Kilkenny captain Katie Power cannot understand how camogie players are still being "forced to wear a skort in this day and age". Kilkenny and Dublin made a stand before their Leinster semi-final last Saturday with both sides deciding to wear shorts, but that was quickly nixed by referee Ray Kelly. almost saw the match being completely called off 15 from Kilkenny wearing black shorts and 15 from Dublin kitted out in navy shorts may still face sanctions after they stood determinedly on the pitch at St Peregrine’s GAA club as the national anthem started at the throw-in time of 3.30pm on Saturday The move was part of a campaign to allow women the choice to wear shorts instead of the obligatory skorts Referee Ray Kelly from Kildare told the teams with Kilkenny managed by Tommy Shefflin and Dublin by Gerry McQuaid that they would have to get changed into skorts or the match would be abandoned [ Skorts: What are they and why are we suddenly talking about them?Opens in new window ] the Dublin team walked off while the Kilkenny side stayed standing shoulder to shoulder until they too left the pitch after the anthem finished with hundreds of onlookers wondering what was happening as many had not noticed the women wearing shorts the Kilkenny team came back on to the pitch wearing their skorts while the Dublin side seemed to be making their minds up as to what they would do About five minutes later the Dubs came out of the changing rooms said she believed that the plucky move by the players will certainly make GAA management take note But there could still be sanctions to face “They could face big fines and the players having their names written in a match report by the referee The players were making a point for all to see [within the Camogie Association] the question will surely be why do women have to continue wearing skorts?” [ Camogie Association ‘committed’ to players after proposals to allow shorts failOpens in new window ] Many camogie players find the mandated skirt-short hybrids restricting, but it seems they will be stuck wearing them until 2027 at least. The Camogie Association, the GAA and the LGFA previously revealed that 2027 was the proposed date for their plans for full integration between the three. Camogie players are obliged to wear skorts under rule 6(b) of the sport’s code, which stipulates that playing gear must include a skirt/skort/divided skirt. The issue is that most players hate wearing them, arguing that they restrict their freedom, largely because the shorts are of the “compression” kind, and they would prefer to wear regular shorts. Secondary-school Kilkenny supporter Tara Kelly said the women “should be allowed to have a choice of what they wear whether it is skort or short. It should be about comfort, not having to be kitted out in one or the other.” Numerous other female supporters agreed, with one teenager who did not wish to be named adding: “I think the shorts look good and the women certainly look much more comfortable”. A number of men did not even notice that the players were wearing shorts instead of skorts at the start of the game. Kilkenny ultimately picked up a 4-11 to 2-12 victory over Dublin. A Gaelic Player Association (GPA) spokesperson said: “The GPA fully supports players having the right to choose between shorts or skorts and our position on this will not change. “It is unacceptable that female athletes are being compelled to wear gear that they believe compromises their performance and well-being. We stand firmly with any player or team who opts for shorts and commend the Dublin and Kilkenny players for asserting that right today. “These athletes were put in an impossible position — wear what they believe is right or face the prospect of the game being abandoned. As always, players chose to compete. “We now call on the Camogie Association to listen to players and respect their autonomy”. Last year, London club Thomas McCurtains launched its Shorts Not Skorts campaign, and it all came to a head last weekend when two proposals were put to camogie’s congress calling for the rule to be changed. Both proposals were defeated. And the issue cannot come up for discussion again until 2027. More than 60 per cent of the delegates voted against Tipperary and Kerry’s motion calling for the skirt/skort/divided skirt wording to be removed completely and replaced with “shorts”, while 55 per cent said no to Meath and Britain’s proposal that shorts be offered as a choice alongside skorts. Facebook pageTwitter feed© 2025 The Irish Times DAC https://www.kilkennypeople.ie/section/1237/advertise-with-us All the latest breaking local news from Kilkenny County Keep up to date with the latest sports news Read the latest crime and court news from Kilkenny Read all the latest Irish news and updates from around Ireland Find whats happening in and around Kilkenny Enjoy our award winning photos and picture galleries taken in Kilkenny Read about the latest properties available in Kilkenny Enjoy our latest and up to date motoring review and news in Kilkenny Recent death notices and obituaries from Kilkenny Latest environmental and climate change news in County Kilkenny Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter Support our mission and join our community now you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism Works are continuing at pace on the new CBS Kilkenny campus with the school expected to open in late 2025 The James' Street school is preparing to begin an exciting new dawn and the allocation of €500,000 for a new full-size all weather pitch provided a further boost for the school's management "The main focus for school management now is the development of the most modern and innovative facilities on the new extensive site which will provide for the holistic education of many more generations of young men from the city and the county of Kilkenny into the future," Principal Tom Clarke commented FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g please subscribe and support local journalism Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles To continue reading this article for FREE,please kindly register and/or log in Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news ALERT: Irish homeowners warned renovation jobs could lead to €10,000 fine or jail Doctor365's walk-in clinic in Kilkenny is open 7 days a week Heat Pump Pro are here to keep your boiler in top condition Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm This publication supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and Office of the Press Ombudsman and our staff operate within the Code of Practice of the Press Council Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie continues to shine on the national stage as its 3rd Year students proudly brought home the School Impact Award for the Mixed/Large Group Financial Category at the prestigious AIB Future Sparks School Impact Awards “Empowering Future Generations: A Student-Led Financial Literacy Book & Community Initiative” is the latest chapter in Scoil Aireagail’s growing reputation as a school committed to excellence At the heart of the project was the student-created book Smart Money for Smart Teens—an engaging financial guide written by teenagers Funded by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) as part of Global Money Week 2025 the project brought financial literacy to life for young people In an ever-evolving world where artificial intelligence is rapidly replacing knowledge-based jobs Scoil Aireagail students went beyond rote learning they developed the real-world skills required for the jobs of tomorrow—skills that are at the core of the Junior Cycle Key Skills Framework Students demonstrated excellence in Managing Information and Thinking through research and analysis; Communicating through public speaking and presenting their work to diverse audiences; Being Creative through layout design and illustration; Working with Others through peer collaboration and intergenerational workshops; Managing Myself by meeting deadlines and setting goals; and Staying Well through promoting financial confidence and self-efficacy This project is a living example of the Junior Cycle’s mission to equip students with the competencies they need to thrive in learning Click NEXT to keep reading and to see lots more photographs!  