programme needs to be undertaken. Also, the residents in the Cul Rua estate have been informed by Waterford County Council that their request for a zebra crossing to ensure the safety of their children cannot be granted at this time due to financial constraints. Residents in the Knockane, Mayfield and Priest’s Lane areas repeated requests for public lighting have not been undertaken”. “I strongly oppose Eirgrid’s proposal to erect over one hundred 45 metre high pylons across County Waterford, including areas of Mahon Bridge, Ballyduff, Fews, Newtown. The High Road on Stonehouse, with ruinous consequences for our beautiful countryside. I firmly support putting these lines underground. I would also call for a proper debate on Ireland’s future energy needs in which the citizens would have a proper say in deciding our future and safeguarding our heritage. OUR SUFFOCATING DEBT Ireland is paying 42% of the cost of saving Europe’s banks. Eurostat figures show that the average cost to each Irish person is €8,981, whereas Germans are each paying €491 and Britons €172, while the average across the EU is €192 per person. Is it any wonder there is a funding crisis amongst our local authorities? MESSAGE FROM WATERFORD’S INDEPENDENT TD DEPUTY JOHN HALLIGAN “A new direction is being offered by Independent candidates in both local and national politics, a direction based on honesty, integrity and getting the job done. This success can be measured at the polls - Independent TDs represented over 12% of all those elected to the current Dail back in 2011 and repeated opinion polls since have placed the Independent grouping as a formidable force in Dail Eireann. “Independent TDs, Senators and Councillors represent a strong alternative to traditional Irish politics that date back over a century and have not evolved since. Independent politicians put the people not the party - first. “I am delighted to have this opportunity to endorse Sean Walsh in this year’s Local Election. I have known Sean for many years and can testify to his keen commitment to his locality and his sincerity in everything he does. I have no doubt that he would make an excellent local politician”. – John Halligan. CONTACT ME If there is any personal or local issues that I can be of assistance with, please do not hesitate to contact me at 9 Bridge Street, Portlaw, tel. 087 146 5739/387 882. Deputy John Halligan TD’s office can be contacted on 051 871 735/086 267 8622. The person who doesn’t advertise knows what they’re doing – but no one else does! Call … 058-41205/42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie The Causeway Tennis Club Abbeyside, Dungarvan (Parking behind Eurospar) CLASS TIMES Weigh In Talk 8.45 a.m. 10.00 a.m. 10.20 a.m. 11.20 a.m. From Tuesday, 14th January, 2014 White Strand Community Centre Clonea Road, Dungarvan Weigh In Talk 5.00 p.m. 5.30 p.m. Late Weigh at 5.50 p.m. For further details contact Eleanor on 087-6590525 SIMPLE START Start losing weight now. No weighing. No measuring. No worries. Custom & Precision Rifles DUNGARVAN, CO. WATERFORD Rifles & Shotguns Ammunition & Accessories SERVICES: Custom Rifles, Barrels, Threading, Triggers, Training, Rifle Accuracy Optimisation Phone 087-6611993 for an appointment www.customandprecisionrifles.com HEARING AIDS you hard of hearing? ARE Are YOU HARD OF HEARING? "I didn't realise how much I was missing. My quality of life has improved greatly since I got hearing aids from Audivox. Thanks to their quality service I feel more confident and can take a full part in my life again," Ciaran Lynch, 47, Insurance broker CONVENTIONAL HEARING AIDS MAY NOT BE NEEDED Visit our Monthly Hearing Aid Clinic at MURRAY’S PHARMACY 41 GRATTAN SQUARE, DUNGARVAN • 058 41130 Monday, 13th January 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. • • • • • • Special Offer 25% Off all Digital Aids Professional Evaluation of your Hearing Demonstration of benefits of Digital Hearing Aids PRSI Grant for eligible contributors and their spouse Concessions for Medical Card holders Full aftercare service Irish owned company FREE HEARING TEST FREE HEARING Book your FREE Test to benefit from our special offers. For appointment phone 021-4546437 HEARING CLINIC 29, BISHOPSTOWN ROAD, CORK www.audivox.ie info@audivox.ie 24 MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL SWIM Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Fergal Bolger, Ber Flynn and Arnaud Mary. [John Power Photography] 30th Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim – Members of the O'Keeffe family with friends taking part in the 30th Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim in memory of Gary O'Keeffe. [John Power Photography] Lyndsey Farrell, Liam Farrell, Brian Healy and Fiona Walsh. [John Power Photography] Flannan, Martha and Grace Cleary. [John Power Photography] Olga, David and Lukas Pacud. [John Power Photography] Karen Power and Linda O'Keefe. [John Power Photography] Phyllis Lenihan. Maureen Kirwan and Tony Murphy. [John Power Photography] [John Power Photography] Matteo and Enzo Mary with Liam Bolger. [John Power Photography] Ruth Crowley, Siobhan Cantwell and Mai Crowley. Participants in the 30th Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim in memory of Gary O'Keeffe. [John Power Photography] [John Power Photography] NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Funding for Portlaw Fire Station welcomed Gardaí requested to use CCTV to catch people not cleaning up after their dogs DUNGARVAN Gardaí have been requested to use the CCTV to identify dog owners who allow their dogs to poop on the pavement and not clean up after their animals. At the recent Joint Policing Committee meeting, Cllr. Ann Marie Rossiter said there is a serious problem with dog fouling around Mitchel Street, the front and side of St. Mary’s Parish Church, and in front of the CBS. “It seems to occur very early in the morning,” Cllr. Rossiter told the meeting. “There were at least ten different areas of dog fouling along that path on one 25 FUNDING for the development of Portlaw Fire Station was welcomed at the December meeting of Waterford County Council. Cllr. Brendán Coffey (FG) welcomed the news that construction for the development of the fire station is planned to commence later in 2014. He also queried when County Waterford would be getting a new fire tender. Director of Services, Frank Curran said there is no exact date when the new fire tender will arrive, but it is expected before the end of the year. RECRUITMENT Cllr. Pat Fitzgerald (SF) queried if there plans for further recruitment in the fire service, saying that some rural stations don’t have enough personnel to man the fire engines. However, Mr. Curran said County Waterford Fire Service has “full cover” and can respond to all calls. “As soon as a vacancy arises particular day,” she said. Cllr. Nicky Sheehan said that with the state of the pavements, people may as well be walking through a farmer’s yard. JPC member Gabriel Foley said dog fouling on pavements is a major problem and a nuisance for people with sight impairments. Superintendent Michael Leacy said a few prosecutions may make dog owners more responsible. Cllr. Rossiter suggested that the CCTV around town be used to catch people not cleaning up after their animals. It was pointed out that the bins around town now accept dog waste. there is recruitment, on an ongoing basis,” said Mr. Curran. “We have a minimum number of staff at a station. As soon as someone retires or leaves, the recruitment process starts immediately.” Cllr. Fitzgerald said it was his understanding that the rules in relation to the number of personnel in a fire tender has increased from four to five. He said it was difficult to ask part-time firefighters to work a week on and a week off, while increasing the amount of personnel manning a fire tender. “If we have personnel down in a station who have not been replaced, it makes it even more difficult,” said Cllr. Fitzgerald. “Have we any immediate plans to replace the people who left?” he asked. Mr. Curran replied that as soon as someone leaves the fire service, the recruitment process begins immediately. Council asks public to remember the environment after the festive season WATERFORD County Council is asking the public to remember the environment after all the excesses of Christmas. An Environment spokesperson with Waterford County Council said that with little effort and imagination, people can reduce the environmental impact after the Christmas season by recycling. “Please ensure that all your cards, wrapping paper and packaging is disposed of correctly by placing them in the recycling bin/bag,” said the Council spokesperson. “Recycling your batteries is very important as according to the EPA (Environment Protection Agency) about 40% of all battery sales occur over the Christmas period. Discarded batteries are an environmental hazard and even rechargeable batteries find their way into the waste stream eventually.” Even though many people opt for a plastic Christmas tree instead of a real tree, the spokesperson pointed out that real tress are “the more sustainable choice”. “Plastic trees are made from petroleum products (PVC), and use up resources in both the manufacturing processes and shipping,” the spokesperson said. “Artificial trees theoretically last forever; research shows that they are typically discarded when repeated use makes them less attractive. “Discarded artificial trees are then sent to landfills, where their plastic content makes them last forever. “Live trees, on the other hand, are a renewable resource grown on tree farms that are replanted regularly. “They contribute to air quality while growing and are usually grown locally saving on transportation costs and air pollution. “Real trees also smell like Christmas and can be recycled as they are a living resource which should be disposed of in an environmentally friendly way,” the spokesperson said. “Remember to remove all dec- orations, lights and stands from your tree before bringing it to your local Civic Amenity Site as they cannot be composted and will damage the shredding equipment.” Real trees can be deposited free at Dungarvan Civic Amenity Site located at Ballinamuck, Dungarvan. The opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Saturday 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. For all our customers living in the East of the County, real Christmas trees can be brought free of charge to the Kilbarry Civic Amenity Site in Waterford City for recycling. The opening hours are 11.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 10.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. on Saturdays. Trees should not be left outside of these designated times and there is no designated collection points for Christmas trees in the County. If you leave a Christmas tree in a public place you can be issued with a €150 litter fine. The spokesperson urged people to make one resolution this year to recycle everything you can. “It’s good for the environment, the future and saves money,” the spokesperson added. WHAT (the Waterford Healing Arts Trust) elects a new committee A NEW committee for the WHAT (the Waterford Healing Arts Trust) will be elected from the membership of the organisation at an Extraordinary General Meeting on Monday, 27th January, 2014. WHAT is currently accepting applications for membership. Based in the WHAT Centre for Arts and Health at Waterford Regional Hospital, the first of its kind in the country, WHAT is one of Ireland’s leading arts and health programmes and a support organisation for the field of arts and health nationally. It promotes health and wellbeing through the arts, reduces anxiety and stress for patients, visitors and staff through integrating art into Waterford Regional Hospital and other healthcare environments and supports the development of arts and health in the Republic of Ireland through training, information, advice and through management of the national website www.artsandhealth.ie. Members will be invited to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting of WHAT at which they can elect another member / be elected onto the WHAT Management Committee. Members will also be given: • An introduction to the work of WHAT including a tour of the art collection • An invitation to an annual lecture on arts and health exclusively for mem- bers • Invitations to WHAT public events • Borrowing rights for the WHAT arts and health library • Invitations to Culture Vulture events (monthly arts outings in Waterford city. Participants must pay their own admission fees.) • Information on arts and health nationally via artsandhealth.ie and e-bulletins • 20% reduction on renting space in the WHAT Centre for Arts and Health • 20% reduction on professional development and paid events Membership costs €10 per annum, and to become a member, please contact WHAT at 051 842664 or email WHAT@hse.ie for a membership form. Members must be aged 18 years or over, agree to abide by the constitution of the Waterford Healing Arts Trust and have an interest in the field of arts and / or health. For further information on the work of WHAT, see www.waterfordhealingarts.c om. Waterford Healing Arts Trust’s Art Kart in the Paediatric Unit of Waterford Regional Hospital. Coláiste Chathail Naofa pays tribute to the late Michael O’Riordan THE Staff, Students and the Board of Management of Coláiste Chathail Naofa would like to pay tribute to the late Michael O’Riordan who passed away before Christmas. Michael was a life-long friend of the school and the V.E.C. Michael had a huge interest in vocational education as he was a past student of Dungarvan Technical College and he was also President of the Past Pupil’s Association. Michael had always shown a great interest in the development of the school and helped it grow from strength to strength. Michael had served on the Board of Management over many years and made a great contribution to the functions of the board and had great insight into any matters to do with the fabric of the school. Cllr. John Hearne wishes good luck for the year ahead “MY biggest hope is that those Republicans who disagree with our strategy, will recognise that their violent activities are now one of the biggest obstacles to further change. Nobody in 2014 needs to die or be injured. “End your futile campaigns and join with us as comrades again to build the new Republic! “End your futile campaigns and campaign with us politically for the removal of MI5, for an unarmed police force, for full language equality, for mutual respect for every tradition, for jobs, houses and a share of prosperity for all! “Don't send anymore young men or women to their graves or to cold prison cell in a pointless conflict. “My fervent wish is that in 2014 we will see a declaration of the end of these campaigns and that every prisoner will be returned to their families. “Go n-eiri an t-adh libh go leor!” 26 FEATURE Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Frank Colbert, co-writer of ‘The Forgotten Legends,’ writes from South Africa … Dublin’s Busby Babe – Liam Whelan THE 1958 Munich aircrash involving the Manchester United team was one of the greatest tragedies ever, not only in soccer. but in sport generally. In addition to the many journalists and club officials who perished on the snow-covered runway, a total of eight young players in the club’s hugely promising team also died, including the 22-year old Dublin-born Liam Whelan. Subsequently, many impressive superlatives have been used to describe him by his contemporaries, both players and journalists, alike. As a player he has been labelled as: “a genius,” “the artist of the pre-Munich team,” “an absolute gem of a player” and a player who “would have been one of the greatest of all footballers.” Also, in addition, many ex-team mates have described him as: “a gentle Irishman” and “a softspoken Dubliner who was one of the loveliest men and finest gentlemen I have ever met.” THE 1968 EUROPEAN CUP FINAL On the morning of 28th May, 1968, I found myself aboard a London-bound plane at Dublin airport. With much excitement I was heading for Wembley stadium for the European Cup final that evening between my beloved Manchester United and Benfica from Portugal. However, my feeling of excitement was soon mixed with one of discomfort and apprehension as the carrier bounded down the runway due to an apparent lack of oxygen in the cabin and in particular the fact that I had never previously flown in my life. Fortunately, the kindly lady seated next to me quickly noticed my predicament and therefore soon started to engage me in conversation with an apparent view to distracting me. She soon introduced herself as being the mother of Liam Whelan and she was accompanied by another son, John, who at that time was playing for Drumcondra in the League of Ireland. Soon after the plane took off I therefore now started to gradually forget about the apparent claustrophobic atmosphere, and for the remainder of the flight our conversation mostly revolved around the forthcoming big match that evening. During the flight she told me that both John and herself had been invited to the game as guests of the charismatic manager Matt Busby, together with other relatives of the Munich victims, as well as all the staff at the club. Before long we were now landing at Heathrow airport and we then parted company. Much to my good fortune I subsequently found myself that evening at Wembley seated only metres away from United captain Bobby Charlton as he was presented with the elusive European Cup trophy after a hugely exciting and emotional game won by 4-1. At the final whistle there were hugely exhilarating scenes on the edge of the pitch below as tear-stained Munich survivors Busby, Charlton and teammate Foulkes emotionally embraced. It was very obvious to me, and to tens of thousands of other United fans, that the thoughts of all three of them were now with their former team- mates and friends, including Liam Whelan, who had lost their young lives at Munich while pursuing the same prized trophy ten years earlier. For obvious reasons, the morning newspapers the following morning duly described it as the greatest day so far in United’s impressive history. While boarding my plane the next morning I looked out in vain for Mrs. Whelan and John so that I could share with them the happy events from the previous evening, not only at Wembley, but also at the post-match banquet where a joyously happy Busby had fittingly sang Louis Armstrong‘s famous song titled “What a Wonderful World.” Three months later I was pleased to see that Matt Busby had brought his newly-crowned European Champions across to Dublin to play in a preseason testimonial game for John Whelan. It was just another example of the high esteem in which Liam Whelan was held in by Busby’s United. About six months later I once again read the book titled “The Day a team Died” about the Munich aircrash which was written by Frank Taylor who was the only surviving journalist at Munich. In his enthralling book he gave a vivid account of the crash and also described the reaction of some of the passengers, both players and newsmen, as the ill-fated plane failed once again to take off from the snow-covered runway on the third and last attempt. Dramatically, he happened to detail the last words of devout Catholic Liam Whelan just before the impact, as he blessed Typical happy days for the Busby Days – Left to right: Liam Whelan, Wilf McGuinness, Tommy Taylor on Saxophone, Bobby Charlton and David Pegg. himself and somewhat calmly declared: “If this is the end, then I am ready for it!” While I now started to recall my own somewhat apprehensive reaction at Dublin airport initially as we were taxing down the runway in a plane which was totally safe, in contrast to Liam Whelan’s, who coincidentally was also aged 22, at Munich, I started to feel somewhat embarrassed while comparing his peaceful reaction in a plane which was obviously about to crash in dramatic tragic manner. Frank Taylor went on to describe later in his book how the United goalkeeper, and my own personal hero and role model, Harry Gregg, subsequently travelled specially from his native Belfast down to Dublin in order to convey in person to Mrs. Whelan the details of Liam’s somewhat relaxed reaction on the plane which he himself also had been witness to. Despite the initial tremendous shock experienced by the whole Whelan family at the news of Liam’s sudden tragic death, this thoughtful gesture by Gregg was a source of great comfort to them all. LIAM’S EARLY YEARS Liam Augustine Whelan was born in the Dublin suburb of Cabra in April 1935 and was the fourth child in a family of seven. He normally spent many hours a week kicking a tennis ball around his local street as a young boy with his schoolmates, and soon became very talented also in hurling and gaelic football. Before Liam left national school it was obvious that he was a prodigious talent and from his classroom window he could see Dalymount Park the home ground of the Irish international team. Frequently he would stare out the window dreaming that one day he would follow in the footsteps of his hero and captain of Ireland and Manchester United, Johnny Carey. He was soon the star performer in an Irish Schoolboys team that defeated England 8-4 in Dublin. Shortly afterwards he joined Home Farm as a centre forward and represented Ireland also at youth level. Many decades later his brother Christy admitted that he never had any doubt that Liam was going to make it big and stated that: “I knew there was something special about him from the time he was 14. I was four years older than him and we were very close. I became a father to him after the sudden death of our father when he was seven because I was six years older than him.” Despite growing up close to Dalymount Park, Liam was normally more interested in playing than attending a game.The only exceptional instance when he would go to attend a League of Ireland game was to watch his personal hero Paddy Coad and his Shamrock Rovers team in action. The Waterford-born star was generally reckoned to be the most famous Irish player never to go across to play for an English club. In 1951 he played for the Irish schoolboys team that beat England by 8-4. As a 17- year old in 1953 he was brought to the attention of Manchester United by the club’s local scout Billy Behan. At that time the Reds were looking for a replacement for the highly promising inside forward John Doherty who had just broken a leg. ARRIVING AT OLD TRAFFORD Having arrived in Manchester it took the shy and introverted Liam quite a while to overcome his homesickness and he eventually ended up in digs at Mrs. Watson’s boarding house with several other Liam Whelan young clubmates, and shared a room with Bobby Charlton. Unlike many other teammates who loved pop music, both of them would invariably shun the local nightspots, preferring to stay behind listening to their collection of records by singer like Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Guy Mitchell and they soon became like brothers. Initially Liam signed amateur forms, but a few impressive performances in the first week resulted in him quickly turning professional. Continued next week. Manchester United Youth Team 1950s – Front row (l. to r.): Duncan Edwards, David Pegg, Wilf McGuinness, Eddie Colman and Bobby Charlton. Back row (l. to r.): Bobby Harrop, Albert Scanlon, Tony Hawkesworth, A. Beswick and Liam Whelan. NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Advertising Observer Classifieds Deadline for all adverts is 10.00 a.m. each Tuesday A L L S TO C K R E D U C E D 50% OFF DISCONTINUED RANGES Dungarvan Home Furnishings 85 O’Connell Street, Dungarvan. Tel. 058-23694 (ind.) O C C Gardening Services COMERAGH LANDSCAPING – The landscaping profes-sionals. Garden design and layout. Planting, water features, patios, stonework, kerbing, fencing, etc. Lawn laying turfed and seeded. For a professional and affordable service contact Paul Curran (087) 2908403. www.comeraghlandscaping.ie (ind.) ADVANCE LANDSCAPING – Your Qualified Garden Specialists. Design, Construction, Restoration and Maintenance. Lawns, Patios, Planting, Driveways, Decking, Stonework and Fencing. Phone: Brad (087) 9390322 / (058) 41693 / www.advancelandscaping.ie (31-12) O C C PVC Windows & Doors PVC WINDOWS & DOORS DOUBLE GLAZED – Ring: Andrew Kennedy of Southern Kennedy PVC, The Vee area, Clogheen (086) 1775510. (12-2) O C C Re-Upholstery RE-UPHOLSTERY CARPETS, CURTAINS, FURNITURE – Free estimates in your own home. Collection and delivery. Sofas and Couches made to order. Curtains and Pelmets made to measure. Extensive range of fabrics to choose from. Colour co-ordinating service free in Showrooms. A visit to our Showrooms is a must. Open Monday to Saturday incl. All work guaranteed. Ned O’Connell, Seafield, Youghal. Tel. (024) 93106. O C C Glass & Glazing PHOENIX CREATIVE GLASS – Glass Repair Specialist. Double & Triple Glazed Units Manufacturer. Tiffany Stain Glass Specialist. Float Glass, Patterned Glass, Tiffany Glass Panels, Laminated Glass, Mirrors, Tiffany Lamps and Mirrors. Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Tel. (087) 6674089. (22-1) O C C C Tarmacadam TARMACADAM & TAR & CHIPPINGS – Drainage and Kerbing. Michael Fennell, Stradbally, (086) 8342233 / (051) 293943. (1-1) O C C Telephone: (058) 41205 / 42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie J A N U A RY SALE O C Tree Surgeon QUALIFIED TREE SURGEON AVAILABLE – For all aspects of Tree Surgery, Tree Felling, Reductions, Wood-chipping, Hedge Cutting. Contact your local professional Fergal Colbert at (087) 7933481. FULL PUBLIC AND EMPLOYERS LIABILITY INSURANCE. Notice to Advertisers It is a condition of acceptance of advertisements orders that the proprietors do not guarantee the insertion of any particular advertisement on a special date or at all. Although every effort will be made to meet the wishes of the advertisers; further they do not accept liability for any loss or damage caused by an error or inaccurracy in the printing of any advertisement. They reserve the right to refuse or alter any advertisement, no matter by whom or where accepted for publication; also to discontinue the publication of any advertisements previously published. Advertisements paid or otherwise are therefore accepted only subject to the above conditions. The advertiser undertakes to indemnify the proprietors against all liability for any civil action arising out of publication of the advertisement. (ind.) Computer Services COMPUTER AND LAPTOP REPAIRS – On Site Repairs, Set-ups, Upgrades, Data Recovery and Training. Virus and pop-up removal. Qualified computer Engineer and Trainer. 20 years experience. Reasonable rates. Tel. Shane Deevy (087) 9872006. (ind.) O C C Chimney Cleaning DOMESTIC CHIMNEY CLEANING – Professional and clean. All types – Open Fires • Specialising in Stoves • Back Boilers • Cowls Fitted • Bird’s Nests Cleared • Sealed • Cleaned • Vacuumed • Scraped. Fully insured, Registered and Qualified. No mess guaranteed. Covering all areas, town and country. Stove Fitting service available. Call: Paul (087) 9790952 or (051) 293809. (8-1) O C C Samaritans W O R R I E D ? D I S T R E S S E D ? SUICIDAL? – Whatever you're going through, we're here to listen and help, 24 hours a day, every day. Call SAMARITANS in confidence 1850 60 90 90, or e-mail us jo@samaritans.org (ind.) O C C To Let SHERRY FITZGERALD REYNOLDS LETTINGS – Urgently require Houses and Apartments TO LET in all areas of Dungarvan and West Waterford. Please contact Gerardine Reynolds on 087 2458848 / 058 23444. (ind.) AFFANE, CAPPOQUIN – 3 Bed Bungalow to let. Low rent. Easy to heat. Quiet setting. Own garden. Tel. (087) 8297141. (29-1) 3 BEDROOM HOUSE TO LET – The Mills, Lismore. Private parking. Large back garden. Immediate availability. Tel. (087) 9613480. (15-1) O C C Novena THE MIRACULOUS PRAYER – Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I’ve asked for many favours. This time I ask you this very special one (mention favour). Take it, Dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then, in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen. (Say this prayer for 3 days, promise publication, and favour will be granted). Never known to fail. G.F. O C C Bridge DEISE BRIDGE CLUB (6/1/2014) – 1st Michael Kirwan & Sadie Bean Ui Mheachain; 2nd Des O'Toole & Kathleen McNamara; 3rd Brien O'Brien & Paddy Lannen; 4th Mary Fenton & Maureen Connors; 5th Cait Christopher & Pauline Dempsey. 27 O C C For Sale TYRES! TYRES! TYRES! – Full callout breakdown service. Quick puncture repairs. Lorry, tractor and car. Also all makes of car serviced and repaired. Contact: Eamonn Beresford, THE CASTLE GARAGE, Dungarvan. Open 6 days, 8.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., including dinner hour. Tel. (058) 43540 / (086) 8128184. (ind.) O C C Livestock DEAD & DISABLED CATTLE COLLECTED IN ALL AREAS – Ring: Fitzgerald’s Licensed Knackery, Coolagown. (025) 36662 or (086) 8193202 / (087) 8193202. (ind.) FOR SALE – Pedigree Angus Heifer (May 2012) and Pedigree Angus Bull (March 2012). Mobile: (087) 9898560 / (058) 46434. O C C Horse Riding HORSE RIDING LESSONS – Available for all ages and capabilities. Liverly also available. Beginners lessons starting in January 2014. Enquiries: (087) 6387938. (8-1) O C C Soccer Coaching VINNY SULLIVAN RUNS JUST4STRIKERS SOCCER COACHING SCHOOL – In Dungarvan every Sunday morning for boys and girls aged between 6–14 years old. For more information contact Vinny on (087) 7501059. (15-1) † Drohan Monumentals † Headstones in Marble, Granite & Limestone Inscriptions Cut Existing Stones Cleaned & Restored Graves Chipped Tel. (058) 43211. Mobile: (087) 2540295. www.drohanfuneraldirectors.ie O C C Farm Labourer FARM LABOURER REQUIRED FOR SPRING WORK ON FARM – 2km from Dungarvan. Box No. 5400. (25-1) O C C STAIRS CUSTOM JOINERY 087 2420124 Grinds 3rd, 5th AND 6th YEAR STUDENTS – Some places available in Irish, Maths and English grinds. Higher and ordinary level. Excellent teachers, small class sizes, excellent results. Also enrolling for evening and Saturday supervised study. All at Deise College, now 10 years providing top quality educational services to families. Contact Alan at 058-48623. (22-1) (ind.) Button Accordion Lessons for Adults BEGINNERS AND INTERMEDIATES Learn Session tunes by: • Ear • Tonic Solfa (do, ra, mi) • abc notation One-to-one classes or group classes Contact MANNIX (087) 2868955 (15-1) O C C Language Classes LANGUAGE CLASSES FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN – French / German / Spanish / Italian / Irish. Now enrolling for new classes. The Language People dungarvanlanguagepeople@gmail.com (087) 9753783. (31-1) SERVICES AVAILABLE Deadline for all adverts is 10.00 a.m. each Tuesday Telephone: (058) 41205 / 42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.com MUNSTER TRUCK, TRAILER AND BUS SERVICES – Tachograph Calibration and Installation • Speed Limiter Installation and Repair • DOE Preparation • Servicing • Sand Blasting • Spray Painting • Contact: Gerard on 058-68855 or 087-2884113 • www.truckrepairs.ie • info@truckrepairs.ie • Garryduff, Colligan, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. (ind.) …………………………………………………………………... MURRAY’S ROOFING DUNGARVAN – Re-roofing specialists. Slate/Tile • flatroofs • guttering/downpipes • chimney work • chimney cowls • ridge tiles • lead flashing Villierstown Joinery lead valleys • supply fit roof velux windows • UPVC fascias/soffits • insurance work under-taken • all work holds a full written guarantee • all areas covered • For a free written quotation and emergency work call Paul on (058) 43992, mobile (086) 2109547. (ind.) …………………………………………………………………... JOHN SEWARD HEATING & PLUMBING, Grange, Co. Waterford. Tel. (087) 9639544 / (024) 94710 – Oil Boiler Servicing and Commissioning. New Houses – Heating and Plumbing System. Maintenance and Repairs to Existing Systems. Bathroom Refurbishments. (29-1) O C C Irish Dance Classes IRISH DANCE CLASSES – The Ryan School of Irish Dancing will resume all Dance Classes in Ardfinnan, Ballinroad, Dungarvan, Ardmore and Ballinameela this week commencing 6th January. New beginners always welcome from aged 4 years upwards. Contact: Deirdra Kiely on (086) 0640892. O C C Adult Irish Dance Classes ADULT IRISH DANCE CLASSES – Starting Wednesday, 15th January, at 7.30 p.m. in Lawlors Hotel, Dungarvan. Get fit with a mixture of aerobic exercise, stretching and learn the basics of Irish Step Dancing. All ages and abilities welcome! Tell your friends! Contact: Deirdra Kiely on (086) 0640892. BEREAVEMENT Support and help available Service – Free & Confidential Tel. 058-46100 www.westwaterfordbereavement.org 28 O C BUCKLEY (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Helen Buckley, late of Church Street, Cappoquin, who died on 10th January, 2010. R.I.P. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 18th January, 2014, in John The Baptist Church, Affane, at 8.15 p.m. We hold you close within our hearts, And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives, Until we meet again. Will those who think of Helen today, A little prayer to Jesus say. –Sadly missed by her loving husband Jimmy, sons, daughters and families. CARROLL (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Thomas Carroll, late of Glen, Clonea, Dungarvan, who died on 14th January, 2010. R.I.P. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 12th January, in Garranbane Church at 11.00 a.m. Every day in some small way, Thoughts of you come our way, Years may pass and tears may dry, But memories of you will never die. IN MEMORIAM In Memoriam CURRAN (1st anniversary) – In loving memory of our father Patrick (Pa) Curran, late of Mass Lane, Cappoquin, whose Anniversary is on 9th January. God looked around His garden, And found an empty place, He then looked down upon the earth, And saw your tired face. He put His arms around you, And lifted you to rest, God’s garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering, He knew you were in pain, He knew that you would never, Get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough, And the hills were hard to climb, So He closed your weary eyelids, And whispered “peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you, But you didn’t go alone, For part of us went with you, The day God called you home. –Lovingly remembered by Hilda, Deirdre, Maria, Stephen, Jennifer, Thomas and Darren. Use the Small Adverts. Section Call our Office or use your Credit or Debit Card by Phone Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Tel. (058) 41205 / 42042. Fax: (058) 41559. DUGGAN (3rd anniversary) – In loving memory of Michael Duggan, late of 59 Mitchell Street, Dungarvan, who died on 12th January, 2011. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 21st January, at 9.30 a.m., in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan. Will those who think of Dad today, A little prayer to Jesus say. –Always remembered by your loving family. FLYNN (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Catherine Flynn, late of Fox’s Castle, Kilmacthomas, who died on 14th January, 2010. MAM No matter how we spend our day, No matter what we do, No morning dawns, no evening falls, Without a thought of you. A heart of gold, a life so true, Also remembering our Dad at this time, Together forever, forgotten never, Both loved and missed always. –Never forgotten by your daughter Mary, son-in-law Pat and grandchildren Alan, Linda, Caroline and Conor and great grandchildren Evan, Ronan and Lauren. For Quick Results Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 CURRAN (1st anniversary) – In loving memory of our grandad Patrick (Pa) Curran, late of Mass Lane, Cappoquin, whose Anniversary is on 9th January. We lost a Grandad, With a heart of gold, How much we miss him, Can never be told. He shared our troubles, And helped us along, If we follow his footsteps, We will never go wrong. We miss you from your fireside chair, Your loving smile and gentle air, Your vacant place no one can fill, We miss you Grandad and always will. –Lovingly remembered by Gabrielle, Patrick, Kyle, Lorcan and Katie, XXXXX. –Love Mary, Helen, Patricia, Regina, John, Pat and families and friends. