Latest news with #Kilkenny-based
Irish Independent
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Today's top TV and streaming choices: An Ghig Mhór, Forgetting Sarah Marshall and The Survivors
An Ghig Mhór RTÉ One, 8pm New series in which a seasoned music scene veteran mentors an up-and-coming band or artist. First up, singer-songwriter John Spillane takes Kilkenny-based rockers The Donnys under his wing as they organise a gig in their hometown. Hell for Leather: The Story of Gaelic Football RTÉ One, 9.35pm A five-part documentary focusing on the important part that the sport plays in the nation's cultural and social history begins with Brian Fenton offering his emotional response to the game, before we get a glimpse of David Clifford's magical feet in slow motion. BETH Channel 4, 10pm Nicholas Pinnock and Abbey Lee star in a one-off sci-fi drama focusing on a couple who think all their dreams have come true when they have a longed-for baby — but the birth reveals a shocking secret. Forgetting Sarah Marshall TG4, 9.30pm Hit romantic comedy starring Jason Segel as a puppeteer who heads to Hawaii to mend a broken heart, only to find his ex-girlfriend there with her new rock star lover. Kristen Bell, Russell Brand and Mila Kunis co-star. The Survivors Netflix, streaming now We're mostly used to two types of Australian viewing: soaps and super-dry (to the point of cringe) comedy. This is different. The drama follows Kieran Elliott's life after two people drown in his hometown of Evelyn Bay, Australia. To top it off, a young girl also went missing. Returning with his family 15 years later, the simmering guilt resurfaces, especially when the body of a young woman is found on the beach… K.O. Netflix, streaming now No one does visceral city grit like the French. Bastien has lived as a recluse since accidentally killing his opponent Enzo in an MMA fight three years ago. Now, Enzo's widow tracks him down as, essentially, he owes her one. Her request? Find her missing teenage son. Tyler Perry's Straw Netflix, streaming now Between this and last month's release of She the People, Mr Tyler Perry is getting himself around. This offering, however, is far more stark than May's fare. Here, one mum's day unfurls as it goes from tricky to catastrophic. Pushed to the precipice by a world that seems indifferent to her plight (until they can livestream it), she soon gets attention when she unwittingly holds up a bank. The Orkney Assassin Prime Video, streaming now The Orkney Isles lie 130 miles north of Aberdeen. It's a peaceful place with a strong sense of community. In June 1994, however, Bangladeshi waiter Shamsuddin Mahmood was working at the lone curry house when a masked man fatally shot him. This documentary revisits one of Scotland's most extraordinary murder cases, examining racism, loyalty, and the impact of trauma decades later.
The Journal
08-06-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Results of cancer prevention initiative to be presented to EU Parliament
A FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND CANCER prevention initiative promoting physical activity outdoors in green spaces is to present its results to the EU Parliament in Brussels. The Urban Action Against Cancer (UcanACT) pilot project in Kilkenny saw 62 adults aged 50 and over take part in physiotherapist-led exercise programmes across three parks last year. It was part of a three-city pilot also held in Bologna in Italy, and Munich in Germany, which aims to provide community-based outdoor exercise programmes led by experts as a preventative and cancer support tool for over-50s. The Irish men and women taking part included people living with cancer, cancer survivors and individuals without a diagnosis. The results of the pilot will be presented by Kilkenny County Council, the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and the EU partners to the EU Parliament on Wednesday for assessment for wider rollout. The project will also be showcased as part of Your Council Day on June 27, which celebrates the services and work carried out by Ireland's county and city councils. Patrick Griffin, a Kilkenny-based prostate cancer survivor, who took part in the pilot said: 'An exercise regime was suggested to me because decreased energy is a common side-effect following radiation therapy. 'I always walked for fitness and never had an interest in gyms, but my wife had mentioned that I was slouching on our walks together,' the 78-year-old said. Advertisement 'I noticed many benefits as a result of the programme: my posture is better and my overall energy and concentration are stronger. 'The team were so well organised. They were genuinely watching out for each individual, adjusting exercises where needed, which is of massive benefit.' Over three years, Kilkenny County Council led the local implementation of UcanACT, working alongside the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and EU partners. The project aimed to create a safe space where people could exercise at their own pace, tailored to their abilities, participants reported feeling encouraged and supported. Janette Boran, Healthy Kilkenny co-ordinator at the county council, said participants saw significant benefits. 'Through focus groups, participants shared their positive experiences, highlighting key benefits such as improved fitness, better balance and strength, improved sleep quality, stronger social connections and reduced anxiety,' she said. 'The results of this study also reported that participants had significant reduction in fatigue and improvement in quality-of-life scores. 'Many also mentioned how exercising outdoors was important for their mental wellbeing. 'The programme has received strong support from the participants, and many who took part reported that they were surprised at what they were able to achieve with the guidance of a physiotherapist. 'The sessions were individualised within a group setting, so the full group met together but the activity was very tailored to accommodate the varied needs of the participants.'
