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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 1
THE KILKENNY FREE EVERY THURSDAY
REPO
O
ORTER
Thursday, February 13, 2020 www.kilkennypeople.ie 056 7791000
WAREHOUSE
CLEARANCE
NOW ON
INSTORE & ONLINE
www.allens.ie
2 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)
Eight week course in Kilkenny Feb 18th to April 7 th
Morning 10.30 to 1pm or evening 7 to 9.30pm
Imagine finding new tools for living with greater ease, joy, depth, resilience and
balance. Mindfulness is one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself and those
you share your life with.
MBSR is a world renowned evidence based programme developed by
Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn at the Center for Mindfulness (CFM), University of
Massachusetts Medical School almost 40 years ago.
This course is participatory, supportive and structured and
is open to anyone who would like to invest time
learning new ways to enhance wellbeing
and live life with awareness and
presence.
Taught by an experienced teacher
with a Masters in Mindfulness
Based Interventions from UCD.
Secure your place with
€80.00 deposit.
Full fee €268.00 for eight 2.5
hr sessions and one full day of
practise.
CPD Cert for 26hrs available on
completion
For More Information and to book your
place please visit
https://www.mindfulfacilitation.
com/workshops-retreats/
Contact Dee 086 853 9227
email deehennessy01@gmail.com
Next MBSR course in Kilkenny starts April 21 st . Early booking advisable.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 3
THE KILKENNY FREE EVERY THURSDAY
REPO
O
ORTER
Thursday, February 13, 2020 www.kilkennypeople.ie 056 7791000
TWINKLE-TOED
Aidan ‘Taggy’ Fogarty, Kilkenny’s ace hurling star turned
twinkle-toes and heartthrob on RTÉ’s Dancing with the Stars
programme will step it out at the front of Kilkenny City’s St
Patrick’s Day Parade for 2020.
The Urlingford native, an eight-time All-Ireland senior hurling
TAGGY TO LEAD
winner has accepted the honour bestowed by the St Patrick’s Day
committee and will follow many other sporting and community
figures to step it out on the route from the Market Yard, starting
at 1.30pm, through High Street past the reviewing stand on the
ST PATRICK’S
Parade, through Rose Inn Street and finishing once again in the
Market Yard.
The parade will be followed for the first time by a major street
party in John Street on the ‘continent’ side of the River Nore. This
will include live music by some of Ireland’s best groups,
DAY PARADE
including Kila and the new Kilkenny samba band, food stalls,
face-painting, set dancing and DJ more. Joining Taggy at the
announcement were Mayor Cllr Martin Brett and Cllr Peter 'Chap'
Cleere, Chairperson, Kilkenny County Council
PICTURE: MAXWELL PHOTOGRAPHY
4 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
NEWS
All change in Dancing
Switch Up week
SIAN MOLOUGHNEY
sian.moloughney@iconicnews.ie
It was Switch Up week for the cast of
Dancing with the Stars, this week,
and it made for some interesting
performances!
And it was a Kilkenny dancer who
topped the scoreboard on the night.
Kilkenny All-Ireland hurler Aidan
Fogarty waved goodbye to his usual
professional dance partner Emily
Barker, for one week, and took to the
floor with Kylee Vincent.
They danced the Cha-Cha-Cha to
Feels Like Home by Sigala.
It was a rare blip in dancing form
from the usually impressive hurler
turned dancer.
Afterwards a very honest Aidan
admitted “maybe tonight wasn’t my
best”.
Judge Julian called it a “tropical,
pop-ical cha-cha” while Brian felt it Kylee Vincent danced wtih Aidan Fogarty for Switch Up week on Dancing
had “a great party feel to it” but told with the Stars to perform a cha-cha-cha
Aidan that the performance “wasn’t
up to your usual standards”. to Guilty by Paloma Faith. from the judges, which proved to be
Aidan scored 18 points from the Judge Loraine described the the night’s top score.
judges. dance as “dark and moody” and This coming weekend Dancing
Meanwhile, Kilkenny pro dancer “outstanding,” while Julian said they with the Stars returns to its more
John Nolan was teamed up with turned the Viennese waltz “upside familiar slot of Sunday evening on Kilkenny professional dancer John Edward Nolan danced with Sinéad
Sinéad O’Carroll for one week. down.” RTE One and the dancers will be back O’Carroll for Dancing with the Stars Switch Up week - and they
They danced the Viennese Waltz Sinéad and John scored 27 points with their original partners. scored the highest marks of the night from the judges!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD
1PM-5PM
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 5
Tweed coat as
seen on Emily
O’Donnell,
€299.
Red Mills Race Day & Style Event
SATURDAY 15TH OF FEBR
RUARY
Top notch pre Cheltenham Racing g
Best Dressed
•
• Fashion shows & Pop-up Shop
Lady & Gent • Style Sessions with Marietta Doran
Will each win a €500 voucher • Best dressed competition
for the RED MILLS Store PLUS • Celebrity judges - Stylist Emily O’Donnell & Presenter
a 2 night stay & evening meal Edward Hayden
in a Talbot Collection hotel of • Free buses leaving from the Parade
their choice!
• For more info see www.redmillsstore.ie and follow
‘RED MILLS Store’ on facebook
RED MILLS • DUBLIN ROAD • KILKENNY
www.redmillsstore.ie
6 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
NEWS
Entries in for Red Mills Race Day
Entries have been announced for Cedarwood Road, a winner at the
the Red Mills Hurdle and Red Mills Leopardstown Christmas Festival.
Chase at Gowran Park on Saturday, The first race on the day is off at
with both feature races now worth 1.10pm. Gates will open at 11am and
€60,000. the Red Mills Style Marquee will be
The Grade 2 Connolly’s Red Mills open from 11.30am where there is a
Chase looks like a very hot race. pop up store, fashion shows
Willie Mullins has three in the field throughout the day with stylist
including the highest rated entry Marietta Doran, and the Best
Real Steel, a Grade 2 winner at Dressed competition, judged by
Thurles last time out, last season’s Emily O’Donnell and Edward
Irish Gold Cup winner Bellshill, and Hayden, where the winning lady &
Voix Du Reve a winner at Grade 1 gent will each receive a €500
level at the Fairyhouse Easter voucher for the Red Mills Store and a
Festival last year. two night stay in a Talbot Collection
Henry de Bromhead, winner of Hotel.
last year’s renewal with the Rachael Complimentary buses depart
Blackmore-ridden Monalee, has from close to the gates of Kilkenny
entered Chris’s Dream, a Grade 2 Castle at 12 noon. They return at
winner over fences last season and 5pm and 7pm. The later bus is to
more recently winner of the accommodate After Dark fans who
Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan take to the stage in the Heineken
in November. Live marquee at 4.45pm and will
play for two hours. There is also live
Who will get their hands on the big prize at this year’s Red Mills Race Day? music in the Thyestes Bar which is
the ground floor bar from just
Gordon Elliott’s three entries, Barry Geraghty and trainer Joseph the larger obstacles of late. He was before the last race.
