UPDATE: Emfa AFC, the beloved community soccer club in Kilkenny, is calling for immediate action to revitalize Buckley Park as it approaches its 60th anniversary. The club, founded in 1966, has deep roots in the Kilkenny City area, and the revival of Buckley Park is seen as crucial for the future of soccer in the community.

Emfa, originally formed by a group of teenagers from local housing estates, has a storied history marked by triumphs and challenges. The founders included passionate individuals like Jimmy Rhatigan, who served as the club’s secretary for over 50 years. The club quickly rose through the ranks of local soccer, eventually competing in the Kilkenny & District League and gaining a reputation for excellence and community involvement.

With Buckley Park, the club made history by becoming the first in Kilkenny to purchase its own grounds in 1979, thanks to dedicated individuals who supported the vision. The park became a hub for soccer, hosting vital games, including FAI Cup semi-finals and international matches. However, after Kilkenny City resigned from the League in 2008, the once-thriving venue has fallen into disrepair, leaving fans yearning for a revival.

“Buckley Park was the heart of our soccer community,” said Rhatigan, reflecting on the club’s legacy. “We need to come together to restore it as a place where young talent can flourish.” The call to action comes with growing support from local soccer enthusiasts, who believe that a revitalized Buckley Park could serve as a major regional center for youth soccer, benefiting not just Kilkenny but also the neighboring counties of Carlow and Laois.

As the 60th anniversary approaches, the urgency for revitalization is palpable. Local officials and community leaders are being urged to collaborate with the FAI and Kilkenny & District League to create a plan that will breathe new life into the historic grounds. The emotional connection to the park runs deep, with memories of crowds exceeding 3,000 fans during key matches still fresh in the minds of supporters.

In recent discussions, stakeholders have emphasized the need for a community-driven initiative to transform Buckley Park into a modern facility that meets the needs of today’s youth. “We envision Buckley Park as a thriving soccer stadium once again, a place for kids to train and develop their skills,” said Tom Cantwell, a key figure in the club’s history.

The club’s rich legacy, from its humble beginnings to its impact on local and national soccer, is a testament to the dedication of its founders and supporters. However, the future of Emfa AFC and Buckley Park now hinges on mobilizing community support to create a sustainable model for soccer in Kilkenny.

As fans and former players rally for this cause, the message is clear: the time to act is now. The community awaits a response from local authorities, hoping for a positive outcome that will pave the way for a bright future in Kilkenny soccer.

With the anniversary just around the corner, the call to restore Buckley Park has become a rallying cry for all those who cherish the game in Kilkenny. Stay tuned for updates as this developing story unfolds.

BREAKING: Entrepreneur and podcaster Ashley McDonnell shares her transformative travel experiences that have shaped her life and career. In an exclusive interview, McDonnell highlights her recent adventures and the profound impact they have had on her worldview.

McDonnell, born in New York and raised in Galway, has traveled to 60 countries and continues to inspire others with her passion for exploration. “Travel has always been my greatest teacher,” she stated, emphasizing the emotional and educational rewards of her journeys.

One of her most eye-opening trips was to Cambodia in 2013. There, McDonnell witnessed the resilience of its people amidst the tragic legacy of the Khmer Rouge genocide. “It was a mix of feelings—pleasant warmth from the locals, but heartbreaking to understand their past,” she described. This experience propelled her into action; she fundraised for the construction of a school, providing essential educational resources like electricity, Wi-Fi, and computers to underprivileged areas.

This year, McDonnell fulfilled a long-held dream by visiting Botswana. She embarked on a thrilling two-week overland adventure that included a breathtaking stay in the Okavango Delta. “We lived on a houseboat with no luxury—just magic,” she recounted. The journey solidified her belief in seeking unique experiences that challenge the norm.

When asked about her favorite city, McDonnell instantly cited Paris. “It’s a city I’m eternally tied to,” she said, praising its stunning architecture and rich culture. “Every time I leave, I find my way back.”

Her travels also led her to exceptional culinary experiences, notably a dinner at the two-Michelin-star restaurant, L’Olivo in Italy. “It was perfection from start to finish,” she stated, urging fellow travelers to savor the sunset views in Anacapri.