Horrified golf club members have demanded explanations from management after learning the cost of cleaning up an illegal asbestos dump could top €1m Kilkenny Golf Club has been served with an enforcement order requiring removal of the waste which came from a house and sheds it demolished without permission Join the Irish Independent WhatsApp channel Project Abbey comprises two city centre hotels and a large multi-storey car park in Kilkenny and Limerick EDF Renewables Ireland have appealed a decision by Kilkenny County Council to refuse permission for works associated with the proposed Seskin Wind Farm The proposed development includes underground 38kV cabling from the wind farm to the existing Kilkenny 110kV substation The works would involve road and track reinstatement, carriageway strengthening at Black Bridge, and a temporary access road off the N78 at Cloneen in County Kilkenny to facilitate turbine delivery READ NEXT: Huge solar farm development planned on the outskirts of Kilkenny City The main issues identified by Kilkenny County Council in the refusal of EDF Renewables Ireland’s application related to cumulative grid congestion The decision is now under appeal to An Bord Pleanála and a decision is due in the coming months Flooding in Thomastown / PICTURE: Geraldine O Brien A freak incident of flooding has been reported in the centre of Thomastown in County Kilkenny Kilkenny Live understands that a water pipe has burst causing an intense flooding incident on Market Street and nearby thoroughfares such as Low Street Due to structural damage on the road surface READ NEXT: Decision on fate of takeaway/restaurant in the heart of Kilkenny Motorists are asked to avoid the area and divert accordingly https://www.longfordleader.ie/section/1238/advertise-with-us weather & more in Longford and County Longford All the latest breaking local news from Longford and County Longford Find whats happening in and around Longford and County Longford Enjoy our award winning photos and picture galleries taken in Longford and County Longford Read about the latest properties available in Longford and County Longford Enjoy our latest and up to date motoring review and news in Longford and County Longford Longford and County Longford Met Eireann Weather Forecast Recent death notices and obituaries from Longford and County Longford Latest environmental and climate change news in County Longford Riane McGrath pictured in action for Longford against Kilkenny iin the TG4 Leinster LGFA Junior Championship clash on Sunday Photo: Syl Healy Far superior Longford cruised to a very easy win over Kilkenny the undisputed weakest team in ladies football nationwide in Round 2 of the Leinster Junior Championship at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday There was never any danger of the visitors making it a competitive clash in the third tier competition and that is the way things developed with the rampant home county building up a commanding 2-9 to 0-0 lead at the break Outclased Kilkenny registered a couple of consolation points late in the second half whereas Longford kept the scoreboard ticking over in adding another 0-9 to their emphatic tally in their quest for provincial glory Brian Farrell’s side will make it through to the Leinster final with a win (or a draw) away against Carlow in the remaining group fixture on Sunday next in the build up to the separate All-Ireland Junior Championship.  Qualified for the provincial decider are the title holders Louth who withstood a determined Carlow comeback in holding out for a narrow two-point victory (5-8 to 2-21) in Drogheda The Longford mentors availed of the opportunity to make no less than six changes from the team that started against Louth in the opening round with Emily Reilly Petrina Carrigy and Riane McGrath all featuring in the first 15.  Longford got off to a great start with a goal from Clodagh Logan with three minutes gone in the game and the same player found the Kilkenny net again in the 21st minute to leave the girls in blue and gold in complete control.  Kilkenny’s first score did not materialise until the 53rd minute from a free converted by Louisa Gilmore.  LONGFORD: Aoife Cooney (Clonguish); Grace Kenny (Longford Slashers) Ailbhe Brady (Mostrim); Caoimhe McCormack (Carrickedmond) Funmi Talabi (Mostrim); Sian Gallagher (St Brigid’s Gaels Ardagh Aoife O’Brien (Longford Slashers); Ella O’Reilly (Mullinlaghta Petrina Carrigy (St Brigid’s Gaels Ardagh); Riane McGrath (Killoe) Subs (first half):  Emma Bleakley (Dromard) for C McCormack (22 mins) (second half):- Siobhan Egan (Carrickedmond) for A Cooney; Keeva Gillen (St Brigid’s Gaels Ardagh) for A Brady; Elena O'Reilly (Dromard) for C Lohan; Ciara Mulligan (Carrickedmond) for P Carrigy.    KILKENNY: Katie Fitzpatrick; Siadhbh Mooney Sarah Smith; Rionach Butler,   Jennifer Keefe File Photo: Image by beasternchen from Pixabay Some of the teams that participated in the Mercy Ballymahon Centenary golf classic in Longford Golf Club Midland Hearing Care looks at what is perilymphatic fistula Liam Brady plays Bill Snibson while Lindsay Dann plays Sall in St Mel’s Musical Society's production of Me and My Girl Minster Alan Dillon at the opening of the new offices The Longford GAA day saw quite the turn out even Marty Morrisey made his way down for the 21st Longford Day at Punchestown 1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-1sgza6o:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-1sgza6o:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-1sgza6o.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-w5p45x::-moz-focus-inner{border-style:none;}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{pointer-events:none;cursor:default;}@media print{.css-w5p45x{-webkit-print-color-adjust:exact;color-adjust:exact;}}.css-w5p45x:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-w5p45x:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 0.26);}PrintShareSaveThe death has occurred of Kilkenny and late of Clover Meats and Waterford Crystal peacefully in his 94th year in the tender care of his loving family and all the staff at Signa Care Ferrybank Predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary Michael dearly loved and sadly missed by his loving wife Maureen (Née White) sisters Nancy (Hickey) and Patricia (Hogan) Michael will be reposing in his home Milepost (X91 YK16) Michael's Removal will take place on Wednesday arriving for Requiem Mass at 11am after which Michael will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery MASS LINK Those wishing to leave a message of condolence for Michael's family can do so below. The above link is provided and managed by an independent media provider. The funeral director accepts no responsibility for its functionality or any interruption to a live transmission. memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one Gardaí in Kilkenny have taken to social media to share details of a recent encounter on the ring road that left experienced gardaí 'stunned' "Even lads who have been policing for two decades are sometimes stunned by the reckless attitude that some motorists have," a garda spokesperson said "Our Roads Policing Unit were out last night (Sunday) and stopped a learner permit holder on the ring road READ NEXT: Popular Kilkenny resident to feature on upcoming episode of major RTÉ series He also informed our members he had drank a naggin of vodka "Thankfully this person is bound for the courts and did not destroy the lives of others this time." Dublin delivered a spirited display before eventually succumbing to Kilkenny by thirteen points in their Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Hurling Championship Tier 1 encounter at O’Toole Park on Saturday afternoon Having suffered earlier reverses to both Galway and Wexford Dublin trailed by 2-11 to 0-11at half-time with goals from Jake Mullen and Ollie O’Donovan handing Kilkenny a deserved interval lead Luke Hayes and Rory Buggy continued to impress in a defensive capacity after the break they proved powerless from preventing their opponents pulling away by the final whistle The Dubs started brightly through an early Rory Flannery free but with Diarmuid Behan upended in the square at the opposite end Mullen emphatically converted the resultant penalty beyond the helpless Hugh Leahy Flannery and Josh Dowling traded points by the 8th minute before the hosts offered encouragement to the home support through successive scores from Flannery (free) and Christian Kane Behan and Mullen (free) replied for the visitors before Sean Culleton brought the Dubs to within a point by the end of the first quarter with a tidy score from play The early stages of the second quarter were similarly tight with points from Finn O’Donnell and Flannery just reward for Dublin’s battling efforts but Kevin Buggy began to influence the play with a brace of Kilkenny scores After Leahy had denied O’Donovan in the 25th minute he was once again blameless a minute later as a strong run by Oisin Henderson allowed O’Donovan the simplest of tasks of firing home from eight yards they continued to offer a threat at the opposite end as scores by Daniel O’Connor Flannery and Conaill O’Sullivan before the break helped them limit the damage to six points by the turnaround While O’Connor clipped over an early point upon the restart the visitors began to enhance their position with Mullen and O’Donovan scoring two points apiece as they stretched their lead to ten points by the end of the third quarter A brace of Flannery frees kept the home scoreboard ticking over but the goal required to launch a comeback looked elusive as Kilkenny replied with three points on the bounce by Behan Flannery added a trio of further frees to take his personal tally to twelve points but Dublin had to concede second best on the day with substitute Cian Byrne landing two late points for the Cats Scorers – Dublin: R Flannery 0-12 (10f); D O’Connor 