May: Kindness and creativity to the fore as Kilkenny adapted to the new normal Looking back over 2020 [email protected] Kindhearted Ava Roche (right) from Callan decided to use her birthday money to share some happiness with the residents in Mount Carmel '); '); A major garda checkpoint operation began coming into the May Bank Holiday weekend to ensure compliance with travel restrictions. Traditionally a busy event-packed time of year, none of the usual staples, such as the Roots Festival, could proceed However, there were also the green shoots of hope later in the month, as essential building sites reopened and more workers returned to their jobs. Businesses forced to close in the initial lockdown explored new options, such as restaurants serving takeaway.