Marble - Kilkenny

Issue: 12 Summer 2013
KILKENNY
FREE
COLOUR POP
Lola Rose shows us how
to do bright this summer
Food
Favourites
Where and what
to eat in Kilkenny
MY FAIR
LADY
Elegant Dressing
from Serendipity
Gather
Together
GOOD
LIFE
Fiona Dillion of Hunter’s
Lodge talks to us about
been self sufficient
Marble
City Food
Ken McGuire looks at the
wealth of food in Kilkenny
Style in
the City
Goods shows us
style for all ages
It’s the year of
the Gathering
A Stylish
Confessions of
a
beauty Snob
Sarah Canning looks at a few of her
favourite beauty products
Man
Paul O’Connor delves into
Men’s Fashion this summer
S/S
13
What’s set to be
big this summer
Hiya,
Ok so you may have noticed we
took a bit of a break, but now we are
back bigger and better. We will now
be running a quarterly issue to give
you more content, fashion and tips
about what to do around Kilkenny.
We hope you enjoy it and we look
forward to our new bigger, better
issue. Don’t forget this is the year of
Cover
Photography: Ross Costigan
www.rosscostiganphotography.ie
Model:
Karen Fitzpatrick @ Assets
Make-up:
Make up by Emma Hogan Eyre
of the Eyre Brushed
Hair:
Aoibhlinn Blanchfield
Clothes:
Bubblegum pink dress with Hummingbird
by French label Manoush
Lola Rose Kilkenny
Design
Madeleine Carroll
Assistants: Linda Kelly Aoife Cahill
t: 056 7777502
e: info@mc-designs.ie
w: www.mc-designs.ie
Editorial
Madeleine Carroll
Rita Brennan
Sarah Canning
Laura Kane
Helena Duggan
Gina Renehan
Ken McGuire
Paul O’Connor
Sales
Rita Brennan
Kilkenny Magazine
t: 087 9602145
kilkennymagazine@gmail.com
All prices are correct going to print.
The editorial team does not accept any
responsibility for the views of the advertisers
or offers there within. No adverts may be
reproduced without the permission of
Kilkenny Magazine.
Find us on facebook at Kilkenny Zine
the Gathering so get out there and
Gather together!
XXX The editorial team at KILKENNY
Contents
Summer 2013
6
Want it! Need it!
10 Lola Rose - Colour Pop
14
Serendipity - My Fair Lady
16 Goods - Style in the City
20 Confessions of a Beauty Snob!
22 SS Trends
26 Fashion on a Budget
30 Food Favourites
18 A Gluten Free Christmas
32 A world of food in the Marble City
34 Spotlight on Business
35
A Stylish Man
36 The Good Life - Fiona Dillon
38 The Gathering be part of it...
42 On the Shelf
46
Fifteen Men and a Bus
Summer
In Summer there is always the
hope and promise of sunshine and
long hazy days. It’s not always the
case, we do live in Ireland after
all! There are plenty of events
that you can take part in during
the summer whether you are a
participant or a apectator. Here is a
sample few.
Nore with the majestic background
of the Castle, this triathalon is
fast becoming the fastest growing
triathalon in Europe. There is
an Olympic and Sprint Distance
triathalon available, you can do it
all individually or if you want to
just try it out, do it as a relay with a
friend or friends. For more details
log onto www.trigrandprix.com
Get the kit
Bruce Springsteen
Whether you’re a long time fan or
a newbie to Bruce, this gig is set to
be the biggest one in the Kilkenny
Music Calendar. Such is the draw
of the energetic Bruce, that people
even queued overnight for tickets
here in Kilkenny. Taking place on
the 28th and the 29th of July this
is surely the hottest ticket this
summer. If you haven’t got your
ticket, beg, borrow or steal to get
one!(We don’t condone stealing
obviously!)For more details log
onto www.mcd.ie
Tri Grand Prix
This annual Triathalon is set to
draw a huge crowd of participants
and spectators. Set in the river
2
KILKENNY SUMMER
‘Get the Kit’ is an exciting business
initiative which recently won the
Junior Enterprise regional finals
at the New park Hotel Kilkenny.
The brainchild of three first year
students: Éabha Sloyan, Katie
Phelan and Gwyneth Atkinson
Lynch of Coláiste Pobail Osraí,
Kilkenny. Get The Kit specialises
in selling a range of kits
concentrating on teenage girls
as a target market. The friends
brainstormed to come up with an
idea to make an activity exciting.
‘We decided to create something
girly. We thought of important
occasions for teenage girls that we
could create a kit for. A sleepover
sprung to mind’. The kit includes
a facemask, nail polish, ‘Truth or
Dare cards’, Popcorn kernels and
recommendations for suitable
movies. The girls have lots more
Kit ideas to come, so watch
this space! They will represent
Kilkenny in the national finals in
Croke Park, Dublin on the 17th
April 2013. We wish them the best
of luck with their venture.
Future Makers
Work by the recipients of the
Crafts Council of Ireland’s Future
Makers Awards and Supports
2012, including pieces from a
Waterford maker, are showcased
at an exciting exhibition, which is
now open at the NCAD Gallery in
Dublin. The exhibition is presented
in partnership with the National
College of Art and Design and runs
until April 5th.
The Future Makers exhibition
features exceptional, award
winning craft and design objects
including ceramics, glass, fashion,
jewellery, sculpture and furniture,
all designed and made by twentythree of Ireland’s leading creative
students and recent graduates.
This exhibition will showcase
the craftsmanship of the next
generation of Irish makers who
are shaping our creative future by
combining innovative techniques
and processes with hand-made
skills.
Exhibitors include Angela O’Keefe
Natalie Coleman, Jackie Maurer,
Jennifer Slattery, Kate Murtagh
Sheridan, Theresa Burger, Karen
Hennessy
The Future Makers exhibition
opens at 6pm on Thursday 7th
March and runs to Friday 8th
April. As part of the exhibition
the National College of Art &
Design in partnership with
the Crafts Council of Ireland’s
Education and Outreach team
has developed a range of craft
design education workshops for
secondary school pupils. These
designED workshopswill take place
on Thursday, 14th March, and will
be attended by pupils from schools
around Ireland who will work with
NCAD design staff, residents and
students at the NCAD studios. For
more information on the designED
workshops, please contact
mcternan@ncad.ie.
two episodes of series two of Sky
1 HD’s critically-acclaimed and
IFTA award winning comedy series
Moone Boy, in the company of its
co-writer and star, Chris O’Dowd,
co-writer and Kilkenny native,
Nick Vincent Murphy and fellow
cast members. The Sky programme
will also include other special
screenings with further details to
be announced in due course.
For more info go to
www.thecatlaughs.com
In previous years many
acts, including Calexico, Ray
LaMontagne, Ryan Adams and
Alabama Shakes have made their
Irish festival debuts at Kilkenny
Roots Festival.
Cat Laughs
The picturesque medieval city of
Kilkenny, Ireland will play host
to The Sky Cat Laughs Comedy
Festival from Thursday, 30th
May to Monday, 3rd June and
festival organisers are thrilled
to announce an exciting new
creative partnership with Sky,
which will include the broadcaster
introducing a unique programme
strand to the festival.
The Sky Cat Laughs Comedy
Festival will proudly host a worldpremiere screening of the first
Rhythm and Roots
The 16th Smithwick’s Kilkenny
Rhythm and Roots festival will take
place in various venues throughout
Kilkenny over the May Bank
Holiday weekend. Featured acts for
2013 include: PHOSPHORESCENT,
JOHN GRANT, CHUCK PROPHET
and JOHN MURRAY.
Marble City Sevens
Kilkenny will again host a Rugby
Seven’s competition on June the
29th as part of the Gathering
initiative. It’s set to be a lively
event with a mix of tournaments
from Men’s Elite, Women’s Social
and Men’s Social. The Kilkenny
RFC will be the place to be if you
are a rugby player or spectator on
Specialists in Bridal
Lingerie & Stockists of
We offer a full bra fitting
service, to find your ‘perfect fit’.
Panache ~ Charnos
Curvy Kate ~ Bestform ~ Lepel
Fauve ~ Fantasie Swimwear
Panache Swimwear
Hotmilk Maternity & Nightwear
Cette Hoisery ~ Spanx
Opening Hours
Mon to Sat: 10am - 6pm
Deposits Taken.
Gift Vouchers Available
After hour appointments also available
Belle Femme Lingerie, Kieran St., Kilkenny
Tel: 056 7756836 E: info@bellefemmelingerie.ie
www.facebook.com/belle.femme.kilkenny
www.bellefemmelingerie.ie
line
On Now
op
le
Sh ailab
Av
June the 29th 2013.
Yvonne Maher
The winners of the WeddingsOnline.
ie 2013 Awards were announced at
a glamorous ceremony held in the
stylish surroundings of Clontarf
Castle. Over 28,000 brides and
grooms nationwide voted for their
100 Best Wedding Suppliers and
50 Best Wedding Venues in a wide
range of categories, who were
then judged by a panel of expert
industry specialists, with decisions
based on quality of work and a real
wedding experience.
After hundreds of applications
nationwide, Kilkenny women
Yvonne Maher (makeup@
yvonnemaher.com) won the award
for make up artist of the year 2013.
Eamon always had a passion for
fashion. From doodles he started
designing in his sixth year art
class. His look is based on 50s
elegance with a modern twist.At
the present time MaraLeno caters
for women 20 and over, but plans
are underway for a men’s line too.
Eamon is aiming high and hopes
the brand will be a worldwide one
in the future. With our fashion
export strong we well believe he
will get there.
Tallent
for Languages
Tallent for Languages
Kilkenny’s only multi-lingual
centre, ‘Tallent for Languages’
provides courses and individual
lessons for both adults and kids
in over 10 different languages.
Its central location opposite
our medieval castle provides
an enjoyable, effective and
communicative environment for
best practice language learning.
They also provide translation,
interpreting and corporate classes
for business support and training.
The Festival – which is part of the
calendar of Gathering 2013 Events
– will have something for everyone
including a Bachelors Bootcamp,
(ICA style!), a Tractor Nuts Barn
Dance, a farmers market and a
Gathering of Fordson Tractors and
that’s just on Saturday 11th May in
the grounds of Borris House.
On Sunday 12th May (12noon), one
of the highlights will be the annual
Tractor Run featuring beautifully
restored vintage tractors rolling
out from historic Borris House
taking a scenic 26 km route up to
Mount Leinster to raise funds for
the Irish Cancer Society and the
Irish Kidney Association.
RTE’s John Murray, whose boots
are better known for his walking,
will be donning his wellies to add
his support for what will be a
fantastic weekend.
Going nuts in Borris! Pictured at the launch
of the Annual Tractor Nuts Festival in
Borris Co. Carlow are John Murray from
RTE, model Roisín Trait, Aoife O’Carroll and
Sarah Canning. Pat Moore.
IDEATE Festival
Go Nuts
Maraleno
Eamon Wallace is a 20 year old
Kilkenny student who attends NUI
Maynooth. He has set up his own
fashion line called “MaraLeno”
4
KILKENNY SUMMER
Go Nuts in Borris, Co. Carlow, for
Tractor Nuts Festival 2013
HUNDREDS of tractor nuts from
all over Ireland and abroad will
descend on the quaint village of
Borris in Co. Carlow on May 11th
and 12th for the 10th annual
Tractor Nuts Festival.
5 - 6 July 2013
A new multi-disciplinary minifestival event that explores and
celebrates craft, design and
creativity through experimentation
and collaboration. Featuring
a fusion of music, making, film
screenings and talks. Celebrating
the legacy of Kilkenny Design
Workshops (KDW) by looking
forward into the 21st Century.
