PM O’Sullivan Photos of Joe murray as Da character by Ken McGuire Joe Murray is coming down the stairs in St Kieran’s College. The year? Early 1980, best of his recollection. That young man? A Kilkenny native, working in Smithwick’s Brewery., one taking his first plunge in local drama. “It was a farce,” Murray clarifies. …

175

Top two clash in Ennis as Cats seek Banner victory BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR Allianz National Hurling League Clare vs Kilkenny Cusack Park, Sunday, 1:30pm Kilkenny make the journey to Ennis on Sunday for a mouthwatering clash with Clare in round four of this season’s Allianz National Hurling League knowing that their unbeaten status …

104

With only a week to go until this year’s Kilkenny Tradfest, excitement is building in the Marble City for what is set to be the festival’s best line-up yet! Featuring over 90 free gigs on the Bulmers Music Trail, 14 Headline Concerts in the finest venues our city has to offer, and traditional music workshops …

106

BY CLAIR WHITTY It is difficult to believe that we are now in March, time is flying by. Normally at this time of year most of you would be getting your energy back and feeling more energised but that is not what I am hearing. Many of you are struggling with energy levels after a …

98

Prepare to be entertained at this year’s St. Patrick’s Festival Kilkenny! March 15th– 18th. From thrilling pyro displays, blending fire art and drumming, to the enchanting Kilkenny Tales & Legends Walking Tour and a range of unique family-centric circus acts, plus an electrifying fireworks display viewed from the grounds of Kilkenny’s majestic castle, this year’s …

104

IN NOVEMBER OF 2023, CLOGH WRITERS GROUP LAUNCHED ‘WHERE I AM’, A COLLECTION OF POETRY AND PROSE FROM ELEVEN DIFFERENT WRITERS. AS CO-ORDINATOR OF THE WRITERS GROUP JANE MEALLY SAID: “WHERE I AM” IS A PUBLICATION WHERE EACH WRITER COMMUNICATES THEIR PASSION TO THE READER.” Having attended the launch in Clogh, The Kilkenny Observer Newspaper was quite taken with not only …

102

The Kilkenny Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), proudly hosted a visit from Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing & the National Drugs Strategy, Deputy Hildegarde Naughton, T.D. at the Newpark Family Resource Centre, Kilkenny City, to highlight the impactful work supported through Healthy Ireland funding. Under the warm welcome of An Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Michael …

103

THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Depending on which side of the fence you reside, you may consider the Biblical Eve the first mother. If the Greek classics is your bag then Pandora — she of the box of evil spirits you open at your peril — is considered the first, with her …

98

PART EIGHT BY JOHN FITZGERALD The Obstacle Race at the big 1926 Sporting Day in Callan proved controversial. At first the outcome seemed beyond doubt. Mickey Croke had sprinted across the finishing line. His laces looked impeccably secure, and there was no sign of the spud. (You’ll recall from last week that the winner needed …

413

BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Many people feel the squeeze in the first quarter of the year and the Christmas bills can still cast a shadow for some. Add to that continuing inflation and still high energy costs, and it’s more important than ever to break free of bad spending habits and make positive changes. …

98