Hardline, Shattered Love and Death O’Brien, could bid for a repeat an impressive winner of the Grade 2 The best priced general
Duty are all Grade 1 winning success. From the Gordon Elliott Hilly Way Chase at Cork in admission tickets are available for
chasers. While Emmet Mullins will yard, Mengli Khan and Graded December with Goffs Thyestes €12 on GowranPark.ie, admission
be represented by Zero Ten, an winner Surin are entered for winning jockey Danny Mullins on the gate will be €15. Tickets
exciting novice chaser and winner owners Gigginstown House Stud. onboard. bought online can be scanned on a
of the Red Mills Irish EBF Auction An interesting entry comes in the Fozzy Stack doesn’t have many phone or printed to ensure prompt
Hurdle at the Punchestown Festival form of the highly rated Cilaos runners over hurdles, but his Carlo access through the express entries.
last season. Emery, from the local yard of Biraghi, a winner last time out in Gold and silver packages can also be
In the Grade 3 Red Mills Hurdle, champion trainer Willie Mullins, Punchestown is a possible runner purchased on Gowran Park’s
Darasso, successful last year for which has been campaigning over as is the Gearoid O’Loughlin-trained website.
Valentines Special
Exam, Scale, & Polish €50
Orthodontics Scale & Polish €40
Teeth Whitening €199
10% Discount for Students
Book Now for 2020
PRSI Examination, Scale and polish €15
Late Evening, Saturday and Sunday Appointments Now Available
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 7
8 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
NEWS
Over joyed Wonderful Valentine’s
ROUNDUP in Carlow
An overjoyed family
syndicate from Carlow
have recounted the
play
Take Off Your
Cornflakes is a play
about Alzheimer’s that
sell-out
The annual Valentine’s
night black tie event in
aid of the Carlow
moment they realised was developed by Kilkenny home Care
they had won last actors, Rose Team in the Ormonde
Saturday’s €2,773,649 Henderson (Father Hotel on Friday is sold
Lotto Jackpot. Ted, Fair City) and Pat out. Set up by Mary
The winning ticket Nolan (Fair City) partly Harrington in 2011. Since
was sold in Rath’s Londis based on Rose’s own then it’s raised more than
store in Pollerton, located personal experiences €100,000 for three local
in Carlow Town. with her father who groups: Irish Wheelchair
The family have been had the illness. Association and Enable
playing Lotto together you can see it in The Ireland at the O’Neill
religiously for the past Watergate on Saturday Centre and the Home
five years. night. Care Team
Romantic Defib Meeting Increase in
nation A public meeting
speed snaps
WB Yeats thought will be held in Gardai will have 29 speed
romantic Ireland was the Community camera zones in Kilkenny
dead and gone, but Centre, from Monday. That
research from Ancestry, Mullinavat, on includes 17 new zones.
shows that our Irish Thursday, Since 2010, Gardai
ancestors were romantic.
Leading the romantic
February 20, at
8pm, to discuss
Crocus Celebration have contributed to
making roads safer
revolution is Dublin. A the need for this issue is through the use of safety
The famous year, on
10-minute walk from additional welcome to cameras, using a service
Mount Congreve February 14, to
where St Valentine’s defibrillator attend, especially provider GoSafe to
Gardens is set to showcase over
remains are interred, provision in anyone who operate them. The
celebrate the 20,000 Crocuses
parish records 1655 – 1915 Mullinavat and would like to purpose of safety cameras
Crocus for the in flower at the
show that a Mr Valentine Bigwood. undertake a is to reduce speed related
first time. The gardens, just 10
Day was baptised on Anyone with course on the use collisions, lessen injuries
Gardens will minutes from
Meath Street. an interest in of a defibrillator. and save lives.
open early this Waterford City.
Home Heating Oil Offer for
Kilkenny Residents KILKENNY
FREEPH
HONE
H ONE 18
1800
800 788 777
8
before 6pm on Friday, 21st Febru
uary 2020 and quote ‘KILKENNY’ to avail of this offer
© 2020 Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited. All rights reserved. TEXACO, TEXOIL and the Star T Logo are registered trademarks owned by Chevron Intellectual Property LLC. Used with permission.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 9
10 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
NEWS
Research shows
our ancestors
were a
romantic bunch
AARON KORTHOUT
news@iconicnews.ie records show a real life
Romeo and Juliet Richard
WB Yeats may have thought who lived in Montana in 1920
romantic Ireland was dead, Love has not always been
but research from in the air for everyone in our
Ancestry.com shows that our history. Along with the 52
ancestors were a romantic people surnamed Loveless,
bunch Alice Curtis is listed in the
Leading the romance 1901 census as ‘unfortunately
revolution is Dublin. A short single’ and Madge Heffernan
walk from St Valentine’s made it clear she was ‘on the
burial site, the Catholic lookout’ in her census entry
Parish Records show that a 690 ‘Singletons’ managed
Valentine Day was baptised to get married between 1845
on the 14th July 1751. and 1958, maybe thanks to
A further 1,206 Thomas Tinder or Mary
Valentines, which are Grinder, one of 45 people
recorded in the All Ireland, named Grinder in Ireland at
Catholic Parish Registers, the time
over 1000 families named a Ancestry spokesman, Joe
child Love, an example being Buggy, said: “Names are such
Love Hitchcock, who died in an important part of our
1874 according to the Ireland, family history. Along with
Shining a light on intellectual disability
Civil Registration Deaths being passed down through
Index. The Catholic Parish the generations, they can also
Registers show there were give us some great insight into
two Shifts born in Ireland, a popular themes of the time.” Taking part in the Social Ability Carlow/Kilkenny communication workshop were Kate Nolan, Niamh Quirke and Debbie
poor outcome for the shifters For more see Brennan PICTURE: CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
who frequent dance floors all www.ancestry.ie
over Ireland. Overseas,
Private Nursing Residential Care
TINNYPARK
Nursing Home
We at Tinnypark Nursing Home are committed to providing
a person centered holistic service which endeavours to
promote the respect and dignity of our residents in a homely
setting that offers privacy, choice and independence.
The management team at Tinnypark are highly trained and are
supported by a team of dedicated staff who continuously strive
to raise standards of care.
If you have any queries about Tinnypark, eligibility for or how
to apply for the Fair Deal Scheme. Please feel free to visit us
for a tour of our nursing home where we will answer all your
questions. We will be delighted to see you.
Tinnypark Nursing Home is situated in tranquil grounds on
the main Callan Road about 1.5 miles from the Hotel Kilkenny
roundabout.
T: 056 7771550
E: info@tinnyparknursinghome.com
W: www.tinnyparknursinghome.comTHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 11
Opening hours:
WiFi
Monday-Friday: 8am-7pm
Available
Saturday 9am -6pm
TYRELAND
CUFFESGRANGE (On The Kilkenny/Callan Road)
TEL: 056-7729111 | 087-1486860
Here at Tyreland, we aim to provide you with a fast and reliable
service whether it’s a big or small job.