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated at 9.00 a.m. in Faha Church on Sunday, 12th January, 2014. GALVIN (1st anniversary) – In loving memory of our precious mother Mary (Minnie) Galvin, late of Ballyhussa, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, who died on 14th January, 2013. We will never forget our Mother’s face, The sound of her voice, The gentleness of her touch, She let us know we were loved. We will never forget, The stories she told, The traditions she handed down, She let us know who we are. We will never forget, The lessons she taught, The things she stood for, They are her gift and our legacy. We will never forget, And we will always know, That we honour her every day, In how we live and who we are. HALLAHAN (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Ann Hallahan, late of Durrow, Stradbally, who died on 13th January, 2010. KIRWAN (10th anniversary) – In loving memory of Mary Kirwan, late of 5 St. Bridget’s Terrace, Leamybrien, who died on 12th January, 2004. WALSH (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of Kathleen Walsh, late of Killishal, Cappagh, who died on 5th January, 2010. R.I.P. Thank you Mam for the years we shared, The love you gave and way you cared, You left a place so hard to fill, We miss you Mam and always will. We miss you becasue we loved you, To us you were dearer than gold, No treasure can ever replace you, Your memory will never grow old. –Sadly missed by her daughter Joan, son-in-law Paul and family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 9th February, at 10.30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan, and she will be remembered in Masses on Saturday and Sunday, 11th and 12th January. –Sadly missed by her son Paul, daughter-in-law Joan and family. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 12th January, at 10.30 a.m., in Kilrossanty Church. Do not stand, At my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle Autumn rain. –Always remembered by your loving husband John and all the family. –Dear Mam you are sadly missed and loved and remembered always by your son Ambrose, daughters Caroline and Maria, daughter-in-law Sharon and sons-in-law Paudie and John. GALVIN (1st anniversary) – In loving memory of our dear grandmother Mary (Minnie) Galvin, late of Ballyhussa, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, who died on 14th January, 2013. NANNY Your memory is precious, And never grows old, It is locked in our hearts, In letters of gold. Your presence we miss, And memories we treasure, Missing you always, Forgetting you never. –Sadly missed by your grandchildren and great grandchildren. DAVID KIELY MONUMENTAL WORKS KILADANGAN, DUNGARVAN Showroom at Kiladangan (near Radley’s Engineering Ltd.) over ONE HUNDRED headstones on display Telephone: (058) 42200. Mobile: (086) 2525663. Fax: (058) 48712. www.davidkielymonumentals.com HEADSTONES IN LIMESTONE, MARBLE, POLISHED GRANITE We restore existing headstones, kerbs, graves, chipped, inscriptions, etc. FULL RANGE OF COMPUTER OPTIONS + DESIGNS Distance no problem to us – Member of Guild of Master Craftsmen Ring for appointment: Open Saturday and Sunday HAYES (2nd anniversary) – In loving memory of Michael Hayes, late of Helvick, An Rinn, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, whose 2nd Anniversary occurrs around this time. Léifear Aifreann Cuimneacháin ar son Michael ar an Domhnach 12ú Eanair ag 11.30 i Séipéal na Rinne. Anniversary Mass will be held in An Rinn on Sunday, 12th January, at 11.30 a.m. I’d like the memory of me, To be a happy one, I’d like to leave an afterglow, Of smiles when life is done. I’d like to leave an echo, Whispering softly down the ways, Of happy times and laughing times, And bright and sunny days. I’d like the tears of those who grieve, To dry before the sun, Of happy memories that I leave, When life is done. –Ag Cuimheamh ort Michael, ó Caitlin, Lia Ealga, Michael, Ferdia, Dearbhaile agus Cathal. The person who doesn’t advertise knows what they’re doing – but no one else does! Call … 058-41205/42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie McGRATH (5th anniversary) – In loving memory of Ellen McGrath, late of Grawn, Kilmacthomas, who died on 13th January, 2009. Our life has changed in many ways, Since we were all together, But memories of those happy days, Will live with us forever. You gave us all you had to give, Gifts both big and small, Most of all you gave us love, The greatest gift of all. –Sadly missed and always remembered by your loving sons Martin, Anthony, Breda and granddaughter Caoimhe. WALSH (4th anniversary) – In loving memory of our dear sister Kathleen Walsh, late of Killishal, Cappagh, who died on 5th January, 2010. R.I.P. What man who lives in a foreign country, Would not hurry to return home, We believe paradise to be our true home, A great throng awaits us there – Parents and family members, What joy they share with us, When we come into their sight and embrace them. –Always loved and remembered by her brothers, sisters and all their families. James Kiely & Sons Prop. DAVID KIELY David & Margaret, ‘Garrán Mhuire,’ Kiladangan (058) 42200 / (086) 2525663 (Est. 1919) Irish Association of Funeral Directors Funeral Home Embalming & Cremations Arranged We attend to all the details: Church & Cemetery Floral & Artificial Wreaths Supplied Obituary Notices SHANDON STREET & KILADANGAN, DUNGARVAN Phone: David (058) 42200. Mobile: (086) 2525663. Fax (058) 48712. CLASSIFIED Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 O C Birthday Remembrance O C Planning Permission WATERFORD COUNTY COUNCIL – Permission is sought by Mark and Louise Mason to upgrade the septic tank / waste water treatment system of planning application 08/857 to be in accordance with the EPA code of Practice. Application 08/857 refers to the Construction of a Bungalow, at Knockacronaun, Affane, Cappoquin. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, during its public opening hours, and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. BYRNE – Birthday remembrance for our beloved daughter Amy, late of Coolnasmear, Dungarvan, whose 11th birthday occurs on 13th January. No birthday card to send to you, No gift to show we care, But we have some treasured memories, And a special birthday prayer. So no matter how life changes, No matter what we do, A special place within our hearts, Will always be kept for you. –So sadly missed by Mammy, Daddy, Thomas and Micheál. WATERFORD COUNTY COUNCIL – We, Paudie Kirwan and Emma Wall, are applying to the above for planning permission for the construction of a bungalow house, septic tank, percolation area, garage, new entrance and asslociated site works at Kealfoun, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at the offices of the Planning Authority, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, during normal working hours, i.e. 10.00 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays and first Wednesday of every month). A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority within the period of five weeks beginning on the date of the receipt by the Authority of the application, on the payment of a fee of €20. O C WATERFORD COUNTY COUNCIL – I, Bill Morrissey, seek permission for the upgrade of the wastewater treatment system and percolation area as granted under PD08/1158 to ensure compliance with the EPA Code of Practice and all ancillary site works at Knockalafalla, Rathgormack, Co. Waterford. The planning application may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, during normal opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The Planning Authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. WATERFORD COUNTY COUNCIL – Permission is sought for demolition of disused two-storey dwelling and construction of replacement two storey dwelling and reuse / upgrade existing wastewater treatment system & ancillary works at Lackenagreany, Villierstown – Thomas J. & Claire Broderick. The application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority, Civic Offices, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, during its public opening hours and that a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing on payment of the prescribed fee of €20 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Authority of the application. Acknowledgement † PATRICK (Pa) CURRAN Mass Lane, Cappoquin MANSFIELD – Birthday remembrance of Sheila Mansfield, late of Ballybrusa, Grange, and Hazelwood, Glanmire, Co. Cork, whose birthday occurs on 10th January. R.I.P. If tears could build a stairway, And memories were a lane, We would walk right up to Heaven, And bring you back again. Our hearts still ache in sadness, And secret tears still flow, What it meant to lose you, No one will ever know. But we know you want us, To mourn for you no more, To remember all the happy times, Life still has much in store. Since you’ll never be forgotten, We pledge to you today, A hallowed place within our hearts, Is where you’ll always stay. –From her loving daughters Shirley and Tanya and all her family, XXXX. MANSFIELD – Birthday remembracne of Sheila Mansfield, late of Ballybrusa, Grange, and Hazelwood, Glanmire, Co. Cork, whose birthday occurs on 10th January. If memories could bring us close, Then we are never far apart, For you are always on our minds, And forever in our hearts. –Sadly missed by your mother, brothers and sisters. 29 The family of Pa wish to express our sincere thanks to all those who sympathised with us on the sad loss of our father. To those who attended the removal, funeral, burial and those who sent Mass cards. We would like to thank Fr. Arthure and Fr. Bobby Power who officiated at the Funeral Mass and burial and the Cappoquin Choir, thank you. The guards of honour by the Cappoquin GAA Club and the Cappoquin FC Club throughout the funeral was greatly appreciated. Thanks to Dr. Ben Murphy, the Public Health Nurse; Hely’s Pharmacy, friends and neighbours, especially Pat and Claire Power for all your help down through the years. A special thank to Fr. Kiely for his visits while our father was sick. A special thanks to the staff at Waterford Regional Hospital, especially the Nurses and Doctors in the Coronary Care Unit. To Aidan Walsh & Sons, Undertakers, thank you for your kindness and professionalism; the gravediggers, thank you. It is of great comfort to us to know that Pa meant so much to so many. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass has been offered for all your intentions. Anniversary Mass will be celebrated for Pa in St. Mary’s Church, Cappoquin, at 7.30 p.m., on Saturday, 11th January, 2014. † MARY (Minnie) GALVIN Ballyhussa, Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford Died: 14th January, 2013 The family of the late Mary (Minnie) Galvin would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathised with us on the sad loss of our Mam; all who attended the funeral; also those that could not attend and sent Mass Cards and those that called to convey their sympathy. Thank you to the Doctors and Nurses at Waterford Regional Hospital; to Dr. Roche-Nagle and to Doctor Janes. A special thanks to Fr. Condon for saying the Rosary and to Fr. Keogh, P.P.; Fr. Enright and Fr. Condon for the funeral service. Thanks to Teddy for the beautiful music. Thanks to Kiersey’s and staff for providing the refreshments afterwards. Thanks to John and Orla Murtagh, Funeral Directors, for their courtesy and professionalism which was greatly appreciated and to the gravediggers. As it would be impossible to thank everyone, we trust that this acknowledgement will be accepted by all as a token of our gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions. First Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Sunday, 12th January, in All Saints Church, Newtown, at 11.30 a.m. † JOAN KEANE Cahernaleague, Ballinamult, Co. Waterford The family of Joan Keane would like to thank most sincerely all who sympathised with them on Joan’s death; those that attended the Rosary, removal and Funeral Mass. Thanks to the Chaplin at South Tipperary General Hospital who attended to Joan a number of times while Joan was in hospital; to Fr. Donal Leahy in Kilworth who travelled to Cappoquin to recite the Rosary; to Fr. Brendan Crowley from Clonmel who was present at Joan’s removal and to Fr. Connie Kelleher who was present at Joan’s removal and who celebrated her Funeral Mass. Thanks to the Sliabh gCua/Saint Mary’s G.A.A. Club for forming a Guard of Honour at Joan’s removal and for all they did around the time of Joan’s death for the family. Thanks to the Sliabh gCua Ladies Group for their help; to Pat Dalton and the Sliabh gCua Community Centre for making their facilities available after the burial. Thanks to the gravedigger John Mike and Sacristan Kitty for their help over the few days. Thanks also to Undertakers Aidan and Marie Walsh in Cappoquin for their professional help and assistance. A special thanks to Doctor Sheikh in South Tipperary General Hospital in Clonmel, and to the Doctors and Nurses who were so attentive to Joan in her last days. Thanks also to Doctor David Janes for his care towards Joan. Thanks to the Home Care Attendants that attended to Joan in her final weeks and to Bridget for her help the day that Joan went to hospital. Many other people were so kind to the family at this time and they too are thanked. Joan’s Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated at Saint Mary’s Church in Touraneena on Friday evening (January 10th) at 7.30 p.m. The Anniversary Mass for Joan’s brother Bob and Father Tommy will also be included. † MATTHEW KIELY Stradballymore, Stradbally, Co. Waterford Died: 12th January, 2013 Acknowledgement and First Anniversary On the 1st Anniversary of Matthew’s passing, his wife Cissie, sons David and Michael, daughters Marian and Caroline, would like to thank all those who sympathised with us at the time of our very sad loss; everyone who attended the Rosary, Funeral Mass and Month’s Mind Mass. Thanks to all who sent Mass cards, letters of sympathy, who phoned and travelled long distances; it was very much appreciated by all of us. Our sincere thanks to Fr. Condon who officiated at the Rosary and Funeral Mass. Thanks to Mala Raggett for the beautiful music and singing. Thanks to the Medical and Nursing staff of WRH; Dr. Daly, Nurses and staff of St. Vincent’s Unit, Dungarvan Community Hospital, for their great care to Matthew. Thanks to Dr. Griffin, Kilmacthomas, who looked after Matthew so well; to the Church Sacristan and gravediggers. Thanks also to Tom and James Drohan, Funeral Directors, for their care and professionalism. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our gratitude. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be offered for all your intentions. 1st Anniversary Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, 11th January, at 7.30 p.m. in Holy Cross Church, Stradbally. 30 NEWS Situations Vacant Kitchen Team Assistant Waterford’s most progressive Event Catering team headed up by Eunice Power is now seeking to fill the position of Kitchen Team Assistant As an ideal candidate you will be punctual, self motivated and enjoy working with a progressive and adventurous team. You understand and appreciate working with great ingredients, will love the idea of personally developing your skills throughout your tenure with us. The position is to cover maternity leave from February until September 2014. The position will be part-time initially and full-time during the summer season. Applications should be sent to jobs@eunicepower.com A job description will be emailed to all applicants. Position Available Position: Quality Control Description: We are currently recruiting for a quality controller to join our engineering team. The primary function of the role is to prepare and compile job specific quality documentation. Main Responsibilities: • Incoming materials inspection. • Preparing job specific quality inspection plans. • Preparing and submitting quality documents for client inspections. • Assisting in preparing and executing factory acceptance tests. • Non-compliance reporting and resolving. Desirable: • Experience in an engineering fabrication industry would be an advantage. Location: Payment: Terms: Contact: Co. Waterford Negotiable Permanent David at engdept@radleyeng.ie Co. Waterford Community Childcare Facility Ltd. wishes to recruit for the following positions: • Relief Classroom Nurse (Sesame Pre-school) with intellectual disability qualification/experience, to cover substitution as the need arises. • Panel of Relief Childcare Workers (Le Cheile) to cover substitution as the need arises. The suitable applicants are required to have a minimum of FETAC level 5 Major Award in Childcare or equivalent, with at least 1 year experience in this field. • Panel of Relief Childcare Workers (Sesame Pre-school) to cover substitution as the need arises. The suitable applicants are required to have a minimum of FETAC level 5 Major Award in Childcare or equivalent, with special needs minor. • Office Administrator – part-time, to administer the day-to-day running of the office with a minimum of ECDL and 3 years experience in administrative duties. We are an equal opportunities employer. Garda Clearance of the successful candidates will be sought. Apply by application form only available from the office at Le Chéile, Presentation Community Development Centre, Mitchell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford 058 43761 email: waterfordchildcarefacility@gmail.com Closing date for applications: January 16th, 2014, 5.00 p.m. Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 The Newsreader THE WEEK THAT WAS IN IT . . . Government in a mess over pylons IT defies belief that any Government Minister, sworn to take the correct and the best decisions on behalf of the people of Ireland, could support any plan which would see the most scenic areas of this country defiled for several generations to come. Over the Christmas holidays, the Irish Examiner published a story which has very positive implications for the Anti-Pylon lobby who oppose the construction of the hundreds of giant pylons along various routes and through those scenic areas around the country. Scenery, one of our great natural resources, is not all that is at stake if these proposals are upheld, there are severe implications for property values, tourism industry and, perhaps most important of all, our public health as well. While the Ministers responsible for the energy and economic departments emphasise that we must have this expansion in our power grid to enable our recovery and industrial development to continue, Minister for Health, James Reilly is one Minister who is sounding a note of caution about the proposals. However, since he made his statement expressing health concerns, The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Pat Rabbitte gave an interview on Morning Ireland on Tuesday in which he was questioned by Cathal McCoille in regard to the delay in making a decision on the provision of the new power lines and pylons until after the upcoming Local Elections. “This plan was there before Local Elections were ever contemplated,” said the Minister, “and there will always be elections. I suspect we will be back here again before the General Election, because energy projects in this country and in other countries have a time frame from conception to implementation of somewhere between eight and fifteen years. This is a huge infrastructural investment programme that you can not change at the whim of some passing fashion.” The clear inference seemed to be that objections to the siting of the pylons were frivolous and that the people making them had only a passing interest in the proposal. The Minister also said that there was provision for input from the people which he encouraged them to use and was pleased to say they have been utilising. The Examiner story from the 30th December says that as opposition to Eirgrid’s pylon project grows, it has emerged the Minister for Health sent a letter to two Ministers expressing concern about health risks posed by electromagnetic fields. Claire O'Sullivan’s story gives fresh hope that the travesty which would be created by the placing of these pylons in some of our most scenic areas can be avoided. At the time the East-West interconnector was being built through James Reilly’s Rushbased constituency in North County Dublin it was fiercely opposed by Rush Community Council who raised concerns about an association between electromagnetic fields generated by high-voltage power cables and childhood leukaemia. Similar concerns are being voiced by communities from Cork to Wexford and Kildare as a public consultation process continues into Eirgrid’s planned €500m corridor of pylons, Gridlink. Locals want the 400kV powerlines put underground but Eirgrid say it would add €2bn to the cost. Dr. James Reilly said that “as a doctor and Minister for Health” he was worried about the health risks from such magnetic fields. He cited DCU-based public health expert, Professor Anthony Staines who had said “it is well established that the low frequency magnetic fields increase the risk of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia”. In the letter to Environment Minister Phil Hogan and Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte he said: “I recognise that this national infrastructure project is important but I can’t ignore the health concerns.” Anti-pylon groups have accused Minister Rabbitte of disregarding Dr. Reilly’s concerns and also of misleading the Dáil when he stated earlier this month there was no conclusive evidence that “exposure to EMF from power lines or other electrical source is a cause of any long-term adverse effects on human, plant or animal health”. They pointed to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee which states that “ELF magnetic fields are a possible carcinogen, chiefly based on childhood leukaemia results”. A recent British Journal of Cancer study on childhood leukaemia close to high-voltage powerlines concludes that this study “supports the previous international findings of an increase in Childhood Acute Leukaemia incidence close to VHV-HVOL”. Meanwhile, an Irish Department of Health spokeswoman said they will pursue any response from either Minister. A new political party? SO, while a General Election is as much as two years away, has anyone given any thought to who to vote for, or what the alternatives are likely to be then. There are those who will staunchly support a return of the present Government, or who will at least vote for Fine Gael having looked after their particular electorate during the era of austerity. The support for Labour will be thin on he ground, although the party can take some consolation from a slight improvement in the opinion polls. However, their relentless support for austerity which hurts the less well off and also for the so called liberal agenda has cost them dearly and they will probably shed further support if they alienate more of their followers by bringing same sex marriage to a referendum. That, however, is down the road. On the opposition side, Fianna Fail will not do much better than the level they are at presently, but the dilution of their toxicity and the uncaring record of the Government, may give them a modest boost. Sinn Fein will do well to maintain their position, but the number of independent TDs is likely to grow as people ponder and reject other options. The only other imponderable is whether there will be a new political party to support by then and there is no guarantee of that. The matter is current again in the light of Deputy Lucinda Creighton’s intention of holding a so called “Monster Meeting” later this month. Whether she is conscious that this is what Daniel O’Connell called his meetings is unclear, but we could do with a leader of the stature of O’Connell just now. According to the Irish Examiner, the former Fine Gael TD, ejected from the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party for not voting for the recent abortion legislation, says that she does not intend to use a one-day conference by her Reform Alliance grouping as the springboard for a new party. This has been ridiculed by Fine Gael top brass, in particular by that pillar of sensitivity, Charlie Flanagan. The Fine Gael Chair said he found the Dublin South East TD’s denials “amusing” as plans emerged for the 500-seater event at the RDS later this month. It is unlikely that the invitation which Lucinda sent to Enda Kenny to attend will be taken up. However, Deputy Creighton has consistently denied she is setting up a political party. It will be interesting to see what the attendance at the meeting will be; who will be there; what will happen there and what will happen afterwards. Much left to play in these developments. COUNTY NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT Ireland’s renewable energy plan is “unsupportable” Knockanore meeting told THE cost of Ireland's Renewable Energy Action Plan is unsupportable and fails to take into account lower cost alternatives that are available, Pat Swords, a Fellow of the Institution of Chemical Engineers, told a capacity crowd of some 200 people at the Knockanore Community Centre on Sunday evening last. In an allusion to the level of ignorance and lack of transparency surrounding the government's energy programmes, Swords quoted Mark Twain: “...people’s beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at secondhand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other non-examiners, whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing”. Swords, a Chemical Engineer and Chartered Environmentalist, has worked in the high technology manufacturing industry in Ireland. His work experience has included projects in over a dozen other countries throughout Europe and North America. Since 1999 he has worked extensively on EU Technical Aid Projects in Central and Eastern Europe, helping to implement EU Industrial Pollution Control, and Control of Major Accident Hazards legislation. During his one-and-ahalf hour talk, Swords described his efforts to get the EU to comply with the provisions of the UN's Aarhus Convention as they relate to implementing the Speaker Sean Cullinan. Large attendance at the meeting. Union's renewable energy programme which requires the 27 member states to generate 20% of their energy from renewable sources by the year 2020. The EU and Ireland are signatories to the Aarhus Convention, which requires effective early public consultation in the decisionmaking process on developments related to environmental matters. Swords has also targeted the National Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAPs) of individual member states, including Ireland, for their lack of compliance with the Convention. Swords suggested setting up a fund for a legal challenge to Ireland’s NREAP in the Irish High Court, and to take a case on so-called "Projects of Common Interest" to the [Sean Byrne Photography] European Court. Swords had been invited to Knockanore by local anti-pylon campaigner Sean Cullinan, a native of Villierstown, who has been working with community groups up and down the county. Sunday night's meeting was organised by Rethink Pylons, a volunteer group working to stimulate a rethink of Irish energy policy – including planned upgrades to the Grid like the contentious Grid Link project to link Munster and Leinster. Knockanore, a community on the River Blackwater in rural County Waterford, is on three of the proposed routes for the Grid Link Project. The meeting was hosted by the Knockanore/Glendine/Kil watermoy (KGK) Community Council, Speaker Pat Swords. which has itself raised concerns about EirGrid's lack of transparency in its dealings with the public with regard to Grid 25 and the Grid Link project. The audience included antipylon campaigners and concerned citizens from across County Waterford. To enthusiastic applause, Swords described EirGrid's proposals on expanding the Grid as "completely disproportionate and an act of [Sean Byrne Photography] wanton vandalism." Swords pointedly described the devastation that 5000 km of additional high-powered cables on mid-sized pylons would cause throughout the country. These would be needed to link the power generated from 4000 turbines into the 400,000volt 1000 km 'backbone' - Grid 25. Therefore, many more communities than previously thought will be affected by the cumulative impact of this scheme. He encouraged those present to take the issue of public accountability seriously, and to require the Government and EirGrid to respond appropriately to public feedback on energy policy, Grid 25, and Grid Link. "Dissent Protects Democracy", Swords concluded, "Things need to be challenged, and people upset." From left: Will Motherway, Chairperson Knockanore/Glendine/Kilwatermoy Community Council; Dr. Graham Roberts; Pat Swords, speaker; Sean Cullinan, speaker; Cllr. James Tobin, Kieran Hartley and Neil Van Dukkum. [Sean Byrne Photography] [Sean Byrne Photography] Monica Murphy and Elaine Aherne signing the petition letters. [Sean Byrne Photography] 32 COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Kill KILL GAA LOTTO New Year, New Luck! From all of us at the Kill GAA Lotto, we would like to thank all those who have been buying tickets throughout the year – thanks to you, our jackpot is now well over an incredible €6,000! Who will win it? Don’t forget, if you’re not in, you can’t win, so get your tickets at Lennon’s shop, Kirwan’s Bar, Dunphy’s Pub or any member at just €2. You never know! Thank you also to all who made the 2013 Kill GAA Long Puck yet another great day. Watch this space for a full report on the day. KILL CFR GROUP Date for your diary: The Irish Red Cross Portlaw Branch, of which we are part, will hold its Annual general Meeting on Wednesday 22nd January at 7.30pm in Portlaw’s Resource Centre. All with an interest in our activities are most welcome to attend. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our local responders for their dedication and commitment and everybody in the Kill Community for your support in 2013 and wish you all a very happy, healthy 2014. For any queries, please contact us on 087 6646 824. Gracie Hayes looking forward to her big 4th birthday. BIRTHDAY WISHES A very, very happy birthday to Gracie Hayes who is celebrating her birthday this week – have a great, fun filled day with copious amounts of chocolate! GEALACH GORM THEATRE We had a wonderful end to 2013 with a full house for John Spillane, supported by Anthony Mulcahy – the quality of music and atmosphere in the audience was just unbelievable! We would like to wish all our patrons and performing artists the very best for 2014. Our drama classes will recommence this coming Monday, 13th January. We are looking forward to the next term of classes. OUR PARISH I have received this wonderful piece from a parishioner, which I am delighted to share with all of you: A letter to the compiler of the Kill notes. It's wet and windy outside and I'm confined in-doors with a cold and the shivers. As I cannot physically walk the parish, I decided to mind walk it and to see have we something worth promoting. I think we must have because other people are promoting it as their parish, so join me on this walk and when we finish you decide if we have something to promote. So let's start in the north west, the scenic Ballyvoholane heights looking down on the placid waters of Ballinlough lake, and known locally as "swan lake" and the lovely nature walk along the banks and as old as the lake itself. From Ballyvoholane up to Bucks cross and turn right for Kill and a panoramic view greets you, the shimmering waters of the Atlantic Ocean and most of Kill parish, Dunhill, Ballyduff, Fenor and even as far as Tramore..Then it's on to Kill Village, and what awaits us, apart from the lack of signage (and by the way this is election year, and when a politician approaches you, don't ask for signage but ask how did he, or she, find the place and then demand signage). Kill Village has a lot to offer, a school, a Church, not just a Church, a magnificent building with intricate stone work on the outside, and inside marvellous stained glass windows all enhanced by wonderful marble columns. A com-munity centre built over thirty years ago and monument to what people can achieve when they put their minds to it. Inside the Community Centre the seventy seater Gaelach Gorm theatre and on a weekend in April it will host the third annual singer/song writer festival, the brain child of Angela and Anthony Mulcahy. I attended this event last year and performers from all over Ireland and from New York provided a wonderful entertaining weekend. We have two pubs, a shop Just one of the beautiful sights that can be found in the Kill Parish. and a restaurant which I assure you no one is left hungry. Surely from the business people of the parish and other organisations with a bit of effort, a festival weekend could be organised around this. We have a wonderful GAA field and dressing rooms, right in the middle of the village. As we depart the village let us linger for a while at the top of the Manacaun hill and admire the scenic valley leading down to Kilmurrin, and maybe a quick visit to the ancient ruins of Kilbeg Church and on to St. Ita's well. If you look to your right at the top of the Manacaun, you will see peeping out from the large Oak and Beech trees, Garden Morris House, and looking more like a French Chalet than an Irish Country House. On to "Paddy Cap's cross” and visit the ancient church of Monksland or Faugheen and its tranquil valley and stream, pause for thought on the bridge for a while and let the outside world pass you by. Now down Saleen hilll and another Church - yes we have three Churches in the parish- if we turn right at this Church it will take us the second school in the parish. Then it's on to the jewel in the crown the "Copper Coast" what wonderful scenery as you drive along the coast road. The first stop, the Tankardstown mine known locally as "the engines" and a hub of activity during the life time of the knockmahon mines. The next stop the Art Hand, catering for the pen, the brush and cinematic interests. On to Kilmurrin, this wonderful wild place with its safe cliff cosseted horseshoe shaped beach, a hive of activity in summer and on Christmas day for the Michael Power Memorial swim. Then on to Boatstrand, yes I know maybe you didn't know it was in Kill, I can assure you it is, every grain of sand that's inside the north wall and a little bit outside, and what a wonderful place on a summer evening, the multi colour of the boats reflected in the water. So that's my mind walk over, I hope you have enjoyed it and if you think we have something to be proud of and promote, then let 2014 be the year to do it. To paraphrase John F Kennedy: “Ask not what your parish can do for you, but what can you do for your parish.” 