0-2; C Kane 0-1 ’65); O O’Donovan 1-3; K Buggy 0-3; D Behan © Copyright Dublin GAA Board, Parnell Park, Donnycarney, Dublin 5. Made by Together Digital Well known and hugely popular Kilkenny woman Mary Dewberry from Larchfield in the city has gone viral on social media sharing a heart-warming message on the secret to a happy and long life READ NEXT: 'Potential sale' of landmark Kilkenny City business confirmed  "Enjoy every day as it comes because the years go quick," she said We made that vow and we're married 60 years "We have our arguments but we never sleep on an argument unless we put our arms around each other." FOR MORE KILKENNY CITY NEWS, CLICK HERE The Rhu Glenn Hotel in South Kilkenny have taken to social media to share an update on recent guests who opted to lodge on hotel grounds A family of birds have decided to convert a large cylindrical ashtray on the hotel grounds into their home and the hotel is doing their best to accommodate them READ NEXT: Experienced gardaí 'stunned' by shocking behaviour of motorist in Kilkenny A sign has been added by the hotel to bring attention to the nest in a bid to ensure that it's not interfered with The hotel has since remarked: "Our little nest has seen new life today Not sure if she done much research into her new home though." Home » Weekend Fixtures – Leinster Senior HC and All-Ireland Minor Football Tier 3 County Team News, Featured, News our Senior hurlers welcome Offaly to UPMC Nowlan Park for Round 3 of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship The match will be preceded by the Leinster League Final between Cloneen of Kilkenny and St Patrick’s of Wicklow Tickets can be purchased HERE Tickets can also be purchased at selected Centra & Supervalu Stores We remind all supporters attending Saturday’s games that UPMC Nowlan Park is located in a residential area and to please respect the residents and park responsibly We encourage supporters to use designated car parks such as O’Loughlin Gaels GAA (R95 RX63) our Minor footballers take on Waterford in the Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship (Tier 3) preliminary quarterfinal Help Centre | Privacy Policy | Cookies | Terms of Use Take a trip down memory lane and remember Kilkenny from years gone by with old faces The city and county has been home to many characters over the years each in their own unique way contributing to local Kilkenny life BNRG Rosehill Limited are seeking planning permission from Kilkenny County Council for a large solar farm development on the outskirts of Kilkenny City According to the planning application, the development 'will consist of planning permission for a period of 10 years to construct and complete a solar PV energy development, battery storage and grid route with a total site area of 25.1 hectares' within the townlands of Castleblunden, Drakeland Middle, Clonmoran, Margaretsfield, Poulgour, Wetland and Archersleas, County Kilkenny The development will include the construction of PV panels mounted on metal frames; MV power stations; a substation; batteries; MV stations; new access tracks; underground cabling and ducting; perimeter fencing with CCTV cameras and access gates; and a temporary construction compound READ NEXT: 'What example is that to your children' judge asks Kilkenny man convicted of drug supply Also sought is permission for 10kV underground cabling 'connecting the solar farm to the existing Rosehill 38kV substation' and all ancillary grid infrastructure and associated works The development would be operational for 40 years A Natura Impact Statement (NIS) has been prepared in respect of this application According to the planning statement submitted with the planning application "The proposed design is based on informed assumptions of the most likely option for the panels and their positioning Solar PV is continually advancing and becoming more efficient and whilst various infrastructure components are described in this application it is proposed that the most efficient infrastructural specifications available at the time of construction will be used These may vary slightly from the indicative details described in this report but this is not expected to result in a significant departure from the details specified." The planning statement also acknowledges that it is proposed that the lifespan of the proposed development will be 40 years "The Council will appreciate from their experience with renewable energy projects that developers have historically used an operational period of approximately 30 years when seeking planning consent for such schemes," the statement notes "These timescales were initially led by manufacturing guidelines and were originally based upon the expected lifespan of the infrastructure incorporated within the proposals by virtue of technological advancements and industry experience evidence now indicates that the expected operational lifespan of modern solar PV technology significantly exceeds the previously estimated 30 years Current warranties for the onsite infrastructure extend to 40 years." the planning statement notes: "The solar farm BESS and main infrastructure will occupy three fields of agricultural land currently being used for arable farming The application site is generally well-enclosed mature hedgerows and post-and-wire fencing READ ALSO: Stay away! Court orders man to avoid two Kilkenny properties "Areas of woodland located within the surrounding landscape provide further containment located along the northern boundary of the site The Coill an Fhailtaigh Millennium Forest is also located c The application site will be accessed from an existing access point off the R695 to the north The proposed grid route will connect the solar farm and BESS to an existing substation c "The surrounding area is predominately agricultural characterised by mixed-scale field systems and isolated farms "Within the surrounding area, Kilkenny Cricket Club is located c. 190m north of the site, and Kilkenny Airport is located c The planning application is currently awaiting validation from Kilkenny County Council If Kilkenny County Council decides that further information is required from the applicant upon review of the application https://www.leinsterexpress.ie/section/1239/advertise-with-us All the latest breaking local news from Laois County Read the latest crime and court news from Laois Enjoy our award winning photos and picture galleries taken in Laois Read about the latest properties available in Laois Enjoy our latest and up to date motoring review and news in Laois Recent death notices and obituaries from Laois Latest environmental and climate change news in Laois County Susie Delaney in action for Laois in the Division 3 league final against Roscommon The Laois Camogie team will put their flawless 2025 record on the line on Bank Holiday Monday as they travel to Freshford to take on Kilkenny’s second team in the semi-finals of the Leinster Intermediate Championship Laois arrive in the last four, brimming with confidence after a perfect league campaign which saw them crowned Division 3A champions following a composed final win over Roscommon in April.  came through a tense quarter-final battle with Meath by the narrowest of margins Kilkenny’s strength in depth across all levels is well known and their Intermediate side are always capable of producing top-class performances The other semi-final between Dublin and Carlow takes place on Saturday with both counties also enjoying strong campaigns to date Laois and Kilkenny will throw-in at 2pm on Bank Holiday Monday How mastering your Cashflow can drive your business forward A landmark city hotel may be set to change hands with confirmation that Ormonde Hotel is on the market READ NEXT: 'Bad actors' stirring fear criticised as Kilkenny IPAS accommodation is debated  Following enquiries from the Kilkenny People "We can confirm that a process is currently underway regarding the potential sale of the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel the Ormonde Street Car Park and our sister hotel Digital Sports ReporterPublished: Invalid Date DUBLIN captain Aisling Maher slammed as a "career low" their Leinster camogie semi-final against Kilkenny nearly being called off after players wore shorts instead of skorts In a coordinated protest against the regulation gear both sets of players wore shorts before Saturday's game According to the Irish Times referee Ray Kelly from Kildare told the two teams that they would have to wear skorts - a pair of shorts with fabric that gives the appearance of a skirt the game would have been in danger of being abandoned both sets of teams returned to the dressing rooms at St Peregrine's GAA Club with the Kilkenny players returning several minutes later in the regulation kit The Dublin players followed suit a few minutes later And resharing the video, Dublin captain Aisling Maher described the episode as the low point of her career. She said: "Career low for me today when 60+ players ready to play a championship game in shorts are told their match will be abandoned if every player doesn't change into skorts. "I love this game but I