We have a huge range of tyres to suit all Tractors, Lorries, trailers
and agricultural needs, from wheelbarrows to earthmovers.
Our service van is available 24/7 for any breakdown or fitting of tyres at your convenience.
Mobile Number: 0871486860
We also supply and fit batteries for cars, vans, jeeps and tractors from €45.
Call in for a free battery test if you are in doubt.
While you wait we have a waiting room with a free cup of tea or coffee
All major cards accepted.12 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
SOCIAL SCENE
KILKENNY&PROUD
KIL
with Siobhan Donohoe
w
Out and about with the Reporter’s ambassador
em
mail: siobhan.donohoe@kilkennypeople.ie Instagram: @sibhy_d Twitter: @DonohoeSiobhan
Clubbing together for the
Village and L’Arche
I
n November 2019, several “We have two buses that badly
willing and brave need to be replaced,” he said.
contestants took part in the “There are many things that
Qube Competition as a L’Arche Kilkenny have been able to
fundraiser for James do due to fundraising efforts, so
Stephens GAA Club and their thank you to everyone who takes
charity partner L’Arche. part. This is the start of a new
The result was €30,000 in funds
raised, with €9,100 going to
fundraising drive for L’Arche, we
have two people in training for the HERO OF
L’Arche. I attended the cheque
presentation on Tuesday in
L’Arche premises in Callan and to
Dublin City Marathon. All ideas
and help are greatly appreciated.”
Paddy Neary, Chairman of the
THE WEEK
say there was fierce excitement James Stephens GAA Club was at
would be an understatement! L’Arche on Tuesday for the cheque
L’Arche is a group of over 130 presentation. I chatted to him
worldwide communities where about how the funds will help his
people with and without Club.
intellectual disabilities share life “The Village are planning a new
together in community. L’Arche phrase of the Parc Sheamuis
Kilkenny was founded in Stiophan on the Kells Road,” he
Kilmoganny in 1978 and has been said. “Currently we have 37 acres
based in Callan since 1995. and changing rooms, we need to Volunteers, staff and core members at the cheque presentation for James
Today they look after 26 core now start building a communal Stephens GAA to L’Arche Kilkenny
members, ageing from 21 to 70 area, a kitchen and a shop.”
years old. They have three James Stephens GAA is home to
residential houses and four nearly 700 members and 350
independent chalets. juveniles. Neary added “the new
With a day service from 9am to team partnership between the
4pm, they run weaving workshops, Village and L’Arche goes a long way
candle and card making, all of to help the Club. It was our main Siobhan Donohoe with Mary
which are available to purchase by fundraiser for 2019, but we need to Harrington
the public. They are also the first keep coming up with something
L’Arche in Ireland to have a café new every year. All the voluntary
shop, which is also based in Callan. work for the Club helps massively.” Mary
Chris Hayes the Community
Director was delighted with the
If you would like to fundraise or
volunteer for L’Arche Kilkenny, Harrington
fundraising through the Qube. please contact 056-7725628.
Mary Harrington this week
was nominated by one of her
work colleagues for hero of
the week and deservedly so.
Mary has been running
the annual fundraising
Valentine’s Ball in aid of the
Home Care Team for the past
ten years. She has raised an
extraordinary amount
€110,000 over that time.
ABOVE: Paddy Neary, This is Mary’s last year
Chairman of the involved in the Ball, which
James Stephens GAA will be held on Friday in the
Club presenting a Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel.
cheque to Rachel Congratulations Mary,
Roche and Patrick you are some woman for one
Brunnock from woman, and it’s a pleasure to
L’Arche give a shout out for all your
hard work and
LEFT: Siobhan contributions!
Volunteers and staff at L’Arche who took part in the Qube. Back row (from Donohoe in the card
left:) Linsey Egan with son Billy, Claire Henriques, Jackie Jackman, making room
Sinead Butler. Front row: Paddy Millea, Peggy Lyons, Paddy Neary
(Chairman of the James Stephens GAA Club) and Majella Flynn PICTURES:
CHRISTOPHER DUNNETHURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 13
SOCIAL SCENE
Ruth Calder-Potts and Siobhan Donohoe practising a
little yoga in the Orchards at Highbank
PICTURE: CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
Pink to make
the boys wink!
Vinny, Lucy and Gary Yeates from Flowers by Lucy PICTURE: CHRISTOPHER DUNNE
Organic Pink Flamingo keen yogi, foodie, actor,
Gin from Highbank photographer and
Keep your Roses - and Love - alive! Organic Orchards is a
playful Gin for
author. She has recently
joined the family
Valentine’s! business.
Roses are red and violets are blue, if long after the romantic gesture! She we are at the other end of the phone to With strong overtones Ruth has hit the
you were a flower, I’d pick you! recommends that you get a good grade help you.” of apple and juniper, it ground running,
Roses are still the most popular rose about 70/80cm long, “we stock Lucy, and her sons Gary and Vinny, is a Single Estate Gin branching out with
declaration of love blossoming on long stem red Naomi roses, they will gave me the grand tour of their shop with everything grown, Highbank Orchards
Valentine’s Day. As the saying goes - certainly last with some with some and showroom in the Hebron Industrial distilled and bottled on cookbooks. We all know
the longer the stem, the truer the love. love and care. Once you have a good Estate. It’s a one stop shop for Highbank Farm in the benefits of organic
There’s actually a lot of truth in this; grade rose, keep them in a cool place, everything rose-mantic. They stock Cuffsgrange, Co. apple cider vinegar, so
the better the stem, the stronger the and use the cut flower food that comes chocolates, teddy bears, vases and Kilkenny. the cookbooks are
rose and there’s nothing like a solid with them. It is also important to cut balloons. With the Pink taking it to another level
foundation in both relationships and the stems at a sharp angle to open up Flowers By Lucy Kilkenny is based in Flamingo Gin there are showing us how to
roses! the flowers drinking cells”. Unit 16, Hebron Business Park on the subtle undertones of incorporate it and other
There’s no fear of the Flowers by Gary Yeates told me when it comes to Hebron Road, Kilkenny, or phone 056 blackcurrant, cinnamon, Highbank products into
Lucy’s roses wilting. I popped into the writing your perfect Valentines 776 2585 for orders. If you are not in the coriander, lavender and seasonal recipes.
six time Chelsea Flower Show winner greeting - ‘don’t be afraid to make it Valentines frame of mind, don’t forget citrus. For me, it makes Volume One is
Lucy Yeates to get some top tips on special, there’s plenty of room on the that Mother’s Day is around the corner the perfect Valentines available in Kilkenny’s
preserving your Valentine’s boutique, card for your romantic messages and on Sunday 22 March! gift (hint, hint Mr. Book Centre, The Little
Donohoe!). Green Grocer and on the
I had the pleasure last farm at Highbank. You
week of paying a visit to can read more about
Highbank, to meet the this brilliant Kilkenny
newest member of the cookbook in this week’s
team – Ruth Kilkenny Life, of the
Calder-Potts. Ruth is a Kilkenny People.