Looking ahead, McDonnell is preparing for a horseback trek across Kyrgyzstan’s largest mountain range. “Camping in yurts with no electricity will be a true adventure,” she expressed.

With her sights set on visiting every country in the world, McDonnell’s journey reflects an inspiring commitment to exploration and growth. “Every country is on my bucket list,” she affirmed, encouraging others to embrace the world’s vastness.

As McDonnell continues her adventures, her story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of travel. For those inspired by her journey, the call to explore and understand our world has never been more urgent.

BREAKING: Tipperary’s Michael Breen was spotted in a heartfelt embrace with his girlfriend, Sharlene Mawdsley, just moments after their thrilling victory in the All-Ireland Hurling Final against Cork on July 15, 2023. The couple’s joyful celebration is making headlines, highlighting both their romance and the dramatic turnaround of the match.

In a nail-biting battle, Tipperary surged back in the second half to clinch the title with a score of 1-30 to 1-21. As the final whistle blew, Breen and Mawdsley were seen sharing a warm hug, with Sharlene wrapping her arm around him, beaming with pride. The couple’s connection has captured the hearts of fans, especially given Sharlene’s enthusiasm for supporting Breen throughout the championship.

Earlier in the tournament, their budding romance was confirmed after Tipperary’s Munster Senior Hurling Championship win over Waterford. Sharlene celebrated with a charming photo of them at Semple Stadium, sharing the caption: “Tippin’ on.” Breen humorously responded, teasing her about the lack of a tag in her post.

Fans are buzzing about the unexpected turn of events in the final. With a six-point lead at halftime, Cork appeared set to lift the Liam McCarthy trophy. However, Tipperary’s explosive second-half performance, scoring a goal and five points before Cork could respond, left spectators in disbelief. Social media lit up with reactions, with one user joking, “A Cork fan caught speeding out of Croke Park will get more points than their team in the second half.”

Sharlene, a 26-year-old Olympian sprinter, expressed her excitement about attending her first-ever hurling match at Croke Park during a Q&A with fans, saying: “Looking forward to it!! I’ve never been to a hurling match in Croke Park.” Her presence in the stands has added a personal touch to the massive event, further engaging fans across social platforms.

As Tipperary celebrates their hard-fought victory, the couple’s relationship continues to blossom under the public’s gaze. Fans are eagerly sharing their thoughts and well-wishes, making this story not just about a sports victory, but also about love and support in the spotlight.

Stay tuned for more updates as Tipperary revels in their triumph and Breen and Mawdsley navigate their blossoming relationship in the wake of this historic win.

UPDATE: In a significant report released by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan, it has been confirmed that three babies have been born to inmates in Irish prisons this year. This urgent update highlights a notable increase in the number of births compared to previous years.

As of now, two infants were born at the Dochas Centre in Dublin, with one additional birth occurring at Limerick Women’s Prison. These figures reflect a stark contrast to the 2023 statistics, where no babies were born to inmates, and only one infant was born in 2021 and 2020.

The report also reveals that there are currently 19 pregnant women incarcerated across Irish prisons in 2025, with 13 at Dochas and 6 at Limerick. This is an increase from 27 pregnant women jailed in 2024 and more than double the 12 from the previous year.

Minister O’Callaghan emphasized the importance of privacy and care for these women, stating,

“Pregnant women in custody are provided with as much privacy as possible and are accommodated in single occupancy rooms.”

The Dochas Centre offers mothers and their infants single-occupancy double rooms, while Limerick Women’s Prison utilizes ‘independent style apartments’ for mothers and babies, albeit without a dedicated building for this purpose.

The Minister has also announced that tailored risk assessments are in place to ensure the health and safety of pregnant women and their newborns. This includes ongoing collaborations with health services to provide adequate maternity care, comparable to that available to women outside of prison.

Looking ahead, the Irish Prison Service is working with a multi-agency group to update their Mother and Baby Policy, aimed at improving care and support for mothers in custody. Minister O’Callaghan noted,

“The level of maternity care and supports provided to women in custody is comparable to that available to women in the community.”

This developing situation raises critical questions about the treatment and support of incarcerated women, and how the prison system is adapting to meet the needs of mothers and their children. As this story unfolds, further developments are expected regarding the policies and conditions surrounding pregnant women in Irish prisons.

Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent issue as it continues to develop.