Twitter: @KDW_21C
www.facebook.com/KDW21C
www.craftinireland.com/kdw21c
Ireland’s Leading
Bridal & High Fashion
Makeup Artists
Makeup Artistry Courses
One Day Courses
Makeup Application & Up style Deluxe
Bridal Makeup
Occasion Makeup
Using M.A.C, Lancôme,
Urban Decay and other high
end brands.
rudolf heltzel
gold and silversmith
explore one of ireland’s hidden treasures
NOW OPEN At No.1 The Parade, Kilkenny
Tel: 0879032243 www.eyrebrushed.com
10 patrick street, kilkenny
gallery hours: mon-sat 9.30am - 1pm 2pm - 5.30pm
tel 056 7721497 www.heltzel.ie
Hen house
Unicorns do Exist!
Daniela Cardillo is a
2011 first class honours
graduate of the National College of Art & Design
(NCAD), Dublin. Since graduating Daniela’s work has
gained her followers from all across the globe, she
has been featured in press such as Stylist Magazine
and U, and has been published in the World Craft
Council European Applied Arts Catalogue 2012.
Overall she is creating quiet a stir amongst the
international jewellery scene. Her work is concerned
How cute is this egg storer?
Never will your eggs look
better than in their own
special house. To get this
adorable egg house go to the
Gift Horse, 25 Lower Patrick
Street, (056) 778 6527
with finding beauty in and making use of death and
discard. She is intrigued by the components that
make up a creature. Daniela’s eco-friendly jewellery
uses mainly horsehair, and each piece is entirely
handcrafted. The hair weaving technique stems
from historic Victorian
Want it!
Need it!
mourning
hair
are
6
KILKENNY SUMMER
considered
memento-mori,
the
pieces are not a simple
reminder of death, but an
alteration of it, vitalising
past life fragments www.
danielacardillo.com
Hand
woven horse hair and 22kt
gold-plated stud neckpiece.
Handbags & Gladrags
in
Kilkenny
officially
Satchel Perfection
If
bones, skulls, claws and
Pauls
This satchel is super roomy.
It comes with a longer strap
so you can wear it across the
body. Its perfect for summer
to brighten up your work
or weekend outfit. Its classy
and ladylike which is bang
on trend. Think ladylike
glamour of Pemplum skirts
or Tops, Audery Hepburn
like capri pants with striped
jersey jumper. If you would
like to purchase this bag
or similar styles log onto
www.kwillakk.bigcartel.com
or visit the beautiful shop
Kwilla on Rose Inn Street
any day during the week.
Kwilla, Tel 056 780 6261
€45.00 White Satchel
jewellery.
its
new
launched
accessories
store at 12 High Street
with a great event
called ‘Handbags at
Dusk’. The directors
of Pauls have secured
a number of coveted
shoe
and
handbag
labels for the store,
several of which are
exclusive to the southeast. They are: Michael Kors; Valentino; DKNY; Orla Kiely; Juicy
Couture; Guess; Rocoborocco; Irregular Choice; Poetic Licence; Moda in Pelle; Tommy
Hilfiger; Ugg; Noe; R-Me and Blackmail. Handbags at Dusk started with drinks and
canapés in the new store and the opportunity to browse all the fab bags and shoes
before an in-store fashion show kicked off that showcased the new accessories as well as
the Pauls SS13 collection that includes new labels Marella, Passport and Bleulab jeans.
Pauls, 056 772 1289
Kapelli Hair Studio
Patrick Street Upr
056 7700876
20% off colour every Tues&Wed
Karen Maher
Make UP artist
Karen Maher
Make UP artist
Karen Maher of The Make Up & Beauty Studio
Based in Co. Kilkenny
Call out service available to location of brides choice
phone: 086 2597777
email: makeupandbeautystudio@hotmail.com
Cut it out
Kwilla
Kwilla are celebrating their second birthday
this year. It’s hard to believe two years have
passed since Shannon Forrest opened up
her beautiful shop Kwilla on Rose Inn Street
beside Syd Harkins. Its a treasure trove of gifts
for you or your loved ones. You’ll get quirky
finds like this teatowel from Colm O’Regan,
the comedian and creator of Irish Mammies
who will feature in this years Sky Cat Laughs.
Kwilla also stocks Pilgrim jewellery as well
as a host of other handmade products from
Ireland and overseas. Call in to Kwilla on Rose
Inn Street any week day or Saturday to see
her lovely range. Kwilla is on facebook and
online at www.kwillakk.bigcartel.com
Summer is just here, so
we mightn’t have days of
sunshine but it doesn’t
mean we can’t bring
summer into our wardrobe.
This cutout skater dress is
available in Penneys and is
a steal at €11. Wear it with
a pair of gladiators for laid
back chic.
Want it!
Need it!
Bookworm
This Kartel Bookworm bookcase is a perfect wall piece for your
home. .Bookworm is marked by a series of bookend supports,
bookworm combines flexibility and superior durability. It’s
a feature piece and would look at home in a modern home or
a more tradition home. For more information log onto www.
Your Future is Bright
We love a bit of bling so we
were delighted when we
spotted these shades in Nine
Lives Kilkenny. The retro
look isn’t going anywhere
for the forseeable future.
We could imagine the lovely
Imelda May rocking these
shades at Electric Picnic.
I must get my pair for the
Springteen Gig. Nine Lives.
High Street, Kilkenny
8
KILKENNY SUMMER
williedugganlighting.com
Wedding Hair
If you are looking for some
bling for your hair on
your wedding day, or want
to put the finishing touch
to your updo, then you’ll
want one of Lorimat’s
new
whicj
hair
accessories
are
reasonably
priced and will set off
any
hairstyle.
Vintage
Style Crystal Hairband
- €10.00 available from
Lorimat, Kieran Street,
Kilkenny or online at
www.lorimatkilkenny.ie
Make a Wish
chicago
Marcasite Jewellery
Wishingbone Gallery is a new vibrant artistic hub located
at No.1 The Parade, Kilkenny. All work is bound together
by the common thread of being made by hand and
exuding creative excellence. Wishingbone Gallery will
be showcasing a new talent each month in its spotlight
exhibition space . Resident members include Rebekah
Patterson Milliner , award winner of The Craft Councils
Future Maker Award Daniela Cardillo , Friederike
Grace Jeweller & Maeve Coulter Textile Designer and
Printmaker. Their work along with a small selection of
fashion/art and accessories is available and on display in
this new and exciting gallery space. Stay tuned for future
exhibitions ad innovative design work displays.
Wishingbone is open Tuesday-Sat 10-6pm, Sunday 2-6
where you can browse through wonderful finds and
even meet the makers themselves. “
Available at
Available at
Lorimat Jewellers
www.lorimatkilkenny.ie
St Kieran’s Street, Kilkenny
Peach dress with Peplum detail
by Irish Designer Caroline Kilkenny.
Headpiece
by Caroline Quinlan Millinery
Colour POP
Looking to add a pop of colour to
your wardrobe this summer? This
season, embrace a spectrum of
bright, bold hues and a serious mix
of luxurious navy blues and icy
grays. At Lola Rose Boutique on
Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny you will
find a fabulous array of dresses in
bright colours and neon’s, which are
bang on trend this season.
Lola Rose Boutique is a style haven
for all fashionistas with clothes
from all over the world, including
Irish designer Caroline Kilkenny,
Manoush, Snob, yumi and Pia
Michi. Lola Rose has something for
all ages. This season you will find
amazing ball gowns just in time
for the Debs season and beautiful
elegant dresses for the races. They
also stock shoes, bags and jewellery.
The girls at Lola Rose will do their
best to cater for your every need,
help you find your perfect dress and
make you look beautiful from top
to toe. Don’t forget ladies, deposits
are taken and gift vouchers are
available both in store and online.
Lola Rose Boutique has recently
opened an online store, to make
shopping more accessible to the
wider community of Ireland and
around the world. You can now
purchase your favourite Lola Rose
dress on www.lolarosekilkenny.ie
You will also find Lola Rose
on Facebook and Twitter.
Like and share, if you love
fashion. www.facebook.com/
LolaRoseBoutiqueKilkenny.
Photographer : Ross Costigan Model : Karen @ Assets Model Management Hair: Aoibhlinn Blanchfield Makeup Emma @ Eyrebrushed Makeup Academy
Coral Brocade Dress with Rhinestone
Detail by Forever Unique.
All Jewellery by Lola Rose
Dress with Matching Bolero
with cream floral detail
by Caroline Kilkenny.
Headpiece
by Caroline Quinlan.
Beautiful Jewellery,
Quirky Accessories &
Cute Gift Items!
Kilkenny
Castle
Kilkenny
Castle
Lots of our stock is exclusive to
Kwilla & handmade! xxx
* not valid
* noton valid
sale tionems
sale ti ems
Kwilla Design Elements
Kilkenny
Castle
Kwilla Design Elements
Kwilla, 23 Rose Inn St, Kilkenny
Tel: 056 - 7806261
Kilkenny
Castle
www.kwilla.eu
Find us on Facebook and Twitter
pilgrim.dk
* not valid on sale ti ems
Pilgrim / Kwilla, 23 Rose Inn Street, Kilkenny
* not valid on sale ti ems
Cobalt blue Full Length dress - Also available in Cerise Pink
Serendipity
My Fair Lady
Serendipity Boutique is the perfect shop for both ‘Mother and Daughter’. It has something for all ages.
For more details on Serendipity check out our Stockists page at the back of the magazine
Serendipity
Photographer : Ross Costigan Model : Stephanie O’Dwyer Hair: Aidan@Kapelli Makeup Karen @ The Make up and Beauty Studio
Structured Canary Yellow Dress - Available in other colours also.
Goods
Style in
the City
Top €
Cardigan €
Cropped Jeans €
Sunglasses €
Bag €
e44
e55
e47
e17
e44
All by Oasis on the First Floor
Photographer : Ross Costigan Model : Ella and Catherine @ Hype Model Management Makeup Karen Morrissey
Goods
Top €
e57.95
Trousers e57.95
All by Sisley on the Lower
Ground Floor
Bag by Juno €
e79.95
from Accessories on the
Ground Floor Mezzanine
Shoes by Carmens € e89.99
from the Shoe Suite on the
Lower Ground Floor
Advertorial
GOOD’S OF KILKENNY
Featuring many top international
fashion labels like Coast, A|Wear, Oasis,
Warehouse, Benetton, Sisley, and
Dorothy Perkins among others Goods
makes fashion shopping an irresistibly
exciting activity, and for something a
little different be sure to check out their
two ‘boutique’ departments, Choice ,
on the Ground Floor and Gardeur on
the Ground Floor Mezzanine.
No outfit would be complete without
the heels to match and the Shoe Suite
on the lower ground floor stocks
an extensive range of shoes for all
occasions with brands like Gabor,
Rieker, Peter Kaiser, LeBabe, Paul
Green, Hispanitas and Pedro Morales to
name but a few.
Bra €e29.95 Brief €e8
All by Bassoni from Lingerie on the Second Floor
Goods of Kilkenny are renowned for
their 2nd Floor Lingerie department
where their expert friendly fitters
always ensure that their customers
are wearing the correct bra size
which is as important for health as it
is for style. and with one of the most
comprehensive selections of lingerie
in the South East stocking everything
from sensuous Wedding Lingerie to
sporty Active Wear, there is always
a reason to take a look at Lingerie in
Goods.
Dress €e120 Wrap €e45 Bag €e70
All by Coast on the First Floor
Dedicated to stylish women of all ages
and with 4 floors and 4 mezzanine
levels full of fashion, lingerie, shoes,
cosmetics and accessories, Goods has
something for everyone.