ABOVE: Siobhan Donohoe –
The longer the stem, the
truer the love!
RIGHT: The Flowers by Lucy
Team gearing up for a busy
Valentine’s Day
BOTTOM RIGHT: Florist team
Audrone, Laura and Heather
with Lucy Yeates
Siobhan Donohoe with her beloved Organic Pink Flamingo
Gin PICTURE: CHRISTOPHER DUNNE14 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
NEWS
Quality home heating oil at Discovery Park
competitive prices opens for February
Texoil, one of the leading home
mid term break
heating oil suppliers in the country,
continues to serve its customers in Say hello to the arrival of
Waterford and South Kilkenny with Spring with a visit to
quality fuel at competitive prices. Castlecomer Discovery Park
Renowned for the quality of its this mid term break.
fuel, Texoil is the only authorised The park will open from
distributor of the Texaco brand in the February 15 to the 23 for fun
area and supplies home heating oil, and active adventure.
road and agri diesel to domestic, Donal Fenton, Discover your
industrial, commercial, transport, Pat Hennessy adventurous side with a trip secured to wooden posts
marine and agricultural customers and Dave down Ireland’s longest throughout the 80 acres of
there. Eardley - the zipwire, some cloud walking woodland.
Fronting operations locally is team at Texoil on the majestic Octagon High The trails can be done at
driver Donal Fenton from Waterford Ropes course, archery or ease or for those that want a
who has been working in the oil navigating the tree top walk challenge can be completed
industry for over 20 years. He’s made Pat Hennessy, who previously litres of kerosene until 6pm on which overlooks the river by competing for time. This
countless deliveries and covered worked with Texoil, has re-joined the February 21. Deen. provides the opportunity for
every road and by-way in Waterford, company after Valero Marketing To avail of this offer, please call our This year the park is participants to return and do
South Kilkenny, Tipperary and Ireland Limited, the company who office on 1800 788 777 where staff will offering free orienteering a longer and more advanced
Carlow during this time and is now markets fuel in Ireland under the be happy to assist you. Texoil operate when you spend €30 or more trail as an individual, in pairs,
looking forward to seeing his old Texoil brand, recently acquired J&M a Budget Payment Plan scheme on activities. This is an or as a team.
customers and to meeting new ones Oils in Wexford, a former Texaco which is convenient to spread the opportunity to try a new Castlecomer Discovery
again in the months ahead. branded distributor. cost of purchases across several activity and potentially a new Park is a sure way to break
Dave Fardey, formerly from Pat, who is based in south months. hobby for 2020. There are cabin fever and ditch the
Woodstown in Waterford but now Kilkenny and is a fanatical Kilkenny “Our metered deliveries, three permanent digital screens for exercise,
living in Kilmacow, joined the Texoil supporter, has been in the oil approved to National Standards orienteering trails are set up activity and adventure, no
brand in 2017 having worked in the oil business for over 20 years and is Authority of Ireland standards, mean in the woodland to matter what the weather,
industry for over 11 years. Dave, who looking forward to providing his Texoil customers can be sure of complement the range of giving them a mid-term break
is involved with Kilmacow Soccer valued customers with a great service getting the correct amount of quality recreational activities here at that’s worth talking about
Club, is looking forward to seeing his again. fuel every time they order a fill from the park. back at school.
customers too over the coming Now with a cold snap upon us, us,” added Donal. “We’re local, and These courses vary in the The boats and canoes will
months and to providing them with customers are being offered a Dave and I look forward to delivering distance; 1.6km short, 2.4 km remain closed during this
the excellent delivery service that competitive price of €220 for 300 a high quality service to all our medium and 3km long. Each week. For more see
they’ve come to expect from him. litres of kerosene or €345 for 500 customers this season.” course has a number of codes www.discoverypark.ie.THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 15
16 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
NEWS
From Graignamanagh to Listowel!
The works of Kerry playwright, The Field, Many Young Men of Keane’s most colourful B Keane. I have always felt a deep
poet and novelist, John B Keane Twenty, The Chastitute, Sive and characters and the richness and connection with the works of John
have always held a special place in many more of John B. Keane’s well evocativeness of the language in his B Keane since I first saw Big Maggie
the heart of Graignamanagh man, known and much loved pieces, all texts. performed by the Duiske Players,
Edward Hayden, actor, celebrity of which paint a very true and Hayden will also recite a of which I am now a member, in the
chef from Virgin Media’s ‘Ireland understandable picture of Irish number of poems from ‘The Abbey Hall in Graignamanagh in
AM’ and food lecturer. culture. Street’, a collection of poems by 1995 with Carmel Ryan in the title
He will perform extracts from The Bull McCabe will be on Keane. role and Paul Hickey directing.
Keane’s works in a once-off night in stage as will Big Maggie along with WATERGATE “I am so looking forward to
St John’s Theatre, Listowel, in aid Dinzie Conlee, the notorious Last Summer Edward played to performing this show in Listowel
of the Aras Mhuire, Listowel on hunchback in Sharon’s Grave-the full houses in Kilkenny’s Watergate and trust that the audiences who
Saturday February 22. purpose of the evening is not to Theatre with this one-man show will be well familiar with the text
On the evening Edward will present a play but to introduce the celebrating Keane’s work. and indeed the cultural Edward Hayden on his way to
perform excerpts from Big Maggie, audience into some of John B. “It will be a celebration of John significance ” Mr Hayden said. Kerry with John B Keane show
Bloods - A first
at the new
Butler Gallery
SEAN KEANE to one of the sites previous
sean.keane@iconicnews.ie
iterations as a military
barracks and will act as an
The first major, temporary important opening
exhibition to be staged at the exhibition for the Butler
new Butler Gallery at Evans Gallery at Evans’ Home and
Home will be Bloods by for the people of Kilkenny.
Amelia Stein. It will run from RICHARD MOSSE
May 15 to July 26. The Butler Gallery, in
Since 2015, Amelia has collaboration with the
been photographing the Kilkenny Arts Festival, will
Defence Forces of Ireland, launch the Irish premier of
focusing on the men and Kilkenny-born Richard
women of the James Mosse’s triple-screen
Stephens Barracks in installation Incoming’ in its
The magnificent Manor House at Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny Kilkenny. The barracks, a new double height gallery at
village onto itself, includes a Evans Home.
handball alley, which This is the first time a
Keeping mum at the
provided Stein with an ideal work of this scale and nature
daylight studio where she has been possible to exhibit
situated herself for her in Kilkenny.
extensive photo shoots. The work was first shown
five-star Lyrath Estate
Stein has produced a rich in the Barbican's Curve
and varied portfolio of black Gallery in 2017 and was made
and white portraits of the in response to the mass
Forces highlighting their migration crisis unfolding
various skills and trades. across Europe, the Middle
Each role is respected and East and North Africa, the
claims equal importance, largest displacement of
To celebrate Mother’s Day, the Five 17th Century Manor House. Oasis Spa provide a blend of from the sniper in his people since WWII.