'Dúnaill' presenting a cheque for €525 from their recent concert to Tony Kavanagh, Waterford Hospice. L-R: Mairead Murphy, Margaret Moore, Anne Kavanagh, Tony Kavanagh, Elaine Dunphy Pundure, Danny Kavanagh and Anthony Grant. Bonmahon MUSIC FOR WATERFORD HOSPICE Dúnaill, a local folk group based in Dunhill hosted a pre Christmas concert on 30th November 2013 in the beautiful setting of the Copper Coast Geopark Centre in Bonmahon. It was a fabulous night's entertainment and was generously supported with all proceeds going to a great cause. Dúnaill were delighted to present the proceeds of the concert – a cheque for the fantastic amount of €525 to Waterford Hospice. Thank you to all who supported this event and made it a truly musical night to remember. Find Dúnaill on Facebook or for more info log onto www.dunaill.com COPPER COAST GEOPARK VISITOR CENTRE The Copper Coast Geopark Centre re-opened its office for the new year on 6th January. Group bookings, School bookings are taken now on 0879148100 / 051-292828 or mail info@coppercoastgeopark.com. Our first event of 2014 will take place in the centre on January 22nd with the talented Rue Du Canal performing live. Formed in early 2013 Rue du Canal was created as a vehicle for performing the compositions of legendary French accordionist Serge Desaunay. Serge started off playing with La Chiffonnie a groundbreaking French folk group of the 70’s. After that he spent several years playing music with his brother Patrick. Après La Pluie (1979) and Le Beau Temps (1984), the two albums released by the brothers, are regarded today as milestones in French folk music. While mainly concentrating on Serges compositions, Rue du Canal also traverses the musical styles of musette and tango. Rue du Canal also includes Ray Barron on man- dolin/mandola, Kieran Fahy on fiddle and Gaspard Vanardois on guitar/oud. Kieran, originally from Tuam, County Galway has been living in Belgium since 1983. At present he tours regularly in France, Holland and Belgium with his band Shantalla. He has recorded on over 30 CD’s to date. Kieran also contributes some of his compositions to the mix. Ray has been playing music for over 35 years. He has toured all over Europe, USA, Australia and New Zealand. He is renowned for his dexterous and exciting mandolin playing. Ray has recorded four albums with his group Two Time Polka and continues to tour and play with the band on a regular basis. Gaspard has played with Serge in their Eastern European styled gypsy band Taraf Borzo. His guitar playing drives the whole combination along with its gypsy swing type accompaniment. Gaspard also plays the Arabic oud which brings an exotic taste of the East to the band. To book your tickets, contact us on 087-9148100 /051-292828 or by email to info@coppercoastgeopark.com. For more information on this and other events or to be included on our mailing list please send your email address to info@coppercoastgeopark.com. Find us online at www.coppercoastgeopark.c om or you can also follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CoastCopper Copper Coast would like to thank everyone who supported us in the past and we look forward to seeing you in the future. SINCERE SYMPATHIES Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the late Julia Weldon (nee Crowley), late of Seafield, Bonmahon, who sadly passed away last week and was laid to rest only a short time after her husband Mattie R.I.P. Our condolences to the Weldon and Crowley families at this sad time. May she rest in peace. Rue du Canal coming soon to Bonmahon. BONMAHON COMMUNITY SOCIETY As a mark of respect to the Weldon and Crowley families at this difficult time, last week’s lotto draw was postponed. We will keep you updated. Sincere Sympathies to the family and friends of Julia Weldon R.I.P. WORDS WRITERS GROUP Our first event of the New Year will take place this Wednesday, 8th January at 7.45 p.m. at the Art Hand, Bonmahon. If you like words of any description, whether you’re into poetry, prose or storytelling – try out this group of people from all walks of life, all levels of writing skill, some great at writing, some great at talking, some great at both and some only at the very beginning of their writing experience, and of all different ages imaginable but all with the common love of WORDS. For more information or to book your seat, call 051292919. COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 33 Stradbally SYMPATHY Deepest sympathy is extended to the Weldon family, Seafield and Stradbally on the sad passing of Julia Weldon, wife of the late Mattie Weldon whose funeral took place on Saturday, 4th January at St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen with burial in the adjoining cemetery. RECENT BAPTISMS Bridget Ann Whelan, daughter of Rachel O’Donovan and Robert Whelan was baptised at St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen on Saturday, 4th January, 2014. The sponsors were Colm Whelan and Siobhan O’Donovan. Fr. Jerry Condon, P.P. officiated. Ruairi Andrew Organ, son of James and Claire Organ, Stradbally was baptised at St. Anne’s Church, Ballylaneen on Saturday, 4th January, 2014. The sponsors were Patrick J. Carey and Michelle McGrath. Fr. Jerry Condon, P.P. officiated. COLOURING COMPETITION The list of winners of the Colouring Competition held in the Parish of Stradbally in conjunction with the Parish Newsletter are as follows: Stradbally winners: Marie Grant, Kaeileigh Cass, Leona Cass, Conor Power and Aisling Power. Faha winners: Ellie Skehan, Patrick Purcell and Aaron Purcell. Ballylaneen winners: Amelia Kiely and Annabel Kiely. Congratulations to all the winners whose prizes were presented after vigil Mass on Saturday evening and on Sunday in Faha and Ballylaneen. PILGRIMAGE TO LOURDES The Waterford and Lismore Diocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes will take place from 6th - 11th June, 2014. Application Forms for Invalid Section of Lourdes Pilgrimage are now available. If you like to be considered to travel with the Invalid Section please make contact with the undersigned person appointed for the local area. The person appointed for Stradbally is Tessie Begley 051 293 267. SCOIL NA CROISE NAOFA Congratulations to Anthony O’Keeffe who won the Sixth Class category in the GAA competition. All entries from Scoil na Croise Naofa were beautiful and may be seen in the GAA Centre. Congratulations to all the pupils of Scoil na Croise Naofa for their wonderful contribution to the Hallelujah Choir on December 7th in City West. It was amazing and all the better due to St. James’ School taking part as well. Indeed, the songs were sung at Mass before Christmas. There was no doubt but “Advent” meaning God is close was very real. Well done to all. Dungarvan Mens Shed DU N VAN GAR menssheds.ie SHOCKING news on Friday morning broke that Brendan Hally, one of the founders of our Shed and current Committee member has died suddenly during the night. We are all very saddened at our colleagues death. Brendan's input into the formation and early planning of the Shed will never be forgotten and indeed his ambitious vision for Dungarvan Men's Shed may not be realised for ten more years such were his plans! We will miss his creative ideas and his challenging plans while we are thinking of his wife Mary (who supported us over the past 30 months) and his family. Our sympathy to all the Hally family in Abbeyside, Tramore and Ashbourne and elsewhere. May Brendan, our colleague rest in peace and have many chats and cuppas with those who have gone ahead of us to a better life. A sad Monday for the Shed, as we laid to rest one of our founder members, Brendan Hally. A large contingent of Shedders attended and formed a guard of honour for Brendan, which he rightly deserved. To his wife Mary, his sons and daughter we offer our deepest sympathy. Earlier on Monday we had a great squad of Shedders help load the container destined for the Philippines, helped by a broad section of the community including shop owners, publicans, off duty Gardaí and teenagers fron local schools. Well done to all, and well done to Audry for the organising she did, a great community effort for a very worthy cause. Cast of Sharon’s Grave by John B. Keane – Standing (l. to r.): Declan Terry, John Murphy, James Flynn, Nicola Costin, Josephine Morrissey, Maurice Power, Patrick Power, Liam Ryan. Seated (l. to r.): Geraldine Veale (Director), Claire Hennessey, Jackie Ryan, Sandra Hogan, Pat Reed, Anna Flynn. Aisteoirí an tSean Phobail 2014 OPENING night is fast approaching for this year’s Aisteoirí an tSean Phobail production, Sharon’s Grave, by John B. Keane. As a good deal has been written about the play in previous weeks, it should be enough to say that this is another theatrical gem from the Listowel master. Like the works of all great playwrights, the plot lines of John B. Keane’s plays transcend their every-day settings, delivering timeless and universal stories to successive generations of audiences. A man of many talents, John B. once played football against Waterford in the National League. This little known detail is made all the more interesting by the fact that he happened to be playing for Cork at the time! History records that the Rebels triumphed over the Déise on that occasion, but afterwards lost the services of their enigmatic Kerryman, who retired before the next game against, you guessed it, the Kingdom! This snapshot of Keane’s sporting career mirrors some of the twists and turns of fortune which regu- Portlaw IRISH RED CROSS PORTLAW THANK YOU We would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody in our communities a very happy and healthy New Year 2014 and would like to express our gratitude to all who supported our work in 2013 in any way – without community support and endless hours of dedicated work by our members, we would not be able to provide any of the services we offer. A heartfelt Thank You to you all. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING January is also the time of the year when we hold our Annual General Meeting. All are welcome to attend the AGM which will take place on Wednesday, 22nd January at 7.30 p.m. in the Resource Centre in Portlaw. Not only will the review of the past year’s activities and finances take place on the night, but the officers of the branch committee will be elected for the upcoming year. The AGM is an excellent opportunity for anyone to gain an insight into our activities and anyone who would like to know more is most welcome to attend. UNIT TRAINING Regular training will recommence next week, with the Senior unit meeting on Monday 13th from 7.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. in the Resource Centre and the Cadet Unit on Friday 17th from 6.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. On the first evenings back, we will complete membership renewals for all existing members and also for new members. Please bring the appropriate annual fee and passport photograph (new members only). If you have any queries, please contact the Secretary on 0876646824 or by email to secretary.portlaw@redcross.ie. EXAM TIME Following intense training over the past three months, our three members will be completing their Emergency First Responder (EFR) exams this Saturday. We would like to wish them only the very best, all the hard work will pay off not just for the exams but most importantly in real life situations where the learned additional skills will be invaluable. Best of luck also to our colleagues in the Dungarvan Branch and in other counties across the country. PORTLAW HERITAGE CENTRE The AGM of Portlaw Heritage Committee will take place on Tuesday, January 14th at the Heritage Centre at 7.30 p.m. We would encourage anyone with an interest in preserving artefacts, documents and photographs relating to the wonderful story of Portlaw to come and join us and become involved. It is fascinating to trace the origins of our town and how our ancestors lived. The stories are great. One does not need to be an expert on Local History to become part of the group. New members will be made very welcome. The church bells have tolled out their message of hope for new beginnings and we at the Heritage Centre take this opportunity to thank all who gave of their time and skill to make things happen during the year. We wish all our friends a peaceful and prosperous 2014. We look forward to meeting new friends at Portlaw Heritage Centre. See you there on the 14th? larly occur in his plays. This season, audiences can expect to be enthralled, entertained, and kept guessing to the last, when the Aisteoirí take to the stage with their production of John B. Keane’s Sharon’s Grave, in Halla Colmán, An Sean Phobal. January 17th, 18th and 19th at 8.15 p.m. each night. For bookings call: (058) 46483. A Million Miles Away Does the corncrake’s raucous cry still ring? Is the cuckoo’s note heard yet? Do potato flowers the furrows fill, In the fields I can’t forget? Have they saved the hay on Helvick’s Hill, In these dying days of June? Do the ricks rise up in silhouette, Piled high against the moon? Are the oat-fields patched with poppy flowers? Do the ghostly moonbeams stray, Among the myriad mackerel shoals, That splinter the crystal bay? But I was banished from those scenes, And from a daughter’s name, The heart that beat beneath my heart, Was the harvest of my shame. My shame was that I loved too much, Eyes stared like levelled guns, Did they not see I shared the blame, With their unsullied sons? I believed the breathless, languorous lies, Were a rose without a thorn, How could I know love’s fervid fires. Would be ashes in the morn? It seems like a thousand years ago, And sometimes like yesterday, Since I gazed across at Helvick’s Hill, A million miles away. JOHN DALY 34 COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Ardmore - The Phoenician Connection By Declan McGrath IT is hardly necessary to mention in these columns that Ardmore has had a long and chequered history. Every citizen of Ardmore, indeed every child of school age, knows that it was here that St. Declan established his Christian centre in the fifth century, a century that developed into a school renowned throughout the South of Ireland.We know too that in later years, though we are not sure exactly when, there was a Viking settlement on the hill near the Round Tower.This we know too was well established since there are records of the castle that the Vikings set up, probably on the same lines as the settlements they set up elsewhere. This would be a large enclosure surrounded by a palistade . . . consisting of a high wooden fence, enclosing the domestic buildings, probably also of wood, since wood was plentiful and easily available, and we know most of the area of Ardmore was then covered with forests. Moving on we know that the cathedral in St. Declan’s cemetery was built around the tenth century no doubt replacing an earlier church - and if the author of ‘The Brides of Ardmore’ is to be believed, and she says it was based on earlier records - there was a large monastery in this area, consisting of a church, a school, presbytery and individual cells for monks. It would have been a large establishment covering much of what was later to become the cemetery. That there was a large stone castle later built somewhere near the tower seems clear from the records, and in fact, though there is some confusion about the matter and the sites, there is some evidence to suggest there were two castles in the area, but whether sequentially or contemporaneous is a matter of dispute. In the mid-seventeenth century Ardmore had the misfortune to be visited by Cromwellian forces who burnt down the local buildings, ransacked the castle and hanged on site well over a hundred men who had taken refuge in the old castle. Again, a few hundred years later a large monastic complex was set up at the place we call Farrengarret, near the tower on the road to Ardo. Whether this replaced the old monastery beside the tower is uncertain but it probably did, though we do know that the old cathedral functioned as a church, though only for those of the protestant faith, down to the early nineteen century. So much for its history during the Christian era, but there is evidence that Ardmore, though obviously not then so called, has had a history long before Christianity, a history extending way back to Phoenician times. Years ago in London I had an office in Oxford Street not far from the famous central London Library, and occasionally I would visit the library during my lunchbreak to browse through its many unique and specialised reference books. On one of these occasions I came across an entry in a reference book about Phoenician traders in Europe, stating they had visited Ireland in ancient times and had travelled up the rivers trading with the local tribes. The reference mentioned that they had in particular ventured up the ‘Abha Mhor’, the Great River, as the Blackwater was called in earlier times, in search of minerals and other goods. It was also mentioned that at the mouth of the Abha Mhor the Phoenicians had established a centre for the smelting of minerals.This centre grew in time into a large settlement and the Phoenicians mixed with and intermarried with the local population. I had previously thought this smelting centre had been close to the Blackwater estuary at Youghal, but then I discovered that the river flowed into Youghal Bay only from the sixth century onwards, previously the Abha Mhor had flowed into Whiting Bay, near the village of Ardmore. The eminent Irish historian, the Rev. Geoffrey Keating, relates this as a fact in his History of Ireland. I referred to this with details in these columns in my article of December 2006. Given then that the river flowed into the sea at Whiting Bay where would the Phoenician smelting centre and settlement be situated. As I see it, it would have been close to where the village of Ardmore is now situated. It makes sense too that the working of the silver and copper mines at Ardmore Head, which we know was done in ancient times had been carried out by the Phoenicians. Incidentally, the process of smelting ore indicates a high degree of civilization and sophisticated technical knowledge since smelting furnaces need to generate heat to temperatures of thousands of degrees. But who were the Phoenicians? Little is known about their early origins but historians believe they came from around the Black Sea in Asia Minor and settled down on a strip of the Levantine coast to the north of present day Israel. There they built fortified cities, such as Tyre and Sidon which exist to this day. This area was extensively forested in early days and was famous for its Cedar trees. Mention is made in the Bible of how Hiram, the Phoenician King of Tyre, assisted King Solomon of the Hebrews to build his famous temple in Jerusalem. Hiram, it seems, dispatched loads of cedarwood to Jerusalem and sent dozens of his skilled craftsmen to help build the temple. Evidently there was a close co-operation and friendship between the Phoenicians and the ancient Hebrews. But what was astonishing about the Phoenicians was not only their trading abilities but their mastery of the sea. In the course of time they traded throughout all the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and set up trading posts here and there, some of which grew into large colonies, such as those in Sicily and Carthage. Their ships circumnavigated the coast of Africa and it is said they reached America a thousand years before Columbus. Is it any wonder then that the fishermen of Ardmore, Youghal and Dungarvan, with the possibility of Phoenician genes in their blood, have a compulsive love of the sea! Phoenician ships travelled up the coast of Spain and traded with Britain and Ireland. In Cornwall and southern England the commodity they most valued was tin. Their ships circled the coast of Ireland and they established a colony in Northern Ireland. The Phoenician colony at Carthage in Libya became an autonomous off-shoot and became so powerful it threatened the growing power of Rome. in the so-called Poenic wars, the conflict between Rome and Carthage, the military genius of Hannibal and his brother Hastrubal, the Phoenician generals, was outstanding. Readers will know the famous true story of how Hannibal brought his army with many elephants over the Alps. Eventually Carthage was destroyed by the Romans and the city razed to the ground and every living thing, men, women and children, even dogs and domestic animals were slain in the Roman fury. Such was the Roman fear and hatred of the Carthaginians who threatened their way of life and their empire. Heavy seas lash the Beach Car Park in Ardmore on Monday morning last. [Gerry O'Mahony] Ardmore STORM DAMAGE Thankfully not much to report from the recent visit of the storm ‘Christine’ to our village; though the sea defenses took quite a battering in Whiting Bay alright. So much for demolishing the od bridge that was a part of the local folklore, and using it as a buttress against the sea! The worst of the storm visited on Monday morning last, and while the area of the Beach Car Park was out of bounds for a few hours, as the tide ebbed one could again park there and observe the power of the sea. BACK TO SCHOOL After what really did seem like a lifetime to some parents; schools re-opened once again this week and we were all able to send off our offspring for another term of education! WEEKEND OF LAUGHTER Ardmore Weekend of Laughter presents three hilarious and Award Winning Plays by playwrights, Séamus O'Rourke and John McManus from Friday, February 28th to Sunday, March 2nd in St. Declan's Hall, Ardmore. Friday, 28th February Victor’s Dung by Séamus O’Rourke. Saturday, 1st March - The Ardmores Jack Walsh (right) lobs the Ballybridge keeper for one of the five goals Ardmore scored in their U-16 WWEC clash last weekend. Ballybridge failed to score. [Gerry O'Mahony] Quare Land by John McManus. Sunday, 2nd March - Dig by Séamus O’Rourke. All three Plays commence at 8.00 p.m. sharp. Tickets cost €10 per person per play or why not avail of a special offer of €25 per person for all three plays. Over 15's only. All proceeds from the James Flavin (Ardmore) takes a tumble during his sides U-16 WWEC game with Ballybridge last weekend. Ardmore won 5-0. [Gerry O'Mahony] Weekend of Laughter will be used to establish a new Drama Group in Ardmore which will cater for children and adults in the community who wish to explore their acting talents. CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLE! As has been the case over the recent few years, Ardmore Tidy Towns will be offering a Xmas Tree Recycle option for those who do not wish to just simply “dump” their green masterpiece. Just drop your tree up to the Tidy Towns area which is across the road from Ardmore Health Centre, there will be a spot set by for the trees and just add your one there tidily. The trees will be recycled in due course and the remains will be put to good use. ARDMORE AFC Two underage games last weekend; a draw in one and a good win in the second. UNDER 14 Ardmore 0; Castlebridge 0. A tough game, between two evenly matched teams, but no goals. Both had their chances but didn’t avail of, both keepers were in good form, and both defences were strong. A fair enough result to be honest. UNDER 16 Ardmore 5; Ballybridge 0. Much different story at U-16 level. A very strong display from Ardmore here, and a good win to see in the New Year. The team continues to use some players from the U-14 ranks and they are to be applauded for that, where at all possible the younger boys are used very sparingly and always well managed by manager John ‘Celtic’ McGrath. COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 35 NEWSREEL … Anxious or Depressed? COME to our Support Group Meeting in Dungarvan. Venue: Deise Day Care, Dungarvan, Community Centre, Mitchel Street. Date: Every Tuesday at 8.00 p.m. Helpline: 1890 303 302.You are not alone! (ind.) New Years Resolution to Volunteer? THE ISPCC is Ireland’s oldest and most well-known children’s charity.The ISPCC Waterford office is now recruiting for the following roles: • Childline Listening Phone Volunteers • Advocacy & Campaigning Volunteers • Fundraising Volunteers We will be hosting ISPCC Volunteer Group information and interview meeting for members of the public to learn more about the Society and to be fully informed as to what is involved in becoming a volunteer, the commitment required and training involved. We are holding our next Volunteer Group Information meetings at our Waterford ISPCC office in Unit 4B, Cleaboy Business Park, and Old Kilmeaden Road, Waterford on Monday, 20th January at 6.30 p.m. To reserve a place at one of this meetings and to request an application form please contact Sinead on smckee@ispcc.ie.Please note that training and support is provided to all ISPCC volunteers. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland THE Alzheimer Society Saturday Club will hold entertainment with Christina Tobon on 11th January, 2014 in the Deise Day Care Centre, Mitchell Street, Dungarvan from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Light refreshments provided. For further information please phone 086-8362619. Dungarvan Drama Club READINGS for our Spring production ‘Cat on A Hot Tin Roof ’ by Tennessee Williams will take place at Dungarvan Town Hall Theatre this Thursday, January 9th, at 8.00 p.m. sharp. The play will be directed by Fidelma Meaney and will be staged in March. All welcome. Set Dancing Classes SET dancing classes will resume next Saturday morning at 10.00 a.m. in the Carnegie Centre in Ballyduff. All young dancers who have attended these classes should be back for this class. Thomas Hyland runs these very popular classes weekly and the first class to resume will be on Saturday next, January 11th, with all the other classes returning next week. We look forward to seeing all our music and dance students back in full swing next week and we wish everyone a happy and successful 2014. The 2013 AGM of the RNLI Helvick Fundraising Committee took place in Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club. Pictured are Hon Chairman, Oliver Clancy; Hon Press Sec. Joan Clancy; Committee Members Martin Landers, Josephine Harty; Hon Sec. Anne McCarthy; RNLI Crew & Hon Vice Chairman Liam Harty; FC Committee member Connie Kiersey. Seated are Hon Treasurer, Dolores Walsh; RNLI Area Fundraising Manager, Eileen Kearney; Deirdre Young from the Fundraising Committee. Happy New Year from Helvick Lifeboat ALL in the RNLI Helvick Lifeboat Station wish you and yours a very safe and happy new year and thank you for your help and unfailing generosity in 2013. The Helvick Lifeboat AGM is scheduled for 8pm Friday January 24th in Dungarvan Harbour Sailing Club (DHSC). The general public are most welcome to attend. In February 2014 RNLI Helvick Head Lifeboat Station will take delivery of a new lifeboat.This is an exciting development for our local Lifeboat Station. The fundraising committee work hard to supplement the often heroic and dangerous work carried out by the volunteer crews who risk their lives in all kinds of weather to save life at sea 24-7-365. “Please encourage friends and newcomers to come along to what will be an informative and interesting evening in the comfortable DHSC on Davitt's Quay, Waterford Orienteering THE New Year of orienteering begins on Sunday, 12th January, on the East side of Kennedy Park in County Wexford. Traditionally this has been known as the Slieve Coillte event but the weather is not that amenable at this time of year so we will be using the lower slopes and the parkland closer to the main centre. Parking will be in the main carpark as usual close to the interpretative centre. Starts are from 11 until 1. There will be the usual range of courses on offer (Blue 7.3 km, 210 metres climb and 26 controls; Green 6.2 km, 140 metres climb and 22 controls; Light green 4.1 km, 90 metres climb and 18 controls; Red 3.7 km, 75 metres climb and 18 controls; Yellow 2 km, 30 metres climb and 12 controls). This will be the first of the new season and will be a mix of parkland and woodland with courses for all levels of technical ability. For anyone involved with schools orienteering, please put the 13th February in your diaries as the SE schools competition will be held in the main part of Kennedy park on that date. More details to follow. The results from the Short course series of events held in the Autumn were as follows: Short: 1. Jordan Pim 5783 pts.; 2. Finlay McHardy 4140 pts. Medium: 1. Sue Pim 4339 pts.; 2. Liisa Honkasaari 4052 pts. Long: 1. Ian McHardy 4887 pts.; 2. Andrew Pim 4816 pts.; 3. Robert Pim 4775 pts.; 4. Jonathan Pim 4725 pts. Best female: Brid Casey. Wato club members also had a successful Munster league with 3 in the top 4 of the Blue course for 2013. Andrew Cox and Robert Pim were joint 1st with identical points totals of 5027 pts. Nigel Pim was 4th. Well done also to Aislinn Callery who won the Yellow category and to Jordan Pim who was 2nd on the Orange category. To keep up to date with news, check the Wato blog: www.waterfordorienteers.b logspot.com or the schools blog for information about schools orienteering: www.irishschoolso.blogspot .com You can follow us on twitter @watoclub West Waterford Scór Kilrossanty SCÓR NA nÓG The County Final of Scór na nÓg was held on Saturday, 28th December in Modeligo with the winners going through to represent Port Láirge in the Munster Semi Final in Cashel on Sunday last. 2014 Scór na nÓg winners: Rince Foirne: Maigh Dheilge Amhránaíocht Aonair: Róisín Curran, An tSráidbhaile. Ceol Uirlise: Sliabh gCua Aithriseoireacht: Grace Heffernan, an tSráidbhaile Rince Seit: Maigh Dheilge. Congratulations to Sliabh gCua instrumental group and the Modeligo figure dancers who qualified for the Munster Final which will be held on Sunday, 26th January in the Mallow Youth Centre. SCÓR NA bPÁISTÍ 2014 Dates and venues will be fixed in the coming week. DEATH The death occurred over the weekend of Sean Ormond, Ballymacmague and Kilmacthomas. Sean was a great Kilrossanty GAA man playing for them for many years and also played for Waterford Footballers. At the time of his death he was Hon Vice President of the Kilrossanty Club. Sympathy to Sean’s wife Moira; sons Pat and John; daughter Gillian; brothers Donie, Neily and sister Ann; daughters-in-law, grandchildren and many more relatives and friends. His burial took place in Dungarvan cemetery. May he rest in peace. SYMPATHY Deepest sympathy is extended to the Weldon family, Seafield, on the death of Julia Weldon whose unexpected death took place during the week. Julia was predeceased by her husband Matty only six months ago. Burial took place in Ballylaneen Cemetery on Saturday last. May she rest in peace. ICA The annual dinner will be held in Lawlor’s Hotel on 31st January. Names to be given to Molly Casey 087-7857540 as soon as possible. It is open to non members. COLLECTION Collection for Irish Heart Foundation at all Masses this weekend. Dungarvan.” says RNLI Hon Fundraising Chairman Oliver Clancy. For further information please contact Anne 087-9704830; Dolores 086-1225818. rnlihelvick@gmail.com Facebook: Dungarvan Bay and Helvick Head RNLI Fundraising Villierstown JACK THE JOKER Big money not won yet – this is getting very exciting! As of going to press, this week’s Jack the Joker draw hasn’t taken place yet due to technical problems but when reading this piece we all will know who won this week and if the Jackpot of €4,400 has been won. Will let ye all know next week. This is a joint fundraiser for our community and tickets can be bought locally. I was going to say how quiet the village is at the moment after the Christmas and New Year excitement. But it’s all a buzz with school starting and the seasonal rush of finding school uniforms and books. For most children they expect to find them exactly where they threw them, after finishing school just before Christmas! Last weekend was a frenzy of activity in all Villierstown school-going children’s homes but all went to plan as Villierstown N.S. and Villierstown Montessori School welcomed all their happy and enthusiastic pupils back for an exciting new term. Also, I see the party bus left Villierstown last Monday evening for a “Ladies Little Christmas” outing in Dungarvan. What happens on a night out, stays on a night out.!!!!!!! Oh, the stories I could tell……. CONGRATULATIONS Yes … What a fantastic result. “Girl Power.” Congratulations to Villierstown Girls Football Team who beat Fews in the Final of the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Western Primary School Girls Football Championships which was played recently in Dungarvan GAA Grounds. “Forget the glass slippers … these Princesses wear football boots.” DANCE & FITNESS Try something new this year. Tonight – this Wednesday, 8th January, a Dance & Fitness class starts in the Church Hall in Villierstown from 7–8 p.m. Cost €6. Contact Carol: 0876635465.