Every woman needs a little pampering
in her life and what better way to
treat yourself than with a visit to the
Cosmetic department at Goods where
you will find Estee Lauder, Clinique,
Smashbox and others offering the very
best in skincare and make up.
Dress €
e149.95
by Kapalua from Gardeur on the First Floor Mezzanine
W.H.Good Ltd, or Goods of
Kilkenny has been trading on
Kilkenny’s High Street for over
85 years. A family run business
the store is a landmark fashion
destination in Kilkenny.
Confessions of a
beauty snob…
BY SARAH CANNING
Smells
It’s time to put down the heavy
musky bottle of perfume that
you’ve been using all winter,
and opt for a lighter, fresher
and delicate scent for summer.
Here are a few of my personal
favourites..
Body
Gradual tanners are an easy way
to keep a natural glow all summer
round, and won’t leave you
looking tangoed! They also double
up as great moisturisers which
will keep your skin hydrated and
firm. Here are my favourites..
Hi Everyone,
It’s that time of year again in the
world of beauty where we can
brighten things up a little bit. I’ve
chosen a handful of my summer
essentials which are guaranteed
to have you looking and feeling
very ‘summerlicous’, even if the
sun doesn’t shine for us! .
Nails
It’s all about bright bold nails this
summer for both hands and toes.
Bright colours go great with a tan
and can look great with a sexy
pair of sandals or stilettos. Chanel
has brought out some beautiful
shades which are top class quality
and will not chip or fade for days.
If you are thinking more credit
crunch than credit card, check
out Barry M’s new range of Gelly
Hi-Shine Nail Paint which come in
a wide range of colours.
20
Face
Bronzers and blushers are must
haves for a healthy summery
glow. These are my favourites
which will have you looking
radiant at the beach during the
day and at the barbeque in
the evening.
All products featured in this
article are available from good
pharmacies and online stockists
nationwide.
Until next time…. X Sarah
If you want to contact Sarah
look her up on the Kilkenny
Zine facebook and like her page,
Confessions of a Beauty Snob.
All Inclusive Wedding Prices
From €35 Midweek & From €40 Weekends
**WELCOME RECEPTION**
Tea, Coffee and Homemade Cake
Sweet Cart with Mini Apple Crumbles
or Mini Lemon Meringues
Choice of Summer Punch, Mulled Wine
or Hot Apple Cider
Pianist or Saxaphone Player
**4 COURSE CHOICE MEAL**
**FREE POURING WINE**
**EVENING BUFFET**
Hot Dog Stand with Mini Burgers,
Hot Dogs or Traditional Buffet
ALSO INCLUDED
Chaircovers, Fairylight Backdrop, Flowers, Champagne
Breakfast, 2 Free Rooms for Parents, Bridal Suite &
Complimentary Guestroom for night after wedding
...much more
T: 056 7750200 I www.kilkennyormonde.com
Fashion, Beauty, Health
Summer’s finally here,
s/s ‘13 fashion forecast
and with it comes the
latest fashion trends
right off the catwalk.
I’ve searched the shops
of Kilkenny and come
up with five of the main
One of the biggest trends to be seen this
summer is the monochrome look. This
simple, yet stylish black and white trend
can be worn by anyone and is available in
several stores in Kilkenny. As well as black
and white, stripes have made a major return
this season. Combine the two for the best of
both worlds. Use vertical stripes to create a
taller and thinner look for yourself.
trends this summer.
There’s definitely
When I think of Neon, I immediately picture
bright, vibrant, and without fail Summer
Sun. Love it or hate it, never fully left high
street since its arrival last summer. Some
designers have embraced it full on head
to toe, but personally I prefer more subtle
hints of neon throughout my outfit. Neon
pink and yellow have always dominated
the neon look, but this year designers such
as Simone Rocha have opted instead for an
acid green look.
1
something for everyone
in the shops this season,
1
you just have to be
willing to search for
what looks best on you!
I give you the latest
fashion off the streets of
1
Kilkenny:
Monochrome
1 Top Savida e18
2 Dress H&M e19.95
3 Skirt H&M e19.95
Metallics
1 Top Warehouse e36
2 Skater Skirt Dorothy
Perkins e45
3 Chain Mail Necklace River
Island e33
4 Gold Leather Fish Scale
Bag River Island e120
Floral
1 Blazer Carrig Donn
e44.95
2 Hat H&M e6.95
3 Dress TK Maxx
4 Trousers Carrig Donn
Grunge
1 Shirt Dorthy Perkins e42
2 Short Dungarees
Warehouse e63
3 Tie Dye Tee
Warehouse e33
4 Dress H&M e19.95
Copy: Laura Kane
22 KILKENNY SUMMER
2
3
3
NEON
1 Neon Purple Cardigan
H&M e12.95
2 Turtleneck Top
River Island
3 Bracelet H&M e4.95
4 Neon Chandelier Earrings
Dorothy Perkins
MONOCHROME
Neon
2
2
5
4
Fashion, Beauty, Health
Metallics are literally shining all over
the catwalks this season. Stepping out of
common grounds and heading towards
an ultramodern destination, cutting-edge
metallics are here to stay within your
wardrobe. Metallics work best when topped
with confidence and a laid back attitude!
Flowers are definitely in bloom this spring
as the fashion world embraces one of the
hottest trends this summer - floral print!
Bright colours and poppy-red are also big
this season, so try bag something both
bright and floral to keep on trend. Balance
your outfit with a one-tone top or trousers to
avoid looking like Mother Nature herself.
Think ripped denim, baggy shirts, Kurt
Cobain, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chilli Peppers
and chunky boots - yes, the 90s are back!
Grunge was never big on accessories, just
a beanie hat. Think laid back and minimal
makeup perfect for a weekend look.
1
1
1
2
2
3
4
3
4
4
GRUNGE
3
FLORAL
METALLICS
2
KILKENNY SUMMER
4
23
Fashion, Beauty, Health
La Roche Posay
Soap and Glory
Sexy Mother Pucker™
xl extreme-plump
€11.70
A super-sizing, extrastrength collagen lip
shine with lipswell™
natural plant oil infusion,
superfill™ nanovectors and
visivolume™ immediate
effect lip filler. www.boots.ie
L’Oreal
Preference Mousse
Absolue Very Light
Gold Blonde is the 1st
reusable permanent hair
colour. Mousse Absolue
is reusable, ready-to-use
and delivers mutli tonal
flawless colour. Touch up
your roots as and when
you need to. Its available
in 14 rich and wearable
shades. Available at all
good chemists
HYDREANE BB CREAM
The 1st BB cream with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, formulated for
sensitive skin.
Unifying-moisturizing care for sensitive skin.Unifying. Protective SPF 20. Antidull effect. In only one step, it moisturizes, soothes and protects the skin. The BB
mineral pigments melt in the skin for an immediately unified, evened and freshfaced complexion. Its smooth and non-greasy texture softens and supples the skin.
Tested under dermatological control. Paraben-free. Non comedogenic.
BEST
BEAUTY
FINDS
Lancome
Absolue Oleo Serum
Bringing together scientific expertise,
sensorial texture and ingredients
derived from nature, Lancôme invents
the Oleo-Serum. Essential Citrus oil and
opulent Camellia oil are infused in our
new oleo-texture which regenerates
skin radiance and nourishes the skin
with moisture.
Elemis
Pro Collagen Marine
Cream
Naked Palette
Everybody wants to look good NAKED! Far
from a group of boring beige shadows, Naked
Palette’s long, lean, seductive case is packed
with TWELVE gorgeous neutrals, and includes
our pro-quality Good Karma Shadow Brush.
www.urbandecay.com
To celebrate it’s 10th
anniversary Elemis Pro
Collagen Marine Cream
comes in this limited
edition pot with a beautiful
lid. This best-selling
award-winning cream is
clinically proven to reduce
the appearance of wrinkle
depth by up to 78% and
increase hydration and
moisture levels by up to
45%. Apply to cleansed
skin daily. Suitable for all
skin types especially dry
and ageing. www.bliss.ie
Advertorial
Oasis Spa at Lyrath Estate Hotel The ultimate in luxury, elegance
and pure personal indulgence.
Visit the Oasis Spa at Lyrath
Estate Hotel where you can relax,
refresh and rejuvenate. A mere
5 minutes drive from Kilkenny
City, you will find Lyrath Estate
Hotel nestled amongst 170 acres
of mature parkland.
Driving up the winding avenue with
Lyrath’s 17th century house cast in the
distance, a sense of arrival to this truly
special place embraces you.
Visiting Oasis Spa gives you the
opportunity to unwind, relax & take
time out just for you.
A MOMENT OF CALM
Midweek Packages include:
Sunday - Thursday
Pamper Me & Afternoon Tea - €50
Treat yourself, a loved one or enjoy
with friends - Enjoy Lyrath Estate’s
sumptuous afternoon tea, coupled
with an express treatment from Oasis
Spa, full use of the Thermal Suite, &
relaxation rooms included.
Choose from a 30 min Back, Neck &
Shoulder Massage, fantastic for tension
release Or
An Express 30min facial using Kerstin
Florian Product Range.
2 for the price of 1
Maternity Treatments
Pay €85 for 85 min of pure
indulgence. Choose from an array of
treatment combinations to suit your
tastes & needs.
The Smoothie €100 for 85 min
Most Popular choices:
- Hotstone Massage & Mini Facial
- Any 55 min Facial & Forget me
Knot - Scalp and Hair treatment
Couples Experience €75 per person
Begin your journey with one hour’s
use of our thermal suite and relaxation
rooms.
Next you enjoy the Rasul which is a
cleansing ritual that takes place in a
mosaic tiled steam chamber where you
apply mineral mud’s to nourish your
skin.
Lastly you will be accompanied to the
couple’s suite by your therapists where
you will enjoy a 30 min aromatherapy
back neck and shoulder massage.
*You can also upgrade this treatment
to a 55 minute full body aromatherapy
massage for an extra €25 per person.
A Mama Mio Smoothie will exfoliate
your skin gently but effectively
followed by the most moisturising
massage to hydrate and elasticise your
skin. A luxurious scalp massage will
sweep away all stresses and strains.
Free your mind €90 for 55mins
This treatment is designed to ease the
stresses associated with pregnancy,
a gentle face and head massage
will release cranial and jaw tension
followed by a deep neck and shoulder
massage.
Visit our website www.lyrath.com
or call Oasis Spa to find out more or
request a full brochure 056 7760088.
KILKENNY SUMMER
25
Fashion, Beauty, Health
Fashion Challenge
Seeing as Summer is making
its way around the corner, I
wanted to purchase an outfit
that was light and airy and
suitable for a day hanging out
in the park under the bright
sunshine with my friends.
Maybe I was being a bit too
optimistic with the sunshine,
but nevertheless I didn’t want
to feel too congested with a lot
of layers.
I headed to Swamp first, picking
up this pretty floral skirt that
is very much my style. Floral
is almost everyone’s favourite
trend for Spring/Summer, and
it’s certainly here to stay for
another season. I especially
loved the big floral print, that
was done by Jaspar Conran in
the London Fashion Week, as
opposed to the smaller flower
print from last year. This skirt
set me back €19.95.
My next stop was Vero Moda.
I knew I needed a one-tone
top to prevent my outfit from
looking too cluttered. After
much debate, I chose a lovely
white top with lace on the
shoulders. This top was just
what I had in mind when
I thought of a fresh and
summery look for this season.
I liked the contrast from plain
to pattern in this outfit and I
tucked the top into the skirt
to really emphasis the colours.