am sick of being forced to wear a skort that is uncomfortable and unfit for purpose. "In no other facet of my life does someone dictate that I have to wear something resembling a skirt because I am a girl "Why is it happening in my sport?" Players are currently required to wear skorts under rule 6(b) of the sports code However, the gear is unpopular amongst players, with a GPA survey last week revealing that 83 percent want to be able to choose to wear shorts instead Two proposals were put to the Camogie Association's annual congress last seeking to change the dress code with more than 60 percent voting against skirt/skort/divided skirt being replaced with short and 55 percent rejecting shorts being offered as a choice alongside skorts The proposals cannot be heard again until 2027 A statement from the Gaelic Players Association to the Irish Times backed the Dublin and Kilkenny players' stance It read: "The GPA fully supports players having the right to choose between shorts or skorts and our position on this will not change “It is unacceptable that female athletes are being compelled to wear gear that they believe compromises their performance and well-being "We stand firmly with any player or team who opts for shorts and commend the Dublin and Kilkenny players for asserting that right today “These athletes were put in an impossible position — wear what they believe is right or face the prospect of the game being abandoned “We now call on the Camogie Association to listen to players and respect their autonomy” On Monday the Camogie Association issued the below statement to The Journal It read: “We note the recent research published by the GPA Player welfare is at the heart of everything we do across the Camogie Association “A democratic vote at Congress 2024 determined that the rules governing our playing wear should not change “Ard Chomhairle established a working group to examine issues around the comfort design and overall performance of playing wear a wide range of national and international manufactured skorts have been sourced will begin in mid-May and will include adult and Juvenile players from Club and County teams the working group will prepare recommendations for Ard Chomhairle consideration “The Camogie Association remains committed to respecting the democratic process in all decisions that affect all of our members “Voting delegates at Congress represent all the members of the Association including players and parents of players across the country.” There are strong signs that the beef trade may have bottomed out with mart managers across the country reporting a greater appetite and firmer prices for any slaughter-fit stock appearing Kilkenny Mart auctioneer George Candler reports that prices for some slaughter-fit and short-keep stores in Thursday’s general sale of cattle increased anywhere from €100 to €150/head on the previous week George commented that the average price of €1,829/head recorded for an entry of 600 cattle and cows was almost €300/head higher than the previous week He said the sale average was boosted by a higher percentage of heavier cattle with some farmers struggling to negotiate direct with factories opting to take advantage of the live trade The sharper trade witnessed prices for some plainer-quality cattle in particular recording a significant improvement MartBids price analysis shows average prices for bullocks weighing 600kg-plus increasing by 10c/kg The top third of bullocks eased 10c/kg to average €4.36/kg while the bottom third lifted 35c/kg on the week to average €3.69/kg the bottom third of bullocks weighing 400kg to 500kg increased in price by 25c/kg while the average and top third were up 13c/kg on average This trend was also apparent in the 400kg to 500kg weight category with the top third 35c/kg lower than last week while the bottom third of animals increased by 44c/kg to €3.72/kg George added that there was also less focus on age and weight limits with the trade also boosted by the presence of a number of buyers sourcing cattle for export to Northern Ireland with those weighing 500kg to 600kg up 10c/kg on the week and averaging €4.12/kg The average price paid for heifers weighing 400kg to 500kg was €4.18/kg This ranged from a top of €4.60/kg for the top third of heifers to an average of €3.67/kg for the bottom third of entries An entry of almost 100 dry cows averaged €2.79/kg while the top third lifted 5c/kg to €3.28/kg and the bottom third were up 13c/kg to average €2.28/kg The trade was such that heavy Friesian cows topped the €3/kg mark in significant numbers martData("84-26153437-214C-02-05-2025--14:07:20") The top price on the day of €3,900 (€4.31/kg) was paid for this 905kg Hereford-cross bullock born on 04/11/22 martData("84-26153437-229H-02-05-2025--14:11:47") this Charolais-cross bullock born 17/03/23 sold for €3,380 (€4.54/kg) martData("84-26153437-6D-02-05-2025--14:13:03") This Aberdeen Angus-cross heifer born 08/03/23 and weighing 650kg sold for €2,970 (€4.57/kg) martData("84-26153437-238-02-05-2025--14:14:13") This batch of three March 2022-born Belgian Blue-cross bullocks bred from the dairy herd averaged 665kg and sold for €2,800 (€4.21/kg) martData("84-26153437-237-02-05-2025--14:16:08") Six Friesian bullocks born in early 2022 and weighing 669kg on average sold for €2,620 (€3.92/kg) martData("84-26153437-228-02-05-2025--14:17:09") This batch of four Aberdeen Angus-cross bullocks weighing 575kg and born 05/02/23 sold for €2,530 (€4.40/kg) martData("84-26153437-213E-02-05-2025--14:18:15") this quality Limousin-cross bullock born 09/12/23 sold for €2,460 (€4.69/kg) martData("84-26153437-23-02-05-2025--14:19:39") These three nice-quality Limousin heifers weighing 528kg and born 09/04/23 sold for €2,430 (€4.60/kg) martData("84-26153437-216-02-05-2025--14:21:03") This batch of five February 2023-born Friesian bullocks weighing 600kg on average sold for €2,330 (€3.88/kg) martData("84-26153437-22-02-05-2025--14:21:59") Eight top-quality Limousin-cross heifers born March 2023 and weighing 499kg sold for €2,300 (€4.61/kg) Contact us Advertise with us Company information Career opportunities Privacy statement Terms of service Commenting policy Change cookies settings Change cookies settings Multi award-winning Pembroke Hotel Kilkenny in the heart of Kilkenny City has opened an entirely new floor of luxury suites following a two-year building project and an investment of €3 million All suites on the new luxury floor feature panoramic views of the city and its many landmarks Kilkenny Castle and the surrounding countryside ranging from 37 to 70 square metres in size each boasting an array of premium features have been added to the award-winning boutique hotel which now offers 84 guest rooms in total “We are committed to continually raising our standards and some years ago we identified an opportunity for a new and unique offering within the city with our ideal location and spectacular views,” says John Ryan and celebrates the legacy of the site that came before us.” The design and feel of the new suites is rooted in Kilkenny’s rich heritage in Design and Craft Each suite features a unique collection of bespoke pieces created by locally based craft maker including Nicholas Mosse and Jerpoint Glass All suites feature art curated by Anna O’Sullivan walls are adorned with a rich collection of paintings of Kilkenny landmarks The hotel also offers a range of innovative features with smart technology behind the scenes supporting sustainability and simplicity of use Comfort and ease for guests are defining imperatives for the Pembroke so we’ve made sure that all aspects of the experience are intuitive so they can totally relax as there is nothing to figure out,” said Mr Ryan Food at Pembroke Kilkenny has also been drawing positive reviews The hotel dining offering is branded as Stathams - a name which honours the previous owners of the business located on the hotel site Stathams is winner of Best Casual Dining in Leinster and consistently recognised for having one of the best hotel breakfasts in Ireland Menus are carefully curated around local produce and thoughtful service Top chef Ken Harker who previously worked in Michelin Star properties has been leading the team for several years Guests in the Pembroke can also get pampered in the state of the art in-house Spa perfect for that restorative or relaxing treatment The hotel also has a dedicated business centre with serviced offices and meeting rooms with all the necessary technology “This launch reflects an important development in Irish hospitality,” says Mr Broderick “Travellers want luxury with contemporary excellence With the best of Kilkenny on our doorstep and our drive for excellence in keeping with the spirit of the City we can promise visitors to our city that: ‘Kilkenny Starts Here',” The new suites are now open, with strong demand for spring and summer stays.READ MORE KILKENNY BUSINESS NEWS HERE An exciting four days of music when the Smithwick’s Kilkenny Roots Festival is underway with music lovers coming from near and far Among those to sample what the Marble City has to offer this weekend were the