“I’m not telling you it is going to be easy, I’m telling you it is going to be worth it.” VILLIERSTOWN WOODLAND BROWNIES Find the uniforms, were starting back on Thursday, 9th January. VILLIERSTOWN GIRL GUIDES Find the uniforms, were starting back on Thursday, 9th January. CRAFTY CRAFTERS Ladies, we will be resuming our “Crafting Evenings” next Monday, 13th January. Be prepared for a term of hard work and disciplined tutorials. DEISE AGAINST PYLONS deiseagainstpylons@gmail. com THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK The most important thing in life is not knowing everything, it's having the phone number of somebody who does! 36 COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Kilgobinet/Colligan/Kilbrien ELEPHANTS IN KCK PARISH To find elephants, you had to keep a sharp watch. You needed to get up high to see them. The highest place around was atop the tall front wall of Kilgobinet Ball Alley.You'd put a ladder against this high wall, then climb up. At the top you'd hold onto the fencing. Balancing on this high and precarious perch, you could then watch handball players inside the ball alley. And, if the contestants accidentally hit an elephant so hard that it sailed over the wall and over the fence, you had a chance to mark the spot where it dropped into the hedge. Many's the "elephant" handball that was recovered by the thrill seekers standing on the wall. "Elephants" were the best quality, most expensive handballs that money could buy and no one wanted to lose one. But, unhappily, sometimes the balls went missing midst the tangles of neighbouring hedges. The hapless adult player would have to buy a new one. The kids didn't have the money for such an excellent rubber ball. But, while they lacked cash, they were small and persistent and didn't mind crawling through hedges overgrown with brambles and blackthorns. So, when chores permitted, they'd hunt for lost elephants. It was a quest, and the reward for persistence was that they might find lost treasure. The wilds of Kilnafrehan hid elephants! And if, o glorious moment, a youngster hunted out a lost elephant and held its solid bounciness in his hand...Well, he treated it like the precious object it was. HARDBALLS & YELLOW CLAY Long before the days of elephants, of standard and cock standard and spotted balls made with rubber, handballs were constructed from leather. Patsy Whelan, father of Pax Whelan, West Waterford Brigade Commander during the War of Independence, was without equal in making these "hardballs." Such hardballs would have been in use as long ago as the 1700s right here in the parish. Your great, great grandparents were bashing hardballs at Kilgobinet and Kilnafrehan ball alleys which are at least two hundred years old and quite possibly three. The evidence for this great great age is threefold. First, local memory says so. And, a very narrow structure of some sort and a field division of the right size is shown in the 1842 field map of Kilgobinet right where the ball alley now stands. The ball alley in Kilnafrehan was also drawn and labeled by the 1842 surveyors. Finally, the Kilgobinet ball alley underwent "archaeological studies," mar eagh, in the last century. Tom Cummins, Inchindrisla, and John Mansfield, Ballinamuck, wrote a history of the place for the 1984 commemorative booklet "A History of Handball in Munster." They were part of the group which renovated the modern, enclosed ball alley so their account represents first hand knowledge. "The floor was made of hard clay, and there was no back wall. The tossing flags and stones were visible when the alley was renovated. Some years ago, when the side wall of the alley at Kilgobinet collapsed, the locals were surprised at the amount of yellow clay in its composition - showing how old it must have been." GREAT CHAMPIONS Back in the seventeen and eighteen hundreds, the game was so popular that "every village tavern, half way public house and crossroads shebeen" had a ball alley of its own. One legendary player,William Beggs or Baggs, travelled around Kilgobinet Ball Alley 1842 – The first field survey in Ireland shows an unlabelled triangular field division right where the ball alley stands today. It looks like the surveyor tried to present in two dimensions an impression of the sloping triangular side walls. This map is from the Ordinance Survey's website at www.osi.ie. the country taking on all comers - and their available cash. Once a snooty British officer so offended the Irishman that he offered to play the soldier with his hands tied behind his back. Using just his feet, Beggs put up every ball and won. No Kilgobinet or Kilnafrehan games were quite that astonishing, but there were several notable victories. Two hundred spectators might pack the gallery at Kilgobinet for really big games. Kilnafrehan, too, was often completely jammed with fans. The parish had plenty to cheer about. Several County Championships and AllIreland semi-finals were won by local heroes.Tommy and Joe Fahey competed in an All-Ireland Final for Kilnafrehan. The climax of that game came when the referee called a point in their favour.The opposing players protested and Tommy, a true gentleman, decided the fairest thing was to play the point again. The result was that the protestors walked off with the All Ireland trophy. DANCING AT THE CROSSROADS Handball was hugely popular during the first half of the 1900s, and an official GAA sport. There were at least seven ball clubs in and around Dungarvan and neighbouring parishes. KCK parish was unusual in that it boasted not one, but two ball alleys. These parish ball alleys served as more than just sports facilities. As needed, a wooden stage was erected at Kilnafrehan ball alley for dances. And the slip of land on which the Kilgobinet ball alley sat included a flat area to the east. During the early 1950's this was the merriest spot in the parish. Come Tuesday and Sunday nights during the summer, all the teens and courting couples would ask each other the same question: Kilgobinet Ball Alley in early 1950s – This photo shows the ball alley before it was roofed and enclosed. In front can be seen the posts that formed impromptu seating at the dances held on the wooden stage, partly visible here. The track up from the ball alley was eventually paved and widened a couple of decades later. This area is known in Kilgobinet as the Fair Green. "Are you going to the stage?" The "stage" consisted of wooden flooring placed on the Green at Kilgobinet where the tennis courts now stand. Upwards of fifty or sixty people would gather to dance there. Round about stakes were pounded into the ground and posts were nailed to these to provide rough seats for the lightfooted assembly. Local musicians would play for hours while the midges swarmed and bit. With their hands busy, the poor musicians couldn't swat the pesky things away. So, they really earned the funds collected for them by passing round a hat. The next morning, Kilgobinet children held their own version of an elephant hunt. Neighbourhood kids would scrutinise the ground looking for coins and items that might have dropped from dancers' pockets. Travelling troupes of performers also used the area. They set up their circus-like Kilnafrehan Ball Alley 1842 – The Kilnafrehan ball alley was clearly labelled as such by that area's surveyor. Roads completely encircled the ball alley until this past century. Carts coming up the Fruit Hill road from Dungarvan town would either take the west road to go "baile thoir" or head east for "baile thiar." This map is from the Ordinance Survey's website at www.osi.ie. tents on the Green and the Bóthar Leathan just down from the Kilnafrehan ball alley. TWO YEARS AT HARD LABOUR Kilgobinet's handball players decided to construct better facilities. Under the leadership of Gardaí Pat Noctor and Paddy McGrath a group gathered together and determined they would fix up the ball alley. And determined they were! A core group, with help from neighbours, spent six nights a week hard at it. For two years! The site was dug and flattened. Mesh wire was laid within forms for the floor. A roof was built to keep out the rain. Work continued through the year and even over a winter which, thankfully, was a mild one. The crew put up a "makeshift" scaffold and "one old spotlight" from the Quigley Magnesite factory in Ballinacourty provided illumination through the long, dark nights. The floor had to be laid without joints in one pour and this was a tremendous job. Everyone showed up really early on a Saturday morning. Tons of cement were mixed, hauled, troweled, spread, levelled, tamped, floated and smoothed - all by hand and with the use of a simple cement mixer. The work continued for all of Saturday, then into the night. Midnight passed and still the men were at it. Finally, at 3am on Sunday morning, the last wheelbarrow was emptied and the exhausted crew headed for home. After nearly 24 hours of back breaking labour the job was done. And, not content with this vast exertion, for an encore, a few years later the team evened out and tarmacadamed a tennis court on the site of the old dance area. Will we see their like again? KILNAFREHAN HERO Meanwhile, Kilnafrehan ball alley was undergoing its own transformation. During the construction of a water scheme in Kilnafrehan, a digger accidentally hit the side of the alley.The County Council declared this wall unsafe and unexpectedly sent a team to knock the entire structure down. Local hero Jim O'Brien had a great grá for the place and, fortuitously, lived next door. He was milking the cows when the sound of collapsing walls alerted him. Jim raced out and stopped the demolition. What was left behind was a ball alley whose two side walls had been partially demolished. Ironically, these precarious looking remnants were so well built that they survived in their devastated state for decades. But, the alley's use for tournament play had ended. FRIARY COURTS World class handball facilities were built at St. Augustine's College in the mid-1990s. These superb courts opened at the same time that parental job descriptions expanded to include chauffeur duties. Kilnafrehan was in ruins, transport was available, and the College soon attracted that locale's younger players. At the college they worked with Brother Spring, the well known handball coach. Kilgobinet's monument to hard work and local enthusiasm suffered a different kind of blow. New competition rules decreed that handball alleys must be exactly 30 feet wide by 60 feet long. Kilgobinet's front wall was only 28 feet wide. With the ball alley thus officially consigned to limbo, Kilgobinet players also had no choice but to turn to the Friary. KTCP & BEYOND Both local ball facilities are back in the news again after decades of retirement. This past summer there was a Gathering at Kilnafrehan with barbecue, fine weather and the dedication of a plaque inset into the balcony wall. Catherine Curran undertook a massive research project and dug out decades of press clippings and photos of the place. And construction materials have been gathered to stabilise the side walls. The KTCP - the polysyllabic Kilgobinet Tennis Court Project - has been working to refurbish said court. A recent bake sale raised money to bring the court back to its full glory. In and out of fashion they might go, but the parish's two ball alleys and its tennis court still attract locals. Long may they thrive and, with luck and care, they might last another few centuries. KILBRIEN PARENT & TODDLER GROUP 8th January, Wednesday The Group is back again this Wednesday. And meetings continue throughout the year every Wednesday morning from 10:30 until 12:30. All are welcome for a cuppa and a chat! ELECTRICITY TOKENS Contact Leo Power at 087-261-6783 for Coolnasmear Hall tokens. INCLUDE YOUR INFO Scott Simons - greenhillsofireland@gmail.com COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 37 Disney comes to Dungarvan DUNGARVAN Junior Musical Stage School will present another premier for Dungarvan audiences with the fantastic Disney Musical "The Little Mermaid" for 5 nights in St. Joseph’s School, Dungarvan, starting on Tuesday 21st and running until Saturday, 25th January, at 7.30 p.m. nightly and also a matinee performance on Saturday 25th at 3.00 p.m. “The Little Mermaid” is Disney’s most popular musical with all the songs from the film like Under The Sea, Kiss The Girl, Fathoms Below, Happy Endings, Poor Unfortunate Souls and the classic Part Of Your World and many more. This production is shaping up to be Dungarvan Junior Musical Stage School’s finest production to date, with beautiful costumes, stunning stage sets and a very talented cast “The Little Mermaid” is sure to leave you wanting more and more. The very talented students of the stage school are fast gaining a huge reputation for their quality productions that include High School Musical, Honk, Hairspray, Grease, The Wizard Of Oz, Beauty And The Beast and Seussical to name just a few and if previous productions are anything to go by you can be sure that “The Little Mermaid” will not disappoint. The award winning “Little Mermaid” is a great musical for all the family that tells the story of Ariel and her quest to be part of your world and along the way she meets some amazing characters that include Flotsam and Jetsom, Scuttle, Flounder, Triton, Seahorse, Sebastian and many more and is sure to be huge hit. Tickets go on sale in the 3Mobile Store, Dungarvan Shopping Centre, on Thursday, 9th January, and are generously priced at €10 each and as with all the stage school shows tickets are sure to sell fast so early booking is essential to guarantee your seats at “The Little Mermaid.” The stage school is now in it's fifth year and is growing all the time and we are delighted to announce that we are now taking names for our new term that will commence on Monday, 10th February, and run until June 2014. We cater for students aged 4 to 6, 7 to 11, and 12 to 18 and classes take place every Monday and Wednesday in St. Joseph’s School, Dungarvan. The classes are the core activity of the stage school and no experience is required to join the stage school as all levels of ability are catered for. So if you like to sing, dance, act or you just like to have fun and make new friends then Dungarvan Junior Musical Stage School is the place for you. We have a full child protection policy in place, so you can rest assured that your child is having fun while learning all the skills of the performing arts from the industries finest and most talented professionals in a safe clean environment. We have a strong emphasis on confidence building, having fun and making new friends and all our students get to perform live on stage in our much talked about end of term productions, our next end of term production for June 2014 will be the fun filled brilliant musical comedy “The Adams Family” which will be another first for the school and the Dungarvan audiences and is sure to prove hugely popular with all our students and we look forward to getting started with the new term. New students are always more than welcome, so why not see for yourself why so many happy students from Dungarvan and the West Waterford area can’t be wrong. We will hold an open / registration day on Saturday, 1st February, in St. Joseph’s School from 11.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. for new students to enrol for our new term. If you can’t make the open day, don't worry, as you can secure your place in Dungarvan and West Waterford’s premier stage school today by simply calling or texting Brian or David on 087-2360330 and we will take your name and secure your place and we will happily answer any questions you might have. We can also be contacted on our Facebook page, if you just send us your name and number we will ring you immediately. Nótaí na Gaeltachta le Comhlucht Forbartha na nDéise Some of the participants in the Dungarvan Lions Club Annual Christmas Day Swim at Clonea Beach. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Ballysaggart CLUB LOTTO €10,000 Lotto Results 17th December, 2013 – Numbers drawn were 8, 9, 19, 22. €20 Winners: Timmy Murphy, Mike Whelan, Jamie Walsh. Congratulations to all who won prizes in the Christmas Draw and thanks to all who sponsored the prizes. Next Draw: 7th January 2014. Jackpot: €10,000. Ensure you have your ticket for this super prize and support our Munster winning team. Jackpot remains at €10,000 for fifteen weeks or until won. SPOT THE BALL FUNDRAISER Sales of tickets continue for Spot the Ball fundraiser. We thank all who have supported the fundraiser so far. Proceeds go to helping our team on their success todate. Make sure you have your square which holds the one thousand euro before Saturday 18th January. The GAA would also appreciate one final effort by ticket sellers at the weekend. This weekend we will be selling at Dungarvan shopping centre, Centra Lismore among a number of the places we will be. All members and players are requested to give a helping hand. AGM: CLUB CONVENTION The Annual club Convention will be held on Friday, 10th January. This is the place to air your views of the year past but more importantly to plan for the year ahead in this historic club year. We look forward to seeing you all present. The AGM takes place at the Community centre at 7.45 p.m. AWARDS Congratulations to Stephen and Shane Bennett who received their Minor County medals last Saturday night at the Minor presentation of County medals in Waterford. Special mention was made on the night of Ballysaggart’s success todate in the Junior Championship. Best wishes to Barry Murphy, Stephen and Shane Bennett who will be representing us at the WLR/FM Granville awards on Saturday night in Waterford. We wish you well on the awards night. Congratulations to Stephen Bennett who received the Park Hotel Sports award for the month of December. Stephen will go forward to the finals which are held later in January. NEXT GAME Our next game is against St Joseph’s/Calry of Sligo the Connacht champions who we play on weekend of the 25/26th January. Times and Venue shall be announced later. CHURCH CENTENARY The Church Centenary Booklets are on sale. The Booklets portray an excellent history of St. Mary’s Church, Ballysaggart in this the centenary year. The booklet is produced compliments of Fr. William Ryan’s earlier Booklet and outlines the many milestones over the past 100 years. The booklet is on sale from the Parish council or from Roche’s and Meagher’s Shops. RANGANNA GAEILGE Tosnóidh na ranganna Gaeilge thar n-ais an Mháirt seo chughainn, 14 Eanáir i Meánscoil San Nioclás. Beidh clárú ag 6.45 agus an chéad rang ag 7.00. €25 do na ranganna a bheidh ar siúl ar feadh 8 seachtaine. Irish language classes will resume next Tuesday evening (14th January) in Meánscoil San Nioclás. There will be three levels, beginners, intermediate and advanced. Registration begins at 6.45 with the first class starting shortly after at 7 pm. Classes cost €25 and will run for 8 weeks. Further details from Míchéal: 058-46664 or cfdeise@gmail.com RANGANNA RÍOMHAIRÍ Beidh na ranganna ríomhairí ag tosnú thar nais chomh maith an Mháirt seo chughainn ag 5.30 sa Mheánscoil. Computer classes will resume next Tuesday evening at 5.30 in Meánscoil San Nioclás. TIONÓL NIOCLÁIS TÓIBÍN Tá dátaí don Tionól i mbliana socruithe agus beidh deireadh seachtaine den scoth sa Ghaeltacht ag tosnú ar an 14 Feabhra. Beidh tuilleadh eolais faoin clár againn sna seachtainí atá le teacht. Tionól Niocláis Tóibín will begin on Friday 14th February this year with further details in the coming weeks of the programme of events. SEIRBHÍS DOCHTÚRA Bíonn an Dr Gráinne Ní Fhoghlú ag feidhmiú ó Ionad Pobail na Rinne gach Máirt agus Déardaoin ó 911 ar maidin. Glaoigh ar (058) 41262 nó (058) 41227 chun coinne a dhéanamh. Dr Gráinne Ní Fhoghlú will be available for appointments in the Health Centre in Ionad Pobail na Rinne on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9am – 11am. Please note Tuesday and Thursday are the new days the clinic will be open. COMHDHÁIL NA NDÉISE 2014 Téama na Comhdhála: Traidisiún na Lámhscríbhinní Beidh an tríú Comhdháil na nDéise ar siúl in Institiúid Teicneolaíochta Phort Láirge (ITPL) ar an 7ú Meitheamh, 2014. Tá fáilte romhat páipéar a bhaineann le téama na comhdhála a thairiscint. Tabharfar tús áite do pháipéir a bhaineann leis na Déise ach cuirfear fáilte roimh pháipéir eile chomh maith. Iarrtar ar dhaoine a bhfuil spéis acu páipéar (15-20 nóiméad) a thabhairt ag an gcomhdháil seo teideal an pháipéir agus achoimre (c.250 focal) a chur chuig deise@wit.ie roimh 1ú Márta, 2014. Is comhdháil lae í seo agus mar sin tá seans ann nach nglacfar le gach tairiscint. The third Irish language Conference in WIT will take place on the 7th of June next year. Submission for papers is now accepted until the first of March at deise@wit.ie CUMANN NAOMH UINSEANN DE PÓL / SVP Má theastaíonn ó éinne teagmháil a dhéanamh le Cumann Naomh Uinseann de Pól sa cheantar, is féidir teacht orthu ag (058) 46125 nó 085-1520494. The contact numbers for the An Rinn / An Sean Phobal branch of St Vincent de Paul are (058) 46125 nó 085-1520494. MEÁIN SHÓISIALTA / TEAGMHÁIL / CONTACT Is féidir an nuacht is déanaí agus eolas faoi imeachtaí a bheidh ar siúl sa Rinn agus sa Seanphobal ar an leathnach Facebook atá ag an gComhlucht Forbartha – www.facebook.com/comhlucht.forbartha agus táimid ar fáil ar twitter anois chomh maith – @cfdeise. If anybody has events / news to be included in Nótaí na Gaeltachta, seol iad chuig cfdeise@gmail.com nó 058-46664. NEWS ITEMS Pictured at the Dungarvan Lions Club Annual Christmas Day Swim at Clonea Beach. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] All news items and notes are to be forwarded to the following email address: news@dungarvanobserver.ie 38 COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Ballinameela Community Christmas Family Fun Day. Ballinameela BALLINAMEELA COMMUNITY CENTRE The Ballinameela Community Centre is available for bookings. The centre is a wonderful amenity for you to use for indoor soccer, parties etc. To book the hall please contact our booking officer Pauline on 087-2480321. Each month one of the committee is responsible for opening and closing for events on in the hall, January is Matthew Fogarty on 086-0644811. Current events on in the hall and local community: Finisk Valley AC News: Last Sunday the children took part in sprints and High jump. The high jump technique is really after coming on the last few weeks, with all children getting their personal bests jumping over the full bar. Next Training session will be on Sunday, 12th January from 9.30 a.m. – 10.30 a.m. in Ballinameela community pitch/hall and all children from 7 years up are welcome. Club membership for 2014 is now being collected; the annual membership fee is €15 per child. If you would like to get involved in the club we would be delighted with your support. Circuit Training: Beginning Monday 6th January in Ballinameela Community Centre at 7.00 p.m. sharp. Circuit Training Classes will commence and run every Monday night for 10 weeks. Classes cater for all ages from 16 upwards and are a fun and exciting way to get fit, loose weight and tone up. Each class is one hour duration and instructed by a Qualified Fitness Instructor, see you all there!! Enquiries call 087-8229762. Badminton: Tuesday 8.00 p.m. - 10.00 p.m. Contact Mairead Morrissey 087-7681975. Foroige Club: Back on Thursday, 9th January at 7.00 p.m. in the Community Centre. For more information contact Claire Seery on 0876662326 or Maureen Culloo on 086-3428621. B.A.D. Ballinameela Ballinameela Community Christmas Family Fun Day. Aglish Dramatics: Meeting 9th January at 8.00 p.m. in the community centre. The cast are currently busy rehearsing for Brian Friel’s play ‘Philadelphia Here I Come’. The date of the performance will be February 21st, 22nd and 23rd in Carriglea Theatre. Irish Dancing: Fridays at 3.15 p.m. – 4.15 p.m. for all school going kids. Class teacher is Deirdre Kiely, contact Deirdre on 0860640892 for more information. New beginners always welcome. The Parent and Toddler Group: Every Tuesday morning at 9.30 a.m. in the halla of Whitechurch National School. For more details contact Janice Barry on 087-9718945. New members very welcome. Aglish Fit4Life: started last night Tuesday 7th. The aim of Fit4Life is to try and motivate people to get up and out and start the New Year with a bit of exercise. You can Run, Jog or Walk a few kilometres. All levels of fitness catered for. The aim of the group will be to get people to par- ticipate in the Aglish Fun Run on Easter Monday. Participants must wear Hivi vests while taking part. A limited number are available free of charge, but if you have one yourself it would be great. Come along and bring a friend. The more the merrier. Cost is €2 per night with all proceeds going to Childrens Hospital Crumlin. Meet at 7.30 p.m. at Aglish Community Hall. Next week we will meet on Tuesday and Friday nights. You can join at any time. More details on Facebook at aglishfunrun. Community Alert: There is a Community Alert text system in place text your name and mobile number to this number: 087 3538347. It works in two ways, firstly a message regarding any suspicious activity is sent to your phone so you can be on the lookout. Secondly you can send details of suspicious activity to this number where it will be re-sent around to the community and to the Gardai who treat it as serious and act immediately. Follow on facebook www.facebook.com/parish .communityalert LOTTO RESULTS 6th JANUARY, 2014 Winning numbers were: 22, 24, 27. No winner. €20 winners: Liam McCarthy, Canty; Joan Burke, Cappagh; Brian Connery, Aglish; Noreen Stack, Canty; Carmel O’Neill, Modeligo. Next week’s jackpot €5,150 and will take place in the Cruiscín Lan. NOTES FOR INCLUSION If you have something you would like in the Ballinameela notes you can email vikimulhall@gmail.com Follow and like us on facebook, Ballinameela Community Centre. Ballinameela Community Christmas Family Fun Day. THE old year went out howling like a Banshee, and, not to be outdone, the new year came in howling even louder as wind and rain lashed the country. In light of such devastation, arts and crafts may not seem so important, or indeed necessary. However, if you're not going out and about anyway, why not keep yourself occupied with a bit of creativity. You just might discover hidden talents in yourself. Some sections of the art community can be a bit snobbish about what is considered ART. They seem to believe that it should be cutting edge techniques and fabulously extravagant flamboyance. No, they are wrong. If you enjoy doing dot-to-dot, painting by numbers or just arranging a few flowers in a vase, as long as you put a little enthusiasm and imagination into it, then you, dear reader, are an artist. Ballinameela Creatives remain in stasis for the moment, but, we shall return soon and continue our journey towards making the ultimate masterpiece, or at least a modest one. Whichever, we'll enjoy the views and experiences on the way. Ballinameela Creatives meet at Whitechurch N.S. on Wednesday nights at 7.30 p.m. The uniquely creative artist Salvador Dali once said,"At the age of 6, I wanted to be a cook. At the age of 7, I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing ever since." COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 39 New Foroige Youth Club launched in Ballinameela DECEMBER saw the start of a new chapter in youth development for the communities of Ballinameela / Aglish and Villierstown. The launch of the Foroige club has been widely welcomed by young and old and the demand for such a facility is clear with 34 young people signed up and a waiting list already in place. The work of Foroige is directed primarily at young people in their adolescent years. Foroige club membership is confined to boys and girls in the 12–18 age groups. The club, which will meet every Thursday evening in the Ballinameella Community Centre, provides a setting where young people can come together to meet and socialise in a safe and caring environment. What makes a Foróige club different to average youth clubs is that it is run by the young people themselves. This allows them to believe in themselves, make decisions and practice leadership. The Ballinameela club came about as a result of the tireless work of Claire Seery and Maureen Culloo and was able to launch in December with the dedication and commitment of a team of 8 voluntary leaders: Mary Foley, Lisa McGrath, Shane McGovern, Moya Power, Shane Flavin, Terry McCarthy, Shona Curran and Elaine Flavin. Speaking at the official opening Mayor of Co. Waterford, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan spoke, saying “Everybody associated with the setting up of Ballinameela Foroige are to be complimented on being so proactive and doing something so positive and supportive for the Youth of the Area. This Foroige Club is vital for the local community as a place where the youth of the locality can come and engage in organised recreational activities. The initiative taken by the community in ensuring the formation of the club is certainly to be warmly welcomed and will, I feel, be good for the vibrancy of the local community. The Community Centre in Ballinameela will serve as a perfect base for the Foroige Club and will provide a hub for young people in the heart of the community.” The Ballinameela Foroige Club was officially launched by Mayor Damien Geoghegan on Thursday, December 19th. Thank you to all who attended on the night and contributed in any way to the great night that was had by all. Mayor of Co. Waterford, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, cuts the ribbon to officially open the new Ballinameela Foroige Youth Club. Team of Ballinameela Foroige Youth Club voluntary leaders pictured with Mayor of Co. Waterford, Cllr. Damien Geoghegan, and members of the Waterford Minor Hurling Team at the official Launch night of the Ballinameela Foroige Youth Club. Members of the Ballinameela Foroige Youth Club pictured with the team of voluntary leaders at the Ballinameela Foroige Youth Club official launch night. 40 COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Kilmacthomas WORKSHOP Workshop on well being and self care for 4 weeks commencing Tuesday, 14th January, 10.30 a.m. to 12.00 noon, in the Rainbow Community Hall, Kilmacthomas, €15 pp per morning, pre booking essential as places limited. Workshop includes introduction to Mindfulness, Meditation, Philosophy, Chi Kung, creative therapy music/ art and Fun. Contact Catherine Foran for booking and more information on 087 0575426, email cathforan@gmail.com, web: entherthenow.com. Please note workshop also takes place in Colaiste Chathail Naofa, Dungarvan end of January 2014, date to be confirmed. LATE ROBBIE McGRATH It is with sadness that we record the death of Robbie McGrath, Kilnagrange, Kilmacthomas, on Thursday, 19th December, at Waterford Regional Hospital, following a period of ill health. Robbie reposed at his residence on Friday. Following prayers recited by Fr. Delaney P.P., Kilrossanty, on Saturday morning his remains were removed to Fews Church for requiem Mass con-celebrated by Fr. Hassett, Portlaw, and Fr. Delaney in the presence of his family, relatives, neighbours and friends and was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. During the Mass symbols representing aspects of Robbie's life were brought to the Altar and beautiful music and hymns were provided by Dessie Norris. Robbie will be sadly missed by his brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends to whom we offer our sincere sympathy. May he rest in peace. PARISH PILGRIMAGE Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes September 2014, cost €729 pps. Departs September 27th for five nights staying at the 4* Solitude Hotel, transport and accommodation, tours and religious programme included. If interested contact Fr. Keogh on 051 294261 for more details. BINGO Bingo will resume in the Rainbow Community Hall on Tuesday night, January 21st, a little later than planned. We apologise for this inconvenience, and hope to see you all on the night. LOTTO DRAW Results of the Kilmacthomas AFC lotto draw on the 4th January, letters drawn J R V W, no jackpot winner, five winners of €20 each Tom Power, Faha, Jesse Whelan, c/o P P I, Allen Bowdren, Old Road, Kilmac, Ena Whelan, Fews and Paddy Drohan, Scrahan, Kilmac. Next week’s jackpot €1,800, be in to win. Modeligo CLASSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN Classes will be held in Modeligo Community Centre beginning Tuesday, January 14th, 5–6 p.m. Classes are suitable for all primary school children and will cover areas of improving learning / memory / self esteem. The course will run for 12 weeks and will cost €10 per class per child. The classes will be run under the Ferris Wheel Programme (www.theferriswheel.org) by Marguerite Walsh who is a fully qualified Primary School Teacher with expertise in special needs/learning difficulties and NLP practitioner and Ferriswheel leader Any queries / bookings contact Marguerite 087 7986584 Also available for private consultations. WALKERS RETURN Now that the festive Season is over, it’s time to get those walking shoes back on: remember we meet at the Centre car park on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8.00 p.m. sharp, and as well as the benefits that are gained from the activity, we can also make a small donation to the Lourdes Parish Fund…so let’s get out there! HALL COMMITTEE MEETING A reminder to all delegates and committee members that our next Community Centre committee meeting will be held on Monday next (January 13th), at 8.00 p.m., issues such as recent Astroturf developments will be on the Agenda. CONDOLENCES The early days of 2014 brought the sad news of the death of Mai Fitzgerald, Mogeha, and we wish to offer sincerest sympathies to daughters Sarah and Pauline; to her sons John, Pat, Denis and Brendan and to their extended families. Also we wish to offer our condolences to Paddy McGrath (brother) and family, Affane and to all Mai’s relatives and friends. Following Requiem Mass at Modeligo on Friday last, (January 3rd)) the late Mai, who was very much a family person with a lively interest in Community affairs, was laid to rest in the adjoining Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí. MINI LOTTO Last Saturday night numbers were 4, 8 and 13, there was no jackpot winner. Congratulations to Orlaith & Maeve Moher, Ballykerin, Annie Ryan, Vicarstown, Dinny Walsh, Clashmore, and Dolores Coughlan, Lacken who were our €25 lucky dip winners. An tseachtain seo chughainn, beidh €1,200 sa phota óir. Free Basic Irish Sign Language Course at Central Library ARE you interested in learning sign language? If so, sign up now for a free 6 week course in basic Irish sign language (ISL) in Central Library.The course will run weekly starting on Wednesday, 22nd January, at 6.30 p.m. and is hosted by the Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre. This course offers a great opportunity to enable you to converse with deaf people in everyday situations using sign language. It is a practical language course delivered through class instruction, role-play, group work and lots of fun! No prior knowledge of Irish sign language is needed. Places are limited so please reserve your place at Central Library or phone 051-849975. Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. Pictured are swimmers who participated. [Michael Kiely] Waterford Fine Gael News LOCAL ELECTIONS 2014 The time has come once again for us to elect our local Government representatives and May 2014 will be an election like no other in Waterford. The new local authority will consist of one merged Waterford City and County Council made up of 32 councillors over 5 electoral areas. Fine Gael has held selection conventions for 3 of these areas: Dungarvan/Lismore, Comeragh and Waterford City East. In the Dungarvan/Lismore area, the members voted for Cllr. Micheál Cosgrove, Cllr. Declan Doocey and Cllr. Pat Nugent to represent Fine Gael. For the Comeragh area, Cllr. Liam Brazil, Cllr. Brendán Coffey and TALK BY AIDAN O'HARA Waterford County Museum is delighted to welcome back Aidan O'Hara to talk to the society. His talk is titled 'Women in the Era of the American Civil War (186165) - An Irish Angle'. His talk will discuss the involvement of Irish women in various aspects of the American Civil War and is sure to be a fascinating one. So make a date in your diary - the talk will take place on Wednesday, 22nd January, at 8.00 p.m. in the Town Hall Theatre and admission is €5. All are welcome. INFORMATION SOUGHT ON CUMANN NA mBAN Many stories are written and indeed continue to be written about the freedom fighters that fought for Irish independence and a Free State. But, what of the women who also risked their lives for this cause.The stories of these local women have largely remained untold. These women were involved with carrying Seán Power are the candidates. In Waterford City East, Cllr. John Carey, Cllr. Tom Cunningham and Cllr. Jim Darcy have secured places on the ticket. It is expected that selection conventions will be held for the final electoral areas in the coming weeks. Furthermore, additional candidates may be added to the ticket by the Executive Council. SUPER DRAW 2013 The Constituency Executive would like to say a big thank you to all the people who supported the Super Draw during the year, a vital source of funding for the party. Money raised from this draw is spent directly on fighting elections on the ground and messages, hiding arms, tending the sick and wounded, and providing safe houses, acting as look out, organising fundraisers and many more duties. The Women's League "Cumann na mBan" an auxiliary force, was founded in Dublin on the 2nd April, 1914, due to the exclusion of women from the newly formed Volunteers. We are looking for the individual stories of those involved and plan to organise an exhibition that accurately reflects the role Waterford women played in gaining an independent Ireland. If you can help us with our research, stories, documents, photos, etc., please contact Waterford County Museum at 058 45960. SCHOOL GROUPS We had many schools from the locality visiting the museum in 2013 and hope to have more in 2014. It is vital that we encourage young people to take an interest in the history of their locality which will also be of benefit to them in their history class. The groups can be given a supporting the Waterford Constituency in its work on behalf of our members. UPCOMING EVENTS The 77th Árd Fheis will take place in the RDS in Dublin, on Friday 28th February and Saturday 1st March. Each member will receive details of this by the end of January and all are welcome to attend.The selection convention for the European Elections in the new Ireland South constituency, will be held on Sunday 16th February, with further details to be announced. HAPPY NEW YEAR On behalf of Fine Gael, we would like to wish you all a happy new year and best wishes for 2014. guided tour, there are replica items which can be handled and DVDs on local subjects such as The Moresby, Railways, etc. If you are interested in arranging a visit please ring 058-45960 to make an appointment. LOCAL HISTORY While we know much about Waterford soldiers who fought in WWI we are not as familiar with those who fought in the WWII. One of the most decorated was John F. Mansfield whose medals are on display in Waterford County Museum. JOHN F. MANSFIELD 1906 - 1965 He was born at Ballinroad, Old Parish, Co. Waterford, on 6 February 1906 to James and Bridget Mansfield (nee Power). John emigrated to America in 1924. Just before the Second World War he enlisted in the American army and served with the 4th Armoured Division - Third Army, from its founding in April 1942 until he ended up in Pilsin, Czechoslovakia in May 1945. This Division was the spearhead attack from Normandy right into Germany and was known as ‘Paton’s Pride & Joy’, having had the most days in combat of any unit of the Third Army. John was wounded twice and decorated on several occasions. He received honourable discharge on 19th October, 1945, and he settled in New York where he died on 1st July, 1965. AWARDS RECEIVED Bronze Star for valour at the Battle of the Bulge Purple Heart with cluster after being wounded at Normandy and Metz European-Afr ican Middle Eastern Campaign ribbon Occupation of Germany Medal American Defence Medal Good Conduct Medal OPENING HOURS Monday to Friday 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Phone 058-45960. Email: info@waterfordmuseum.ie Web: www.waterfordmuseum.ie / www.facebook.com/waterfordcountymuseum COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 41 Lismore Heritage Centre: closed for renovations, open for business LISMORE Heritage Centre is starting 2014 with major renewal works. With the help of funding from Waterford Leader Partnership the ground floor of Lismore Heritage Centre is to be transformed in a large scale renovation project. While building works are ongoing the tourist office, visitor centre and gift shop at the centre are closed to the public. However, while Lismore Heritage Centre is closed for renovations, it is very much open for business. Lismore Heritage Centre’s Mobile Science Team is on the road visiting schools in Waterford, Cork, Tipperary, Wexford and Limerick bringing science from the birthplace of Robert Boyle to primary school students. The team offers workshops for third to sixth classes on topics such as Feel the force, Acids and Bases, Electricity and The Guts of Digestion.The Junior Science Roadshow rolls in to keep infant classes and up spellbound with simple, fun experiments. To keep the show busily on the road every Lismore Mobile Science Workshop booked for January 2014 can now avail of a 10% discount. Bookings are also being taken for the Lismore School Tour Experience. Extended in 2013 to include Maths and History Trails, we have yet more plans to broaden our ever popular school tour package in 2014. “We have been working with a cartographer and the Education Officer at Orienteering Ireland with a view to creating two permanent orienteering courses in Lismore and its environs” said Mealla Fahey, Project Manager at Lismore Heritage Centre.“There are a number of hurdles still to be overcome but if we are successful these courses will be a fantastic resource for the whole community of Lismore and Waterford.” January is always a busy month on the tourism calendar in terms of trade fairs and networking events. Lismore Heritage Centre will promote its education package at the Annual Conference of the Irish Primary Principals’ Network in the Citywest Convention Centre, Dublin before moving on to represent the Waterford region at Holiday World in the RDS. Holiday World is of particular interest to Alice O’Donoghue who sees the show as a prime opportunity to promote the Great Day Out and Blackwater Adventure packages. “January is the time that many groups and clubs organise their calendar for their year.We want them to know that Lismore Heritage Centre is open for business. We are here to tailor make their trip to the town. We had a very successful season in 2013 and it is in the next few months that we lay the groundwork for an even better 2014.” To enquire about any of these projects please call us on 058 54975 or email info@lismoreher itage.ie Keep up to date with ongoing developments at Lismore Heritage Centre on our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @LismoreHC Renovation works at Lismore Heritage Centre are being funded under the Rural Development Programme (RDP) for Ireland 2007 – 2013 under the Tourism Measure. The RDP is administered by Waterford Leader Partnership on behalf of the Department of Environment, Community & Local Government. Age Action Melleray Getting Started classes in Lismore GET Started” for 2014 with Age Action. A lot of people own something this year that they’ve never owned before. Perhaps Santa put it under the tree or it was bought in the sales. COMPUTER, LAPTOP, TABLET OR IPAD. What to do with that device? That’s where our Getting Started classes come in. In a friendly relaxed atmosphere, one on one, with your own patient volunteer tutor, you can learn at your own pace how to find your way around the basics. Beginners and refreshers over 55 welcome. Please contact Martina on 0214536556, text Julie on 0871956026 or email AAC@ageaction.ie. Classes run 2 hours a week for four weeks. Book your place now, before it’s gone! TABLE QUIZ "Worse than Hell." That's how Magina Fernandez, a survivor of Typhoon Haiyan in the now-decimated Philippines city of Tacloban, described the aftermath of the storm. Thousands have been left homeless with everything they own destroyed and loved ones lost in the devastation. This year, on our 9th Annual Table Quiz, all proceeds will go to the Red Cross who are providing shelter, food, clean water and helping the survivors to rebuild their lives. The prizes and auction Parish of Lismore & Ballysaggart IN the context of our Sunday Mass at 11.00 a.m. on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, children and parents of Confirmation Class will take part in a simple ritual. The focus of this ritual will be to encourage both child and parents to enter more personally into their relationship with Jesus Christ. I thank the parents who are truly supporting their children in their Catholic Faith.Thanks to the parents who give some of their time to plan this event of faith and prayer. Confirmation date is the 2nd March so it leaves us very little time to visit the many aspects of Faith, the meaning of Sacrament, the meaning of Christian Initiation, the work of the Holy Spirit, being part of a Faith Community in a real way. As we think of the meaning of the Baptism in the life of Jesus we can keep in our prayers all those young people who are filling up C.A.O application forms for life after the Leaving Cert. Maybe the consideration of a response to a religious or priestly vocation might be given a consideration. Fr. M.Cullinan, P.P. MASS TIMETABLE Saturday, 11th January Vigil Mass in Lismore at 7.30 p.m. Sunday, 12th January Morning Mass in Ballysaggart at 9.30 a.m. Sunday Mass in Lismore at 11.00 a.m. PRO Pastoral Council. Parish radio Link 103.9FM items are hampers which are made up from “Christmas leftovers” such as chocolates, biscuits, drink, toiletries, etc. If you have anything you would like to donate please contact Michael 0872562388 or Carmel 0872535149. So, if you would like to help the survivors, you can do so by either donating any “Christmas left-overs” or by joining us in the Sportsman’s Bar, Cappoquin, on Saturday, 18th January, at 8.30 p.m. Thank you for your support. Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. Pictured are Deaglan and Ella Reagain who participated. [Michael Kiely] Harbour View Season 2 IT’S Youghal’s answer to Love/Hate and its set to return to the airwaves on the 12th of January, 2014. Harbour View is Community Radio Youghal’s very own Drama series and after the success of the original series, a second season consisting of 10 episodes of the drama have been commissioned by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) and will run for 10 weeks on CRY104fm’s popular Sunday Morning show with Jimmy Flanagan at 11.45 a.m. Written and Directed by Sean O’Neill, the series is set in the fictional street of Harbour View in Youghal and features a host of local actors. The second season continues where the original series finished with Mac, Mossie and Pat still missing at sea and the large Youghal Community waiting anxiously for their safe return. Described by Sean O’Neill as social realism the original Series made us laugh and cry in equal measure and saw O’Neill deal with such issues as Bullying, unexpected Pregnancy, Mounting debt problems, sporting triumphs and of course tragedy. Made with the support of the BAI under the Sound and Vision scheme, Season 2 sees all the major characters continuing in their roles with former Irish actor of the year Aglish’s Will O’Brien reprising his role as Mossie, Dungarvan’s Denise O’Brien continuing as Sheila,The ever popular Ted O’Brien as Mac and popu- lar characters such as Chrissie. Nora, The Sarge and Father Byrne all set to light up the airwaves once more. All of which means Season 2 is set to be bigger and better than ever and with a number of new characters also making an appearance such as the menacing Debt collector Knuckles Nolan and Mossie’s estranged wife Monica, it is sure to be compelling listening for the ever increasing audience to Community Radio Youghal on 104fm. So don’t forget to tune in to Harbour View Season 2 on Sunday, January 12th, at 11.45 a.m. and for the repeat at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday nights. Cappoquin ARA HAPPY New Year to all our members. We hope you enjoyed the Festive Season with your loved ones. All very lovely but must come to an end. We look forward to a peaceful and healthy new year now that things get back to normal. Normal is good. Keeps us sane! We are back to our regular Monday meetings on 13th January at 2.30 p.m. New people and new ideas always welcome. Best wishes and get well to a few members who were "under the weather" or who had a mishap. Please take care and we hope to see you soon. Members from Deise Against Pylons handed in 570 submissions from the local area to Eirgrid Representatives in their Midleton office on one of the final days before closing date for submissions. Pictured are Sarah, Emily, and Alice O'Brien and Tom and Margaret Keevers. Follow us on Facebook. Deise against Pylons. and Rethink Pylons.org. 42 COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Samaritans receiving more ‘out of hours’ calls SAMARITANS Ireland received more calls from midnight to 6.00 a.m. than at any other time during the day over the past year. That’s according to the organisation’s 2012-2013 Impact Report, which was launched in late December. The report launch was followed by a briefing by volunteers from Waterford Samaritans for their local politicians. According to the report, 37 per cent of calls to Samaritans’ helpline in the past year took place from midnight to 6am. Midnight to 1am on Friday and Saturday nights were the busiest times of the week. Out of hours calls to Samaritans were up by 9 per cent on 2012, and accounted for 68 per cent of all calls to the service. Almost 10,000 people had face to face contact with Samaritans in 2013, which is a 14 per cent increase on last year. While the number of calls received by Samaritans fell by 7 per cent on last year the number of contacts through other mediums increased by 18 per cent. Speaking at the launch of the report, Catherine Brogan, Executive Director of Samaritans Ireland, said: “A number of dynamics have resulted in changes to the type and timing of contacts to Samaritans in 2013. For starters, we are noticing that night-time periods are increasingly busy with more calls coming through, and these calls are lasting longer. “This – in our experience – is down to the fact that there are now more day-time services and helplines available and as part of our partnership work, many of these divert into Samaritans’ service after hours. It highlights the vital need to have a resilient, reliable and available support service round the clock, particularly when other front line services are closed. It’s clear that increasingly, Samaritans is acting as a safety net for all of Ireland’s emotional support services. Catherine Brogan said: “Our vision has always been the same, but in order to remain relevant, the way we listen has changed.We’re seeing a marked increase in the number of people who are contacting us by other mediums. A whole generation of people are now coming through that don’t instinctively pick up the phone. They prefer to use email or text as a mode of communication. Samaritans is responding to this by ensuring that our volunteers are trained to support people through this mode of contact. “We’re also making efforts to make ourselves more visible and let people know that they can drop in to any of our 12 branches around the country. These efforts are significantly bolstering our face-to-face contacts.” Samaritans said that the decrease in the number of telephone callers was the result of a combination of factors. According to Catherine Brogan: “To start with, calls are climbing down from an all-time-high of just over 400,000 in 2010/11 when the impacts of austerity were really begin felt. Some of the decrease in calls could be down to the fact that some people are feeling more hopeful about the future. “However, we are also acutely aware – from the nature of calls to our service – that lots of people are still hurting very much. There has been a marked shift away from landline usage to mobiles, and this introduced an additional cost factor to people considering a call to Samaritans. With the launch of our free-to-caller number – 116 123 – next year, this barrier will be removed.” The issues of most concern to callers in 2013 related to family and relationship problems; depression and mental health issues; loneliness and stress / anxiety. These mirrored the most common issues for callers last year. “With many of these issues, having the opportunity to talk them through with a trained listener offers huge relief. Where Samaritans feels a person could benefit from a greater intervention, we sign-post them to alternative services so that they can access the support they need.” SAMARITANS VOLUNTEERS Director of Waterford Samaritans Ann Barron paid tribute to Samaritans volunteers: Samaritans Ireland is the longest-serving organisation in the area of emotional support and Pictured at the launch of the annual Samaritans Impact Report on 18th December, 2013 in Dublin was Senator Denis Landy from Tipperary with volunteers from Waterford Samaritans: Ann Barron (Director) and Anthony Hamilton. The report documented that Samaritans Ireland received more calls from midnight to 6.00 a.m. than at any other time during the day over the past year. suicide prevention. It is volunteer-led, with 2,000 people volunteering around the country and 90 active volunteers in the Waterford branch. “Volunteers are the beating heart of Samaritans, delivering the core support service, running all branches, raising vital funds, and raising awareness of the work we do. Each volunteer spends 15 hours on average each month as a listener and undergoes a rigorous programme of initial and ongoing training. Our volunteers are ordinary people who provide a safe space to talk and we will be looking to expand our volunteer base over the coming year.” MINISTER KATHLEEN LYNCH Kathleen Lynch TD, Minister of State for Disability, Older People, Equality and Mental Health, also spoke at the event. “Samaritans offers a 24hour service, 365 days a year,” she said. “The fact that most of the calls are made to the service at night reflect the importance of the 24 hour support they offer. People contact Samaritans because of the enormous value they find in having a ‘safe space’ and someone to listen and support. “I want to acknowledge the tremendous work being delivered by volunteers. I know Samaritans’ volunteers are scheduling roundthe-clock shifts to make sure they are available to those who need emotional support in the New Year. That hundreds of people throughout the country give so freely of their time to such an important cause is truly admirable,” she said. “Ireland faces many challenges in relation to mental health, and I am committed to working with the relevant voluntary and statutory partners to address these. Samaritans – and other organisations in this sector – are making a significant contribution by supporting people experiencing emotional distress.” The impact report launched by Samaritans covers the period from the beginning of November 2012 to the end of October 2013. Samaritans’ helpline number is 1850 60 90 90. Further information about the organisation’s work is available at www.samaritans.ie. Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. Pictured are a happy group of swimmers who participated. [Michael Kiely] Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. Pictured are Seanai Kiely and Aodh McGrath who participated. [Michael Kiely] Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. Pictured is Tadhg Breathnach who participated. [Michael Kiely] COUNTY NEWS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 43 West Waterford CLASHMORE RAMBLERS ALPHA LOTTO CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Our annual Clashmore Ramblers Christmas Special Alpha Lotto draw took place on Sunday, December 22nd.The letters drawn that week were H, I, P and V. We had no jackpot winner.We had ten winners of €25 each spot prizes so well done to the following winners: David Coughlan, Liam Troy, Teresa Joyce, Mary Deady, Pat Collins x 2, Pamela Whelan, Betty Aherne c/o Eithine, Andrea Foley Kilmore, Ruth O’Neill. CHRISTMAS HAMPER DRAW Our hampers draw also took place and the following were our winners our Main Hamper was won by Talor Lombard. Katie Ormond won the Drinks Hamper. Mary Anne Troy won the Kids Hamper. Conor Carey won bells. Crested Ten - Luke Coughlan, Ballylarkin Pablo, Wine biscuits pud Donnacha Devine, wine sweets pud - Majella Foley, Wine biscuits pud - Ray Connery,Wine biscuits pud - Shane Coughlan. Here are the results of the last weekly draw for 2013 in the Clashmore Ramblers Alpha lotto, which was held on Sunday, December 29th. Thc letters drawn were N, J, Z and F. We had no winner jackpot winner. €20 each went to Mark Foley x 2 and Tony Mansfield. We would like to thank everyone who supported us through out the year and like to wish everyone a happy New Year. The first draw of the new year took place on Sunday night, as we had no match four winner to claim our jackpot prize there will be €1,250 in the pot to be won next week by anyone who manages to match our four letters in the Clashmore Ramblers Alpha Lotto draw which takes place on Sunday night next, January 12th at 9.00 p.m. in the Old Still Clashmore. Last weeks letters drawn were V, W, H and I. Our weekly €20 Lucky Dips Prizes went to Grainne Lawlor, Clashmore; Miranda Curran, Clashmore; Eamon Foley, Piltown. Thanks to all our friends for your continued support! CLASHMORE – KINSALEBEG GAA LOTTO JACKPOT €2,200 The first draw of 2014 took place on Monday night.We had no winner of our weekly lotto jackpot so in next weeks draw which will take place a the Rising Sun Bar, we have a jackpot prize of €2,200 to be won by anyone whose ticket matches the four numbers out of the drum. Next draw is on Monday night January 14th. Last weeks numbers were 1, 2, 15, 20 and the following were the lucky winners of €20 spot prizes: Oisin O’Connell, Tinnock; Cait Hickey, Cross; Bridie Foley, Clashmore; Mary Connery, Ballinamultina; Kevin Dunne, Australia. The previous weeks numbers were 4, 21, 23, 25 again we had no match four winner five prizes of €20 each were won by the following P. J. Hickey, Sleadycastle; Dan O’Neill; Paudie Allen, Moord; Oisin McGrath; Frannie O’Rourke. Well done to all our winners and thanks to everyone for your support. KINSALEBEG COMMUNITY GROUP - THURSDAY CLUB If you would like to pass away a few hours in the company of friends and neighbours why not join Kinsalebeg Thursday Club in the hall in Kinsalebeg for home-made baking, tea, music dance bingo, cards and library, 3/4 outings during the year. Time 2.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. If you need transport to hall ring Joan on 024-94594 to make arrangements. New term beginning this Thursday, 9th January - so don't be shy give it a try, come along and join the fun - 2.00 p.m. Kinsalebeg Hall. SYMPATHY All at the Thursday Club would like to convey deepest sympathy to John and all the family and friends of the late Margaret Cashman, Summerhill. Margaret has been a regular member of our club for may years and she will be sadly missed by all of us. May she rest in peace. CLASHMORE 45 DRIVE Top prize winners this week in the first drive of 2014 were Roger Hynes and Aine Curran; Mary Dower and Jack Douris jointly on eight games. In third place on seven games were Edmond Og Ledingham and Jim McGrath. Our best of the last five winners were Maura McGrath and Redmond McGrath. Our lucky last game winners were Tom Osbourne and John Motherway, Noel Nugent and Anne Ledingham. Because of last week’s Monday morning deadline for items for publication in this paper I was unable to include last weeks card results sorry about that so here are the previous weeks winners were Margaret and Dan Leahy on nine games. In Joint second place on seven games we had Podge Cunningham and Maurice Ledingham; Jim McGrath and Jack Douris; Assumpta and Pat Dalton. Best of the last five were Tony Keane and Gabriel Hynes; Mary O’Donovan and Carmel. Last game winners were Edmond Og Ledingham and Julianne Molane, Mike Hunt and Martin Lynch. Well done to all our winners and thanks to everyone for your support. Cards as usual next Monday night at the Decies Bar with a 9.00 p.m. sharp start. FUNDRAISING DANCE A fundraising dance in aid of Baby Fionn Murray, son of Alan and Fiona, will take place this coming Friday night, January 10th here in Youghal town at the Walter Raleigh Hotel. Doors open at 8.00 p.m. – admission is just €10 and we will also have a raffle on the night with some great prizes to be won. Our feature band on the night will be the Michael Collins with special guests Paddy O’Brien, Teddy and Cathal Barry, Paddy [Slater] Greenslade and Pat Tobin. Special thanks to all to the bands who have offered their services free of charge. Your support in aid of this worthy cause will be so very much appreciated by Fionn’s family. WEDDING BELLS ALLEN –WALSH We extend congratulations to Aine Allen, daughter of Kay and Liam Allen, Moord, Kinsalebeg and James Walsh, son of Anne and Jim Walsh, Dunmoon, Knockanore on the occasion of their recent marriage which took place on Friday, October 18th, 2013 at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Piltown. The celebrant was Fr. Maurice O’Gorman, P.P. Best man was Barry Walsh and groomsmen were Danny O’Neill and Declan Allen. Bridesmaids were Marta O’Neill, Ciara Curtain and Ciara Cassidy. Page boy was Lee Walsh and flowergirl was Lucy Fastfender. Our great usher was Jamie Allen. Family and friends joined Aine and James for a wonderful celebration of their marriage at the Silver Springs Hotel and a great day was had by all. Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. Pictured are a group of spectators. [Michael Kiely] St. Augustine’s College production of “Grease” REHEARSALS for The Friary production of “Grease” are well underway. The Transition Year production of this hugely popular musical promises to be a real treat for all music and dance lovers. “Grease” was first performed in The Friary in 2004 when the Sandy was played by Katie Duggan and Killian Lee played Danny.This year the leads are Kileen McGinn, (Sandy) and Alex Pollock (Danny) All the TY students are actively involved in the musical which will be staged between the 5th and 8th of February very important dates for your diary. David Looby (Roger), Alex Pollack (Danny), Danny Dunford (Kenicki), Conor McCarthy (Doody) and Eoin Dwyer (Sonny). Main Cast of “Grease”. Kileen McGinn (Sandy) and Alex Pollack (Danny). 44 HELVICK NEW YEAR’S DAY SWIM Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. The swimmers pictured before entering the water. [Michael Kiely] Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. Pictured Catherine and Oisin Downey who participated. [Michael Kiely] [Michael Kiely] Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. The swimmers pictured entering the water. Helvick New Year’s Day Swim 2013 in Aid of Scoil Naisiunta Na Rinne. Pictured are swimmers who participated. [Michael Kiely] SCHOOLS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 45 ÁRD SCOIL NA nDÉISE First year students trip to Winterval JANUARY 2014 and it’s back to work for our students, especially 3rd and 6th Years who will be studying for the upcoming “pre” exams. Some TY and 5th Year students will be looking forward to the mid-term break in February for their much anticipated skiing holiday in Bulgaria. We wish everyone the very best for 2014. ICE SKATING REVIEW Before Christmas First Year student Orna O’Brien wrote this account of her class trip to Waterford for ice skating. On Tuesday, 17th December all of the First Years went on a school trip to “The Winterville” in Waterford City. We hit the road that morning at 8.30 a.m. sharp. Two bus loads of First Year students, along with Mrs. Power, Mrs. Foley and the First Year Head Ms. Pickering, went on this trip. We arrived at approximately 9.30 and started our trip by visiting The Winterville Toy Museum, which was brilliant because we saw many fascinating toys there. Next we headed to the Ice Skating ring. We each got a ticket and grabbed our skates. Then we were ready to go. Both students and teachers took to the ice and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, while Mrs. Power took pictures of us – we particularly liked the photos of us falling on the ice. After ice skating we were allowed to go shopping in the city, where many of us bought last minute Christmas presents. We left for home at 2.00 p.m. and arrived safely back an hour later, tired but very happy after a great day out. Ard Scoil na nDéise – First Year students on their trip to Winterval in Waterford City. Ard Scoil na nDéise – First Year students on their trip to Winterval in Waterford City. Language Classes SPANISH, Italian, French, Irish and German Classes for adults and children commencing in January. Are you planning a trip abroad this year? Why not join one of our classes and equip yourself with the language skills which will make your holiday a more enjoyable experience. We provide morning and evening classes for the beginner and for those who wish to deepen or maintain their language skills. Learn in a relaxed atmosphere with highly experienced and native speaking tutors. For further details contact: dungarvanlanguagepeople@gmail.com or 087 975 3783. CARRIGLEA NATIONAL SCHOOL Hip Hop at Carriglea NS ALL classes have started Hip Hop dance classes with Aine Organ. We are doing a five week block where the boys and girls will learn different dance styles. Thanks to our P.A. and all those who supported our raffle at our Christmas play to enable us to fund these classes. SANTA We were very fortunate to have a special visit from Santa Claus before our holidays. Thanks to the Dungarvan Fire Brigade who transported our special guest, the boys and girls were delighted and they even got a special treat from Santa. EXCELLENCE AWARD Our focus over the coming weeks is electricity.We hope to become budding electricians through our explorations and discoveries. SCHOOL WEBSITE Keep up to date with all our activities on our school website www.carrigleans.ie ENROLMENT Anyone wishing to enrol their child in Carriglea N.S. in September 2014 should contact the office (058) 44050 as soon as possible if they have not already done so. We will be hosting our annual open day in early Spring for parents of new entrants. 46 SCHOOLS Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Prizewinners in the Scoil Mhuire, Abbeyside Parents Association Christmas raffle pictured with Santa and his helper. Santa comes to Ballymacarbry Montessori School – The children of Ballymacarbry Montessori School had an exciting visitor just before Christmas....Santa made a flying visit as he took a break before the big day. [Sean Byrne] Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Participants in the Dungarvan Lions Club Annual Christmas Day Swim at Clonea Beach [Photographs by Sean Byrne//Deise Media] LIONS CLUB CHRISTMAS DAY SWIM 47 48 MICHAEL POWER MEMORIAL SWIM 30th Michael Power Memorial Christmas Day Swim at Kilmurrin Cove [Photographs by John Power Photography] Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 FEATURES / LETTERS 49 Lyre Heritage News By Marie O’Shea “SONGS OF OTHER DAYS” Long ago when my family came to Briska for our holidays we had a tradition on my mother’s birthday, the 11th July, to hold a party for her at which we used to have a sing-song where every one, child or adult, would contribute a song. The one chosen by my older brother John was “The Stone Outside Dan Murphy’s Door”.To me this was about Murphy’s Shop, a small grocer’s shop at the corner of the road where we lived in Cork City at the time. Mr. Murphy, the owner, was a somewhat florid large man who huffed and puffed as he weighed out a stone of potatoes on the large scales on the floor or doled out ice-cream from a block which he marked on its upper surface with a metal template before cutting a tuppenny slice in case he would give a hairs-breath more than he should! I remember the sweets from the big display jars, extracted with a little scoop and tipped into cones of newspaper and carefully weighed on the counter scales. Biscuits from transparent topped tin boxes arrayed at a slant on racks at the back of the shop were dispensed in paper bags likewise. I thought I would send my brother a reminder of those days by looking up the words of the song and sending it to him where he is now living in retirement in Canada. The song it transpired was one of the many composed by Johnny Patterson and the shop referred to in the title was a real shop in Ennis, Co. Clare, near his birthplace. One of the favourite songs in Lyre, “Goodbye Johnny Dear” was another of his compositions. Like the majority of our popular emigrant songs, it was written in the latter part of the last century in the wake of the mass exodus which followed the famine years. Some of the more maudlin still retain their popularity at misty eyed American gatherings. But perhaps the most enduring were written by this Clare-born comedian Johnny Patterson cum circus clown. His songs were gay and witty and retain their freshness a hundred years later. The songs were composed by Johnny Patterson, the self-styled rambler from Clare. John Francis Patterson was born in the year 1840 in his father’s roadside forge house in Kilbarron, on the outskirts of the village of Feakle in County Clare. His father, Francis Patterson, a nailer-gunsmith, was one of a family of nailers (Blacksmiths) in the area, originally coming from the North of Ireland. Johnny’s mother died after the birth of her fourth child and within a year his father also died, causing the orphaned Patterson children to be put in the care of relatives. The two girls were sent to Killaloe, the younger son Frank was taken by an O’Houlihan family in Feakle, and the 3 year old Johnny was sent to the home of his uncle Mark, a nailer in the nearby town, Ennis. Following family tradition, Johnny was apprenticed to the nailer’s trade, but as the boy showed a great liking for music, his uncle set him on the road to becoming a musician by enrolling him in the army as a drummer boy at 14. There were about 30,000 soldiers in Ireland at the time, scattered in posts all over the country. The most likely regiment for Johnny’s army service as a drummer boy was the 63rd Foot, an infantry regiment based in the nearby city of Limerick. As a young boy growing up Johnny had seen the worst effects of the Famine of 1847 in his town. The scenes of poverty, misery and emigration made a deep impression on his mind and in years to come were to provide inspiration for many of his songs. But his childhood was not all unhappiness for later he was to write a song about his youthful days in Ennis, and a shop known locally as a meeting place for the boys and girls of the town, “The Stone Outside Dan Murphy’s Door”. “There’s a sweet garden spot in our mem’ry, It’s the place we were born and reared; ‘Tis long years ago since we left it, But return there we will if were spared. Our friends and companions of childhood Would assemble each night near a store, Round Dan Murphy’s shop and how often we’ve sat On the stone outside Dan Murphy’s door.” Because of his army band training, Johnny had become a competent musician and was an expert on the piccolo and drums. However, on the completion of 5 years service, he looked for a way of leaving. His problem was solved when the circus of John Swallow came to town. He got a job in the circus band, bought himself out of his regiment for £20, and joined up with the circus. It was the custom at the time with travelling shows to have benefit performances at which certain members of the company received all the takings to boost their earnings and at the end of a Cork engagement, Swallows gave one for the band. One of the bandsmen was asked to do a solo act as a novelty, and Johnny volunteered to tell some jokes and sing songs in the ring. The audience loved it and shouted for more. The circus boss watched the act and realised its potential. Next morning the young Johnny was summoned to John Swallow’s caravan and offered a job as a clown. Johnny accepted and signed a two-year contract, which included two benefit performances, and was to be billed as “The Irish Singing Clown”. One of the other acts was James and Selena Hickey, a brother and sister bareback riding duo from Scotland who, being in the same age group as Johnny, became good friends and this encouraged him in his new role. During the following two seasons with Swallows he experimented with his new act. He discarded the accepted costume of the circus clown to wear instead a neat tweed outfit with shamrocks embroidered on the sleeves and legs and a Celtic harp on his chest. Knee length white stockings, a cone shaped hat and a drooping handlebar moustache completed his costume. Johnny’s aim was to create a new style of clowning, appealing to the audience through Irish songs and wit, and although the people were at a low ebb from the effects of the Famine and emigration, he maintained they had an in-built sense of humour and a readiness to laugh. When the show arrived in a town, Johnny would enquire what the local news was, who the local “characters” were, and by the evenings performance would have composed a rhyme or story. Finding suitable songs hard to get, he began to write his own. One of his first songs was “The Roving Irish Boy”. “I am a roving Irish boy, I’ve seen some ups and downs, sirs, So to satisfy my mind, I’ve turned to be a clown, sirs. I was born in the County Clare; next door to Tipperary, Where they’d made a traitor stare with a clout of a shillellah.” Johnny spoke fluent Irish and mixed colloquial expressions in Irish and English into a blend, understood and appreciated by the people. Many of his songs of this period have been lost but a remaining example “The Dingle Puck Goat” gives an idea of his style. “He’s bate all the bailiffs, the Maguls and the Caliphs, All the shulers and rulers from Cork to Bagdad, He’d made them cut capers to put in the papers, With one puck from his horn, he would drive them all mad. For that bright Saxon shilling he never was willing Still he’d go to the polls for ould Ireland to vote, For a fight ne’er relaxin he was there for the axin That warlike old bucko, the Dingle Puck Goat.” Swallows eventually left Ireland and Johnny continued his act with Batty’s and then Risarelli’s circuses. In 1867 he appeared at The Theatre, Mary Street, Cork, with the Pablo Fanque circus. Pablo Fanque (a Negro rope dancer who’s real name was William Darby) offered the rising clown an engagement in Liverpool. Johnny sailed for Liverpool in 1869 where he found his old friends James and Selena Hickey booked on the same bill. By the end of the season, Johnny and Selena had fallen in love and married in Liverpool. Around this time he composed one of his most successful songs, “The Garden Where The Praties Grow”. “Have you ever been in love boys, or did you ever feel the pain, I’d rather be in gaol myself than be in love again. Though the girl I loved was beautiful, I’d have you all to know, That I met her in the garden where the praties grow.” In 1870 the Patterson’s first child, Bridget, was born, and in the following seasons the Patterson family played with shows all over England. 