The top set me back another
€19.95
Laura in her finished outfit
I was given the task this week
to find myself an outfit for
a ‘Casual Saturday.’ Sounds
easy, that’s practically all I
shop for anyway. However,
with a budget of €50, it was a
tougher challenge than I had
anticipated!
26 KILKENNY SUMMER
My pocket a considerable
amount lighter, I headed
to Penneys to search for
accessories. I chose a small,
plain brown bag that cost me
€4 as I didn’t want the accessories
to take away from my outfit. My final
purchase was a pretty blue and gold
bracelet from Monsoon that went with
the colours in my skirt and cost me
€4.90.
The entire outfit cost me €48.80 –
Challenge completed! The shoes were
a pair of (frayed) brown pumps that I
dug out of my sister’s wardrobe that
matched the bag. Please excuse my
awkward expression; I’m not used to
getting my picture taken!
You can also throw a denim jacket
over the top for the chilly evenings
and a matching brown belt around
the waist to disguise the top tucked
in. Overall though, I was impressed
with what I could buy in Kilkenny
for under €50 and there was a huge
variety of summer clothes in the
shops that I will surely be returning
to try on!
Laura Kane
Top Vero Moda €19.95
Skirt Swamp €19.95
Bag Penneys €4
Bracelet €4.90
Leisure, Culture, Interview
New Beginnings
Creative Beginnings is a
new concept shop that has
recently opened in Clonmel.
The shop came about when
Hilary O’Connor wanted to
find like minded individuals
who wanted to sell their
products but could not
afford the cost of a full shop.
Creative Beginnings is a coop type shop, where all the
sellers share costs for the
shop.
Here Hilary talks about what made
her start her new venture:
“If ever there was a time to think
outside the box, it is now. Many
nights were spent tossing and
turning and wondering ... If only.
Well this is the plan I came up
with and the beauty of it is that it
can be applied to any number of
businesses all over the country.
I wanted to sell my products which
include fabric, trimmings, ribbons
and buttons in a shop on the high
st. but the overheads were just too
exorbitant to even imagine it. I
needed to find other businesses to
work to share costs.
I went to my local enterprise board
to help me find other people who
may be in a similar situation to me.
As my product is raw material for
craft and design, I felt that other
crafters and designers would work
well with my products. Not only
did the Enterprise board help with
finding other small businesses to
fit our criteria but they also helped
with a grant for the set up of the
shop and so ‘Creative Beginnings’
was founded.
We started with four directors, with
each one running their own craft
supply business.
Violeta Pserackaite of Wild women
Art (Hand felted fashion and
accessories) Peter Tynan of PT
Design(Woodwork including Clocks,
mirrors and lamps) Lynda Cantwell
of Itsy Bitsy Baby(Nappy Cakes
and baby gifts) Hilary O’ Connor of
Make it Interesting (Fabric, Buttons
& Trimmings)
We then decided that we needed a
wider variety of products to fill the
shop and make it more interesting.
We invited local crafters to sell their
products in the shop. We decided to
sell their products with no mark-up
or commission taken and instead
charge them a basic fee to display
and sell their products, which in
turn helped us with our overheads.
The four directors man the shop,
each working two days per week.
Every day we are hearing ‘shop
28 KILKENNY SUMMER
local’ and ‘support local business’
and so far we have been amazed.
The quality of the products
produced locally on our doorstep
is remarkable. So instead of just
one small business we have helped
fifteen small businesses to get off
the ground. We are always on the
lookout for new and interesting
products to add to our shop, if you
are a crafter and would like to sell
your products with us please get in
touch with Hilary on 087 2282454.
Recession drives innovation, and
our shop is proof of that!”
Creative Beginnings is an example
of what small business can do to
come together when faced with
crippling overheads that stiffle
startups before they even get off
the ground. The Retail Centre on
James Street and Made in Kilkenny
are examples of this in Kilkenny. In
these days it may be the best option
of getting small businesses out
of kitchens and bedrooms across
Ireland and onto the high street.
Fashion, Beauty, Health
Slim Fit Expose Shoulder Dress
Oasis €37.00
Peach Retro Shoulder flashing Blouse
Dorothy Perkins e35
Peek a bOO
Yellow Flocked Pattern
Cut Out Dress River Island e40
Print Cut Out Front Fit and Flare Dress
Awear €65.00
Peach Cut Out Dress
H&M e49.95
It’s summer so it’s time to flash a little flesh.
Don’t think bare all, think subtle flashes of flesh.
There is a growing trend of cutouts in clothes
this season. There is a flash of midriff, waist,
shoulders. full back and decoltage. Its sexy and
subtle and can be used to highlight your best
bits. So go forth and flash the flesh(just not in a
Lady Godiva way!)
The Gift Horse 25 Lower Patrick Street, Kilkenny
Country dressing and living...
t: 056 7786527 e: thegifthorsekilkenny@gmail.com w: www.thegifthorsegallery.com
facebook.com/thegifthorsegallery Follow us on facebook for events, new arrivals, special offers and more!
Food & Drink
Every issue we’ll look at where you can get a bite to eat, a hot
beverage and unique food that can only be found in Kilkenny.
Restaurant
Café
YINDEES
Lyrath Hotel, Carlow Road, Kikenny
www.lyrath.com
Lemongrass, coriander, ginger, chilli,
coconut, tamarind and lime: the
quintessential flavours and aromas of
the East.
Yindees Oriental Restaurant brings you
a unique blend of authentic dishes from
Thailand, Malaysia, Sri-Lanka, Vietnam
and Japan in a modern intimate setting.
And with the X-Bar conveniently next
door, you’ll find the perfect spot for
after-dinner cocktails.
Meubles
Kilkenny Retail Park
Tel: 056 7722034
www.meublesfurniture.com
Meubles Cafe is so spacious it’s great for
meeting up with a pile of girls or even
for a quick informal business meeting.
Along with its new style and tasty
menu, we salute the new Meubles Cafe.
Have you seen Meubles Cafe?
The cafe in the furniture shop has
undergone a stylish re-vamp a few
months ago, resulting in a cool, funky
hangout on the outskirts of the city
(with loads of parking). Their menu has
changed too, they’ve introduced a range
of delicious signature sandwiches and
salads that would make your mouth
water! Our favourite is the High Tea
which we had one busy Saturday before
browsing their Meubles Homesware
department.
Italian Connection open 7 days
From Lunch straight through to Dinner: 12pm-10.30pm
Authentic family run award winning restaurant, in
business in the heart of Kilkenny over 20 years.
Kids Menu Available
Private Parties Welcome
Vouchers Available
Full Takeaway menu, phone in your order anytime
Italian Connection, Parliament Street, Kilkenny
Tel:
056-7764225
Email:
italianconnection@live.com
f Find us on Facebook
Earlybird
Menu
Now
Launched
Food
KEOGH’S MODEL BAKERY
Bridge St, Callan, Co Kilkenny
Tel: 056 7725254
William Keogh, with his wife Ann and father have been
producing breads and confectionery for well over 100
years. Currently it produces bread and confectionery
for retail and wholesale with 80% of their products are
made from scratch using well proven recipes and the
best possible available ingredients. Keoghs Model Bakery
produces everything from sliced pan bread to wedding
cakes, novelty cakes, handmade chocolates and deliver
to their own shops, supermarkets, retail and cake outlets
within a 20 mile radius.
Kilkenny’s Premier Wine &
Dine Experience
Open 7 Days a Week
Monday - Saturday: 5pm -10pm Sunday: 12.30pm to 10pm
Take Away - Group Bookings - Family Friendly
Gluten Free Pizzas, Pastas & Beer
Grills Seafood Salads
Authentic Italian Cuisine
Wine & Dine Deal
3 Course Meal for 2 €59
Bottle of Wine, Starter, Main Course & Dessert
Monday to Friday 5pm to 10pm
(Excluding Bank Holidays)
Saturday Night Special Menu
2 Courses €22.95 3 Courses €26.95
Available all night
Early Bird
2 Courses €19.95
3 Courses €24.95
Sunday to Friday 5pm to 10pm
Sunday Lunch Menu
2 Courses €16.95 3 Courses €19.95
12.30pm to 5pm
For Bookings Call: 056 7771666
larivistarestaurant@gmail.com
www.larivista.ie facebook/larivistakilkenny
La Revista 22 Parliament Street, Kilkenny.
Tel 056 7771666
PIZZERIA
RESTAURANT
Food & Drink
A World of Food in
the Marble County
Ken McGuire
Food blogger Ken McGuire takes
a look at some of the artisan
delights from a selection of
Kilkenny’s top food producers.
Describing Kilkenny as a ‘food haven’ is
something that may have been scoffed
at years ago. Taking the big boys out
of the equation – Glanbia, Diageo – you
wouldn’t have thought ten or twenty
years ago that Kilkenny would become
a haven for food producers of the
highest caliber.
On a whole, the country has been going
through a gradual shift, Ireland now
very much a nation of award-winning
and bar-setting food producers. Only
recently on Dragon’s Den we saw the
tale of one former construction worker
who diversified into food when the
building industry began to collapse and
now, employing all former construction
workers runs a highly successful
bakery that secured a record-breaking
€200,000 investment from the TV
show.
Kilkenny too has had representation
on Dragon’s Den, albeit that the food
producer at the time didn’t attract any
on-air investment but it’s testament to
the boom in food producers and food
manufacturing locally throughout
Kilkenny City and County.
While we’re producing food North and
South of the county, a large portion of
that production falls in the few miles
in and around Thomastown, about 20
minutes outside of the city.
In April of this year, Thomastown
was named the first every Kilkenny
LEADER Partnership Town Of Food,
beating off competition from Callan,
Castlecomer, Kilmacow and Piltown,
all of whom play host to their own local
food producers. The award represents
a potential €775,000 investment in
food in the area in everywhere from
marketing to chef training. But in
and around Thomastown, Jerpoint
and Stoneyford you’ve got some of
the countries finest cheese-makers,
chocolatiers, fish producers and more
besides.
Mag Kirwan of Goatsbridge Trout Farm
couldn’t have said it better of late in
saying that food “is an integration part
32 KILKENNY SUMMER
of our DNA in Thomastown”. Mag, along
with husband Ger, run Goatsbridge
Trout Farm at Jerpoint, Co. Kilkenny.
Theirs is a family business stretching
back to the 1960s and is now one of the
country’s best known trout farms. The
Kirwan’s investment in a state of the
art processing and packaging facility
three years ago helped to further
establish Thomastown and Kilkenny on
the map for food production. They are
now the market leader in terms of fresh
trout in Ireland.
In 2012 they made a bold step after
running the farm for 20 years by
launching Ireland’s first Trout Caviar, a
delicacy opening huge doors to export
markets and high end restaurants
around the country. That move was
topped off with Goatsbridge winning
the Agri-Food Innovation category
at this year’s Irish Times Innovation
Awards, with Goatsbridge going toe-totoe with the likes of Mash Direct and
Glenisk for the category award.
In the area, the awards don’t
stop there.
For the best part of a decade in
neighbouring Stoneyford, about 15
minutes outside of the city in the
Waterford direction, Helen Finnegan
has been brewing up a cheese storm
from Knockdrinna Farm House,
In 2011, Knockdrinna Cheese took the
equivalent of Best Picture at the Oscars
by winning the Supreme Champion
award at the British Cheese Awards
for their Kilree Goats Cheese which in
the same year was named Best Irish
Cheese, Best Semi-Soft Cheese and
was joined at the winners table by
Knockdrinna’s Meadow Sheeps Cheese
and Lavistown Cows Milk Cheese.
Both Goatsbridge Trout Farm and
Knockdrinna Farm House cheese
operate walk-in shops where you can
pick up some fresh fish and cheese.