Tipperary Camogie team who stopped off in Christy's Bar on Saturday with the big finale in Kyteler’s on Monday night featuring New Yorker Carsie Blanton and her band The ‘sold out’ signs have already gone up on many events but there is still plenty to enjoy on the ticketed and free events programme in venues throughout city A late addition to the festival programme is a gig proposed by Willy Vlautin of The Delines, who plan to raise a toast to festival founder member John Cleere "Join us and John’s friends at this special event for our old friend in the pub that bears his name,” Willie says “Kilkenny has always been one of our favourite festivals and a lot of that is due to John Cleere "He’s been a great pal to the Delines and he’s also a cool hombre to thank him for all his years of running the festival." The festival has a strong record of introducing acts that are new to Irish audiences Music fans are eagerly awaiting the arrival of acts such as Ryan Davis and The Roadhouse Band CHECK OUT WHAT'S ON AT THE KILKENNY ROOTS FESTIVAL HERE TICKETSTickets for the individual shows are available through the festival website In addition to the ticketed shows, there will be over 70 gigs on the free Smithwick’s Music Trail in venues throughout Kilkenny City. READ NEXT: JOHN CLEERE HONOURED FOR CONTRIBUTION TO KILKENNY Tracks & Trails returns for a fresh new season this Friday (File Photo) Graignamanagh resident James Kavanagh, who is finding his feet here in Kilkenny after a recent move is set to feature on an upcoming episode of the much-loved RTÉ series 'Tracks & Trails' offering viewers a fresh and inspiring look at Ireland’s most beautiful walking routes This season brings even more fresh air as the four-part series is fronted by broadcaster who explores seven counties alongside an array of well-known Irish personalities READ NEXT: 'Enjoy every day as it comes' - Kilkenny woman goes viral with powerful message Each episode captures heartfelt conversations and scenic adventures as Doireann and her guests traverse woodland paths revealing not just the natural beauty of the landscape but also the emotional and cultural connections that make these places so meaningful and a renewed appreciation for Ireland’s vast natural offerings, Tracks & Trails is a timely reminder of the value of slowing down and reconnecting Reflecting on his recent move to County Kilkenny with his partner William "we took a gamble buying the house and moving to rural Kilkenny we lived in Phibsborough for eight years and didn’t know our neighbours the community vibe is incredible—people arrive with duck eggs We’ve never felt more welcome."  Their home but so much more rewarding," James remarked Kavanagh is set to feature on episode two of the series which is scheduled to be broadcast on May 16 A man in his 50s has been charged in connection with a fatal crash resulting in the death of a Wexford nurse last week on the N25 in south Kilkenny appeared before a special sitting of Wexford District Court and was charged with dangerous driving causing death and driving while intoxicated on April 25 on the N25 near Glenmore Foulksmill died in a two vehicle crash on Friday April 25 on the main N25 road near Gaulstown The mother of two was a nurse in the Intensive Care Unit of University Hospital Waterford Mr Vochin will appear again before Waterford District Court on Tuesday GAALaois inflict further misery as Wexford Under-20 hurlers exit championship raceHistory was repeated in Chadwicks Wexford Park on Monday as a well-drilled Laois team recorded a fully-merited six-point win over the underperforming hosts in the oneills.com Leinster Under-20 hurling championship quarter-final before the throw-in for Saturday's Leinster Senior Championship Camogie semi-final at St Peregrine's It’s the short story that has everyone talking May 2024 was a month to remember for Kilkenny music fans as 'The Boss' Bruce Springsteen performed to thousands of adoring fans in UPMC Nowlan Park. We were there Fanningstown House, located near Piltown in South Kilkenny recently sold for €1,250,000 - according to figures obtained from the Property Price Register The property is a fully restored period residence consisting of three storeys over basement with an extensive traditional courtyard and walled garden to the rear and surrounded by approximately 42 acres of post-and-railed paddocks Fanningstown House is approached through wrought iron gates mounted on cut stone pillars with curved side walls with wrought iron railings which lead to a long tree-lined post-and-railed avenue to gravel forecourt READ NEXT: Ambitious plans to completely transform use of major Kilkenny building The property is a classical Georgian construction and undertook an eighteen-month restoration in 1996/1997 re-wiring and re-plumbing and the conversion of the immediate out-offices to habitable accommodation Fanningstown House represents just about the perfect combination of period character and modern living is set central in its lands and surrounded by post and rail paddocks.  The small inner courtyard to the rear of the house is surrounded on three sides by the house boot room and garden and on the fourth side by the rear the main courtyard The inner courtyard is paved with flagstones The main courtyard enjoys both vehicular and pedestrian access Vehicular access is through the stone arch with wrought iron gate to the right of the main house The extensive range of well-maintained and useful traditional stone buildings add to the general attraction of the property Here is situated a range of traditional stone outbuildings including lofted coach house/workshop small implement store and a further range of garages and two stables To the rear of the courtyard is the haggard with four span barn which in turn opens to the post and rail paddocks The lands are divided into nine paddocks of varying sizes The paddocks range from small turnout paddocks for mares and foals to larger fields suitable for cultivation of crops or the making of hay FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS, CLICK HERE Kilkenny surrounded by her loving family on Friday 2nd of May 2025 Deeply regretted and very sadly missed by her grieving family her adored grandson Corey and granddaughters Joscelyn Reposing at her home in Brandondale (eircode R95H2Y6) from 2pm Removal on Monday at 10.40am arriving at Duiske Abbey CLICK HERE TO VIEW REQUIEM MASS If you would like to make a donation to the chosen charity please click on the button below. Daithí Holohan (pictured) will display his work during the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival The artistic eye of city-based artist Daithí Holohan is sharper than ever One of Kilkenny’s most enigmatic creatives Daithí is delighted to have been selected to exhibit his work as part of the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival later this summer A one-night exhibition is planned for August 7 at St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall The exhibition will chart his personal and artistic journey featuring an array of original pieces alongside new work “It will showcase a broad spectrum of my work,” Daithí told Kilkenny Live Daithí is hard to miss in his trademark flat cap he became an apprentice goldsmith under Rudolf Heltzel he transferred from the CBS to Kilkenny Vocational School where he quickly took to subjects like technical drawing and metalwork I was able to put together a really diverse portfolio from the subjects I did in school and the drawing I did at home,” Daithí says His impressive portfolio earned him a scholarship to study Fine Art at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) Daithí spent time on exchange in Minneapolis immersing himself in bohemian youth culture.He has overcome many challenges throughout his life Prolonged stints in mental health institutions during a time when such struggles were heavily stigmatised some of Daithí’s most striking art was created in times of suffering These moments brought with them intense perceptual clarity that have grounded him in reality throughout his storied career in art Mark your calendars: St Canice’s Neighbourhood Hall The shorts v skort issue could be heard before the Oireachtas The move by the Camogie Association to enforce the wearing of skorts has been called 'outdated' and described as a sporting 'own goal' by a TD chairperson of the Oireachtas Sports Committee has said he intends to invite the Association to a meeting to deal with the matter after Saturday's incident involving the Kilkenny and Dublin senior camogie teams The sides met in the Leinster semi-final in Dublin at the weekend, but when all 30 starting players took the field in shorts they were told by match officials to change into skorts or the game would be abandoned "It's bananas that in today’s day and age there are rules forcing our camogie players to wear skorts rather than their preferred choice of clothing when playing matches," said Deputy Kelly "It beggars belief that at a time when we should be working to continue encouraging women and girls to participate in sport we’d see an own goal like this