1872 saw them with Lord George Sanger’s circus, but after the birth of their second daughter, Nora, they returned home to work in Ireland. In 1875 Johnny was clown with Powell and Clarke’s circus and while returning to the circus field after the mid-day parade through the streets of Killarney, a wire was given to him telling that Selena, who remained in the winter base in Belfast, had given birth to a son.The delighted father bought up all the seats for the matinee and brought the entire company on a boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney to celebrate the event. The child was named Johnny Junior. That night, June 1st, 1875, he added an additional verse to “The Garden Where The Praties Grow”. “Now her parents they consented and we’re blessed with children three Two girls just like their Mammy, and a boy the image of me, I’ll train up the children in the way that they should go And I’ll never forget the garden where the praties grow.” By the age of 35, Johnny was a national success. A critic said: “endowed with the gift of repartee and a singing voice designed to bring about audience participation, he could hold audiences in his hands, making them laugh or cry. He had the test of a real clown, pathos on the verge of laughter, humour on the verge of tears”. American circuses had long realised the audience potential that existed among the Irish emigrant population and were always on the lookout for new talent.Word of Johnny’s act reached Cooper and Bailey’s circus and an agent was sent to engage him. Realising that an opportunity like this might never present itself again, he signed a one year contract. It is not clear what relationship existed between him and his wife at this stage, but on his departure for America, the three children were put in the care of his sister Betty, now married in Killaloe, while Selena continued on her own circus career. So in 1876, Johnny set out to conquer America. Writing what must have been one of the first advertising jingles, he wrote the now forgotten Cunard Line. “On the 17th March which is known as Patrick’s Day, From out the River Mersey the “Batavia” sailed away; We first put in at Queenstown for passengers and the mail, Then our ship she slewed around and for America did sail”. For would be emigrants he concluded with the advice; “Now I’ll give advice to Guerin’s Shop, Mill Road, Ennis. At the corner of the shop is the stone mentioned in “The Stone outside Dan Murphy’s Door.” all my friends who think of leaving home, To travel by the Cunard Line when ere they wish to roam; For safety and civility I’m sure they take the shine, Oh, there’s no boats half so jolly as the Cunard Line”. How lucky Johnny must have considered himself as he sailed to America as a comfortable cabin passenger when he could so easily have been numbered among the thousands of his countrymen who made the journey under sadder conditions as destitute emigrants, and he now composed an emigrant song which soon became popular all over America, “Goodbye Johnny Dear”. On landing in America, Johnny quickly adapted to the faster pace of life and realised that he needed that extra something, which would make his act stand out from the countless others on the market. The stage Irishman was emerging at this time but Johnny would not change his act. While prepared to laugh at himself as an Irishman, he wanted to show there was something deeper in the Irish, a sharp native wit, a keen sense of humour, and a musical appreciation. He recalled a song he had learned as a boy and adapted it as his signature tune. The song “The Rambler From Clare” was an old ballad dating from the rising of 1798, but it suited him perfectly and he was billed in America as “Johnny Patterson, The Rambler from Clare”. He had many adventures in America and was a great success – but that’s another story! Letters to the Editor … Address Letters to: The Editor, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Fax: 058 41559. e-mail: news@dungarvanobserver.ie ALL letters MUST include your name, address and telephone number for authenticity purposes. West Waterford Wind Farm Approval: A Sign of Things to Come Dear Editor, The German company, Nordex SE, has been granted approval by Waterford County Council to construct a wind farm at Woodhouse, near Aglish, Co.Waterford.These colossal turbines will be 262 feet tall and will be seen by most of West Waterford.They are scheduled to be completed by the end of 2014. This is just the beginning of things to come. There has to be a connection to the location of this approved wind farm and the fact that it is on the route that Eirgrid has planned for West Waterford. The Waterford County Council planning permission approval in 2010 was granted prior to Eirgrid’s Phase one. This makes Eirgrid’s public consultation process a complete sham because this occurred long before any public notification process was held. There are a lot of questions that have to be asked on the timeline of events and the specifics of connecting this wind farm to the electricity grid. Does Nordex SE have inside information on where the pylon route is going before the decision is supposed to be made next year? Eirgrid is so brazen that they aren’t even trying to appear above board. We have elected officials that are supposed to be looking out for the welfare of the people of the county.Their silence must mean they are in favour of the Eirgrid plan. John Deasy, Paudie Coffey and Ciara Conway won’t be getting my vote in the next election. Sincerely, JACK HEALY Aglish, Co. Waterford 50 MICHAEL O’RIORDAN Former Mayor of Dungarvan The Bungalow, Pinewood, Abbeyside It is with great sadness and deep regret that we record the passing of Michael O’Riordan, ‘The Bungalow’, Pinewood, Abbeyside who went peacefully to his eternal reward in the early hours of Monday, 16th December 2013. Michael, who was aged 75, had lived a long, fruitful and event filled life and left a significant legacy for the future, having immersed himself in community and political affairs for most of his adult years. Born in Shandon in 1938 to parents David and Mary, Michael was one of a family of eleven children, six boys and five girls. He was predeceased by his father in 1963 and his mother in 1992 and by his brothers Paddy, Sean and Liam and sisters Kathleen and Maureen. Michael was born into a family who were deeply involved in the building trade and were known to be masters of their craft of plastering. Having completed his apprenticeship as a plasterer, Michael spent most of his working life with O’Brien’s, Contractors, Abbeyside. It was fitting then, that as his coffin was borne from WRH to his home in Abbeyside, it was brought into Minnies Bar where he had completed much of the restoration work forty years ago and on other occasions since and to which he retired many evenings after his daily walk. There it rested for an hour and a half while his friends paid suitable tributes to him and recalled many humorous stories which he himself would have enjoyed. At work, Michael became a master of his art, able to turn his hand equally effectively to outdoor walls or the delicate plaster work of elaborate drawing or living rooms. He was a superb craftsman, highly respected for the quality of his work, carrying on a tradition learned early from his father, even before his teens. The upgrading of the Town Hall thirty years ago, the Arts Centre, many Churches, schools and public buildings in West Waterford, as well as a host of houses large and small, all benefitted from his skills with O’Brien Contractors. Tragedy struck Michael in 1975 when his young wife Ann (nee Morrissey) died in a road accident not long into their marriage. However, Michael again found love when he met Áine O’Shea from Cappagh and they were married in March 1978. Michael was above all an outdoor man and from his early youth, much of his leisure time was spent fishing or shooting. He loved the things of nature and had a fund of lore about flora and fauna, the fish in the river, particularly his beloved Blackwater, as well as the seashore and deep sea. He was a founder member of the Abbeyside Shore Angling Club and loved nothing better than to spend his hours on the beach, in the boat or on the banks of the Colligan or local lakes, often reaching there before 6.00 a.m. After a number of years of activity in local politics, Michael decided to stand for office himself and first took a seat on the Urban and County Councils on the departure of Austin Deasy as Minister for Agriculture in 1983. He retained his seat in the subsequent election of 1985 and was also elected to the County Council that same year. He served just one term in the County, losing out in a late count by just one vote when he stood as an independent in 1991. He felt proud and honoured to have been returned at successive elections by the citizens of the town until his retirement in 2009, an event that was marked by generous plaudits from his fellow Councillors and a standing ovation for the quality of his service. Along the way, he served two terms as Chairman of the Urban District Council in 1991 and 2000, being the last Member to hold the Chair of the Council. His election as Mayor in 2004 showed how highly regarded he was for his loyalty and integrity. His peers would say that he was upright and honourable and that his word was his bond. No higher tribute can be paid to a servant of the public. Michael was proud to serve on the County Library Committee as its first lay Chairman. He served on the VEC from 1985 to 1994 and was a Member of the South Eastern Health Advisory Committee in 1985. He was a Member of the Association of Municipal Authorities of Ireland for over twenty years, through which he succeeded in gaining funding for significant local projects. He was Munster Vice Chairman of the organisation and a member of the Environment Committee. In a tribute to his dedicated service the Mayors of the Town and County wearing their Chains of Office, together with Members of all local public bodies attended his removal and the National Flag was flown at half mast over the public buildings in the town as a mark of respect. Present at the obsequies also were members of the Oireachtas, former Minister for Agriculture, Austin Deasy; senior public officials from national bodies and representatives of the many community, sporting and cultural groups of which Michael had been a member or for which he had worked and supported.These included Abbeyside Shore Angling Club of which he was a founder member and President; Chairman of the Special Olympics Host Town Committee; Abbeyside Pattern, St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Trustee of Dungarvan Boxing Club. As a boxer of some skill and note in his youth, winning three fine silver cups and other accolades, Michael was aware of the value of a boxing club in the town and from early days he was one of its active promoters. It gave him great satisfaction when the Club, with his assistance, finally got a home OBITUARY of its own.This, as well as the Brass Band were just two projects Michael took to his heart and he made their cause, his cause. In 2001 Michael led the Council delegation to Taranto in Italy to acknowledge the link which goes back to St. Cathaldus, the 7th Century Saint, born in Canty in Cappagh, who became Saint Protector of the Italian City. He also helped to establish the flourishing link with Erie, Pennsylvania with which Dungarvan is twinned and with which we have an active exchange of third level students. One of his proudest moments was when the location signs for Abbeyside were erected on the entrance to the village some years ago and, tongue in cheek, he liked to tell people that he had put Abbeyside on the map. He was equally pleased that as one of the so called ‘Three Wise Men’ in company with then fellow Councillors Paddy Power and Damien Geoghegan, they secured Christmas lighting for Abbeyside. While he was an active Public Representative, Michael was first and foremost a family man. It is unusual to see a wife shoulder the coffin of her husband, but that was Aine’s own personal and public tribute to her loving and dedicated husband, who had worked hard in all spheres for the welfare and happiness of his family. He loved and nurtured his wife, his children Seamus and Eadaoin, her husband Paul and latterly his grandchildren, Abby,Vicki and Jamie who, because of his retirement he was able to spend a great deal of time with and their deep affection for him was obvious when they were together. Michael O’Riordan never shirked his role as civic and community leader, embracing the philosophy of Ralph Waldo Emerson who wrote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” On Tuesday evening, Michael’s remains were brought from Drohan’s Funeral Home to St. Mary’s Parish Church where they were received by Fr. John Harris, C.C., assisted by Very Rev. M. Cooney, OSA. The Mayors and Members of the Town and County Councils formed a Guard of Honour as the coffin arrived, borne by pallbearers, Áine, Michael’s wife; his son, Séamus; brother, Oliver; Ray Foley from the National Roads Authority; Pat O’Brien, Minnies and Joe O’Flaherty, Town Clerk. On Wednesday morning, Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Mary’s by Canon William Ryan, assisted by Fr. M. Cooney OSA. Before the beginning of Mass, tokens of Michael’s life were brought to the Altar by family and friends, narrated by Áine: Grand-daughter Vicki brought a family picture; his brother Tom and friend Johnny Hourigan, a hawk and trowel, the tools of his trade; his son Seamus, a Manchester United shirt; his good friend and former UDC colleague, Paddy Power, a fishing wheel and Abbeyside Shore Angling Club Pin; local journalists, Paul Mooney and Kevin Kirrane, a copy of the Dungarvan Observer and Dungarvan Leader; the Mayor of Dungarvan, Cllr. Teresa Wright, a Council Scroll; grand-daughter Abbie, a picture of the Abbeyside signs. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by Fiona Vaianella (niece), Seamus (son), Jamie Healy (grandson), Jake O’Riordan, (grandnephew), Helen Drummy-Moynihan (god-daughter). Offertory gifts were brought to the Altar by Chris and Marie O’Riordan, sisters-in-law. Hymns were beautifully rendered by Adrian Kelly. At the end of Mass, Áine recited a poem which she had written herself, a beautiful tribute to the man she loved and with whom she had shared a long and active life. Long time friend,Tom Keith shared some words of appreciation at the end of Mass and spoke of the highlights in Michael’s life. Leaving the Church for burial in the Old St. Mary’s Churchyard, the coffin was escorted by members of the family while the pallbearers to the graveyard were: Seamus, son; Paddy O’Brien, Best Man; David and Eric O’Riordan, nephews; Paul Healy, son-in-law; Oliver, brother; Shane Tutty, godson; Tom O’Riordan, nephew; Pat O’Brien, Johnny Byrne, good friend and neighbour; John (Woodsie) Tutty and James O’Shea, brother-in-law. Graveside prayers were recited by Canon William Ryan and, in the presence of a large and representative concourse, Michael was laid to rest overlooking the Bay he loved so well. Michael will be deeply missed and mourned by his loving wife Áine; son, Séamus; daughter, Eadaoin; son-in-law, Paul Healy; grandchildren, Abbi, Vicki and Jamie; brothers, sisters, sisters -in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family and many good friends.They will miss and mourn him forever, as will his wider family. There are many families and individuals who have reason to be thankful and grateful to Michael O’Riordan, many of whom expressed their appreciation to Aine, Eadaoin and Seamus over the past weeks. The following is Áine’s tribute to her husband Michael: Goodbye my love, sleep well my love, My hubby and true friend. Goodbye my love, sleep well my love, Your journey’s near the end. Goodbye my love, sleep well my love, Thirty-six treasured years together, Goodbye my love, sleep well my love, You’ll have my heart forever. Goodbye my love, sleep well my love, You’ve left our happy home, Goodbye my love, sleep well my love, Therein no more to roam. Goodbye my love, sleep well my love, Our hearts are broke in two; Goodbye my love, sleep well my love, And know we all love you. (Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan) Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 BRÍD PHELAN (nee Ahearne) Killone, Dunhill, and formerly of The Burgery, Dungarvan It is with great sadness and deepest regret that we record the sudden death of Bríd Phelan (nee Ahearne) of Killone, Dunhill, and formerly of The Burgery, Dungarvan, on Wednesday, 11th December, 2013, at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, with members of her family around her. Bríd’s untimely and premature death following a tragic road accident three days before whilst driving home with her husband John Phelan. Bríd was born in The Burgery, Dungarvan, the second of four daughters to Paddy and Mollie Ahearne; her sisters, Mary, Margaret and Catherine, survive her. After attending Abbeyside School and the Mercy Convent, Bríd joined the Sisters of Mercy Order and trained as a Primary School Teacher at Carysfort. Bríd was an outstanding, passionate and inspiring teacher, committed to ensuring all children achieve their full potential. After leaving the Order, Bríd continued teaching and ended her career as Principal in Newtown Anner School, located between Kilsheelan and Clonmel. Bríd leaves behind a lasting teaching legacy and a plethora of close friends from her Convent and teaching days. Bríd’s first priority in life was always her husband, John, to whom she was a devoted and caring wife.The loss of Bríd is greatest for John and everybody’s thoughts and prayers are with him as he recovers in hospital. Bríd had many nieces and nephews whom she loved as her own and was always a favourite. Many of them likened her to the family’s very own Fairy Godmother. Aside from her family and friends, Bríd had a life-long love of nature and was an avid gardener and flower lover. Her garden was her sanctuary and place of greatest contentment. Bríd was very fond of animals and provided a welcome home to many cats, dogs and birds. Bríd was also very creative with a great eye for detail. Always kind, in thought and deed, Bríd epitomised the Christian values of loving and of giving in a selfless manner. Generous beyond expectations, Bríd never arrived anywhere empty handed. With reference to the tragic circumstances of Bríd’s death, the family wishes to thank the Emergency Services that attended the accident and also all the Medical staff at Clonmel, Waterford Regional Hospital and the Mater, Dublin, who tried so hard to save her life. Reposing at Drohan’s Funeral Home, Dungarvan, the Rosary was recited on Friday evening, 13th December. Following funeral prayers on Saturday morning, the removal took place to All Saints Church, Newtown, Kilmacthomas. Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr. P. Murphy, P.P., assisted by Fr. M. Keogh, P.P.; Fr. J. Condon, P.P.; Fr. M. Enright, P.E., and Fr. R. Reidy. Family members recited the readings and Prayers of the Faithful. In addition, other members of her close family presented to the Altar the Offertory Gifts and the symbols representing Bríd’s life. Burial took place in the adjoining cemetery immediately following the Funeral Mass. We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving husband John; sisters Mary Ahearne, Mercy Convent Waterford; Margaret Hayes, Rainham, England, and Catherine Hayes, Deelish, Dungarvan; nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends. Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, 14th January, 2014, in All Saints Church, Newtown, Kilmacthomas, at 7.30 p.m. (Funeral arrangements by Tom Drohan, Funeral Director, Dungarvan). JOHANNA TANNER (nee Power) ‘Forest House,’ Pulla, Ring, Dungarvan With profound sorrow we record the passing of Johanna Tanner which sad event occurred on Saturday, 4th January, 2014. Removal was from Drohan’s Funeral Home on Tuesday evening to St. Mary’s Parish Church. Following Funeral Mass on today (Wednesday) at 11.00 a.m., burial will take place in the Old Churchyard Cemetery. To her husband Richard and family we extend our deepest sympathy. Full obituary next issue. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). THOMAS TOBIN Ballyconnery Upper, Dungarvan With sadness we record the passing of Thomas Tobin which sad event occurred on 30th December, 2013. Removal was from Drohan’s Funeral Home on Wednesday evening to St. Gobnait’s Church, Kilgobinet. Following Funeral Mass on Thursday morning burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. To his sisters Catherine, Ann and Helen and relatives, we extend our deepest sympathy. Full obituary next issue. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 NIALL D. O’KENNEDY New Line, Abbeyside Niall Desmond O’Kennedy passed away on December 21st at the age of ninety-three. He had resided at CareChoice Nursing Home for the past seven years and it was there that he died peacefully. Niall was born in Edenderry, Co. Offaly, in September 1920. He was the youngest of four children. He had three older sisters, all now deceased: Úna, Síle and Emer. Although born in Co. Offaly, the O’Kennedys came originally from New Ross in Co. Wexford and Niall was very proud of the fact that the Gaelic Grounds in New Ross is called after his uncles Gus and Seán. This Wexford team won six Leinster Senior Football titles in-a-row and were part of the Four in-a-row All-Ireland Senior Football Champions from 1915 to 1918. Niall’s uncle Seán was captain of the team. Having lost his mother at a very young age, Niall attended boarding school at Ballyfin, Co. Laois, and later went on to study Horticulture at UCD. It was while at College that his own sporting prowess came to light when he won a Dublin County Senior Football medal and a Sigerson Cup medal with UCD. He would later go on to win both a County Junior Hurling and Junior Football title with Ballyduff Upper in 1953. In 1948 Niall married Bride Sheridan who was from outside Ballinrobe in Co. Mayo and together they would rear six children. Each summer the family would return to holiday in Mayo, a time which Niall looked forward to and greatly enjoyed. Niall began his working career as a teacher and then went on to work for the Department of Agriculture which brought him to Lismore. In the late 1950s he was appointed Director of the Pomology Research Centre at Ballygagin and took up residence in the New Line. Together he and Bride worked very hard and were very proud of their children. Niall was also very proud of his sixteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Throughout his life Niall was an outstanding sportsman. When his football and hurling career ended, he became a superb golfer and greatly enjoyed the friendships he made at Ballinacourty and later at Knocknagranagh. In 1988 he lost his beloved wife Bride but he took comfort from his children and grandchildren and lived an active retirement for a number of years. Niall’s passing is very much regretted by his loving family. Removal was from the Kiely Funeral Home on Monday, December 23rd, to St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside, where his remains were received by Fr. Connie Kelleher, P.P. Niall was laid to rest next to his wife Bride at St. Laurence’s Cemetery, Ballinroad. Sympathy is offered to his sons Brendan and Aidan; daughters Mary, Caitriona, Bríd and Sheelagh; his daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and to his brother-in-law and sister-in-law. The Month’s Mind Mass for Niall will be on Wednesday, 26th January, at 9.30 a.m. in St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside. May he rest in peace. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). MAY FITZGERALD (nee McGrath) Magaha, Cappagh With sincere sadness we record the passing of May Fitzgerald (nee McGrath), Magaha, Cappagh, Co.Waterford, wife of the late Jack, sister of the late Denis, which sad event occurred peacefully at CareChoice Nursing Home, Dungarvan, surrounded by her loving family on 30th December, 2013. Reposing at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, Rosary was recited on Wednesday evening by Rev. Fr. P. Fitzgerald, P.E., in the presence of her loving family, neighbours and friends. On Thursday evening removal took place to Our Lady Of The Assumption Church, Modeligo; Rev. Fr. J. Kiely, P.P., recited Funeral prayers in the presence of her loving family and many friends. On arrival to Our Lady Of Assumption Church, Modeligo, her remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. J. Kiely, P.P. On Friday morning Funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E., and assisted by Rev. Fr. P. Fitzgerald, P.E. Readings were recited by her son Pat and daughter Pauline. Prayers of the Faithful were read by daughter Sarah and son Brendan. A very heartfelt and moving eulogy was delivered by her son Denis. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.E., officiated at the graveside prayers. where May was laid to rest in the presence of her loving family, relatives and friends. May she rest in peace. May we extend our deepest sympathy to her loving sons John, Pat, Brendan and Denis; daughters Sarah and Pauline; brother Paddy; daughters-in-law Harriet, Michelle and Ruth; sons-in-law Ken Stockil and Billy Grant; sisters-in-law Noreen and Kathleen; nephews, nieces, grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow). OBITUARY WILLIAM (Willie) COLLINS Comeragh Crescent, Dungarvan With sincere regret we write on the passing of Willie Collins on December 11th, 2013, at Waterford Regional Hospital. A native of Caherhayes, Abbeyfeale, Co. Limerick, and married to Kitty, Willie was a greatly respected member of the local community. In his younger days Willie was employed at Cotters Land Reclamation, Pfizer Quigley Magnesite and Dungarvan Crystal before retiring in 1987. A diligent and hardworking employee Willie was popular with one and all. He had a huge interest in a variety of sports including soccer, hurling, football and Formula 1 motor racing. Indeed, just last year Willie met with Michael Schumacher, the seven time winner of the Formula 1 Championship while attending the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte Carlo. On the hurling and football fields the fortunes of his native Limerick were very close to his heart, he watched the exploits of the Shannonsiders with interest. He also followed the successes of the Déise hurlers in recent years. A keen fishing enthusiast Willie spent many happy hours with rod and line at Helvick. He participated in pilgrimages to Lourdes and Rome and had great devotion to Blessed John Paul II, his Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. Willie truly lived the Gospel message in word and deed.Willie’s family was so important to him, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather whose passing has left a void that cannot be filled. May Willie rest in peace. On Thursday evening, December 12th, Rosary was recited at the Kiely Funeral home in the presence of a large gathering of Willie’s family and friends. Throughout Friday evening many people came to pay their respects and console the bereaved before Willie’s remains were removed to St. Mary’s Parish Church. On arrival Canon W. Ryan, P.P., assisted by Fr. M. Cooney, O.S.A.; Fr. J. Harris, C.C., and Fr. R. Liddane, A.P., recited the Prayers of Reception. Requiem Mass in thanksgiving for Willie’s life was celebrated on Saturday morning by Canon Ryan, P.P. Throughout the Mass the singing of Adrian Kelly was appreciated by the large congregation present. Readings, prayers and words of tribute were read by Willie’s family and gifts were also brought to the Altar in further tribute to a life well lived. Afterwards Willie was laid to rest in St. Laurence’s Cemetery, Ballinroad. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé. We offer our deepest sympathy to his wife Kitty (nee Connors); sons Eugene, John, Michael and Paul; daughters-in-law Teresa, Jeanette, Gayle and Patricia; grandchildren Brendan, Kevin, Liam and Jack; his brothers Joe, Patrick, Maurice and John; sisters Kathy, Phil and Brenda; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Month’s Mind Mass will be offered on Sunday, February 2nd, at 12 noon in St. Mary’s Parish Church. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). BRENDAN HALLY The Mews, Stephen Street, Dungarvan, and formerly of The Burgery, Abbeyside, and Ashbourne, Co. Meath With regret we record the passing of Brendan Hally on January 3rd, 2014. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Mary; sons Simon, Peter and (Orla); daughter Mary Claire; grandchildren Ella and Noah; brother Jimmy (Tramore); sister Marianne Robinson (Ashbourne); aunt Sr. Anne Ward, Medical Missionaries (Drogheda); sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. Removal took place on Monday morning from his residence to St. Augustine’s Church, Abbeyside. Requiem Mass was celebrated on arrival and Brendan was laid to rest in St. Laurence’s Cemetery, Ballinroad. Full obituary to follow. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). ELIZABETH HICKEY (nee Ronayne) Ballyneety, Dungarvan With deep regret we record the passing Elizabeth Hickey which sad event occurred on Saturday, 4th January, 2014. Funeral Mass took place on Tuesday at noon in St. Gobnait’s Church, Kilgobinet. Private cremation took place afterwards in the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy. To her husband John, son John Richard, grand-daughter Sharon, brothers, sisters and relatives we extend our deepest sympathy. Full obituary next issue. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). 51 TONY McGRATH Glenasaggart, Cappoquin With sorrow and regret we record the passing of Tony McGrath, Glenasaggart, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, husband of the late Anne (nee Fenlon), which sad and peaceful event occurred surrounded by his loving family at his home on 30th December, 2013. Reposing at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, Rosary was recited on Monday evening by Tony’s family in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and friends. Removal took place on Tuesday evening to St. Carthage’s Church, Lismore, Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.P., recited the funeral prayers in the presence of Tony’s family, relatives and many friends. On arrival to St. Carthage’s Church, Rev. Fr. Arthure, P.P., and Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P., received and blessed his remains. On Wednesday morning Funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. J. Kiely, P.P., and assisted by Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P., and Rev. Fr. D. Sheehan, M.A.F.R. Readings during the Mass were recited by Tony’s daughter Kate and son P.J. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by sons Henry and Johnny, daughter-in-law Maggie, son-in-law Colin and P.J. Fenlon. During the Mass Mairead Cullinane and family provided a lovely selection of music and hymns. The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by grandchildren Stephen and Jeanette. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in St. Declan’s Cemetery, Cappoquin. Rev. Fr. D. Sheehan, M.A.F.R., officiated the graveside prayers and assisted Rev. Fr. J. Kiely, P.P.; Rev Fr. Arthure, P.E., where Tony was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. We extend our deepest sympathy to his loving sons P.J., Henry and Johnny; daughter Kate Organ; brother John; sisters Peggy, Cissy and Ann; daughter-in-law Maggie; son-in-law Colin; brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandchildren Stephen, Jeanette and Jessica; relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow). EDDIE STEARS Ballingown West, Villierstown, Cappoquin With sadness we record the passing of Eddie Stears, Ballingown West, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, husband of the late Phyllis (nee Duffy), which sad event occurred peacefully at St. Patrick’s Hospital, Waterford, on 26th December, 2013. Reposing at his home in Ballingown West,Villierstown, Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., recited funeral prayers on Tuesday evening in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and friends followed by removal to Church Of Assumption, Aglish. On arrival his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Wednesday morning by Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P. During the Mass readings and Prayers of the Faithful were recited by family members. A lovely selection of hymns and music was provided by Dina Walshe. On Thursday morning removal took place to the Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, where Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., officiated at the funeral service in the presence of Eddie’s loving family and friends. May he rest in peace. Deeply regretted by his loving sons Martin, David and Peter; daughters-in-law Joan, Julie and Trisha; brother-in-law Frankie Duffy; sisters-in-law Jessie Stears and Ann Juden (nee Duffy); nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow). BOB O’MAHONEY Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford With sadness we record the passing of Bob O’Mahoney, Villierstown, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford, which sad event occurred peacefully at Padre Pio Rest Home, Cappoquin, on 1st January, 2014. Reposing at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, Rosary and Funeral Prayers were recited on Thursday evening by Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P. On Friday, in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and many friends, Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., recited funeral prayers, followed by removal to the Church of Assumption, Aglish. On arrival to Church of Assumption, Aglish, his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P. On Saturday morning Funeral Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P. During the Mass a lovely selection of music and hymns were provided by Dina Walshe. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in the adjoining cemetery. Rev. Fr. G. O’Connor, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers, in the presence of his family, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace. Deeply regretted by the O’Mahoney family (America); the Smith family (Villierstown) and the Murphy family (Villierstown); relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow). 52 OBITUARY SIMON SCANLON Upper New Street, Lismore OWEN FLYNN Ballinlovane, Ballyduff Upper With profound sorrow and regret we record the passing of Simon Scanlon, Upper New Street, Lismore, Co. Waterford, brother of the late Chris, which sad event occurred peacefully on 19th December, 2013, at Dungarvan Community Hospital. Lying in repose at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, on Friday evening, in the presence of his loving family and friends, Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P., recited funeral prayers before removal took place to St. Carthage’s Church, Lismore. On arrival his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. M. Cullinane, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday morning by Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P. During the Mass readings were recited by family members. Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar also by his sister Alice and sister-in-law Patricia. A lovely selection of music and hymns during the Mass was provided by Mairead Cullinane and family. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in St. Carthage’s Cemetery, Lismore. Rev Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P., officiated the graveside prayers where Simon was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace. We extend our deepest sympathy to his loving sister Alice; sisterin-law Patricia; cousins, relatives, neighbours and friends. It is with profound sorrow and deep regret we record the passing of Owen Flynn, Ballinlovane, Ballyduff Upper, Co. Waterford, which sad event occurred peacefully on 1st January, 2014, surrounded by his loving family at the Bons Secour Hospital, Cork. Reposing at his home, Ballinlovane, Ballyduff Upper, all day Thursday, Rosary was recited on Thursday evening by Owen’s brother Rev. Fr. J. Flynn, P.E., in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and many friends. On Friday evening removal took place from Walsh’s Funeral Home, Tallow. Rev. Fr. P. Condon, P.P., recited funeral prayers in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and friends. On arrival to St. Michael’s his remains were received and blessed by Rev. Fr. J. Flynn, P.E.; Rev. Fr. G. McNamara, P.P., and Rev. Fr. P. Condon, P.P. Funeral Mass was celebrated by his brother Rev. Fr. J. Flynn, P.E., and was assisted by Rev. Fr. S. McKenna, Rev. Fr. P. J. Fagan, Rev. Fr. P. Pierce, Rev. Fr. M. Melican, Rev. Fr. M. O’Shea, Rev. Fr. F. Quinn, Rev. Fr. J. Pollock, Rev. Fr. P. Condon, P.P.; Rev. Fr. D. Leahy, P.P.; Rev. Fr. M. Melican and Rev. Fr. M. Cullinan, P.P. Symbols representing Owen’s life were presented to the Altar by Kate – picture of Imperial Commander;Tireoghain – a flag; Aoife and Roisin – a posie of flowers; Patrick – picture of Owen’s home; these were narrated by Marie Smith. Readings during the Mass were read by his nephew Diarmuid Flynn and niece Marie McCarthy. A lovely selection of hymns and music was provided during the Mass by Liz O’Hara and Mairead and Margaret Cullinane. Prayers of the Faithful were recited by his grand-nephews and grand-nieces Eirn and Fergal Flynn, Ellen and Martin Fitzgerald, Florence Flynn and Niall Fitzgerald. The Offertory Gifts were presented to the Altar by his sister Sadie and brother Pad. Following Holy Communion his nephew Thomas McCarthy delivered a Eulogy, a most fitting tribute. Following Funeral Mass burial took place in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Ballyduff. Rev. Fr. J. Flynn, P.E., officiated the graveside prayers where Owen was laid to rest in the presence of his loving family, neighbours a large cortege of mourners. A final hymn was sung at the graveside by Liz O’Hara. May he rest in peace. May we extend our deepest sympathy to his loving brothers Larry (USA), Fr. Jim (Rosminians) and Pad; sister Sadie; sisters-in-law Madeline and May; nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, relatives, neighbours and a large circle of friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow). JAMES (Jim) McCARTHY Cappoquin, Dublin and Donegal It is with profound sorrow and regret we record the passing of James McCarthy, Cappoquin, Dublin and Donegal, which sad event occurred peacefully on 1st January, 2014, at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. Reposing at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, on Monday where many family, friends and neighbours came to pay their respects. Following readings and shared memories of James (Jim). His remains were removed from Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, to St. Declan’s Cemetery, Cappoquin, where burial took place in the presence of his loving family, neighbours and friends. We extend our deepest sympathy to his sons John, Hughie, Charlie and Jim; daughters Lucina, Marie and Ellen; brothers Charlie, Michael (Mick) and Sean (Affane); relatives, neighbours and friends. May he rest in peace. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow). SEÁN ORMOND Ballymacmague, Dungarvan, and formerly of Kilmacthomas With sorrow we record the passing of Seán Ormond on January 4th, 2014. A stalwart of the Kilrossanty GAA Club, we offer our sincere condolences to his wife Moira (nee O’ Neill), sons John and Pat, daughter Gillian, daughters-in-law Angela and Fiona, grandchildren David, Kieran, Jack, Alice, Matilda and Oliver, brothers Donie and Neil, sister Ann, brothers-in-law Kieran, Christy and Michael O’ Neill, sisters-in-law Greta and Mary, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. May he rest in peace. Rosary was recited at his residence on Sunday evening. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Monday morning in St. Mary’s Parish Church, Dungarvan, and Seán was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Full obituary to follow. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). NANCY SLATTERY-O’GRADY Ballygagin, Dungarvan (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow). HANNAH PRENDERGAST (nee Quinlan) St. Carthage’s House, Lismore, and Rose Cottage, Tallow Hill With profound sorrow and deep regret we record the passing of Hannah Prendergast (nee Quinlan), St. Carthage’s House, Lismore, and Rose Cottage, Tallow Hill, Co. Waterford, which sad event occurred peacefully at Waterford Regional Hospital on 1st January, 2014. Lying in repose at St. Carthage’s Mortuary, Lismore, Rosary and Funeral Prayers was recited on Saturday evening by Rev. Fr. P. Condon, P.P., in the presence of her loving family, neighbours and friends. We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving sisters Tess Mundin and Bridie Cunningham; brother-in-law Thomas Cunningham; nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends. Funeral arrangements to follow. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow). With sadness we write on the passing of Nancy Slattery-O’Grady which sad event occurred on Saturday, January 4th. We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband James; sons Billy, Gerard and George; daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brother Tom, sister-in-law, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. May she rest in peace. Removal took place on Monday evening from the Kiely Funeral Home to St. Mary’s Parish Church. Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday morning and Nancy was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery. Full obituary to follow. (Funeral arrangements by James Kiely & Sons, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). ANN KEANE (nee Phelan) Bristol, England, and formerly Cove Cottage, Stradbally With sadness we record the passing of Ann Keane which sad event occurred recently. Funeral arrangements later. To her family and relatives we extend our deepest sympathy. Full obituary next issue. (Funeral arrangements were by Tom Drohan, Funeral Directors, Dungarvan). JEAN WHITMORE (nee Pannell) Langanoran, Ballinamult, Co. Waterford It is with sorrow and regret we record the passing of Jean Whitmore (nee Pannell), Langanoran, Ballinamult, Co.Waterford, which sad event occurred peacefully at her home on 2nd January, 2014. Reposing at Walsh’s Funeral Home, Cappoquin, on Sunday evening Rev. Fr. C. Kelleher, P.P., recited funeral prayers in the presence of her loving family, neighbours and friends. On Monday removal took place to The Island Crematorium, Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, where funeral service took place in the presence of her loving family. We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving husband Peter; sons Richard and David; daughter Lorraine; brothers Derek, Michael and Tony; sisters Marian and Ann; daughters-in-law Una (nee Buckley) and Polly; son-in-law David; sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandchildren Laurence, Frances, Luke, Emma, Tadgh, Oliver and Harry; relatives, neighbours and friends. (Funeral arrangements by Aidan Walsh & Sons, Funeral Directors, Cappoquin & Tallow). Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Some of the participants in the Dungarvan Lions Club Annual Christmas Day Swim at Clonea Beach. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] Some of the participants in the Dungarvan Lions Club Annual Christmas Day Swim at Clonea Beach. [Sean Byrne//Deise Media] St. Mary’s Church, Touraneena There will be a family Mass on Sunday, 12th January at 11.15 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, Touraneena. St. Mary’s Parish, Dungarvan THE Baptism of the Lord – Isaiah 42:1-4, 6-7: Here is my servant in whom my soul delights. Acts 10:34-38:The Lord has anointed him with the Holy Spirit. Matthew 3:13-17: As soon as Jesus was baptised he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him. What’s in a Name? – The name is important because God knows each of us by name, that is, in our uniqueness as persons. In Baptism a Christian receives his or her own name in the Church. It should preferably be the name of a Saint who might offer the baptised a model of sanctity and an assurance of his or her intercession before God. Pre Marriage Course – On 24th and 25th January in St. John’s Pastoral Centre,Waterford. Phone Waterford Office to book 051-878333 and for Course Information. Parish Office – Located in St. Mary’s Church and is open Monday to Friday office hours. If you want to book Masses or Baptisms call during these times. Phone 42374. Daily Mass broadcast on 98.5 FM. Phone No: Fr. Ryan 42374; Fr. Harris 42384, Fr. Cooney 41136. St. Vincent de Paul Helpline No. 087-7747870. Emergency Phone No: To contact Priest on duty: 086 233 4282. Weekday Masses – Please note that on the occasion of funerals in St. Mary’s Church, there will only be one morning Mass at 11.00 a.m. (No 9.30 a.m. Mass). Masses already booked on those occasions will be rescheduled for the next available time. FARMING Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 2014 marks 70 years of Macra na Feirme 2013 was an exciting year packed with events, activity and fun. As we head into 2014, we recognise that it is the 70th year of Macra na Feirme. We are planning another busy year with plenty of chances to mark the anniversary. Established in 1944 by a group of agricultural science teacher, the ethos of Macra today is very similar to its beginnings – provid- ing a social outlet and a chance for personal development. A significant difference is that we’re no longer solely focused on young farmers - Macra is an organisation for everyone. In 2013, we welcomed a new National President and three Vice Presidents. Kieran O’Dowd took up the role of National President, at the AGM in May, alongside James Healy, Munster Vice President; Sean Finan, North West Vice President and Paddy Delaney, Leinster Vice President. Macra National President, Kieran O’Dowd, said, “My first six months as National President have passed quickly and I look forward to a busy and engaging 2014. We have a lot of events planned and the future looks bright as we head into our 70th year.” Last March, we hosted a European Young Farmers conference with CEJA and welcomed rural young people from across Europe to Gurteen Agricultural college for the Rural Youth Europe Rally in August.We continue to effectively represent young farmers and rural young people at a national and European level. We also held our club and national fundraiser ‘Racing for Macra’ in 53 JIM QUINN (DUNGARVAN) LTD THE BURGERY DUNGARVAN CO. WATERFORD PHONE: 058 41311/41619 Special offer for the month of January BEEF NUTS IN BAGS AT BULK PRICE Wishing all our customers a very happy and prosperous New Year November which was a great night out for everyone. So if its friendship, fun, competitions, public speaking, community involvement, travel or agriculture that you’re looking for in 2014, then look no further than your local Macra club. For further information on your local club visit www.macra.ie or contact the National Office on 01426 8900. GRANGE, ARDMORE For Sale Reduction in proposed youth service cuts welcomed - Macra KIERAN O’Dowd, Macra National President, has welcomed the news that Minister of Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, has secured a reduced level of cuts to the Youth Services grant of 3.75%. Mr. O’Dowd said, “I welcome the news that the youth services grant will not be cut by 10%, as was originally proposed. Any cut to youth services has a detrimental effect on the ability of youth organisations like Macra to continue to provide valuable services. However, it is with relief that we recognise that the cut will be less than proposed.” He continued, “This will allow Macra to maintain and, hopefully, enhance services in 2014 as we continue to provide young farmers and rural young people with a social environment in which they can develop their leadership skills.” Prime 12.79 Hectare (31.6 Acres) Roadside Land • Excellent quality land currently in Tillage – 9 acres winter wheat, remainder after beet. • Road frontage on two roads. • Suitable for all agricultural / horticultural purposes • Maps and further details from the Auctioneers. MODELIGO AREA c.63 Acres Roadside Land To Rent for 2014 – In One or Two Lots • All in permanent pasture • In 2 separate divisions – c.40 acres and c.23 acres • Maps and all particulars from the Auctioneers WANTED Land to Lease for 5–7 years We have a number of excellent clients interested in Leasing Land for a 5–7 year term. Contact us in confidence if you are considering leasing your lands. HARTY & CO. Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. 058-41377 info@hartyauctioneers.com CORBETT CONCRETE PRODUCTS LTD. CATTLE SLATS 1 Available from 7’6” to 12’6” – 7 /4” deep 14’6” – 9” deep – 16’6” – 10” deep GRANT APPROVED SCRAPER SLATS, BEAMS, MANHOLES, PIG SLATS ALL @ KEEN PRICES ■ For all Slat Rubber enqiries call Paul Dennehy – 087 9036483 ■ We also supply safety manholes for existing slatted units Replacing Old Slats Free quotation and inspection of old Slatted Units New Produc t C a t t le Underp ass Mooneraha, Cahir, Co. Tipperary. Tel. (052) 7441590 IFA members give out free vegetables from Dunnes stores while protesting in Dublin, as IFA President John Bryan accuses enterprise Minister Richard Bruton of dithering on regulation, while retailers abuse their dominant position and decimate jobs and small businesses, as they vie for footfall with unsustainable prices for fresh food. [Finbarr O'Rourke] QUAN BUTLER 087-2525327 Rep. for South 54 FARMING Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 Round-up … IFA tackle factories on bull beef price cuts Official IFA 2014 Calendar launch. From left to right: Christy Doherty, FBD Head of Farm & Business; John Bryan, IFA President; Mairead Lavery, Editor Irish Country Living; Angus Laverty, An Post Public Affairs and James Kelly IFA Director of Organisation. New IFA Potato & Fresh Produce Development Officer PATRICK Farrell has been appointed as IFA’s new Potato and Fresh Produce Development Officer. Patrick, who hails from Clougherinkoe, Co. Kildare will be responsible for liasing with all Potato, Field Vegetable, Fruit and Protected Crop growers providing them with a service focused on markets, stocks, prices and relevant retail issues. Patrick will also be responsible for liasing with Packers, Merchants and Facilitators on behalf of growers in all these sectors. Patrick comes to IFA from Monaghan Mushroom’s Compost Division and former posts included Teagasc and Agricultural Consultancy. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture Science from UCD, specialising in Commercial Horticulture. READER’S QUERIES Question: I joined AEOS 3 last year. As part of the rules, I am to have soil samples taken for my farm before the end of March this year. I had samples taken on the farm some two years ago and was wondering if these would suffice? Can you please advise? Answer: All participants of AEOS 3 must have soil samples taken for their farm before the 31st of March, 2014. Each soil sample can cover an area up to 8 hectares as per the Nitrates Directive and soil samples on the holding once taken after the 1st of January, 2011 are acceptable. Commonage lands and any rough grazing land do not have to be sampled, however, a P-Index of 4 will be assumed on all lands not analysed as per cross compliance and exempted land cannot receive any application of organic or chemical fertiliser for the duration of the AEOS 3 contract.You will receive a declaration form which must be completed, signed by you and signed by a DAFM CC-FAS agent such as ourselves. The form must then be returned to the AEOS Section at Johnstown Castle before the 31st of March. Tip of the Week: We would remind farmers to be getting their feed and fertiliser dockets together for 2013 as it is time for the Nitrates Directive records again. F FA AR RM ME ER RS S! ! HAVE YOUR FARMING QUESTIONS ANSWERED BY AGRICULTURAL CONSULTANT TERENCE MORRISSEY Patrick Farrell Send your queries to: Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, or to Morrissey & Associates, Mweelnahorna, Ring, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. TOGETHER with bull beef finishers, IFA is arranging meetings with local factory management across the country over the factories unfair attack on the bull beef price. Henry Burns said members of the National livestock committee, county chairmen and bull beef finishers are meeting factory management at local level demanding that normal market conditions is restored to the bull beef situation. At a meeting of the IFA National Livestock Management Committee in Dublin Henry Burns accused the meat factories of eroding confidence among beef finishers and deliberately attacking the bull beef price. He said there is real anger on the ground over the beef price and the way feeders see factories changing the specification to pull the price. He said the most recent tactics of the factories on dual pricing, weight limits and age limits to undermine the beef price is totally unacceptable. Some factories are openly telling feeders that they will not kill their bulls. Henry Burns warned the factories and their retail supermarket and food service clients that they could not completely ignore the concerns of farmers and feeders, and chop and change the specification just to suit themselves. “The factories and retailers must provide reasonable timeframes for any changes on specifications.” This is extremely frustrating and feeders are very angry, particularly when they have cattle in the sheds feeding. He said feeders are at a loss to work out what they have to do for the factories to feed cattle and make a profit. Henry Burns said some of the latest story from the factories is that they are now telling dairy farmers and feeders with Friesian bulls that they don’t want to buy them. He said two years ago, when numbers were very tight and live exports were strong, the factories pleaded with and promised farmers positive returns to keep Friesian bulls. They are now turning their backs on these feeders. Henry Burns said it is clear these animals would have been live exported as calves were it not for the promises and propaganda from the factories. Henry Burns said the attempt by the factories to impose a 16 month age limit on bulls in Ireland will not work. This erodes any bit of profit from our grass based systems and forces down an expensive grain based intensive system. It has major implications for our quality suckler cow herd and will scupper any chance of reaching the Food Harvest 2020 targets on beef. The IFA Livestock Leader said with such a large price gap between Irish prices and those in our main export market in the UK, there is little or no basis for any price pressure at the moment. Henry Burns said UK farmers are also anger with the Irish processors for what they see as the under selling of Irish beef in the UK market. Henry Burns said both the NFU and UFU have been in direct contact with the IFA complaining over the tactics of the Irish processors on prices. The IFA Livestock leader said despite lots of negative propaganda from the factories, the prices of both steers and heifers remain stable at a base price of €4.00/kg for steers and €4.10/4.15 for heifers. He said bulls are trading at €3.85 to €4.00/kg. Early decision on rural development funding vital for low income farmers IFA Rural Development Chairman, Flor McCarthy said that the imminent Government decision on national co-financing for the Rural Development Programme over the next 7 years must deliver strong support for vital farm schemes which underpin farm incomes particularly in Disadvantaged Areas and in the low income sectors of farming. Flor McCarthy said that farmers in many parts of the country are very dependent on CAP Pillar II Rural Development supports such as Environmental and Disadvantaged Areas schemes. Recent cutbacks have had a severe impact on farmers and the rural economy and the ball is now firmly in the hands of the Minister for Agriculture, Simon Coveney to ensure that Rural Development schemes continue to play a vital role over the next 7 years. The IFA Rural Development Chairman has urged the Government to co-finance at a rate of 50:50 with national top-ups. This will ensure that Rural Development schemes support the rural economy and jobs while at the same time supporting farm income whose output is limited by the quality of the land and where farmers can provide environmental public goods. Flor McCarthy said that Ireland has secured annual EU funding of €313m to give a total EU budget of €2.2bn. “The Government must at least match this funding as it is clear that the spin-off to the rural economy is very significant given that practically all of the funding is spent in the local economy. This is particularly relevant at this time as the economic downturn has hit rural areas very badly and are being left behind in the recovery,” he said. Flor McCarthy said that the next couple of weeks are vital as a cabinet decision on this vital issue is due to be made. The 7 year Rural Development Programme budget must illustrate a commitment to rural Ireland with strong Government support. Dungarvan Observer | Friday, 10 January, 2014 CATTLE Finishing Cattle Indoor finishing is expensive and therefore a high rate of gain is required to cover feed and other costs. Since feed is the major cost, the relationship between feed cost and the rate of carcase gain is a key factor in determining profit margin. Since most of the animal’s feed intake goes towards body maintenance, you only start to recover the cost of feed when the animal begins to gain weight. A high rate of carcase gain is needed to minimise the proportion of feed going towards maintenance and maximise the amount available for carcase gain. For example, the daily feed cost of a 650 kg steer on high quality silage plus 5 kg concentrates is estimated at €2.12, (silage at €144/tonne DM; meal at €235/tonne fresh weight). At a daily liveweight gain of 1.0 kg per day and 0.66 kg carcase, the feed cost per kg of carcase gain is €3.20. If the same animal is underperforming at 0.8 kg liveweight per day, 0.52 kg carcase, then the cost per kg of carcase gain increases to €4.08 and so when other costs are added you are likely to be in a lossmaking situation. A decrease of 0.2 kg in liveweight gain would hardly be noticed on a large animal in the absence of weighing but would delay the sale date by about a month and increase the cost of finishing by about €64/head in feed cost alone. Why might cattle under-perform? Where cattle are under performing the most likely reasons are inadequate feed intake or quality, environmental factors and/or health problems. • Inadequate feed intake is more likely to occur with silage-based diets than with high concentrate diets and is also less easy to detect with silage-based diets. It could be due to some problems with the silage itself such as low digestibility, and poor preservation or with the feeding system such as insufficient feed space or irregular feeding, leading to lack of feed for a period or too much put out at a time, leading to stale silage and heating due to prolonged exposure to air. Only high quality leafy silage (73% DMD or better) should be fed to finishing cattle. If this is not available, consider an alternative such as an ad lib concentrate diet. Finishing cattle on silage and concentrates should consume about 1.8% of their body weight as dry matter daily if fed a silage with high intake characteristics and 5-6 kg meal. Therefore, a finishing steer of 650 kg getting 5 kg meal should consume about 6.5 kg silage dry matter (32.5 kg silage of 20% DM). • The main intake problems that occur on ad lib concentrate diets are acidosis (overeating sickness) where the build-up to high concentrates is too fast or where animals are allowed get hungry and then over-consume a high starch diet. Make sure cattle do not run out of feed, provide adequate roughage (a long, high fibre roughage is best) and keep a supply of fresh, clean water available. Sometimes cattle will reduce meal intake when put on a new batch or if the formulation changes. Choose a good high energy concentrate and do not change the formulation, especially in the final 60 days before slaughter. • The main environmental factors that affect performance are lying area, feed space and ventilation. Finishing cattle of 600 kg – 700 kg need a minimum of 2.3m2 (25ft2) lying area and at least 600 mm (2ft) trough space if all animals need to feed at the same time. • High performing cattle produce excess heat which has to be taken away in ventilation. Signs of poor ventilation are excessive condensation on the roof and other surfaces, mould growth on timbers, wet coats on cattle and excessively dirty hides. Sweating and a raised breathing rate also indicate that ventilation is inadequate. Usually some simple structural changes to the side walls and roof is enough to rectify the problem. Clipping a 100mm (4”) strip of hair along the backbone and all hair off the tails keeps cattle dryer and cleaner. The most common health problems are respiratory infections, parasites and lameness. Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) has been the most serious cause of respiratory disease in recent years. The greatest risk is after housing, so the problem should be less common at this stage.Vaccination, combined with good ventilation and bio-security, is recommended where there have been outbreaks in the past. All cattle, including adult cattle, are likely to require a fluke treatment. When treating for lice, treat all animals in the house at the same time. • Lameness can result from injuries caused by uneven or chipped slats; hurts caused by fighting and mounting; infections and prolonged feeding on high concentrate diets. Remove lame animals when noticed, treat according to veterinary advice and bed on straw until the problem has cleared. ANIMAL HEALTH IRELAND BVD REPORT 2013 Headline figures • 0.68% of calves tested were PI. • 11% of herds had one or more positive or inconclusive results; most of these herds had no more than one or two PI animals. • 6.7% of PI calves had a PI dam; the remainder were born as PIs due to infection of their dams in early pregnancy. • Over 9,000 PIs identified in 2013 are now dead, but 3% of herds have retained PIs. It is very encouraging to read that 9,000 PI’s, who would otherwise have been acting as a reservoir of infection, have been taken out of the system. However to achieve success in eliminating the disease from all farms and from the country every PI identified in 2014 must be taken out immediately. If on a re-test you discover that the calf is definitely a PI, what do you do? If a young calf is a PI then there should only be one outcome: the calf needs to be put down. This is easier said than done, particularly when the calf is skipping around the pen and looks perfectly healthy. But you must remember that a PI calf, healthy looking or not, is a ticking time bomb shedding virus all through its life. Hold on to it and you run the risk of crashing the immune system of the rest of your calves, leaving them open to ongoing scour and pneumonia problems.You may see fertility issues in getting cows back in calf, or cows that are in calf aborting.While a PI calf remains in your herd you are going to perpetuate the problem and even though vaccinating will give you some protection it will not be enough. The other statistic that is worth remembering is that 80% of PI calves will have died by the time they reach 18 months. In most instances it really will be the case that taking the loss early will be the cheapest option. Cows that turn out to be PIs – and the numbers of these will be small – can be slaughtered and so they will give some economic return. But remember that if a cow is a PI she will always produce a PI calf. FARMING 55 Storms highlight need to access crucial funds to upgrade marine farms SPEAKING on behalf of 300 small marine farming businesses providing vital employment around the coast on Monday, the Irish Shellfish Association chairman, Jerry Gallagher, praised the industry for its resilience against recent harsh weather “despite the lack of any government support whatsoever for upgrading and modernising equipment at sea”. The IFA man said that funding, available under the European Fisheries Fund to competitors in every other EU state, was being denied to Irish marine farmers because of delays caused by other parts of government. Mr Gallagher said,“It is well known that the renewal of aquaculture licences has been dragging on for the past decade, causing massive problems and lost revenue for coastal areas. Legal protection for existing farms to continue on their old production plan is granted where they have applied for a renewal but received no response from the Minister. Up to €5 million in capital aid was budgeted each year for BIM to fund a capital scheme. However the government decided to block access to upgrading and modernisation funding for any farmers seeking renewals but who had not received a Ministerial decision. The Department of Agriculture and the Marine introduced this restriction despite the fact that they are also responsible for the lack of progress on licence renewals. “This lack of joined up thinking and the involvement of too many competing agencies and officials means that the impact of the funding blockage is felt particularly at this challenging time of year when producers have to rely on old and out of date equipment to keep their stocks safe in bad weather. These farmers are being prevented by the government’s own bureacratic failures from accessing up to 40% grant aid under the Commercial Aquaculture scheme. At a time when job creation and support for indigenous industry are so essential there is no justification for not spending €5 million in public funds earmarked to create jobs, employ local builders and equipment manufacturers and help coastal communities get through the economic crisis. The IFA man continued, “Minister Coveney must immediately allow access to capital grant aid for all producers who are currently seeking renewals and ensure they can upgrade their equipment to the highest standards taking account of the latest in environmentally friendly technology just like their competitors elsewhere in Europe. The easiest and fairest solution is to immediately issue a full 20 year licence to anyone waiting over 12 months for a decision on a straight renewal, thereby giving them an up to date licence and access to public and private investment. This would give the sector a reasonable foundation to build n for the future. It would also give us some hope of meeting investment targets set under Harvest 2020 and Harnessing Our Ocean Wealth policies adopted by the Government as well as EU targets for sustainable fish farming.” Mr. Gallagher said, “When our members have to deal with the severe weather battering suffered over the past few weeks they want to know they are facing into those storms having done everything they can to put in place the strongest, safest and most secure farming equipment to protect their stocks and ensure minimal damage to farms or the immediate surrounding environment.” Waterford FORECAST FOR MUNSTER Macra KILMAC KAKE OFF Just before Christmas Kilmac Macra hosted the Kilmac Kake Off, a baking competition open to all members and the club was thrilled with the amount of entries received on the night. Well done to Laura Heverin from Waterford City Macra who came 1st; Helen O’Donovan from Cappoquin Macra Na Feirme who came 2nd and Keeva Stanley from Kilmacthomas Macra who came in 3rd.There was also a toy collection held on the night in aid of the children in Arkeen which was greatly supported.We’d like to thank all the organisers, our judges which included ICA members and Kilmac’s Evan Stanley, and to everyone who made a cake for the event. DEBATING Next Monday the 13th sees the continuation of the debating competition, where first up Kilmac will propose and Dungarvan will oppose the motion ‘That famous children are destined to become dysfunctional adults.’ Also on the night Waterford City will propose and Cappoquin will oppose the motion ‘That recreational cannabis should be legally sold in Ireland.’ Sign in will be at 8.00 p.m. with the venue to be confirmed at a later date. Good luck to all clubs involved. WEDNESDAY will start cold, dry and bright with some sunshine. Any frost will soon clear. It will become cloudy in the afternoon with rain spreading from the south in the late-afternoon and evening. Highest temperatures of 8-10 degrees with light to moderate southerly winds backing south-east to east. Blustery today with showers. The showers will be heavy at times. Highest temperatures of 8-10degrees with fresh to strong and gusty south to south-westerly winds.There will be some bright or sunny spells. Widespread heavy rain early Wednesday night, mostly in Munster and Leinster, will clear and cold clear weather will follow with a sharp frost developing and icy stretches on wet roads later overnight and early Thursday morning. Thursday will be a cold bright day with sunny spells and scattered rain and hail showers in southwestern, western and northern areas, most other places should be dry with sunny spells and light to mod- erate westerly breezes. Top temperatures of 5 to 9 degrees. Cold and frosty early Thursday night but freshening southerly winds and thickening cloud will clear the frost later, but bringing rain through the western half of the country by dawn. Friday: Rain in many places for a time Friday morning, clearing eastwards in the early afternoon. Cold and frosty on Friday night with showers in western and northern areas, some wintry on higher ground. Weekend: Cold, bright and dry in many areas on Saturday just the odd shower. Some frost early Saturday night but clearing later in the night as wet and rather windy conditions spread eastwards overnight and Sunday morning NORRIS BROS. LTD. STRADBALLY, CO. WATERFORD Tel. (051) 292215 / 291222 FA R M & I N D U S T R I A L BU I L D I N G S • • • • • • Fully Tax Compliant Company Fully Insured REA Compliant Health & Safety Compliant With over 30 years experience Using only the best quality materials • Satisfaction Guaranteed www.norrisbrothers.eu Tel. (051) 292215 / 291222 Inside entertainment … only Your entertainment guide e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | telephone 058 41205 Eleanor McEvoy appearing in Garter Lane Arts Centre Eleanor McEvoy ELEANOR McEvoy will appear in Garter Lane Arts Centre,Waterford on Thursday, 23rd January, 2014. Described by Joe Duffy on Christmas Eve as ‘The Woman who gave her Heart to the Nation’ - Eleanor continues her GIRL IN A BLACK CAR TOUR to coincide with the May release of her new album If You Leave… Her performances are intimate, emotional, uplifting affairs in which she explores soul, love and humour, using own compositions and interpretations from other songbooks, with her unique voice and beautiful playing. Formerly a session musician, including a long stint with The NSO, she decided whilst, with The Mary Black Band, that she should cash in the savings and develop her own career. One week her life changed. Mary’s label owner heard Eleanor play a selfpenned song that would give a name and title track to their planned all woman compilation album… ‘A Woman’s Heart”, Ireland’s best selling album. Simultaneously she was signed to Geffen where her eponymous album went on to sell 250,000 copies. Precious Little was a Billboard hit and Sophie has become a worldwide focus and comfort to millions of young people with eating disorders. Her most recent album Alone is a collection of her best-loved songs performed solo. www.eleanormcevoy.net Crossword January 12 - 18 Aries March 20th April 19th Taurus April 20th May 20th Gemini ACROSS 1 See 17 9 Destiny Hope _ , actress and recording artist better known as Miley _ (5) 10 A surgeons knife (7) 11 Place too great a demand on (8) 12 Surname of the wife of Henry VIII who survived him (4) 15 Shrub whose leaves are used in herbal medicine (3) 16 Creature said to have been banished from Ireland by St Patrick (5) 17 1 Operetta (The Bat) with music by Johann Strauss II (3,10) 18 A blade of a propeller or fan (4) 19 Emptied of air or gas (8) 22 A kind of train that doesnt run on rails (7) 24 The business end of a lasso (5) 25 A representative group sent to state a case in a dispute (10) DOWN 2 Lacking energy (8) 3 The act of belittling someone (13) 4 _ Window, 1954 Hitchcock film starring James Stewart (4) 5 A piece of software of a particular kind (3) 6 A bout of extravagant spending (7) 7 A reflected radar pulse (4) 8 Anagram of RENT-FREE (4,4) 13 Could it be described as a show trial? (8) 14 Citroëns equivalent of the Peugeot Partner (8) 15 Regarded with a high degree of respect (7) 20 The nest of a squirrel (4) 21 The original plane flown by the Red Arrows, preceding the Hawk (4) 23 Abbreviation denoting a quantity used in recipes (3) SOLUTION May 21st June 20th Cancer June 21st July 22nd Leo July 23rd August 22nd Virgo August 23rd September 22nd Libra September 23rd October 22nd Scorpio October 23rd November 21st ESOLUTIONS made in haste are easily broken but right now you have some commitments you owe it to yourself to keep. Try to avoid the mistakes of the past. R HE year is just a few days old and already things are starting to look less rosy. Dont despair, because by the end of the week things will certainly start to look up again. T OUR confidence could have suffered a setback recently but the signs have turned in your favour. Solid determination will see you through just dont worry what others may be saying. Y OU may be having difficulties on the romantic front but in other areas things should be looking good. Money and career matters both look extremely healthy and exciting. Y ONT bite the hand that feeds you or so the saying goes but make sure you consider whats best for you. At the moment theres a chance to progress, but there may be a cost. D KISS under the mistletoe could have been just fun but it is possible someone read more into it. You must be cruel to be kind and tell them exactly how you feel. A OULL probably be feeling a bit low this week but this will not last too long. By Friday there will be a surprise invitation and the weekend is anything but dull. Y FTER a period of frustration, things are about to change and at least some of your dreams will soon be realised. Stick to your guns and dont let cynics deter your creativity. A Sagittarius B Capricorn Y IRTHDAY, Christmas so much fun in one month must be making you a little weary. November Make sure you show appreciation to those who are 22nd December 21st working hard to give you a happy time. December 22nd January 19th Aquarius January 20th February 18th Pisces February 19th March 19th OUR personal life may have had something lacking for a long time now but as the dust settles after the holiday an exciting new face is about to appear on the scene. Go for it! EW Year, new start . . . Things should start to calm down a bit after the party season but theyre still buzzing for you this week. Set about 2010 with gusto because this is your year! N UST when you thought it was safe to go back to the office, a deed done in good spirit before the holiday will unfortunately return to haunt you. Dont accept any invitations youre unsure of. J ~ Movie Reviews ~ In association with SGC Dungarvan @By Jim Ryan GISELLE BALLET LIVE FROM THE ROYAL BALLET Monday, 27th January, 2014, at 7.15 p.m. ‘Giselle’, by Adolphe Adam, live from The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden, at the SGC, Dungarvan, on Monday, 27th January, at 7.30 p.m. We’re certainly having a happy new year at the SGC, Dungarvan, with a mouth-watering programme in store for us. It was marvellous to see the great attendances at the two recent Tchaikovsky ballets, ‘The Sleeping Beauty’ and ‘The Nutcracker’ (with all of us from the Dungarvan Museum Society having a wonderful time for our Christmas outing at the latter), and also at the magnificent New Year’s Concert with that ‘Rolls Royce’ of an orchestra, The Berlin Philharmonic.To complement the sumptuous sound of the ‘Berlin Phil’ we also had pianist Lang Lang in a performance of astonishing virtuosity in Prokofiev’s Third Piano Concerto. Eugene and all at the SGC deserve our support for bringing us such magical live performances in Opera, Theatre, and Ballet – there’s nowhere else in Ireland, not even in our major cities, getting such riches. And I believe the best is yet to come. In the next five weeks the SGC will present three of my all-time favourites, works that are amongst the great productions of the human imagination – a ballet, a play and an opera; ‘Giselle’ from the Royal Ballet, Covent Garden; Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’ from London’s National Theatre on January 30th and Mozart’s ‘Don Giovanni’ from Covent Garden on February 12th. ‘Coriolanus’ is a not-too-often performed masterpiece. I find it a wonderful and moving play. It should be of great interest to students of any of Shakespeare’s tragedies – the play’s hero has the potential greatness and the inevitable tragic flaw that are the blessing and the curse of those great tragic heroes, Macbeth, Othello and Hamlet - to name but three of the Bard’s memorable creations. ‘Giselle’ tells a tale of betrayal, evil, avenging supernatural spirits and a love that transcends death. And ever since, despite the number of wonderful ballets, not least those beautiful Tchaikovsky compositions, ‘Giselle’ is my favourite ballet.The beauty of its music and the poignancy of its story made it a memorable highlight of my musical life. The music is consistently lovely and full of gorgeous tunes with never a dull moment throughout its score. ‘Giselle’, since it premiered in 1841, has always been one of the most popular and most frequently performed of ballets. Its composer, Adolphe Adam, also gave us my favourite Christmas hymn, the lovely ‘O Holy Night’ (at a recent Mass in St. Mary’s, Dungarvan, Luciano Pavarotti’s marvellous recording was played); Des Keogh nominates Leontyne Price’s wonderful rendition as the best of the many recordings of it, while I find Enrico Caruso’s immortal recording, titled ‘Noel’, to be one of the treasures of the gramophone. Adolphe Adam was born in Paris in 1803 and died there in 1856. He was a prolific and successful composer of operas, ballets, choral works, church music, operettas, music critic, organist, conductor and student at the Paris Conservatory (Conservatories can deliver strange judgements – the Milan Conservatory judged Guiseppe Verdi to be “lacking in musical talent”!). Adam wrote more than seventy operas and operettas, mainly operettas. During his lifetime his music was very popular in France and all over Europe. However, his stage works are rarely if ever performed today with the happy exception of ‘Giselle’. The plot of ‘Giselle’ is based on a story by Theophile Gautier who, in turn, adapted it from a legend recorded by the great German poet, Heinrich Heine. It also takes material from a poem by Victor Hugo in which a girl dies after attending an all-night ball. Jean Corelli and Jules Perrot composed the choreography. Carlotta Grisi, in Paris, on Monday, June 28th, 1841, was the first ballerina to dance the part of Giselle. It was a great triumph, with critics and public alike and soon it was being given wherever in the world ballet was performed; and that popularity has never waned over the years. Within forty years, the great and prolific choreographer, Marius Petipa, had revised it for the Russian Imperial Ballet and it’s his version which is usually performed, as it is with our live screening on Jan 27th. Giselle is a peasant girl and she falls in love with a peasant named Loys, who, if the truth were known, is really Albrecht, Duke of Silesia. The action takes place in the Rhineland in the middle ages. Giselle when she falls for Loys is unaware of his true identity or that he is having a ‘last fling’ before his upcoming wedding to a Princess, Bathilde. Hilarion, a gamekeeper, who also loves Giselle, warns her that Albrecht is not a trustworthy suitor. When she finds out who he really is and that he is to marry a Princess, she is inconsolable and dies in Albrecht’s arms. In Act two, the dark spirits, spirits of women jilted at the altar, the Wilis, bring Giselle back from the grave and she appears to Albrecht. She forgives him. Her genuine, altruistic love redeems her and helps her to overcome the Wilis. She is at peace and returns to her grave. The spirits want to kill Albrecht but Giselle saves him; the power of her love defies their murderous intent. But he, who had always loved Giselle, is left alone and disconsolate to grieve her final departure. A haunting, moving tale told to the accompaniment of such lovely music. ‘Giselle’ from Covent Garden has to be “as good as it gets” for those who love ballet. It bids fair to provide a delightful evening’s entertainment. THE RAILWAY MAN Opens 10th January The Railway Man, based on the best-selling memoir by Eric Lomax, tells the extraordinary true story of a British Army officer, who is tortured as a prisoner of war at a Japanese labour camp during World War II. Decades later, and with the love and support of his wife Patti, Eric attempts to make peace with his past, and sets out to confront the Japanese interpreter he holds responsible for much of his treatment. Starring Academy Award-winners Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman, and Jeremy Irvine, the film is a tale of survival, love and redemption. THE WOLF OF WALL STREET Revered film-maker; Martin Scorsese directs the story of New York stockbroker Jordan Belfort (Leonardo DiCaprio). From the American dream to corporate greed, Belfort goes from penny stocks and righteousness to IPOs and a life of corruption in the late 80s. Excess success and affluence in his early twenties as founder of the brokerage firm Stratton Oakmont warranted Belfort the title – “The Wolf of Wall Street.” The son of two accountants from the Bronx, Belfort founded his own brokerage firm called Stratton Oakmont and was so successful that by the time he was 26 he was a multi-millionaire making close to $1million (£615,000) a week. On one memorable occasion he made $12.5million (£7.6million) in three minutes. Inevitably such insane wealth so speedily acquired fostered insane behaviour. For seven years Belfort was addicted to everything cocaine, tranquillisers, sedatives, crack, Ecstasy, prescription drugs. He pushed his wife down the stairs while high and crashed his car into the garage door. His three-year-old daughter was in the car with him at the time and he had not bothered to put her seatbelt on.There was often so much cocaine around that Belfort could fall asleep resting his head on his stash like a pillow. Across: 1 , 9 Cyrus, 10 Scalpel, 11 Overload, 12 Parr, 15 Rue, 16 Snake, 17 1 Die Fledermaus, 18 Vane, 19 Deflated, 22 Retinue, 24 Noose, 25 Deputation. Down: 2 Listless, 3 Disparagement, 4 Rear, 5 App, 6 Splurge, 7 Echo, 8 Tree fern, 13 Audition, 14 Berlingo, 15 Revered, 20 Drey, 21 Gnat, 23 Tsp. Inside entertainment … only Your entertainment guide e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | telephone 058 41205 Annual Valentine’s Charity Dance The dancing event of the year arrives once more . . . CHRISTMAS has come and gone again and people who are looking forward to a fun night should look no further than the Annual Valentine’s Charity Dance in Capppoquin Community Centre on Saturday 1st February. The Annual dance, held by the West Waterford Dancers, is now in its 6th year and organisers are promising another night with top bands and dancing all Deise Singers FIRST of all may I take this opportunity to wish all members and their families, friends, fans, patrons and supporters a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2014. Hope everyone had a good Christmas. The Christmas Fest really kicked into gear for us when we had our “Tea Time Recital” in St. Mary’s Church of Ireland, Dungarvan on December 15th. In our hour long programme we managed to give the packed Church a flavour of local, classical, folk, spiritual, and, of course, “festive” musical treats and favourites. Our thanks to Brian Hughes who was our guest once more. While Brian played some of his favourite flute music, he also heard for the first time his four part arrangement of Mai O’Higgins’ Evening in Mount Melleray. Back in November he presented the Deise Singers with this new choir arrangement of Evening in Mount Melleray. Thank you Brian for that and we were proud and honoured to perform this piece in our Tea Time Recital. As always there are lots of people to whom we owe a debt of gratitiude for helping us in any way to make the night possible; i.e., front of house, teas and refreshments, floral and candle arrangements in the Church, the business people who allowed us diplay posters, the Dungarvan Leader, Dungarvan Observer and WLR, for all the publicity. A very special thanks to Dean Paul Draper and his community for allowing us use their Church for the event. Thank you to our audience who came in such numbers. Last, but by no means least, thank you Fiona and Elaine who week after week worked tirelessly with the choir since last September to have us ready for this recital. We are back rehearsing for our Spring/Summer season on Monday, 13th January next.We meet in the Town Hall Theatre every Monday night, so if you “feel like singing”, come and join us on Monday nights at 7.45 p.m. Keep Tuned. in aid of fantastic local charities. This year we are proud to be supporting the South Eastern Radiotherapy Trust (SERT) as well as purchasing specialised equipment for the Stroke unit in Dungarvan Hospital. Last year’s event continued the now established tradition of providing a fantastic night of great dancing supported by superb bands creating an enjoyable atmosphere for all, whether they wished to dance the night away on a very large dance floor or soak up the fine music on offer. This year Keith McDonald and the Showband Show will be our main band. Keith and his supporting band have lit up many dacnce-halls in Ireland with their vibrant bigband music and powerful vocals. To kick off the night Batty Prendergast, a well-known local entertainer, will quickly fill up the floor and set the mood for the night with his energetic performance. On the night there will be complimentary cheese and wine for all those who attend. The night’s music will begin at 8.30 p.m. and will continue on til late in the night. The admission fee for this enjoyable night of dancing and great music is just €10, with all proceeds from the night going to two well-deserving local causes. Tickets are available from Cappoquin Community Centre, Noel Devereux's Manshop in Dungarvan or from any of the West Waterford Dancers. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the night. Enquiries about the night can be made to Karen at 087 7786677. Folk Hero Donal Clancy Returns to Dillon’s ANOTHER year over and the Dungarvan Singers’ club, Na Conneries is going stronger than ever. Throughout last year we had some outstanding guests, both local and from all around the country. We made an impressive start to the year by introducing a relatively unknown superstar-to-be from Carlow, Eric Butler, whose sister is the lead singer from Caladh Nua. Eric himself is no less talented both as a singer and a writer, some of his songs being featured on Caladh Nua albums. His voice is incredibly strong and sweet, and he is unusually versatile being just as comfortable singing Paul Brady, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan or Frank Sinatra. He sings Jazz, country, blues, rock, pop, folk ballads and his own unique style of folk-pop which suits his own unique compositional style. Leonard Cohen’s most popular song at the moment is undoubtedly “Hallelujah”, made even more famous in the great rendition by Jeff Buckley. Well, outstandingly even compared to Leonard’s own version and sJeff ’s baroque re-drawing of the song, the best version I ever heard was the one that Eric sang on his night with us above in Dillon’s back room. And the majority of others present on that memorable occasion, some of them ardent fans of Cohen and Buckley, agreed with me! In April, we had the great Donal Clancy, of whom more later. In June, the excellent Tradfest was in full swing in the town, and traditional singers from all over the country gathered. We had a really wonderful singer’s night for them all up in the Upper room in the Tudor. Particularly impressive was Elle Marie O’Dwyer (and her father) who really stole the show and left everybody enthusing about her. Like Ciaran O’Gealbhain Donal Clancy Len Graham Mo O’Connor Eric Butler Eric, she has the rare combination of power and sweetness, delivered with passion. Really, in my book, that is the definition of good singing, regardless to some extent of more technical prowess, although she had that also! It’s important to say also that singers from our club were invited as guests to other clubs and festivals and Fleadhs around the country so the singing tradition is really and truly alive and well in the Deise. Congratulations to Aodan & Ogie who were with us in Cor na Fhear na nDeise, who subsequently did so well in the Oireachtas. In September we had Ciaran ó’Gealbháin former lead singer with Danu and one of the finest Sean nos Singers in the entire country. His night with us was very special and he sang better than ever, his voice being in exceptional shape and Ciaran himself relaxed, funny and easy going. His way with the crowd was wonderful and everyone enjoyed his amazing performance. Mo O’Connor, a multiinstrumentalist and singer in many styles was our guest in October. He introduced more variety into the club, singing jazz, blues, country, bluegrass, traditional, ballads, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley and George Jones all with equal facility and authentic style. Mo also had great rapport with the crowd and told some very funny anecdotes from his life as a professional musician, in the states, at home in Ireland, and all over the world, as far afield as Siberia and Japan. Just last month we had the great Len Graham from Antrim, another widely travelled artist, being very popular on the American Folk Festival and University Campus trail, and famous for his master classes in traditional singing as well as for his great collections of ancient songs and his recent excellent book on the life and songs of his deceased friend Joe Holmes. Len was friendly courteous and urbane and also sang beautifully, his voice being soft, gentle and expressive but with amazing strength and carrying power for such a sensitive instrument. Len is a pure traditional singer and as such not widely known outside his own field, but he won everyone’s heart on his night with us, and hopefully will be returning to us in Dillon’s back room. As I already mentioned, Donal Clancy guested with us last April. When I met him over Christmas he was eager to get back again to us. His night with us was total magic from start to finish, and it was very obvious that he enjoyed it as much as the rest of us. I hope it’s not disrespectful to him or to his father’s memory but he conjured up the spirit of the great Liam Clancy in a way that was nothing sort of uncanny. He had the same way with the audience immediately engaging with them and holding them spellbound not just with his beautiful voice and guitar but with illuminating introductions to the songs and charming stories about his father, the other Clancys,Tommy Makem and even Liam’s mother. He described his own life growing up in this hotbed of musical genius and activity. His guitar playing was sensitive, tuneful and hypnotic. But the voice was amazing. Through nature and nurture, he had absorbed all the best influences of his father’s singing style, the timbre timing, phrasing, and above all the sensitivity and feeling for lyrics! His father Liam loved words and was one of the greatest reciters of poetry this county has produced, as proven by a great radio series presented by his daughter Siobhan, featuring only his spoken word. Even this has been transferred to Donal and he is now Liam’s equal at reciting verse and storytelling. As to singing in my opinion he almost surpasses his father and on top of that he has, the added advantage of being a master of flat-picking and finger picking guitar! If you doubt my opinion, check out his new CD “Songs of a Roving Blade” which is on release at the moment. On it he sings many songs associated with Liam and the Clancy Brothers and he more than does justice to them, contriving at one and the same time, to remain faithful to Liam’s memory and also make them his own. On the April Singers’ Club night, he sang Shane McGowan’s “Broad majestic Shannon”, a song that Liam had sung on his final album, released shortly before his death, “Wheel of Life”. This was one of my favourite tracks on Liam’s album. I thought it was simply magnificent and could not be equalled, not to mind, topped. Imagine my surprise, shivers down the spine and delight, when Donal’s live version in Dillon’s Back Room with the singing club was actually better! I would not have believed it possible. So it was with everything he performed on the night making the occasion memorable beyond anything I could have hoped for. So just think how bad the people felt who missed this great occasion, especially since all who were there were enthusing about it for weeks afterwards. But if you’re one of those who were not present, don’t despair. You get a second chance, (a very rare thing in life!). Donal is back with us in Dillon’s Bar, Wolfe Tone Road, Dungarvan @ 9pm on Monday the 13th (lucky for some!)Of January. If you do nothing else this year, write that in your diary and be absolutely sure not to miss this golden opportunity to hear what is in effect a combination of the great Liam Clancy and the great Donal Clancy in one great package. I guarantee you’ll thank me later if you come along. So early in the year, it already promises to be one of the highlights of 2014, just as his April appearance was definitely one of the highlights of 2013. Everyone who was there on the night will testify to that, with no dissenting voice. It was like being at Woodstock. Everyone who wasn’t there wished they had been and even pretended that they had been, it was so uncool to miss it. So if you want the wonderful euphoric experience of Woodstock without the mud, come along to Dillon’s Bar, Monday the 13th at 9pm. Donal is to other folk guitarists what Jim Hendrix was to other rock guitarists, and he is to other ballad singers what Janis Joplin was to other rock singers. If you think that praise is extravagant, it means that you obviously weren’t in Dillon’s last April, so don’t be an April Fool this time…. Be there or be square. Remember: Donal Clancy at Dillon’s Bar, Wolfe Tone Road, Dungarvan, 9.00 p.m. Monday, 13th January. Here’s the best part: how much would you expect to pay in, at the door? €20, €15, €10….? No, it’s even more generous. It’s FREE. NO COVER CHARGE. Where could you get such a night of musical excellence for nothing? So, no excuses. Even if there’s a storm blowing, you can’t afford to miss this one! Entertainment … only Your entertainment guide e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | telephone 058 41205 Holiday World Show Ticket Giveaway WIN! To celebrate the 25th annual Holiday World Show we’ve got ten family passes to give away! Each family pass admits 2 adults and up to four children. Taking place over three days in the RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin from the 24th – 26th January, 2014, The Holiday World Show is Ireland’s biggest travel show with almost 1,000 exhibitors representing over 50 countries. There will be thousands of amazing discounted holiday deals up for grabs as well as free travel advice, and inspiration from the World’s top travel professionals. For more information visit www.holidayworldshow.com To enter answer this question: For how many years has the Holiday World Show been taking place? 2 years • 10 years • 25 years? wlrfm.com Post your entries into Holiday World Competition, Dungarvan Observer, Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, on or before 12 noon on Tuesday, 14th January, 2014. Editor’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Observer Competition Winner Giselle & SGC Dungarvan John Earley, 8 Bayview, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Winner can collect prize at SGC Dungarvan. The Wedding Journal Yvette Hickey, Belleville, Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. THUR 9º FRI 9º SAT 8º SUN 8º Answer: ……………………………………………………………………………. Name: ………………………………………………………………………………. Address: ……………………………………………………………..……………. ………………………………………………………………………...……………… ………………………………………… Tel. No. ………………………...….……. Call a cab … ✄ O r g a n i s i n g a n eve n t ? Make sure everyone reads about it … contact Dungarvan Observer 058-41205/42042 e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie Joe Cliffe Ollie Gillen Ann O’Dwyer Nicholas Drohan Liam McCarthy 087 7935393 / 087 058 087 68101 / 058 44570 7449965 44043 8144777 087 2630666 Entertainment … only Your entertainment guide e-mail: adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie | telephone 058 41205 Aisteoirí an tSean Phobail Friday 10th – Thursday 16th FILM INFORMATION AND BOOKING LINE 058 45796 www.sgcdungarvan.ie PRESENT “SHARON’S GRAVE’’ THE RAILWAY MAN BY JOHN B. KEANE Halla Naomh Colmán at 8.15 p.m. each night BOOKING ESSENTIAL Phone: (058) 46483 Performance Rights Permission: Drama League of Ireland Fundraising Night in aid of Baby Fionn Murray At the Walter Raleigh Hotel Friday, 10th January Doors @ 8.00 p.m. • Tickets €10 Dancing from 9.00 p.m. RAFFLE ON THE NIGHT! ✄ JANUARY 17, 18, 19, 2014 D I G I TA L ! FRI. & MON. – THUR. 4.25; ALSO SAT., SUN. 12.20, 2.20 AMERICAN HUSTLE MOSHI MONSTERS: THE MOVIE (G) 81 mins. (15A) 138 mins. D I G I TA L ! DAILY 6.15, 9.00 D I G I TA L ! SAT., SUN. 12.10 MANDELA: LONG WALK TO FREEDOM ✄ An Sean Phobal, Dún Garbhán WALKING WITH DINOSAURS (PG) 89 mins. (15A) 116 mins. D I G I TA L ! DAILY 6.35, 8.55 FROZEN (G) 108 mins. 3D: FRI. & MON. – THUR. 4.20; ALSO SAT., SUN. 11.45, 2.00 2D: FRI. & MON. – THUR. 4.00; SAT., SUN. 11.15, 1.30 (12A) 147 mins. D I G I TA L ! DAILY 9.10 THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MITTY S E V E N DAY K I D S ’ C L U B (PG) 114 mins. D I G I TA L ! DAILY 4.30, 6.50; ALSO SAT., SUN. 2.10 WALKING WITH DINOSAURS MOSHI MONSTERS SAT., SUN. 12.10 MON. – THUR. 4.25; SAT., SUN. 12.20 ANCHORMAN 2: THE LEGEND CONTINUES (15A) 119 mins. D I G I TA L ! DAILY 9.30 T U E S DAY E L E V E N S E S JANUARY 14th @ 11.00 a.m. THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG (12A) 161 mins. 3D: DAILY 6.20 ACTIVE AGE SCREENING: AMERICAN HUSTLE REEL PARENTS SCREENING: MANDELA SPECIAL NEEDS SCREENING: WALKING BOOK ONLINE @ www.sgcdungarvan.ie WITH DINOSAURS Spurling Group Cinemas BLOG @ www.sgcdungarvan.com LIVE MUSIC WITH MICHAEL COLLINS • PADDY GREENSLADE • PADDY O’BRIEN • PAT TOBIN • TEDDY & CATHAL BARRY Sweepstake at Punchestown Festival SUPPORTING WATERFORD IN GAA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2014 A BRIDGIE BRIDGIE TERRIES The Pike 051-291312 Dancing to MARY & DANNY O’LEARY FIRST APPEARANCE Sunday, 12th January :– Clotto €11,800 Coming Saturday, 18th January :– Wednesday, 8th January :– Progressive 45 Card Drive (In aid of Garranbane NS) All Parties, big or small, catered for! Room available for meetings Dancing to DEREK VEALE Crotty’s Inn available for Parties, Meetings and Functions. Tel. (051) 291254 / (087) 6599126 O E T LEAMYBRIEN Saturday, 11th January :– W E E P S TA K Crotty’s Inn Come and enjoy your Weekend Entertainment at … L NF E S T I VA SW With Special Guests! PU NCHE ST Creating A Future For Waterford GAA Ist Prize: New Nissan Qashqai 2014 1.5 Diesel, plus A Trip of a Lifetime on a Luxury Mediterranean Cruise for 2 people, on an All-Inclusive basis, for 8 nights, visiting France, Italy & Spain, followed by 5 nights in Barcelona in 5 Star Hotel on a B & B basis. 2nd Prize: A Dream Holiday for 2 people to New York, Las Vegas & San Francisco for 14 Nights. This package includes flights & 5 Star Hotels. 3rd Prize: 2 Nights Bed & Breakfast + 1 Dinner in a Parkview room in The Cliff Townhouse St. Stephen’s Green, on All Ireland Weekend 6th & 7th of September 2014, plus 2 tickets to the All Ireland. An additional 2 nights B&B +1 dinner + Spa in the 5 Star Cliff House Hotel, Ardmore. 4th Prize: 4 All Ireland Tickets plus accommodation for 4 people in a luxury Dublin Hotel. Draw will take place at 10.30am Live on WLR on Friday May 2nd when declarations are available. Normal Rules of racing will apply. Terms & conditions are available from committee members. Tickets Available from: Harvey Travel, Waterford, Albert McGrath’s Newsagent, The Country Store, The Local Bar, Eoin McGrath, or any Committee Member €50 per Ticket Incorp. Munster Industrial Advocate Vol. 101 (Reg. in GPO as a Newspaper) Shandon, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. Tel: (058) 41205 / 42042. Fax: (058) 41559. Bottle banks left to overflow at Christmas time Refurbishment SALE ALL S TO C K MUST CLEAR! Councillor requests Council to review CCTV at bottle bank locations SINN Féin Councillor Brendan Mansfield has said that it is unacceptable for bottle banks located in Abbeyside and Scanlons Yard car park, to be left to overflow during the festive period. Cllr. Mansfield was contacted by a large volume of local people who expressed their concerns about the situation. “Sinn Féin local election candidate, Siobhan Whelan, and I visited both locations and it was shocking to see the condition of both sites,” said Cllr. Mansfield. “When the bottle banks were full, members of the public chose to leave boxes upon boxes of bottles on the ground at both bottle banks. I would appeal to the public not to do this if they find bottle banks full. “It gives a very bad impression of our town. I realise it maybe frustrating to find the bring centres full, but that does mean that you can abandon your empty bottles on the ground,” said Cllr. Mansfield. “I will be requesting Dungarvan Town Council to review CCTV at both locations.” Cllr. Mansfield said that he previously raised the issue at Council level and said he would be requesting the Town Council to contact the operators of the bottle banks to formally to review their collection methods going forward. “When the bottle banks were finally emptied the operator left behind all the bottles that were not in the banks,” pointed out Cllr. Mansfield. He said the Town Clerk had to divert Council staff from other work to remove the boxes and bottles left at the bring banks. Both Cllr. Mansfield and Ms. Whelan expressed thanks to the Council staff who removed the bottles and the staff at the Civic Amenity site for their help with this issue. Kitchens • Granite Worktops • Sliding Wardrobes • Beds MAXGROVE Furniture Centre Top picture: bottles, boxes and rubbish left at Scanlon’s Yard car park. Bottom picture: Council staff remove the rubbish which was left at the car park in Abbeyside. London is answering Ireland’s call. The Real Estate Alliance London Property Exhibition Hilton London Olympia, Kensington February 22, 2014 10.30am to 2.00pm UK buyers are eager for Irish properties. One out of every ten of our Irish properties is currently sold to a UK buyer. As part of the Irish Invasion for the Ireland v. England Six Nations match, Real Estate Alliance will present Irish properties to genuine, cash buyers in London. This superbopportunity opportunity to to market market your Thisisaasuperb your property property to toinvestors investorsand andIrish Irish Expatriates looking to return home. Expatriates looking to return home. To list your property, contact Eamonn Spratt, Dolores Caples or Donal O’Brien at REA Spratt before February 10th 2014. SPRATT e-mail: news@dungarvanobserver.ie adverts@dungarvanobserver.ie sport@dungarvanobserver.ie features@dungarvanobserver.ie Web: www.dungarvanobserver.ie Follow us on: @DungarvanObserv REA Spratt 9 O’Connell Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford 058 42211 (Beside Bank of Ireland) 32/33 North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork Phone: 024-93342 www.komandor.com
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