At the Knockdrinna Farm Shop you
can also pop in for a coffee with some
fresh treats or pick up some of the
other offerings on the Knockdrinna
line including Lavistown Sausages, or
Helen’s range of pestos and chutneys.
At FoodCamp a few years ago now,
an event run as part of the Savour
Kilkenny Food Festival programme, it
was remarked that when we (a broad,
sweeping ‘we’) go abroad, we’re great at
finding a French cheese or a particular
style of bread, or a gorgeous Italian
olive oil, then returning home and
putting all of our efforts into finding
those products here.
Thankfully, that no longer has to be
the case as Kilkenny is called home
by some of the country’s top food
producers.
Closer to the city, Highbank Orchard’s
organic Orchard Syrup has been a
Christmas-saver at Chez McGuire.
It’s won a serious amount of awards
in recent years, most recently a
2013 Irish Food Writers Guild award.
They’ve also opened a door into cider
production of late and produce a
tongue-tingling apple juice that just
has to be tried; in Urlingford, Kitty
Colchester is producing Second Nature
Oil, an absolutely divine original Irish
organic rapeseed oil which goes great
with salads and breads and is the idea
alternative to imported oil; The Harpers
of Cramers Grove produce handmade
farm house ice creams, sorbets and
frozen yoghurts; Joy Moore’s Oldtown
Hill Bakehouse in Tullaroan produce
award-winning scones, brownbread
and the tasty-and-tempting Dolly’s
Donuts that you may find lining local
shelves while Mileeven Fine Foods
in Piltown have a gorgeous range of
speciality honeys and preserves, again,
all made locally.
These are just the tip of the iceberg
when it comes to food locally and
the more that’s produced within the
county, the more that local restaurants
like Campagne, Rinuccini, Café Sol,
Langton’s, Royal Spice (they could very
well be the only Indian restaurant with
locally sourced trout on the menu) and
many more besides can offer.
So, the next time you’re out for lunch
or dinner, see if you can spot any local
dishes on the menu, you’re in for a
world of a treat.
An award-winning podcaster and blogger,
Ken McGuire writes about food online
at AnyGivenFood.com. Follow him on
Twitter via @anygivenfood or email ken@
anygivenfood.com to start the conversation.
Leisure, Culture, Interview
A shop with Heart
Kilkenny Cancer
Support Charity Shop
This shop is vital in the funding of the Cois
Nore Cancer Support Health Centre on
Walkin St which will provide much needed
services for Cancer sufferers and their
families in Kilkenny.
Unfortunately we are all to aware of the epidemic that
is cancer which has touched every family in some form
or another so it is important that we provide LOCAL
help for those who have to travel for this help at the
moment. It is a life changing illness and the last thing
sufferers need is to have to wonder “what do I now”?
So the Cois Nore Cancer Support Health centre will
provide advice, counselling and a lot more to help ease
the way to recovery.
We are open every day from 10am til 5.30pm and
donations are always welcome, we also pick up
donations from anyone who cannot get into town just
call Margaret on 056 7715001.
We have an extensive selection of brand new and used
clothes, footwear, bric a brac, handbags, household
goods,books and childrens wear, we also have a lovely
Kiddies corner so that your children can play safely
while you browse!.
No. 8 Walkin St. Kilkenny
Contact: Margaret on 0567715001
Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday 10am - 5.30pm
Leisure, Culture, Interview
and have been known not to always
rush back to work thereafter,
instead opting for a coffee and hot
chocolate with the girls!
4. You are located in 11 Patrick
Street. How do you find
working there amongst other
small businesses and start up
companies?
Spotlight
on Business
2. Coming from Cork, how do you
like living in Kilkenny?
Con Mc Donnell
1. How many years have you been
in business?
I opened the practice in Kilkenny
in September 2011, having worked
previously in the practice of Eamon
Murray & Co. Solicitors in Cork,
where I served my apprenticeship
and remained after qualification.
The last eighteen months have
been extremely challenging but
thoroughly enjoyable and I am
delighted with the decision I made
to leave my full time job and set up
on my own. Previously I had been
commuting between Kilkenny and
Cork for over four years, so the
decision to set up in Kilkenny was
an easy one, in some ways.
34 KILKENNY SUMMER
I love Kilkenny. September in
Kilkenny can be tough for a Cork
man (!!), but I have come to terms
with the fact that the rest of my
family, my wife Bethann, my girls
Lily and Faye and my son Patrick,
are “Kilkenny Cats” and not
“Rebels” and all I can do is smile
when they come in the door the
first week back in school, draped
in black and amber, singing the
Rose of Mooncoin! I cannot think of
another county town in Ireland that
does as much for itself as Kilkenny,
with the festivals and the like, and
Kilkenny really punches above it’s
weight in that regard. It is a great
place to live and bring up kids.
11 Patrick Street is ideal for what
I need and to be honest I could not
imagine being based anywhere
else, particularly in the early start
up stage. The offices are modern
and the administrative staff are
excellent. Within weeks of taking
up an office in 11 Patrick Street,
I was invited by my “neighbour”,
Brian Dunlop, to join a small group
of local business people and we
meet regularly in Stathams Bar
in the Pembroke Hotel. I would
not have known many people in
Kilkenny when I set up in 2011 and
the atmosphere in 11 Patrick Street
provides businesses, whether
through organised networking
events or merely stopping to chat
with another business owner
at the coffee machine, with an
environment conducive to working
and meeting like minded people .
5. What kind of services do you
provide and is there any area
that you specialise in?
I would cover all aspects of law
generally in the practice but
specialise in personal injury
litigation, criminal defence law and
family law.
3. As somebody who is self
employed, do you have a good
work/life balance and how hard
is it to achieve that?
6. If you had one piece of advice
to give somebody starting out on
their own in business what would
it be?
I feel that I do, although I do find
it difficult to switch off sometimes
and with the laptop and smart
phone, I do find myself working
a lot when I am out of the office.
When you work for yourself, I have
realised you are never really off the
clock. On the plus side, working for
myself I am in a position to drop
and collect my kids from school
In terms of setting up a business:
do not be afraid to make a mistake
in the early stages of start up and
don’t beat yourself up about it,
just don’t make the same mistake
twice. In terms of operating
a legal practice, flexibility and
transparency are key. (That’s three
pieces of advice, I know!)
Men’s Stuff
A Sty ish Man
Paul O’Connor
Recently, looking back over
old photos I grimaced slightly
at my male friends (and my
own) fashion faux pas’ over
the years. Looking at these
pictures one would have
never thought that the day
would come when Irishmen
would not only wear bright
neon colours but actually
embrace them.
2
The softer gelato shades of last summer
have been replaced by vivid neons and
everywhere from High Street boutiques
to the largest chain department stores
you’ll see chinos, shorts, smart trousers
and shirts in these bright, bold colours.
An entire neon suit is definitely too
much, but hot red trousers paired with
a white shirt, preferably with a red trim,
looks great and is a perfect Summer
look. Similiarly, repeat that look but in
a brilliant blue and you’re all set for
a night on the town. Of course either
look works well with a Cosmopolitan in
hand!
As a fan of the military look I was
delighted to see it all over the catwalk
at the London Fashion Week for Spring/
Summer ’13. Virtually every designer
had a variation on the theme, most
memorable was Valentino’s bomber
jacket and Comme des Garcons full on
combat look. The catwalk leads and the
High Street follows, so the military style
will be here for Summer.
We know stripes aren’t always
flattering, especially for anyone who
has an active social life like myself!
All that dining and imbibing takes
its toll, so I’ll need to renew my gym
membership if I’m going to get into any
of the vertical or horizontally striped
knitwear which is another big trend for
men this Spring/Summer. It looks fresh
and new with wide lines beside narrow,
reminiscent of the rolling lines on the
TV screen when the weather upset the
cable reception.
So hot colours, a little camouflage,
some stripes - with a cool cocktail
and hopefully some sunshine - that’s
Summer 2013!
1
4
5
3
1 Anerkjendt
Pascal Orange Polo €24
www.asos.com
2 Topman
Blue Dash Shirt €35
www.topman.com
3 Topman
Blue Chino Shorts €30
www.topman.com
4 Dr Martens
Dillan Shoes - Washed Camo €170
www.atoo.co.uk
6
5 Paul Smith
Tubbs Penny Loafers €325
www.paulsmith.co.uk
6 Ralph Lauren
Herringbone Soldier Jacket €220
www.vanmildert.com
KILKENNY SUMMER
35
Leisure, Culture, Interview
The Good Life...
more importantly spend time with
her children as they were and are
becoming young adults.
When asked what she missed about
her old life Fiona replied “Absolutely
nothing, no regrets whatsoever. I’m
on a completely different journey now
and I have a much better quality of
life. Also, our children realise where
our food comes from”
At Hunter’s Lodge, Fiona and her
family also rear animals. She
stresses how important it is that if
you are going to rear animals such as
chickens, ducks, lambs or pigs for food
you don’t give them a name. Whilst
you should always have respect for
the animal, if you get too attached, it
becomes too difficult when it’s time for
them to go. They keep two pigs for six
months of the year from late spring
onwards and during the summer.
When it’s their turn to be sent off
she admits that it’s horrible but it
doesn’t stop her from doing it because
they have such a better quality of
life compared to the pigs that are
intensively farmed. Fiona rears her
pigs on fruit and vegetables with no
additives or preservatives and the
difference in taste is quite stark,
that’s what makes it all worthwhile.
One of the upsides to the recession
is people are now more than ever
wanting to get back to basics and
wanting to grow their own produce.
This can be seen in farmers market
around the country and also at the
West Waterford Festival of Food which
Fiona attended recently.
In 2009 Fiona Dillon and her
family decided to live a more
simpler life and slow things
down a little. She now writes
a blog on self sufficiency and
is in the process of writing a
book which is due out later in
the year.
Coming from a corporate background
and working long hours Fiona and her
36 KILKENNY SUMMER
husband made a life changing decision
to slow down the pace of their life
and spend more time with their four
children who are now aged from
21 down to 10. Her husband set up
his own Door Automation business
and he can now decide the hours he
works rather than the other way
around. They have a garden which
is just under an acre and which was
completely under utilised when they
moved to Carlow in 1999. Fiona
has now learned to grow, cook and
In 2010 Fiona started her blog or her
online diary, as she likes to call, it by
sharing her story with others and in
2012 she was a finalist in the Irish
Blog Awards. She is now writing a
book which is due out in December
Being a certified trainer also allows
her to run different classes, one of
which is on keeping chickens. She
brings her students to her garden
for approximately two hours for the
class, learning skills and sipping
coffee all for just €50.00 For more
details on Fiona’s blog visit
www.hunterslodgeliving.com or
contact Fiona at
info@hunterslodgeliving.com
Kids
The Gift of Learning
Children’s
Educational Toys
Wooden dexterity table
This good old reliable will give hours of
entertainment as well as teach good eye
and hand co ordination.
But if you’re looking for a more
educational aspect of a gift idea for
your kids or your nieces, nephews,
godchildren, here are a few ideas you
may be interested in.
Dinosaur jigsaw
This is a colourful way for a toddler to
learn the alphabet; it will improve baby’s
motor skills.
Magnetics
Big colourful magnet pieces, which
helps teach about the various colours,
also helps with hand co ordination with
the experimental, construction of the
pieces.
These are available from Ease Early
Years, Knocktopher Co. Kilkenny.
Multiplication Table
Animal playground CD
Kids will get a great kick out of this fun
filled CD. Even Mammy & Daddy should
enjoy this one.
Both these toys are available in
Butterslip, Rose Inn Street.
Tabletop magnetic easel and
chalkboard
One side has the chalk board; the
other side is for magnets and erasable
markers.