Belfast Telegraph
08-06-2025
- Health
- Belfast Telegraph
Results of cancer prevention initiative to be presented to EU Parliament
The Urban Action Against Cancer (UcanACT) pilot project in Kilkenny saw 62 adults aged 50 and over take part in physiotherapist-led exercise programmes across three parks last year. It was part of a three-city pilot also held in Bologna in Italy, and Munich in Germany, which aims to provide community-based outdoor exercise programmes led by experts as a preventative and cancer support tool for over-50s. The Irish men and women taking part included people living with cancer, cancer survivors and individuals without a diagnosis. The results of the pilot will be presented by Kilkenny County Council, the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists and the EU partners to the EU Parliament on Wednesday for assessment for wider rollout. The project will also be showcased as part of Your Council Day on June 27, which celebrates the services and work carried out by Ireland's county and city councils. Patrick Griffin, a Kilkenny-based prostate cancer survivor, who took part in the pilot said: 'An exercise regime was suggested to me because decreased energy is a common side-effect following radiation therapy. 'I always walked for fitness and never had an interest in gyms, but my wife had mentioned that I was slouching on our walks together,' the 78-year-old said. 'I noticed many benefits as a result of the programme: my posture is better and my overall energy and concentration are stronger. 'The team were so well organised. They were genuinely watching out for each individual, adjusting exercises where needed, which is of massive benefit.' Over three years, Kilkenny County Council led the local implementation of UcanACT, working alongside the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (ISCP) and EU partners. The project aimed to create a safe space where people could exercise at their own pace, tailored to their abilities, participants reported feeling encouraged and supported. Janette Boran, Healthy Kilkenny co-ordinator at the county council, said participants saw significant benefits. 'Through focus groups, participants shared their positive experiences, highlighting key benefits such as improved fitness, better balance and strength, improved sleep quality, stronger social connections and reduced anxiety,' she said. 'The results of this study also reported that participants had significant reduction in fatigue and improvement in quality-of-life scores. 'Many also mentioned how exercising outdoors was important for their mental wellbeing. 'The programme has received strong support from the participants, and many who took part reported that they were surprised at what they were able to achieve with the guidance of a physiotherapist. 'The sessions were individualised within a group setting, so the full group met together but the activity was very tailored to accommodate the varied needs of the participants.'
Irish Examiner
07-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Wexford tillage farm fetches almost €27,000/acre at auction
Kilkenny-based Donohue Town & Country auctioneers enjoyed another successful auction sale at the Riverside Park Hotel in Enniscorthy on Friday, May 23, where an 86-acre farm in Wexford was up for sale. The holding at Shroughmore (10km northwest of Enniscorthy) included prime agricultural land, outbuildings, and an impressive residence. Most of the top-class lands are in tillage, with little or no wastage, and physically divided into two adjacent sections: One of about 63 acres, the other of about 23 acres. The overall guide price for the property pre-auction was put at €20,000 per acre and offered in the following lots: Lot 1 - The house, outbuildings, and approximately five acres, ideal for establishing an agri-business or equine facilities; Lot 2 - Approximately 81 acres of prime tillage land; Lot 3 - The entire property. The holding at Shroughmore (10km northwest of Enniscorthy) included prime agricultural land, outbuildings, and an impressive residence. Boasting a very scenic setting with views of the Blackstairs Mountains and Mount Leinster, the main house is an impressive four-bedroom property in excellent condition, accessed via a private treelined driveway and built in 1930. The interior boasts a number of attractive features such as antique slate fireplaces, Victorian-style floor tiling, high ceilings, ornate coving and a solid oak staircase The house has also benefitted from a number of extensions and renovations in the intervening years, and extends to almost 230m sq. The range of agricultural buildings, meanwhile, includes a two-span shed with lean-to sheds, two three-span sheds, and several other stone sheds. After competitive bidding, the final bid landed on Lot 3 (the entire) selling under the gravel for an impressive €2.3m (€26,700/acre). The highly anticipated public auction drew strong local interest. Although it was offered in one or two lots, it was ultimately the entire holding that gained the most attention. After competitive bidding, the final bid landed on Lot 3 (the entire) selling under the gravel for an impressive €2.3m (€26,700/acre). 'We're delighted with the result,' said Ed Donohoe, lead auctioneer on the sale. 'This property offered the perfect mix of prime agricultural land and a good quality residence in a truly scenic location. The strong turnout and competitive bidding reflect the continued strength of the rural property market, particularly for quality holdings like this.'