from the Camogie Association the GPA published a study that found 70% of inter-county camogie players find skorts uncomfortable and 83% of players at least want the right to choose between wearing skorts and shorts No sportsperson should have to tog out in gear that’s unsuitable and uncomfortable "While a motion on this was defeated at last year’s congress I think we need to move faster on the issue of skorts before the next time delegates can vote on the uniform at congress in 2027 "I intend to speak to my Committee colleagues about inviting the Camogie Association to the Oireachtas Sports committee on this issue We simply shouldn’t still be forcing women to wear skorts in this day and age." A Kilkenny Missionary Sister is defying the Viet Cong and has refused to quit Saigon She has also lashed out at the United States refugee rescue operation from Vietnam accusing the Americans of ‘evacuating children for cuddling and prostitutes for sleeping with’ She is the Mother Provincial of the Good Shepherd Sisters in that country She was a founder member of the Community’s house in Saigon and she also helped establish a second convent in Vietnam READ NEXT: Exciting retail unit plans seek to help revitalise a central area of Kilkenny Saigon capitulated and up to mid-day no word had come through about her safety “We have got no word at all,” the Irish Provincial, Mother Teresa, told the Kilkenny People “We do know that with the exception of Sister Mary Mother Teresa was not surprised that Sister Mary had refused to quit Saigon “She is a person of tremendous faith and courage,” she said Sister Mary and Sister Fidelma refused to leave South Vietnam when British officials requested them to join the final British evacuation of Saigon last week The nuns are almost alone among British and British-protected social workers in refusing repeated appeals to leave The massive American evacuation of Vietnamese from Saigon was condemned by Sister Mary who said Americans were ignoring Vietnamese whose lives were at stake in a Communist South Vietnam and ‘evacuating children for cuddling and prostitutes for sleeping with’ “This last rush to the United States is the stupidest thing I have ever seen,” she said Why doesn’t the US give preference to the people who are threatened?” Taoiseach For CityTaoiseach Liam Cosgrave is coming to Kilkenny on Monday It will be his first visit to the city since his election as Taoiseach He will visit the Kilkenny Design Workshops before attending the Fine Gael convention in the Newpark Hotel Mr Cosgrave’s visit is of historical interest to the people of Kilkenny His late father, WT Cosgrave, who as TD for Carlow-Kilkenny was president of the Executive Council from 1922 to 1932 He was a frequent visitor to Kilkenny where he was first elected as a Sinn Féin member in the 1917 elections Kilkenny politician Kathleen Funchion has spoken of her relief at the conclusion of a court process that has seen her ex-partner jailed replacing Ms Funchion who was elected to the Dail Also working in Ms Funchion’s constituency office he served on the council for just over three years before losing the seat in the 2019 local elections Kilkenny Court heard the relationship was ‘dysfunctional’ and ‘on and off’ for five or six years Ms Funchion said Tyrrell persisted in making false allegations of unfaithfulness accessing her phone without her consent or knowledge and trying to force her to take a lie detector test She said Tyrrell had threatened to compromise her relationships with family members Ms Funchion said it had been ‘without a doubt the most difficult process that I have dealt with in my life’.“It was a situation of control; he always had to control the narrative and the relationship and did everything inhis power to continue this until the very end,” she said The Sinn Fein MEP described the ‘huge impact’ it had and continued to have on her She said it would have an impact on the rest of her life “It is something that will stay with me forever — the worry the disbelief of what has happened — will never leave,” she said Speaking to the Kilkenny People in the wake of Monday’s sentencing MEP Funchion said she was relieved it was over because you never know what’s going to happen in these situations I thought the judge was very fair,” she said but I walked out nearly feeling physically lighter and from the day you walk into the garda station when then-TD Funchion says she finally accepted things weren’t right And I don’t think I wanted to accept that it was the way things had gone that I was going to spend the rest of my life with You’re going through the grief of that situation too — not only is it all over The Sinn Fein MEP, who won her European seat last year specifically thanked the Protective Services Unit at Kilkenny Garda station for their support and hard work I don’t have the words to describe how amazing they are Ms Funchion said it has been a difficult few years, and now she can get back to focusing on her life and her busy job.READ MORE KILKENNY COURT NEWS HERE A Kilkenny man who survived abuse as a child in a local school is urging others who endured similar treatment to unburden themselves and share their story with someone to find healing he was a teacher at the CBS primary school Reporting restrictions have been lifted as no further matters are pending against O’ Flaherty He has stood trial on five previous occasions since 2022 and has 103 previous convictions for the indecent assault of 22 boys.\Convicted abuser Martin O’Flaherty at Kilkenny Courthouse in November 2020 PICTURE: CHRISTOPHER DUNNE Pat Hehir knows all too well that the court process and at long last — the naming of the abuser — will have stirred up difficult memories for many “We all have family and friends who have been impacted by this I would certainly make an appeal to those who haven’t come forward — talk to somebody,” he says “Share and unburden yourself from what you have needlessly carried for decades confusion — the only chance you have is by unburdening yourself he urges people to prepare themselves for how challenging it may be “If you are considering going through the criminal justice system there are things you need to know,” he says I wasn’t fully prepared for [what that entailed] I knew there was a request to have my counselling notes disclosed to the Defence.I had concerns about how they would be utilised.” The concerns were well founded: “They were used in a way to attack not just my character but that of a family member as well,” he says Pat feels much of the questioning in that first trial were less about what had happened to him and more about a family member whose similar experience had come up for discussion in his private counselling sessions “It was used to try and destroy me,” he says an unrelated childhood trauma he suffered was brought up in cross-examination “I bring this up because if someone is in a position where they are thinking about going through what we’ve gone through, they should be aware. Counselling notes could be used in that manner. And there is fallout, because you have been retraumatised.”READ MORE KILKENNY COURT NEWS HERE Pat feels that there is a growing sense among people involved that the disclosure of counselling notes may be inappropriate "I believe the primary purpose of the trial is to ensure the accused gets a fair trial That is not extended to the victim,” he says it should only be about matters pertaining to that trial “Current Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has acknowledged this and is giving the matter some thought.” In the CBS, the abuse took the form of inappropriate touching, primarily after being called to O’Flaherty’s desk at the front of the classroom In 2023, another Christian Brother, Liam Coughlan of Pine Grove was convicted of abusing 19 schoolboys when he was a teacher in the same school almost 50 years ago have also been the subject of abuse allegations Pat prepared himself extensively for the third - in terms of pre-trial “I would be very concerned that others who are out there… there is an ignorance of what happens I’d have friends that think that the trials were just about conveying our experience But it’s the cross-examination and the emotions that brings up “I was questioned about what my intentions were I told [the counsel for the accused] that I harbour no ill will or hatred towards his client.” He says it was an opportunity to express what had happened to him in a way not afforded to everyone is similar to how his abuser may have felt when Pat was just a nine-year-old boy standing at the top of the classroom with concurrent sentences often handed out rather than consecutive O’Flaherty is currently serving an effective sentence of eight years The special garda unit has now turned its attentions to other areas where offending priests were moved on to “God only knows what future investigations will reveal,” Pat says “Because he acted with impunity in our school Coughlan also went elsewhere and was made principal.” while his experience with the specialist garda unit were ultimately positive there still exists an attitude of disbelief among