Star Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny has This is complimentary for anyone traditional luxury, elegance and style Ghillien suit for camouflage, Incoming documents the
created several packages. who books Mother’s Day lunch at that ensures each client immerses a map-reader with his tools, journeys of refugees into
The luxurious hotel is set on 170 two AA Rosette Yew Restaurant on their mind, body and soul in pure the cooks with their aprons Europe.
acres of mature woodland yet is only Sunday, March 22 (€35 per adult, €15 indulgence. and ladles, a first medical Mosse has employed a
five minutes from the city centre. per child). After your spa treatment, an responder, to the dog handler military grade
It offers all kind of treats that will If you want to treat the leading elegant afternoon of sipping tea and with their new mascot, a thermographic surveillance
make the mum in your life feel extra lady in your life to an overnight get nibbling delicate sweet and savoury wolfhound named Finn. camera that can detect
special. away, Lyrath Estate has created an bites will be served in The Atrium. As all are trained for human body heat from
This gorgeous Kilkenny property overnight package, A Mother’s Love The Atrium, with floor to ceiling Ceremonial duty, there was 30km.
is serving Mother’s Day lunch with a (from €117 per person sharing, glass windows offering glorious an easy bearing when each Designed for long range
difference this year. available on Sunday, March 22only) panoramic views of the estate and subject took their stance in border enforcement,
The team at the hotel know family which includes bed and breakfast formal gardens, is a relaxing, elegant front of the camera to be battlefield awareness and
time is often quite rare and special and a 25-minute spa treatment in the space. photographed. search and rescue, the
and therefore have arranged for a award-winning Oasis Spa. Guests can book the Pamper Me In addition to honouring technology of the camera is
professional photographer to take a The highly experienced and Afternoon Tea package to show the Defence Forces of Ireland, part of the military
family portrait on the steps of the therapists at the award-winning Mum just how important she is. this body of work pays tribute humanitarian complex.THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 17
THE MONTH OF
AT M A R K E T C R O S S
ART AND HOBBY •CARPHONE W/H • COMPUGEEK •HIGHBROW
• DEALZ • ACUPUNCTURE • FUNTECH • GAMESTOP • HOLLAND &
B A R R E T T • S P E C S AV E R S • L ’ O C C I T A N E • H A P P Y T I M E S • K I L K E N N Y
C A F E • S U P E R VA L U • P E N N E Y ’ S • M O N S O O N • N O L A N S J E W L L E R S •
P E T E R M A R K • R A D I C A L • C E X • I N S O M N I A • S P E C S AV E R S • H O U S E O F
P R E T Z E L • T A I L O R O F B L U E • T H E S K I N A L C H E M I S T • PA C O • U N I F O R M
W O R L D • V E R O M O D A • WA L L I S • L A D I C H I M N E Y C A K E S • T H E
N AT U R A L H E A LT H S T O R E • S H O E Z O N E • E I R • G O L D E N D I S C S
www.marketcross.ie image: Freepik.com Design by Sini Design18 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
NEWS
Trojan fundraising from
The Rower National School
MARY CODY
mary.cody@iconicnews.ie
The Rower NS Parents Council gathered to
present Marymount NS Board of Management County Hall: The council has
with a cheque for €7,000. granted permission
These proceeds were as a result of fundraising
efforts in 2019 including sponsored walks,
Christmas draws and a fundraising cabaret.
The Parents Council have some exciting Ballyhale
glamping
activities planned for young and old in 2020
which they hope can match the huge success of
the previous year.
OPERATION TRANSFORMATION
Next up will be an Operation Transformation
sponsored walk on March 1 in The Rower GAA
camp gets
pitch followed by a fundraising event in
Murphy’s Bar on Easter Saturday (April 11).
Chairperson of the Parents Council Richard
green light
Murphy thanked everyone who contributed
during 2019 and hoped that this support would SAM MATTHEWS
sam.matthews@iconicnews.ie
continue into 2020.
Mary McCormack, principal of Marymount
NS also thanked everyone for supporting the Conditional planning
fundraising and also the diligence, drive and permission has been granted
commitment of each of the Parents Council. facilities so that all of The Rower NS pupils have achieve personal and academic development,” for a new glamping park in
“The funds will be used to upgrade learning the best possible environment in which to she said. Kiltorcan, Ballyhale.
The application, from
Colin Fennelly, is for the
construction of a new short
stay / holiday camping park
Tower Hotel consisting of 11 glamping
pods, with a floor area of
23.91sqm. The external finish
and Leisure of the pods will consist of
black tile effect to the rear
Centre roof and curved sides, with
timber cladding to front.
The proposed site is
upgraded to located within Mountain
View Golf Club at Kiltorcan,
four stars around 2km south-east of
Ballyhale. Each pod will be
placed on a concrete pad.
There will be pedestrian
The Tower Hotel and Leisure routes from the club house to
Centre in Waterford is delighted access the pods, and access to
to announce that it has been the pods via golf buggy.
upgraded from 3-star to a 4-star The scheme also involves a
rating by Fáilte Ireland. new bore well, sewerage
Located in the heart of treatment system and
Ireland’s oldest city, the Tower percolation area, and parking
Hotel and Leisure Centre has area. The application also
recently completed a massive says there will be two people
renovation project which employed as a result of the
includes all 134 bedrooms proposed development. A
undergoing a full refurbishment. letter from the owner of the
Since early 2018, the hotel has The winning team at the Tower Hotel and Leisure Centre in Waterford which was recently upgraded to a golf course was submitted to
received a landmark investment 4-star rating allow the applicant to make
that has enabled them to the application on his lands
completely upgrade all areas of and a right of way has been
the hotel and leisure centre. This dining destination in Waterford Hotel and Leisure Centre said: extensive Conference Facilities, shown.