Agriland
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Agriland
Kilkenny contractor says mower ‘performance is unreal'
Kverneland 5387MT mowers deliver on high output, ease of use, and reliability. according to a Kilkenny-based contractor. Mark Stanley has been working with his uncle, Leeson Stanley, at Leeson Stanley Agricultural Contracting in Johnstown, Co. Kilkenny, for over 22 years. Between Leeson's tillage work and Mark's own nearby farm, the pair know what they want from a mower — and they have found it in the Kverneland 5387MT BX butterfly mower. Mark said: 'We've been using Kverneland since day one. 'When we heard the 5387 was about a tonne and a half lighter than the older model, we said we'd give it a go. 'We were very impressed — they're well-balanced, not hard on the tractor, and the performance is unreal.' High output, no hassle With a 250hp tractor up front, the 5387 mowers can easily cover up to 240ac a day on the Stanleys' ground. Even with 200–220hp, Mark says it runs no problem. 'Before, we were using two sets of doubles. It worked, but one mower was always sitting idle when trying to split nine headland runs. 'With the 5387, every mower is working full-time — it's more efficient, and it pairs perfectly with our swarter,' he said. QuattroLink suspension: 'Just brilliant' Mark highlights the QuattroLink suspension system as one of the standout features. The Kverneland 5387 butterfly mower conditioner delivers a working width of 8.75m, making it ideal for contractors and large farms alike. Source: Kverneland Built around Kverneland's unique QuattroLink suspension system, the mower glides over the ground with up to 700mm of vertical movement — 400mm upwards and 300mm downwards — ensuring a clean, even cut across every contour. The QuattroLink concept, inspired by racing suspension design, features four suspension arms connected to a fixed carrying arm. This allows the mower to float and respond independently to ground undulations while maintaining precise pressure. 'That's what I love about the suspension,' Mark said. 'You can control how much pressure is on the ground from the cab. 'And more importantly, when it lifts over a bump, it comes back down fast — no missed strips or green patches.' BX belt swarting: fast, tidy, and flexible For second-cut silage, the 5387s are fitted with BX belts, which can be easily adjusted or removed. Mark said: 'You can speed them up or slow them down from the cab using hydraulic pressure. 'We run them at around 25% and the tractor barely knows they're on. The swart is lovely and uniform, or you can lay it flat — you've full control.' The belts are quick to remove using carrier wheels and quick-release couplings, saving time when switching between cuts. Dual adjustment for better wilting The mower features dual adjustment for conditioning, which Mark considers key for optimising wilting and forage quality. 'You can pull it in tight for light second cuts or open it up for heavy crops like haylage or Italian ryegrass. 'It bruises the grass just right — you get great wilt, and it conditions evenly across the width,' he said. Simple mower controls, easy maintenance Mark rates the operation and maintenance of the 5387 mowers very highly. 'There's a lovely, simple control box, numbered 1 to 5. You use the same lever the whole time — it's very user-friendly. The parking stand is great too. You can fold the mower up, and it takes up less space than a trailed mower,' he added. Maintenance is made easy thanks to thoughtful design. 'The covers lift up high, and you're standing up straight when changing blades — no crouching or straining. It's quick, easy and safe.' Mark also noted the durability and convenience of the mower's quick-release blades. 'We start the season with a fresh set, turn them all together, then change them all together,' he explained. 'I've never lost a blade with the quick release system. It saves time, and you always know where you stand.' Non-stop breakback system that works The mower features an advanced hydraulic breakback system, which reacts faster than traditional spring setups. Mark said: 'I've hit a few yokes with it over the years — never done damage. 'It pulls the mower back quickly and resets straight away. It's far superior to springs.' Built to last — and to perform Now into its sixth season with the 5387s, Mark says the machine is standing up exceptionally well. 'No cracks, no sag, still runs as sweet as the day we got it,' he said. 'No gear noise, no stress on the drive. The Kverneland bed uses equal-sized gears, so power is distributed evenly — no loss in torque like other systems.' Source: Keverneland The butterfly mower also uses round discs, which prevent damage from stone strikes. 'They can't physically hit each other, and they repel stones. It's a clever design, and it's been standard on Kverneland for as long as I can remember,' he said. Reliable dealer support The mower was supplied through Gordon Hegarty & Sons, who Mark says have been excellent to deal with. 'All our Kverneland kit comes through Hegarty's,' he said 'Parts and service are top notch, and while we've been lucky not to need much, it's good to know the back-up is there.' Final verdict Would he recommend the Kverneland 5387 butterfly mower? 'Absolutely. They're light, strong, easy to run and low cost to maintain. 'We've put ours through its paces and it still works like new…. And I'd be hard on a yoke! 'I'd have no problem putting another contractor onto one tomorrow,' Mark said. Kverneland Group Ireland are now offering 0%* finance on 100% of the VAT Inclusive selling price across the full range of equipment. *T&C's apply You can contact Kverneland directly for more info –