Four friends ring toss
Magnetic board and letters
This simply does exactly as it says, hours
of entertainment learning and playing
around with new words.
Four colourful
animals with rope
rings to throw over
them. Great for co
ordination.
Both these items
are available from
Pure Kids, Kieran
Street Kilkenny.
A fun way to learn the tables. The game
consists of a number of wooden dials
with the multiplication engraved into
them. E.g. 7x3, 7x4; the underside has
the solution. Thinking of getting one for
myself.
Both these items are available from The
Toy Box, James Street Kilkenny.
Remember you don’t have to spend
a fortune to entertain your children,
think of these educational toys that will
increase their learning and dexterity.
Gina Renehan
KILKENNY SUMMER
37
Leisure, Culture, Interview
The
Gathering
It’s fair to say that
unless you have been
living under a rock
these past few months,
you will have heard
of The Gathering. But
what is it really? I
used to think it was
merely an excuse
for homesick Irish
emigrants who miss
their families and tea
and Taytos to come
home for a week or
two.
And in a way, it is. But when I did
some research, I realised it was also
so much more than that. There’s
dozens of events happening every
single month, right at our doorstep,
that remain completely unknown to
some of us. They’re set up to celebrate
the Irish in us all and encourage us to
be proud of that.
So what is it? Basically, the country
of Ireland will open it’s arms wide for
friends and family from around the
world and invite them to gatherings
in homes, villages, towns and cities.
Thousands of events are planned
in the hope of bringing many extra
38 KILKENNY SUMMER
visitors to Ireland. The venue is
the total length and breadth of the
country. It’ll run for the entire twelve
months of 2013 and it requires the
whole population of Ireland to act
as hosts and hostesses. Think street
parties and tea parties, festivals
for walking, running, foodies and
families. Expect bunting, dancing,
singing, eating and laughing, though
not necessarily in that order. Picture
ceilís happening into the wee hours
of the morning – you get the gist.
Don’t think you have to travel far
to join in the fun, here in Kilkenny
there will be plenty of events for
you to enjoy. The annual Cats Laugh
Comedy Festival will be hosted
here in Kilkenny City starting on
the 30th of May. This festival has
been running for nearly 20 years and
has grown from a small event to an
internationally acclaimed festival.
Showcasing the very best in Irish and
international comedy acts, including
some well-known comic stars as well
as newcomers to the stage, this year it
will feature a special Gathering twist –
how exciting!
Some other events coming up will
be Kilkenny’s first ‘Relay for Life.’
This is a wonderful fun event as well
as an opportunity to raise funds
and awareness for the Irish Cancer
Society. If you are a golf fanatic, the
Castlecomer Golf Club is hosting
a ‘Come home to Golf’ event. It’s
aim is to invite current and former
members and friends to return to the
Club, reuniting over 18 holes with
daily competitions and many social
events. And of course I can’t leave out
the Kilkenny Arts Festival which is
always a huge success. This August
the festival will celebrate 40 years
with an amazing line up of the very
best Irish and International arts. This
10 day event attracts 28,000 visitors
to Kilkenny. A special project for The
Gathering will see choral singers
from across the globe performing
with the festival’s renowned chorus
and orchestra. Other areas of
interest not to be missed are theatre,
literature, visual arts, craft, dance,
world music, opera, classical music,
children’s events and street theatre at
various venues throughout medieval
Kilkenny. So you’ve no excuse! Get
out and get busy this summer as there
is something for everyone in Kilkenny
with regards to The Gathering 2013.
In my opinion, I think The Gathering
will really uplift Ireland this year.
These past few years have been
disastrous for Ireland, with reference
to our economic climate, as well as
our actual climate (snow in March?
Really?) so I think The Gathering
is the perfect pink-me-up we need. I
know whenever I have a bad day, I
always look forward to coming home
to my family. In the same respect,
families reuniting from the four
corners of the world will patch up
the optimism we’ve recently lost in
Ireland.
The bottom line is, whether you have
the biggest or briefest encounter with
Ireland this year, you can all expect
an opportunity of some sort to come
your way in relation to The Gathering.
Your job is to grasp it with both hands,
embrace the Irish in you and see what
your country has to offer!
Article written by Laura Kane
Leisure, Culture, Interview
be part of it
April
19th - Barrow River Arts Festival
21st Graiguenamanagh
www.barrowriverartsfestival.com
The Barrow River Arts Festival
presents, in one packed weekend, a
programme of classical music, jazz,
theatre and visual art in two beautiful
settings along the River Barrow
in Counties Kilkenny and Carlow Duiske Abbey and Borris House.
May
3rd - Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots
6th Festival, Kilkenny City
www.kilkennyroots.com
Ireland’s leading Roots/
Americana music festival returns
for 2013. Featuring artists
from Ireland, USA, Canada, UK,
Switzerland and France with 80
shows over 4 days including 60 free
events, the Diaspora are gathering
from far and wide!
15th - Gathering of Romantics
19th Kilkenny City
www.romanticgathering.com
The Gathering of Romantics
will take place in Kilkenny from
May 16 - 19th 2013. This is a fun,
music filled weekend for romantics,
re-inviting tourists who visited the
city in the past for romantic breaks
or to get married.
30th May - Cat Laughs Comedy
3rd June Festival Kilkenny City
www.thecatlaughs.com
The Cat Laughs Comedy Festival
has been running for nearly 20
years, and has grown from a small
event comprising of a handful
of shows to an internationally
acclaimed festival. Showcasing the
very best in Irish and international
comedy acts, attracting visitors
to the charming medieval city
of Kilkenny and its surrounding
regions, the festival programme
blends renowned comic stars as
well as newcomers and breakthrough acts and will feature a
special Gathering twist.
June
13th Kilkenny International Gospel
16th Choir Festival, Kilkenny City
www.kilkennygospelchoir
festival.com
The Kilkenny International
Gospel Choir Festival will bring
choirs from as far afield as Europe,
the USA and South Africa to the
city of Kilkenny for a series of
events over 4 days.
16th - The Wall Clan Gathering
20th Kilkenny City
www.thewallfamilyinireland.com
/the-gathering
Over the course of 5 days,
participants in the Wall Clan
Gathering will have an opportunity
to meet the Clan! A packed
programme will bring Walls from
Ireland and around the world
together in the medieval city of
Kilkenny to trace their family history
and visit historical sites with direct
Wall links. There will also be time to
explore the Anglo Norman heritage
and visit important sites in Kilkenny,
Wexford and Tipperary where
their Norman ancestors left a very
significant mark on the landscape and
history of Ireland, wrapping up with a
fantastic ‘Wall Gala Banquet’!
21st The Last Rose of Summer
Anniversary Concert
Jenkinstown Park
www.romanticgathering.com
The Last Rose of Summer
Gathering will celebrate the
bicentenary of the poem’s
publication and Thomas Moore,
the man behind the famous words.
Irish Tenor Anthony Kearns will
perform in the idyllic grounds of
Jenkinstown Park, the location
where Moore wrote his famous
poem“The Last Rose of Summer”.
June
21st KCAT Station
Callan
www.kcat.ie
A day of artistic sharing as part
of the Arts Council Cultural Presidency
programme will showcase inclusive
arts organisations that have made
a big commitment over the years to
creating a common European cultural
space. KCAT is inviting 80 artists from
our European Partners and artists
from Irish Studio groups to work
collaboratively on a mural installation.
27th The Jolly Good Motor Tour
Thomastown
This motor tour will be taking
in the beautiful scenery of
Ireland in style with a gathering of
over 25 classic cars, travelling from
Mount Juliet Hotel, just outside of
Thomastown to Adare Manor Hotel
in the beautiful village of Adare,
County Limerick, on to Ashford Castle
Hotel in Mayo, and finally back to the
Powerscourt Ritz Carlton in
County Wicklow.
29th Marble City Sevens
Kilkenny City
www.kilkennyrugby.com
Kilkenny Rugby Football Club
is hosting the Marble City Sevens
Rugby Festival Gathering which will
take place on the 28th, 29th and 30th
June 2013. This fun filled weekend will
see teams from all over Europe and
Ireland compete for the coveted title of
Marble City 7’s Rugby Champion.
July
9th-
11th
The Hurlers Return
Kilkenny City
www.kilkennygaa.ie
Over 40 visitors from Indianapolis
Hurling Club will travel to Kilkenny,
and have the opportunity to attend
a training session with some of
Kilkenny’s top coaches, play in
Nowlan Park, and meet some of
Kilkenny’s hurling stars of the
past and present. Plans include a
Civic Reception and a Presentation
Dinner with Brian Cody as guest
speaker and the McCarthy Cup
might even appear!
KILKENNY SUMMER
39
Leisure, Culture, Interview
Animal Magic
This summer if you’re looking for
a great day out with your family,
there is really nowhere better
to go than to Nore Valley Park.
Surrounded by the beautiful
views of the River Nore and
rolling hills, this farm is ideal for
giving the kids a unique taste
for the countryside. I’ve been a
regular visitor myself to the farm
over the past few years, and no
matter how old I get. I always find
myself learning more about farm
life and getting involved with the
numerous activities they have on
offer – even taking the occasional
leap into the straw bounce!
Nore Valley Park is simply made for a
family fun day out. They have all the cute
and common farm animals, like lambs,
chickens, donkeys, cows, pigs and ponies,
and more exotic species, like ostrich
and red deer. They’ll let you feed all the
animals, as well as bottle-feeding the little
lambs and goats. Your kids will also get
to enjoy a cuddle from the baby rabbits –
though be warned; your kids will beg you
to take them home!
If your kids are a bit older, there’s
still plenty to enjoy at the farm. From
enjoying a game of Crazy Golf, to finding
your way out of a 3D maze, to racing
around a track in pedal Go-Karts, there’s
no end to the list of adventures you can
get up to in Nore Valley! And why not
make a weekend out of it? The Park
also prides itself on owning an awardwinning campsite just next to the farm.
You are allowed free access to the open
farm if you choose to stay overnight.
I would highly recommend taking a
break this summer from the hustle and
bustle of city life and taking a trip down
Annamult road in Bennettsbridge to the
action-packed farm that is Nore Valley
Park. The Park is open from 10am to
6pm Monday to Saturday and costs €6
per person and €22 for two adults and
two children. They also have a Facebook
page, which provides up-to-date
information on all the happenings on the
farm and gorgeous pictures of newborn
animals. I can guarantee you will not be
disappointed with your visit in regards to
having a great time with your family and
friends!
Laura Kane
40 KILKENNY SUMMER
Leisure, Culture, Interview
Rothe House - A rich history
Ireland over the past 400 years.
The findings and more were reviewed
and on display for the first time as part of
a conference at Kilkenny’s Rothe House
in April.
The ‘Telling the story of Rothe House’
conference ran in the House on Saturday
April 27th.. Rothe House and Garden
is of major national significance as it
is the most intact example of an early
17th century merchant’s townhouse in
Ireland.
OUR great love affair with
wine and hair dye is anything
but a recent phenomenon and
dates back over 400 years, new
research shows.
Residents of one of the country’s most
intact 17th century townhouse liked
their Bordeaux wines and grew herbs
commonly used to dye their hair blonde,
new archaeological data gathered over a
period of the last six years shows.
Glass from wine bottles and traces of
Ladie’s Bedstraw have been discovered as
part of the latest archaeological dig which
demonstrates not much has changed in
The event is a joint venture between
Kilkenny Archaeological Society (KAS)
and The Rothe House Trust (RHT) and
one of a number of events planned as
part of the €3.1m Renaissance Project,
which is now underway.
The Project involves the imminent
refurbishment of the first and second of
the three houses and installation of a new
exhibition space, with circulation route
through the two houses and ensuring
its significance is preserved for future
generations and its fascinating story is
professionally presented to visitors.
“This period of our history is
not as well-known or discussed
as later eras, but Rothe House is
evidence of a thriving time in Irish
life. Our re-presentation project
intends to shed light on these Irish
town ‘mansion houses’.
While the conference will appeal to local
historians, it is also attracting national
interest, according to RHT director Colm
Murray. “We’re hosting this conference
to share recent summaries of knowledge
on the interpretation of the House. The
Conference was being held to ensure
that recent extensive research is shared
among society members and friends of
Rothe House and a wider national and
international audience.
The conference was addressed by
Coilin O’Drisceoil, Director, Kilkenny
Archaeology Society who discussed
the recent archaeological digs and
the garden study at Rothe House. The
significance of House 2 and 3 will
be outlined in a keenly anticipated
presentation by Ben Murtagh,
Archaeologist. ‘Moments in time:
medieval, Renaissance and postmedieval Rothe House’ is the title
of a presentation by Jason Bolton,
Archaeologist and Historic Buildings
Consultant.Colm Murray, Board Member
RHT and Architecture Officer, the
Heritage Council will delve into the
history of the house as domestic space.
Rothe House and Garden is owned by
Kilkenny Archaeological Society and
managed by Rothe House Trust. The
House is open to the public as a museum,
displaying some of the 2,500 historic
artefacts collected by the Society since its
founding in 1947.
These artefacts all relate to Kilkenny
heritage throughout the ages and some
date from pre-historic times. The garden,
open since 2008, is a reconstruction of
an early 17th century urban garden, and
has become a very popular garden to
visit in Ireland.
For more on Rothe House &
Garden, log on to
www.rothehouse.com
Leisure, Culture, Interview
We have a wealth of books
written in Ireland every year
from established writers and
up and coming writers. In the
last year we have had two books
written by Kilkenny Based
writers. We had a read of the
two and we have to say we are
impressed by the talent that is
emerging from Kilkenny.
Book Review
A Place called Perfect
Helena Duggan
“Take a
journey into
Perfect, a
town that
is anything
but... Violet
Brown
didn’t want
to live in a
place that
was perfect.
How would
she ever
survive?
She’d have
to be neat
and tidy,
would definitely have to brush her hair.
She’d have to be perfect and that was
boring. “
Although A Place called Perfect is a
children’s book adults can enjoy it too!
We asked Michael Whelan who is 9 to
read A Place called Perfect and give us
his review.
The Story:
A Place Called Perfect is a great
mystery story. It is about a 10 year old
girl who moves to a new town because
her Dad wants to have an optician’s job
there. Violet doesn’t like it there and
she goes on an adventure.
Characters:
I didn’t like the Watchers & the two
42 KILKENNY SUMMER
Archers. I liked Boy and Violet because
they were The Good Guys & clever.
The town does not live up to its name. It
is stupid that Violet nearly got expelled
just because she did a trick in skipping
and for picking up a pencil without
permission. This is a very good book
if you like mystery stories. We thank
Michael for his review.
Moths
Against
Glass
Here we
have an
anthology of
stories from
students of
the Creative
Writing for
Publication
course at NUI
Outreach
Campus in
Kilkenny.
The group consists of 18 very talented
writers from Kilkenny, Carlow, Tipperary,
Kildare, Laois and Wicklow who have
poured their hearts and souls into this
fantastic book.
As one of the writer’s, Marie Hughes
explains “For some of us, the story begins
four years ago, for others, it’s three.
Geography, gender, biscuit preferences
and GAA loyalties could have stood in
our path. But the lure of the pen, the
Hogwarts-like surroundings and the
laughter kept us trudging along.”
Moths Against Glass is a collection of
fiction, non-fiction, poetry and prose
and will take you on a rollercoaster of
emotions with each story beautifully told.
It is evident that many many hours of
work and effort went into these pages and
so it was suitably named as it represents
the great light they work towards.
When reading this book, I can be certain
of a few things; you will laugh, you will
cry and you will come away with a fuzzy
feeling inside. In each piece of work there
is something that everyone can relate to,
be it good or bad.
The book was launched last December
in St. Kieran’s College where the NUI
Maynooth Campus is located and where
the writers dedicated their time to
this book under the tuition of Suzanne
Power and John MacKenna. Writers
included in the anthology are: Catherine
Blake, Niamh Boyce, John Byrne,
Michael Doran, Helena Duggan, Tom
Hunt, Patricia Hogan, Marie Hughes,
Irene Kane, Phyllis Mahfoud, Sylvia
Martin, Celine Mescall, Scarlett O’Brien,
Liz O’Rourke, Caroline Sutherland,
Jennifer Wallace, Mary Walshe, and
Caroline Waugh. Remember these
names as I’m sure we’ll be seeing them
in print again!
Top 10
Liz Walsh in Stone House Books gives
us her Top Ten Books for the summer.
Stone House Books is located on
Kieran Street Kilkenny.
1.Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Rachel Joyce
2.Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn.
3.The Storyteller
Jodi Picoult
4.Instructions for a Heatwave
Maggie O’Farrell
5.Whiskey Beach
Nora Roberts.
6.The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox
Maggie O’Farrell.
7.Land of Dreams
Kate Kerrigan.
8.Perfect Wives
Emma Hannigan.
9.Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
Clare Dowling.
10.With All My Love
Patricia Scanlan
Blog
Corner
➪
I did my best to be interested, but there isn’t
much you can pretend to like in a kitchen shop,
when you never cook.
My mother knew this, and I think she had
mischief on her mind.
Love at first sight
I wasn’t expecting it. In fact, I’d be hoping
against hope that it wouldn’t happen. But
today, once again, I got into trouble for falling in
love without warning.
It’s all my mother’s fault. She has decided, out
of the blue, that she’s fed up buying frying pans.
She tells me that she’s sick of burning the arse
out of the ones she’s been using to date, and
she’s decided that if she goes with the quality
stuff, it might be a bit slower to lose its mojo.
So, since she was in our house for the weekend,
she wondered today whether we should make
our way to Kildare Village, so she could go to
the Le Creuset outlet, and think about spending
more on a frying pan than she did on her first
cooker.
I was worried. I’m familiar with Kildare Village.
And the Le Creuset shop is directly beside the
Radley shop. Radley is a British brand that
makes lovely leather handbags. I’m very fond
of them and have been known to buy them quite
frequently. Even though I can’t afford them,
don’t need them, and will never get full value
out of them.
I voiced my concerns to my mother. She is
aware of my weaknesses, and didn’t argue with
me. We agreed that we would avert our eyes
from the Radley shop, pretend it had closed
down or something, concentrate on frying pans,
and not look left or right on our way into the
shop.
And that’s what we did. I didn’t even sneak a
look at the window display on my way in. I was
a warrior.
The trouble started when my Mam couldn’t
choose a frying pan. They had a crazy range,
different sizes and depths, and made of
different materials, and what have you. I’d love
to say I was fascinated, but I wasn’t, in truth.
Tallent
Also, an expenditure of the type she was
undertaking takes some consideration. You
wouldn’t like to buy the wrong pan, and then
discover you needed one with a lid, or it wasn’t
deep enough to cook a stir fry in, and that you
needed to buy another one.
She was almost sure which one she wanted. We
decided, however, that she should think about it
for a few minutes before doing the deed.
We wandered out of the shop, promising to
return. The woman in there couldn’t have
made it more obvious that she didn’t believe us,
and insisted we take a catalogue setting out all
their products with us. We paused outside the
door. We looked at each other, and started to
slowly turn right. That was our mistake.
I asked my mother where she thought we might
think about her frying pan.
“I don’t know” she said “we could just wander
around.”
By the time she had the words out of her mouth,
we were stepping over the doorstep into the
Radley shop.
And that’s when I fell in love. It was sitting
there, on an eye level shelf, waiting for me. I
think it might have actually been waiting for
me. It looked as if it should fling itself off the
shelf and straight onto my shoulder.
I actually caught my breath, and grabbed
my mother by the arm. The same thing has
happened to her, in the same shop, so she knew
exactly what was going on.
“Should we go somewhere else?”
“I can’t. Not yet.”
The shop assistant smiled at me. She had
probably hoped it was a friendly and welcoming
smile, but she looked like a shark staring at his
dinner.
“Nice to see someone falling in love at the door.”
I closed my ears to her. I wouldn’t be tempted.
It looked expensive, even by Radley standards.
And the television licence and ESB bills are
almost pulsating with impatience on the phone
table. Not to mention the household charge
from last year, which we have yet to register for.
I just stood looking at it.
It’s black, made of butter soft leather and
slouchy and casual in shape. It has two short
handles as well as a long shoulder strap.
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It’s perfect for me. It can easily hold all my bits
and pieces including my kindle, and a couple of
notebooks in case the plot for the Great Irish
novel hits me while I’m in the queue in Boots.
“How much is it?” my mother asked.
I was actually stroking it. I took a deep breath,
and drew the price tag toward me. For the
second time in minutes, my stomach flipped.
I’ve often spent far too much on a bag without
really thinking about it. But never this much.
Even I, in my most foolish moments, would
draw back from a handbag at this price.
If only I hadn’t loved it. My beloved mother
offered to lend me the money, but I couldn’t
bring myself to accept, not for a handbag.
I have to admit, I was pretty sad to leave it.
That happens to me sometimes. I see something
and I want it so much I’m willing to sell my soul
for it. Usually handbags, or shoes. Sometimes a
lovely notebook. But no notebook I’ve ever seen
is so expensive that there’s absolutely no way I
can swing it.
I turned to my Mam
“Quick, let’s go back and get your pan, before
my heart breaks.”
We trotted back next door, where the frying
pan, the sole purpose of our journey, was
bought and paid for. There was one a draws for
customers going on, you know the type, give
them your email address, and you might win
a €100 voucher. I must have been wearing my
utterly miserable face, but as well as giving my
Mam a form for it, the assistant offered me one.
For a second, I had a shiver of excitement.
Maybe it was a voucher for Kildare Village in
general, and I’d win, and the handbag would
become possible. But no, the voucher was only
for the kitchen shop. A casserole dish wouldn’t
be much consolation, I felt, so I didn’t even
bother.
When we got outside I insisted that we have a
sit down on a bench. Still outside the Radley
shop.
There’s no easy way to say this. I bought the
bag. On the credit card.
I’m begging now, but NOBODY can tell His Nibs,
he will go absolutely bananas.
Obviously I’m overcome with guilt and shame.
But I love the bag. Which makes the guilt and
shame difficult to maintain.
I’ll be sleeping with it right beside my bed
tonight. So I can pet it during the night.
Feck it, I might even bring it into the bed with
me, if His Nibs is sound asleep.
http://myonlinequill.blogspot.ie/
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Out and Abou
Rebekah Patterson, Rutha Jancauskien and
Goda Lukosiute
Michelle Harding and Joanne Paul
Lady), Luke Mitchell (Guest
Deirdre Shefflin (Judge Pauls Most Appropriately Dressed
(Judge Pauls Most
Judge – Pauls Most Appropriately Dressed Lady) Elaine Hickey
Pauls Most Appropriately
Appropriately Dressed Lady), Sarah Cass, Gowran, Winner,
Pat Moore.
Dressed Lady, Pearl Egan, Pauls Kilkenny (Sponsor), Photo:
Deirdre Shefflin,
Docile Jankauskiene
rding, John
Michelle Ha
oira Fulton
and Goda Lukosiute
Niamh Fitzgerald, Luk
e Mitchell and
Sarah Cass
Skuce and M
opriately
Pauls Most Appr
mpetition
Dressed L ady Co
Senior
rnout at the Kilkenny
tu
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la
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s
wa
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er
Th
Park. The
Race Day in Gowran
Hurlers Family Fun
dressed
’t stop the beautifully
cold weather couldn
opriately
the Pauls Most Appr
r
fo
g
tin
pe
m
co
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di
la
e the
tition. On hand to judg
Dressed Lady Compe
a Luke
ak
eo
e and Away’s Rom
competition was Hom
h Cass
on the day was Sara
Mitchell. The winner
tos Pat Moore
(pictured above).Pho
Deirdre Shefflin and
Elaine Hickey
Gillian Burke,
Elaine Hickey
Bobby Kerr and Jackie Hoyne
Michelle Hardi
ng, Pauls and Je
od
Town of Fo
The Blackberry Cafe
nnie Walsh
ie Hoyne,
Bobby Kerr and Jack
wn of
nouncement of the To
Thomastown at the an
town.
tergarden in Thomas
Wa
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Th
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Fo
Rita Brenann an
d Madeleine Ca
rroll
Gillian Burk
e and Alma
Ed Drea from Vickers Vimy and
model Roisín Trait
John Murray fro
m RTE, model
Roisín Trait, Ao
Sarah Canning
ife O’Carr
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oll and
Go
Feeley
Nuts
HUNDRED
S of tracto
r nuts from
all over Ire
land and a
broad will
descend on
the quaint
village of
Borris in C
o. Carlow o
n
M
ay 11th
and 12th fo
r the 10th
annual
Tractor Nu
ts Festival.
Grace O’M
son
ah Patter
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ahony an
Jennifer McC
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Handbags At Dusk
ma
at
nched its new accessories store
Pauls in Kilkenny officially lau
The
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nt called ‘Handbags at Dusk’
12 High Street with a great eve
a number of coveted shoe and
directors of Pauls have secured
eral of which are exclusive
handbag labels for the store, sev
to the southeast.
Short Story
Fifteen Men and a Bus
S
OMETHING had woken Mr.
Dwyer from his mid morning
nap. He would have sworn it was
a car but none had past down that
potholed road in as long as he could
remember, and Mr. Dwyer had a great
memory. He was known for it in the
village, could remember as far back
as when Mrs. Byrne had forgotten to
wear her knickers to Sunday mass.
Caught rotten and red faced in an
ill wind, Mrs. Byrne would swear
and often had, to his good memory.
He shook his head and dropped the
corner of the graying lace curtain.
“They’d say your going mad,” he
chuckled as he pushed the kettle
button in preparation for his mid
morning tea.
Davy “the blind” Brennan would
have sworn it was a car that made
the mucky puddle jump for him as
he wobbled his bike along that said
same lane. Would have sworn I say,
had it not been for the fact that he was
almost blind. The lads told him it was
because his parents were cousins,
that his hair was white and his eyes
white blue. First cousins were ok, but
second or god forbid third caused
all sorts of trouble. The lads said
his parents had to get permission
from the pope to marry and that
the papal prince himself handed out
communion at the wedding. Davy
never minded what they said as long
as his eyes gave him an excuse to pick
up anyone’s pint at the bar.
Couldn’t be a car he thought as he
wiped his face with a fist full of grass.
A car hadn’t passed that way in years.
The whole town would have sworn
that a car never passed Mr. Dwyer or
Davy “the blind” Brennan on the way
46 KILKENNY SUMMER
to the village that same mid
morning. Would have sworn
had it not been parked blatantly
in a “mother and child” space
outside the town hall.
The council had insisted on
putting in a number of these
spaces throughout the village.
Most villagers didn’t drive,
there was no need to really
as nobody ever ventured far,
but if the need should arise, a
mother and child would not be
left wanting. This blatant illegal
parking was all over the town before
Mr. Dwyer’s kettle hit boil.
“No child seat in the back,” Sergeant
Donohue tutted as he peered through
the side window, “not a baby item
anywhere,” he said vigorously writing
in his hand sized flip-pad.
He walked around the front and
scribbled down the license number,
marking it with an asterisk.
“Cowboy on the loose,” he said as he
pushed the button on his two way
radio, “May need backup.”
He released the button and walked
towards the rear of the car.
“Lovely morning Sergeant,”
Benny Williams said joining
him to peer in the back
window.
A navy training bag sat
neatly in the line of their
vision. A green and red
ribbon hung from the
handle and the letters EB
were embroidered on the
side. The head of a fine
ash hurley poked out from
beneath the bag.
“Well I never,” Benny
Williams exclaimed as he caught the
eye of the Sergeant, “surely not!”
The two men would have sworn that
they hadn’t seen what they’d seen
had the fine oak doors of the town
hall not swung open to reveal Eddie
Butler emerging from the shadows.
He was at the car in two strides, when
as Benny noted later, it’d take a lesser
man at least ten. With a wink and a
“How ya lads” he was gone. Sergeant
Donohue and Benny Williams left
speechless in the empty space.
Before a dinner plate was laid on
a table in town the word was out.
The priest announced it from the
pulpit that evening and every sinner
whispered it on the sidelines as they
watched the team train that night.
“Not a bad lot we have this year Mick,”
Mrs. Murphy said as she observed the
thirty strong touching their toes.
“Ah sure not too bad Mrs.,” Mick
Kavanagh replied.
“Be able for a match ya think Mick?”
she continued as star jumps were
called.
“Maybe Mrs. you can never be sure
but I wouldn’t chance it, not this year
anyway!”
Mrs. Murphy nodded as the sliotars
came out and the thirty strong
grabbed their hurley’s.
“You heard the news I suppose?” she
said through pursed lips
“Sure hasn’t the whole town Mrs.”
“I wonder what it’s all about,” Mrs.
Murphy continued as Stephen Doyle
missed by millimeters an open goal.
“Jesus Doyle will ya hit the bloody
thing, it’s not yourself you playin
with!” Mick Kavanagh roared his
cheeks a rosy red.
“He always had notions young Butler.
Even as a lad he…”
“It’s the family I feel sorry for,” Mick
interrupted, “haven’t shown their
faces round here since he left. Old
Eddie never missed a training session
in his life up to that. A real club man,”
he said shaking his head.
“It must be on the mothers side,” Mrs.
Murphy added as a row broke out
between the forwards and backs, “she
always acted above her station. Her
father was a blow in. An Italian none
the less, they say he came up the river
on a gondola,”
“Singing?” Mick Kavanagh asked.
“Through his arse,” Mrs. Murphy
Short Story
replied.
The following Wednesday the
Village Voice, normally printed on a
Thursday, ran a special edition on
account of the news. It hit the shop
shelf at eight that morning and by ten
the shelf hung bare.
BRAZEN BUTLER BOLDLY CALLS
TOWN MEETING ran the headline,
alliteration not the editor’s forte.
The message was out. The cleaning
committee communed in the hall, the
parking committee in the car park,
the baking committee in Mrs. Reilly’s
kitchen detouring by the shop and
the seating committee in the school.
By six that evening luminous jackets
patrolled the parking, the hall was
pristine, not a seat was left lacking
and fairy cakes lay in wait.
A daffodil adorned table sat centre
stage and a row of local dignitaries
fiddled with their pens as they waited
for the crowd to settle. Eddie Butler
took up the middle. To his left, the
crowd’s right, sat the Priest Father
Thomas and Mrs.
O’Keeffe the school
headmistress. To his
right, the crowd’s left
sat Dr Fogarty the local
GP and Noel Maher the
team trainer.
The hall was similarly
laid out with parish
protocol. The hurling
team sat in the front row, subs
and officials in the second. Locals
considered anyone more than twenty
years in the village occupied the
majority of the rest while blow-ins
took up their spots at the back. Any
blow–ins over 65 and hard of hearing
were permitted to sit further up on
account of the faulty sound system.
Jimmy Walsh had let loose with an
extinguisher during a school fire drill.
“Right,” Mrs. O’Keeffe said as she
walked towards the front of the stage,
“it’s nice to see so many friendly
faces”
“Get on with it Breda or we won’t be so
friendly in a minute!” Dick Rafferty
threatened.
“Just like your son, Dick!” the
headmistress scolded, “Well on that
note ladies and gentlemen I’ll pass
you on to the man himself.”
The speakers screeched as Eddie
Butler strode centre stage. Nodding
to his old teacher, he took the
microphone firmly in his grasp and
waited for the whisperers to die down.
“What ya waitin for Eddie, five
years not long enough!”
“I’m waiting for you to shut up
Dick,” Eddie Butler boomed.
The room fell silent.
“Dick’s right, I have been gone a long
time and some here don’t like me very
much for that.”
He paused.
“I don’t blame them,” he continued
the mic held stiff at his chin, “I left
without a word. I abandoned the
team.”
“You were captain,” Mrs. Dwyer
shouted from her blow in seat at the
back.
“I know,” he shook his head, “and for
that I am sorry Mary. I let you all down
but you have to understand I wanted
to play.”
“You could have done that here!”
“I wanted to play matches, against
other teams. I wanted to test myself.
See how good I really was. I wanted to
learn new things, new skills.”
“NEW SKILLS,” Mr. Moloney
interrupted raising up with
the aid of his thorn bush stick,
“You’re not on with those
modern ideas again are ya.
I thought we got rid of that
nonsense when you left!”
“I left and joined Glenthoran,”
Eddie continued ignoring the
jib.
Whispers whirled below him.
“I made it on their firsts. They
welcomed me and I played five
seasons. Just enough to bring back
what I know.”
“Who says we want you back. Who says
we want you and your new ideas,” Mr.
Moloney shouted his bramble stick
beating the air.
Eddie Butler let his hand fall by his
side and stood a motionless minute.
“Look. I’ve seen what’s out there,” he
said raising the mic, “I’ve seen what
other teams have to offer. I’ve seen
centre forwards collecting medals
that couldn’t lick the
dirt from Mulally’s
feet. I’ve heard corner
backs boasting when
their not a patch
on Prendergast or
midfields hailed from
morning to night when
Fitzgerald would clean
the lot of ‘em. I’ve seen
it all lads and nothing
compares to our
fifteen!” Eddie eyeballed the front row.
“What are ya sayin Eddie?” Mick
Mulally whispered his demeanor
always shy.
“I’m sayin Mick that we should play.
Not forwards against backs, A’s
against B’s or seniors against 21’s. I’m
saying we should play other teams.
Show them we’re not cowards. Play for
the pride of the parish!”
“NEVER!” Mr. Moloney shouted above
the whispering heads, “I was around
in ’46 and I’ve seen what can happen
to a parish. I’m not stayin to listen
to this upstart and his IDEAS and
you’re all mad if you do!” he said as he
pushed past the row of knees.
“I’m sorry Eddie, I know your parents
but I remember ’46,” Mrs. Hogan
excused as she shuffled her way
behind Moloney.
Soon a parade of elderly protestors
passed out of the hall.
“Forget ’46,” Eddie continued as
the doors swung on the faithfully
departed, “this is 2010. This is our
year!”
The hall was silent.
“I’ll have a bus waiting ready to leave
tomorrow morning. I’ve a match
arranged for twelve. Anyone who
wants to play meet me in the square
at nine.”
The crowd sat still as Eddie Butler
made his way back to the table. Only
Mrs. Ryan rose above the sea of heads.
“What if we lose Eddie?”
The bus engine hummed in the
morning air, as Mrs. Murphy pulled
her curtains apart just a smidgen.
Eddie Butler stood by the back of the
twenty seater drumming his fingers
on the faux glass window. She looked
to her mantle piece. The digital clock
sent from her sister in America
blinked eight fifty eight.
Short Story: Helena Duggan
KILKENNY SUMMER
47
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