includes an extended and stylish with a new à la carte menu “We are absolutely delighted the hotel also consists of an “Having regard to the
new lobby with atrium, plus a created by the talented Head to be upgraded to a 4-star hotel. excellent leisure centre which development management
beautiful refurbishment of the Chef, Joe Doherty. The team here have worked includes a 20-metre swimming standards set out above, it is
Ardmore Suite Ballroom and Pier 37 Bar & Grill with views incredibly hard over the last two pool, toddler pool, Jacuzzi, steam considered that the proposed
adjoining Ardmore Lounge. The overlooking the Marina, is years to improve all the facilities room, sauna and a full equipped glamping development
new upgrades to the ballroom Waterford's favourite place to and everything from the gym. within the confines of an
and lounge make the Tower Hotel meet, eat and enjoy live music. bedrooms to the lobby have seen The Tower Hotel and Leisure existing golf course and golf
a perfect wedding or conference The bright and spacious lounge an extensive investment that Centre is part of the Neville Hotel club house/ restaurant
location suitable for parties of all provides informal surroundings ensures the guests have a Group, with 4 great locations to facially and in close
sizes. to relax and enjoy a drink with wonderful experience. We are choose from - stunning Dún proximity to the Kiltorcan
Additionally, as part of the everything from speciality extremely proud of earning this Laoghaire along Dublin Bay, the race course will complement
refresh there are two newly coffees, scrumptious afternoon additional star, along with being beautiful setting in the ‘Garden of the existing tourist facilities
opened dining outlets for guests tea to cocktails on offer as well as a awarded an IASI award for our Ireland’ Co. Wicklow, the heart of located in the immediate
and locals to enjoy. Hobson’s variety of hearty and healthy excellence in accommodation vibrant Kilkenny city and the vicinity and it is considered
Restaurant, overlooking snacks and meals. The full bar services, this is a great way to kick bustling centre of historic the proposal complies with
Waterford’s quayside, serves menu is served daily from 12pm to off 2020. We look forward to Waterford city , our hotels offer a the policies as set out in the
locally sourced, seasonal cuisine. 9pm. welcoming people from near and genuine Irish hospitality and Development Plan,” noted
With its central location, great Commenting about the new far throughout the year.” warmth. For more visit the report from Kilkenny
views and elegant setting, the 4-star rating, Seamus O’Carroll, Along with 134 bedrooms www.towerhotelwaterford.com County Council senior
restaurant has become a popular General Manager of the Tower numerous dining options, and or call 051-862 300. planner Catriona Bambrick.THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 19
NEWS
La Leche
annual
conference
MARY CODY Jones also runs the
mary.cody@iconicnews.ie
Breastfeeding Network (BfN),
a UK charity, responding to
La Leche League of Ireland’s over 10,000 contacts from
Annual Conference is in healthcare professionals and
Clayton Whites Hotel in mothers each year.
Wexford on March 7 and 8. Aoife Hearne, mother of
Families, three, registered
breastfeeding dietitian and
advocates and expert on RTÉ’s
health Operation
professionals Transformation.
are invited Aoife works
to attend. closely with
Speakers local GPs
include: and also
Nancy provides
Mohrbacher, nutrition
a leading services to
lactation schools,
consultant, industry, sports
speaker, and educator teams and community
worldwide on a broad range groups.
of breastfeeding topics. There will be a wide range
Nancy is also the author of of speakers on other issues
several books. relating to birth, loving
Dr Wendy Jones, who was
a community pharmacist for
guidance, breastfeeding and
parenting. Sexton cooks up treat
over 40 years and is a There will be dedicated
qualified pharmacist sessions for fathers,
prescriber will also speak at discussion groups for To celebrate the launch of the new MACE Right Options campaign Ireland rugby captain Johnny Sexton joined forces with
the event. Her book teenagers and plenty of chef-in-the-making Hugh O’Connell to encourage shoppers in Kilkenny to carefully select the right options when it comes to
Breastfeeding and activities for 8- to fuelling an active and healthy lifestyle. As part of the MACE Right Options digital and in-store campaign, during Ireland’s Six
Medication as well as her 12-year-olds. Supervised play Nations Championship campaign, MACE stores around Ireland will be running an in-store competition whereby customers can
e-learning materials provide facilities for 4- to 7-year-olds win vouchers to attend selected cookery schools. To enter this competition, all customers have to do is send in their favourite
information for GPs, are also available. healthy meal recipe (and an image if possible), one that would impress Johnny just like in the videos and three winners will
pharmacists, midwives, All pregnant parents and be selected to win a cookery school gift voucher to the value of €200. The online campaign, which consists of three videos
health visitors and mothers breastfeeding babies are very featuring Johnny can be viewed on the MACE Ireland channel on YouTube over the course of the campaign,
on drugs in breastmilk. Dr welcome. https://www.youtube.com/MACEIreland
Leadership event raises funds
for Sporting Centre of Excellence
SAM MATTHEWS
sam.matthewsiconicnews.ie
A business networking fundraiser for a
sporting centre of excellence for St
Kieran’s College and Kilkenny GAA took
place last week, featuring a panel of high
profile speakers.
Leinster Rugby Coach Leo Cullen,
Brian Cody, and Anne O’ Leary of
Vodafone were among those who spoke
at ‘Leadership in Sport - Lessons for
Leaders. The event also saw a panel
discussion with Tommy Walsh, Aidan
Fogarty, Eddie Brennan and JJ Delaney.
The theme of the event was lessons
for leaders from a sport and business
viewpoint with a focus on, passion,
attention to detail and the drive
necessary for success. It was Run in Brian Cody, Kilkenny Senior Hurling Manager, Rev. Dr Dermot
conjunction with Newstalk 106 to 108 Ryan, President, St Kieran's College, Anne O’ Leary, CEO
FM. Vodafone, Leo Cullen, Leinster Rugby Head Coach20 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
LIFESTYLE
The foods of love? ABOVE: Heart shaped
cookie cutters or icing
There are as many ‘traditional’ foods important for male sex drive. cutters can be used to
of love as there are stories about Kale is another romatic food, make many foods
Valentine’s Day. But some might because it’s full of powerful romantic!
strike you as unusual! antioxidants help keep blood vessels
We’ve all heard of oysters being a healthy. RIGHT: Tom Comerford’s
romantic food, but how about celery? But you’ll be glad to know delicious pannacotta
Apparently celery has chocolate also makes the list! It has with fresh berries and
phytoandrogens, the plant natural stimulants for well being homemade honeycomb
equivalent of testosterone, which is and enhances mood.
Something sweet for your sweetie
SIAN MOLOUGHNEY gelatine, then whisk in until fully
sian.moloughney@iconicnews.ie
dissolved.
Pass through a fine sieve then
Are you cooking a special meal for pour into eight individual glasses.
Valentine’s Day, this Friday? Then Leave to set in a fridge for eight to
let me suggest a delicious dessert 10 hours.
that is sure to impress. When it’s ready to serve it will
But before that, how about a have a nice wobble.
cute, and sweet, Valentine’s
cookie! HONEYCOMB
This recipe makes a lot - 25 to 30 INGREDIENTS
cookies, so you can share them with
everyone you love! 200g caster sugar
SIMPLE SUGAR COOKIES 5tbsp golden syrup
INGREDIENTS 2tsp bicarbonate of soda
butter for greasing
225g butter
225g caster sugar METHOD
1 tsp vanilla extract Butter a 20cm square tin.
1 egg Put the caster sugar and golden
2 tsp baking powder syrup in a deep saucepan and stir
330g plain flour over a gentle heat until the sugar has
melted.