some “I had a lot of difficulty with that at the time I had to find the strength to keep going with it “But I want to acknowledge the role of the specialised protective unit I saw firsthand the extraordinary efforts they put into this.” Judge Sheahan said the victim impact statements demonstrated the effect and psychological damage on the men who have carried the “terrible consequences” with them for decades “Having gone through the trials and the subsequent fallout there are people who will never come forward But it’s hard to find peace when you are struggling with all these emotions needless experiences that have come from this “I don’t want to live in a society that is vengeful,” he says I don’t want to live in a society that is indifferent Pat is appealing to any victims of Brother Coughlan “Would I recommend going through the criminal justice system “My concern is the fellow survivors who are still out there,” he says “We have paved the way and made ‘a crossing’ The courts are a very turbulent experience READ MORE KILKENNY COURT NEWS HERE Aidan Nugent of Armagh during the 2024 All-Ireland quarter-final between Armagh and Roscommon at Croke Park Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open You are visiting us because we have something you value Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. CAMOGIE PLAYERS FROM the Kilkenny and Dublin senior teams were forced to change by match officials after the two teams arrived to the pitch wearing shorts rather than the mandated skorts this afternoon The senior camogie teams played in the Leinster Senior Semi Final at St Peregrine’s GAA Club in Blanchardstown today The move was in a coordinated protest against the “archaic” rule that camogie players must wear skorts – a skirt with a pair of shorts attached underneath – while playing The players were told to change by the referee who said that otherwise the match would not be allowed to take place The Kilkenny team stood on the pitch while the national anthem played all thirty players returned to the dressing room to change and emerged in the mandatory skorts to play the match Under the rules of the Camogie Association players must wear a “skirt/skort/divided skirt” while playing matches A referee can issue players with a yellow card for not wearing the correct uniform and a red card if they continue not to comply Kilkenny Camogie’s PRO Aoife Lanigan said that many players have reported annoyance at the mandated skort-wearing during games and the GAA are set to become one integrated body “If we are going in 2027 to join the three of them together if we’re all part of the GAA?” Lanigan said She pointed out that the camogie uniform has come through a slow but steady transformation over the years the uniform featured long skirts and pinafores The skort is the final hangover in the modern rendition The rules of the game cannot be changed until the congress in 2027 In a position paper released by the Gaelic Players Association earlier this week on the matter it reported that 83% of the 650 inter-county camogie players surveyed would prefer to wear shorts or believe that players should have the option to choose 70% reported discomfort while wearing skorts and 65% reported concerns about exposure in media content The GPA summarised that its position is that players should have the choice on whether they want to wear either a skort or shorts while playing Kilkenny won the match 4-11 to Dublin’s 2-12 Access to the comments facility has been disabled for this user Create an email alert based on the current article Patrick Rafter will conduct an 80-piece orchestra next weekend in St Canice’s Cathedral ‘An evening at the Oscars’ will see the ensemble performing your movie favourites in the incredible setting Or how about witnessing quite literally one of the world’s greatest pianists Patrick Rafter in an breathtaking programme at St Mary’s Cathedral The Marble City Music Festival will present these two concerts this weekend on Sunday All details and tickets can be found at marblecitymusicfestival.com and tickets are also available from Frank Wall Man’s Shop in Kilkenny City LOVE OF CLASSICAL MUSICSpeaking to artistic director Patrick Rafter, a Kilkenny man and celebrated as one of Ireland’s finest classical musicians, it is clear he aims to spread a love of classical music in his home city.READ MORE: WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY “Whether you’ve never been to a classical music concert before or whether you’re a seasoned music aficionado – there’s incredible joy to be experienced in each one of the festival’s concerts,” he says “Come and see for yourself — I can personally guarantee that you will have a wonderful time and feel truly welcomed and overjoyed by the music!” Patrick Rafter will conduct the 80 person strong Irish Doctors Orchestra in an incredible concert featuring an breathtaking programme of movie themes alongside Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and the iconic Schindler’s List theme that Patrick will perform from the violin Barry Douglas will perform the incredible Mussorkgsky’s ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ — a work that earned him first Prize Gold Medal at the Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow Douglas will be joined by Rafter for the sensational and epic Cesar Franck Sonata for violin and piano Follow the festival on Instagram and Facebook to see some videos of all the performers letters or records which shine a light on how the organisation engaged with farmers from previous generations The ‘span’ of stories the producers are interested in ranges from your grandparents or great grandparents’ time in the late 19th Century to the more recent decades of the 1950s Producer Brian Gray is particularly interested in maps or drawings from previous centuries relating to land still being farmed by the same family or other plots that would have been re-allocated by the Land Commission  Read next: NEW JOB - Kilkenny TD appointed party's Agriculture Spokesperson “You may also have records or correspondence from your or your parents’ engagement with the Land Commission from 1950s onwards?  You might be involved with a historical group or association in your area who is working locally to help preserve and record the stories of how the Land Commission influenced the development of your community?” The producers are interested in hearing from people who have strong stories to tell with an ultimate view to filming or profiling part of their family or community history “This was – and to an extent still is – a huge part of the story of the emergence of Ireland’s family farm system and we want to tell that hugely unreported story but by reference to the fam families involved and their own experiences and engagements” If anyone has an interest and thinks they can contribute to this series , the producers ask them to email info@whitethornfilms.ie in the first instance with an outline of you or your families story and what archive or records you may have Members of O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Club completed a two day cycle on Saturday which brought participants from St John's Park to Dungarvan via the Waterford Greenway and back again with all levels of ability on show SOS Kilkenny celebrates 50 years in operation in Kilkenny SOS Kilkenny will hold its annual Golf Classic will take place on Friday This year’s event holds special significance as SOS Kilkenny celebrates 50 years in operation in Kilkenny SOS Kilkenny has been dedicated to providing quality supports that ensure adults with intellectual disabilities can lead full and meaningful lives “We’re thrilled to mark our 50th anniversary with this beloved community event,” said CEO, Francis Coughlan. “The Golf Classic is a wonderful opportunity for friends and supporters to come together, enjoy a great day out, and help raise funds for our organisation.”CHECK OUT WHAT'S ON IN KILKENNY - ENTERTAINMENT Team registrations and sponsorship opportunities are now open. Registration for a team of four but you would still like to support the fundraiser All proceeds from the Golf Classic will directly support the continued work of SOS Kilkenny For more information, contact info@soskilkenny.com or 056-7764000.READ MORE KILKENNY COMMUNITY NEWS HERE Kilkenny comfortably saw off the challenge from Dublin in Round 3 of the Leinster Minor Hurling Championship Round-Robin Series in O’Toole Park Crumlin on Saturday afternoon to ease into the Leinster Semi-Final which will be played on Saturday READ NEXT: Shorts v skorts - Kilkenny camogie players involved in protest before match Kilkenny may yet face the young Dubs once again in that Semi-Final with the Metropolitans now scheduled to face Westmeath in the Quarter-Final next weekend Two first half goals would prove crucial to Kilkenny’s victory. Except for the opening twenty minutes of the game the sides were evenly matched with Kilkenny ahead by the narrowest of margins entering the closing ten minutes of the opening half Dublin’s Rory Flannery, landed the first of his twelve point return straight from the throw-in to