METHOD Try not to let the mixture bubble
Preheat oven to 180° C. Grease until the sugar has melted.
and line two cookie sheets. Once melted, turn up the heat a
In a bowl, mix together butter little and simmer until you have an
and sugar until light and fluffy. amber coloured caramel. This will
Beat in vanilla extract and egg. not take long!
In a separate bowl combine As soon as it is ready turn off the
baking powder with flour and add a heat and quickly tip in the bicarb
little at a time to the wet WATER ICING food colouring to finish the INGREDIENTS
and beat in with a wooden spoon
ingredients. INGREDIENTS mixture. You can also use sprinkles 750mls double cream until it has disappeared and the
The dough will be very stiff. 125g icing sugar or other decorations. 150mls skimmed milk mixture is foaming.
Do not chill the dough. Divide 15mls warm water If you want to try something a 200g caster sugar Scrape it into the tin
into workable batches, roll out onto Food colouring little more impressive for your 2 vanilla pods, split lengthways, immediately. Be careful, it will be
a floured surface and cut into heart Valentines dinner dessert, then seeds removed very hot.
shapes. METHOD how about this delicious 3.5 leaves of gelatine The mixture will continue
Bake for 8-10 minutes. Let cool Heat up the water until warm, pannacotta from chef Tom bubbling in the tin. Let it cool for
on the cookie sheet until firm not hot. Comerford at the Kilkenny METHOD about 90 mins, it will become hard.
enough to transfer to a cooling rack Put the icing sugar into a small or Ormonde Hotel. Soak the gelatine in cold water. Then just snap off what you want.
(they will be very soft when warm medium bowl and add water. He’s also shared something In a saucepan, bring the other Top your pannacotta with fresh
and break easily). Mix together until the icing extra to make it really special - ingredients to the boil, while berries, blueberries/ raspberries/
Now make some water icing and becomes thick enough to coat with homemade honeycomb . whisking. strawberries, a dollop of whipped
decorate with your best Valentine’s a back of a spoon. This recipe serves eight. Take off the hear and let sit for cream and your homemade
day artistic skills! Add a few drops of pink or red PANNACOTTA five minutes before adding the honeycomb!THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 21
Better Built By
Compare our prices online at
Better Prices www.admansteelsheds.ie
Visit our display centre at
Arboretum Home & Garden Heaven
Call 053-94 30001 to arrange a free onsite visit EN 109022 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
EDUCATION
STUDYRIGHT
STEPHEN MORGAN
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
Revising for Leaving Certificate English
PAPER TWO – THE SINGLE TEXT
HOW TO PREPARE FOR A THEME
BASED QUESTION ON YOUR SINGLE
TEXT.
The first question on Leaving
Cert. English Paper Two is the
single text question. Most students
attempt the Shakespeare option
and in 2020 the play is ‘Hamlet.’
There are three types of question
you could be asked and you should
be prepared to deal with any one of
the three. Questions fall into the
following categories:
A) Character based questions –
where you are asked to discuss the
development of key individuals and
how they grow or change over the
course of the play.
B) Theme based questions –
where you are expected to be able to
demonstrate how an idea is
explored in the text and what point
the author is expressing on that key
subject or issue.
C) Technique based questions –
arefocusedon the various technical
aspects of the genre of
Shakespearean Tragedy including
soliloquies, imagery and the staging
of key dramatic scenes.
In this article I will be dealing associations with the terms of the
with the second type of question question. The graphic above
demonstrating a structured illustrates a word bank based on
approach to the planning and this question.
writing of a successful answer. I will This word hoard is like a
finish by including a sample H1 treasure chest of vocabulary and
answer. the mark of a top quality answer is
suitable and varied language
1. READ AND HIGHLIGHT KEY focused on the question. Your
WORDS analysis will be improved if you are
The first step is to read the not resorting to the same limited
question carefully. Your reading is range of words to express all of your
active and you filter out the most thoughts on the topic.
important terms in the question by Taking time to consider these
highlighting the key terms will also help with the next
words in the question. The step in planning your essay.
following is a typical themes based
question with the key words are 3. DRAW A MIND MAP/SPIDER
highlighted in red: DIAGRAM
“The play ‘Hamlet’ dramatises Use the important key words
the difficulty of finding out the real from the question to draw a mind
truth in a world where appearances map where you explore your
are often misleading.” thoughts and feelings about the
Discuss this view of the play topic. At this stage your aim is to
supporting the points you make include as many different ideas and
4. ORGANISE IDEAS IN A SEQUENCE demonstrate the truth behind the separate but related point. This will
with quotation from or reference to examples based on the terms of the
(PLAN) question. The second point deals help to give flow to your writing.
‘Hamlet.’ question.
The examiner’s marking Sometimes you can use different Your next step is to put order on with key moments in the drama. My
scheme will be focused on the key colours to help unpack your your ideas by coming up with a clear third point analyses the issue of the 6. INTRO & CONCLUSION ADDRESS
words in the question and you will response. The illustration below is a plan. ambiguity of language. The final KEY IDEAS
only be awarded marks if you spider diagram for this question on Organise your ideas in a point is about the tragic All answers should begin with a
successfully deal with the terms of ‘Hamlet’. sequence that makes sense. consequences of the gap between clear paragraph introducing your
the question. The mind map is a random and Number each key idea. what appears to be happening and answer. This will show how what
quick method of harvesting as Think about how to link the underlying truth in the story. you are about to write is focussed on
2. BUILD A WORD BANK many different aspects of the paragraphs. the question. You must finish your
Your second step is to build a question as possible. At this stage Your conclusion should carry an 5. LINK YOUR PARAGRAPHS answer with a brief paragraph
bank of vocabulary based on the key you may use single words or even echo of the introduction. You need to consider how best to outlining your key ideas in a short
terms you have highlighted in the abbreviations to identify The graphic below shows how make smooth transitions between conclusion. This demonstrates to
question. This is a series of word characters, key moments or my essay will deal with four linked your paragraphs. Key sentences at your examiner that your work has
lists including synonyms or important features of the play. points. The first will explore how the start of each paragraph will lead structure and deals clearly with the
vocabulary based on word key characters can be used to the reader from one point to a question you were asked.THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020 THE KILKENNY REPORTER 23
SALE
Starts Friday 14th February
Ends: Sunday 23rd February
Open: Monday - Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday & Sunday 12 noon to 5pm
Jerpoint Glass Studio, Stoneyford,
Co.Kilkenny, R95 WN67
www.jerpointglass.com 056 772435024 THE KILKENNY REPORTER THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2020
YOUR MONEY
Making Cents
LIAM CROKE
The Must-Read Guide To Saving Money
Email: Liam@harmonics.ie Twitter: @liam_croke Linkedin: liamcroke Facebook: liam.croke.96
It’s not the default, it’s your fault
I
met with a gentleman recently fund actively managed by firms how much is invested in different
who was coming close to other than your previous pension asset classes, what their risk profile
retirement (58) and had administrator. Firms who don’t take is, at what age the person continuing
accumulated a significant amount the lazy approach, offering only a to work becomes optional, what are
of money in his pension fund. limited number of off the shelf type the minimum and maximum
Someone was now going to have funds. returns acceptable each year which
to manage it for him, and not You need a firm who can choose would trigger a rebalancing of the
wanting to do it himself, or knowing from 300 different funds, not just portfolio, it specifies the
who else to ask, he was thinking of three or four, and who take a holistic benchmarks other funds are
just using the company who had approach to financial planning, compared against, what changes are
previously administered his where they’ll pay the greatest required if lifestyle, financial or
companies fund. attention to detail in the specific health changes occur etc.
The pension administrators areas that concern you most. A well, constructed IPS keeps the
were offering him a choice of default The firm you need, are those who individual focused on their long
funds to choose from. That was the will create what’s called an term objectives when markets
extent of their help. They had investment policy statement (IPS) gyrate wildly in the short term, but
created three of four funds and he and for people who don’t know what most importantly in my view, it gives
was to pick one of them himself. And this is (that probably includes 99% of them peace of mind, that there is
their advice to him was, pick a fund financial advisers as well by the way) logic behind their plan.
based on his age. The older he was, The biggest problems with default funds is their one size fits all approach is an investment plan for your An IPS does not exist with default
the lower risk fund he should and their inflexibility pension and is devised in funds.
choose. conjunction with you. The stakes are high, and you
I thought, if that was their kids through college and can only fund based on your age, and what It provides clear guidance which don’t want to get this wrong. Not
approach, God he has a lot to worry afford to retire at 64 and need an your basing your income in help to make informed decisions. It knowing what your future cash flow
about. It was pretty shocking that income of €3,500 and the other retirement on, then the very best of serves as a roadmap to make sure an requirements are, and choosing a
they didn't ask what his income might have no mortgage, no kids, luck to you. My advice would be, to individuals’ targets are met, and default fund, or only what a tied
requirements in retirement were. and might want to never work again, start dousing your policy ensures mistakes are avoided along agent can offer is ignoring critical
They didn't even try to find out what retire at 59 and only needs €1,500 to documents and annual benefit the way. differences in every client’s
additional non-pension funds he live off. statements with holy water and The IPS sets out how often their individual needs and is putting their
had access to which would Two completely different people, keep a candle lit over them. fund is reviewed, how much is funds and their income in
supplement his income, and with different circumstances, but A better alternative, to default invested, what other sources of retirement in jeopardy.
nothing about his partner, and her both are in the same fund just funds, in my opinion is to, have your income are available at retirement, Don’t let this happen to you.
pension. because they were born in the same
He was trusting them with his year.
money, for the rest of his life, but They are also fixed and rigid and
they were very light on what he
should do. Their advice was, to
don’t respond to external
conditions. And they don’t know
ASK LIAM
invest into a default fund they had
created, and he'd be fine. Their sales
what age you want to retire at. They
assume you’re going to work until
Our personal finance expert answers your questions ...
pitch was that he would have you’re 65 but very few people can
nothing to do, the fund managers predict their retirement date with Q. Liam, I’m wondering if in the If you had a partner and they 80% of your pension is taken
would do everything, and his certainty. It could be forced on them future, I ever have to go into a continued to live in the family which amounts to €369.23
portfolio would automatically be unexpectedly because of ill health, it nursing home, how will I be able home, they will be left with 50% of (€24,000 x 80% / 52 = €369.23)
re-balanced every year, and he had could be delayed because of income to finance the cost? I have your income, or the maximum rate 7.5% of your house is taken
nothing to worry about. expectations. pension income of c. €24,000 per of state contributory pension, which amounts to €360.58 per
Make no mistake and be in no There is also a common year, my house is worth c. whichever is the greater. week (€250,000 x 7.5% / 52)
doubt, he wasn’t outsourcing the misunderstanding that default €250,000 and I have €65,000 in In relation to savings, the first And 7.5% of your savings is
management of his fund, to schemes de-risk your portfolio savings. If I applied to use the fair €36,000 of them are discounted for taken which amounts to €41.82
investment managers, he was when you’re coming close to deal scheme, what impact would a single person or €72,000 for a (€65,000 - €36,000 x 7.5% / 52)
outsourcing the management of the retirement, but that’s simply not it have on my savings, income and married couple. You could defer payment of the
fund to himself. true either. Whether you know it or house? The 7.5% taken from the value of amount associated with your home
The biggest problems with not, and most people don’t, their your property is only used for the i.e. €360.58 per week if you apply
default funds in my opinion, is their default fund can still have a high % of A. Under the scheme, you have to first 3 years’, of your time in care, for what’s called ancillary state
one size fits all approach, and their equity holdings which are high risk, make a contribution towards the which means the maximum support (Fair Deal Loan Scheme).
inflexibility. close to or even when they hit cost of your care, with the HSE amount used against your home is And this means the state will pay
They don’t take into account retirement age. paying the balance. Your care needs 22.5% regardless of how long you their portion and the amount
each investors unique situation. He And, if you want to retire at 58 for are first assessed and then your spend in a nursing home, and this linked to your property. They are
was being lumped into a fund with example, default schemes won’t finances are reviewed to see how amount reduces to 11.25% if a effectively giving you a loan which
other 50 something year olds. recognise this and if there’s a crash, much you can pay. And if you are spouse or partner remains in the must be repaid to them within a
Which means you would have the equity content in your fund deemed to have enough resources family home while you’re in care. year of the person dying. However,
people invested in the same fund could still be high, higher than it to pay the cost yourself, you’ll So, after 3 years, if you’re still in it doesn’t have to be paid if a
where they only have one thing in needs to be, and as a result your fund receive no support, but if your long-term nursing care, you will partner or adult dependent or
common i.e. their age. size could be significantly impacted. ability to repay are less than the note pay any further contribution child continue to live in the
But, they could, and they will Let what happen in 2008 and 2009 cost of the nursing home, the HSE based on the value of your primary property.
have completely different income be your constant reminder of this, will pay the rest. residence. If you’re looking at reducing
needs at retirement, different when people retiring discovered to You will always have to pay 80% If the cost of nursing home care your assessable assets, your timing
sources of other income or debt, their horror that they lost 30% of the of your assessable income, less was for example €1,200 per week, needs to be right, because when
different health and life value of their fund, when they some allowable deductions, along the amount you’d contribute is your financial means are being
expectancies, and different risk thought their fund was low risk, and with 7.5% (3.75% if you are part of a €771.63 with the HSE paying the reviewed, any gifts or transfers
tolerances. safe from large market moves, but it couple) of the value of your assets balance. made in the 5 years before you
One 58-year-old of them might turned out they weren’t. i.e. home, farm, investment or How I arrive at your make an application will still be
still have a mortgage and need to put If you’re being advised to pick a rental income and cash. contribution is as follows: factored in.You can also read