give the home side a fine start, but the early lead did not last long. Following a neat bit of inter-play from the Kilkenny defence midfielder Diarmuid Behan broke through the Dublin rear-guard but was upended as he bore down on goal Jake Mullan impressively shot the resultant penalty to the Dublin net Dublin’s Rory Flannery, landed the first of his twelve point return straight from the throw-in to give the home side a fine start, but the early lead did not last long. Following a neat bit of inter-play from the Kilkenny defence A brace of points from Rory Flannery kept Dublin on Kilkenny’s coattails with the winners landing a superb point on eight minutes after another break from defence by Josh Dowling both sides worked hard for scores over the next ten minutes Christian Kane (Dublin) and Diarmuid Behan (Kilkenny) exchanged points was keeping the scoreboard ticking over for the young Cats Three Dublin points in a six minutes spell from Sean Culleton, Finn O’Donnell and Rory Flannery to which Eoin Brennan and Jake Mullan (’65) replied for Kilkenny left the winners ahead by a point on twenty minutes FOR MORE KILKENNY GAA NEWS, CLICK HERE Kilkenny were steadily edging control of the game with the interval approaching. The superb Ollie O’Donovan almost scored a second Kilkenny goal on twenty-five minutes with Dublin goalie Hugh Leahy alert to the John Lockes player’s effort But Donovan was not to be denied a goal one minute later when he was at the end of yet another dazzling run from the Kilkenny defence The young Dicksboro player passed the ball to on-rushing midfielder Diarmuid Behan who deftly flicked it into the path of Ollie O’Donovan who finished the sliothar to the Dublin net That goal pushed the margin out to six points and it remained that way at the interval with the teams sharing six points in the closing stages of the first half Kilkenny enjoyed wind advantage in the second half and while it was not significant it was beneficial nonetheless The home side again started well with a Daniel O’Connor point but Kilkenny’s ability to respond quickly to every Dublin score was testimony to the character in the team Ollie O’Donovan and outstanding midfielder Brian Hickey added further points for Kilkenny to extend their lead early in the new half Constant Kilkenny pressure saw Dublin concede several frees which were converted by Jake Mullan Ollie O’Donovan and Diarmuid Behan also landed points to edge the winners further ahead with each passing minute LISTEN: Grace Walsh, Derek Lyng and more - Kilkenny People Sport Podcast  Despite the margin between the sides on the scoreboard Dublin continued to deliver a spirited performance with their defence ensuring that Kilkenny did not add to the two goals they scored in the opening half The winners were happy to settle for points but the goal threat from the young Cats was always evident With Kilkenny strongly in control of the game entering the final quarter both sides made good use of their respective panels Ollie O’Donovan and sub Cian Byrne with a brace of points ensured that Kilkenny confidently marched into the Semi-Final in two weeks Apart from the closeness of the exchanges in the opening twenty minutes Kilkenny dominated the game despite the brave efforts of the home side The winner’s defence looked confident and assured with some great scores delivered after impressive 60 metre runs by defenders Perhaps on another day they won’t be afforded that amount of space against stronger opponents The Kilkenny midfield pairing of Diarmuid Behan and Brian Hickey gave the winners a strong edge in this sector of the field while in attack Ollie O’Donovan was the stand-out forward with Jake Mullen and Kevin Buggy also to the fore Despite Kilkenny’s comfortable win in O’Toole Park last Saturday the two teams may well have to do it all again in two weeks in the Leinster Semi-Final 1-0 Penalty; 0-6 Frees & 0-1 ’65); Ollie O’Donovan (1-3); Kevin Buggy (0-3); Diarmuid Behan 0-10 Frees); Daniel O’Connor (0-2): Christian Kane Finn O’Donnell &Conaill O’Sullivan (0-1 CAMOGIE PLAYERS FROM the Kilkenny and Dublin teams were forced to change by match officials after the two teams arrived to the pitch wearing shorts rather than the mandated skorts this afternoon The players’ move ahead of the Leinster senior championship semi-final was in a coordinated protest against the “archaic” rule that camogie players must wear skorts – a skirt with a pair of shorts attached underneath – while playing The rules of the game cannot be changed until Congress Kilkenny The Manicle family from Co Kilkenny are raising money for Down Syndrome Kilkenny (from L-R) Sean Manicle Families of children with Down Syndrome in Ireland say they have become accustomed to having doors to opportunities for their children “closed in their faces” as Down Syndrome children continue to be left without access to basic but vital services countless children with Down Syndrome have been left languishing on HSE waiting lists desperately trying to access vital services such as speech and language therapy shareholder pains: Glanbia’s structure under fireGlanbia may be well positioned to ride the global wellness wave but a growing number of its shareholders are questioning whether the company’s current structure is the right vehicle to capitalise on it Dublin Minor Hurling manager Martin Barry has named his panel for Saturday’s Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Hurling Championship clash with Kilkenny at O’Toole Park (2pm) The full 2025 Dublin Minor Hurling panel & management team can be found here. Match tickets for the game are available here. The game will be shown live on Clubber There will also be live updates on the Dublin GAA X page. File picture: The Oireachtas Essay Competition was devised by Senator Mullen with the support of the Ceann Comhairle’s Office and the Oireachtas Education Unit A Kilkenny student has been named national winner of the third annual Oireachtas Essay Competition Patrick Galvin, Abbey Community College was presented with his award last week. He was praised for writing a "thoughtful and balanced reflection on the significance of individual and political liberty in the context of nineteenth and twentieth century Irish history.” Patrick is no stranger to top essay-writing achievements He also previously won the Gráinne O’Neill Memorial Legal Essay Competition for TY students “We are delighted with the growing support for Aiste an Oireachtais – with a significant increase this year in the number of entries received,” says Competition Convenor we have had registrations and entries from almost half the secondary schools on the island of Ireland (47%) “It is clear that schools recognise the importance of getting students to think about our democracy and the need to work it for the common good.” The Oireachtas Essay Competition was devised by Senator Mullen with the support of the Ceann Comhairle’s Office and the Oireachtas Education Unit Senior Cycle students and AS/A Level students across the island of Ireland are invited to submit essays in Irish or English and to compete for a prize fund of €6,000 Hundreds of students registered for this year’s Competition which invited essays on the theme ‘Parliamentary Politics Liberates’ / ‘An tSaoirse agus an Pholaitíocht Pharlaiminteach’ – reflecting the 250th Anniversary of the birth of ‘The Liberator’ Retention permission has been granted, subject to conditions, for the 'change of use' of a meat processing plant to a catering takeaway and sit-down restaurant at Unit 1, Dore’s Factory, Abbey Street, Kilkenny The planning application submitted to the local authority also sought permission for retention of external signage and all associated site works Planning documents relay that the food being prepared at the premises 'comprise [sic] of Indian cuisine' READ NEXT: Huge step forward in development of new 'best-in-class' brewery in Kilkenny The documents also state that the hours of operation will be between 12pm (noon) – 9.30pm The Kilkenny senior camogie team and their Dublin opponents made the protest before their Leinster semi-final The Kilkenny senior camogie team could face sanctions after they were involved in a player protest The Cats and their opponents Dublin were part of a campaign to allow players to wear shorts instead of regulation skorts All 30 starting players took the field in shorts but were told by match officials to change into skorts or the game would be abandoned The protest came after news that over 70% of players surveyed by the Gaelic Players Association reported discomfort while wearing skorts The survey recorded responses from 650 intercounty camogie players with 83% reporting players should have the option to choose either shorts or skorts Dublin and Kilkenny players left the pitch at St Peregrine’s GAA club in Blanchardstown around the National Anthem Both sides changed into regulation skorts before the game was thrown in Kilkenny would go on to win the game by 4-11 to 2-12 but it remains to be seen whether the Camogie Association will take action Lo-call 1800 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie.