When I’d ball my eyes out for poor Jesus
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS In the Catholic upbringing of my youth, there was no more an austere day than Good Friday. Curtains were drawn – as respect for the death of Christ – we children were not allowed play football out on the road – indeed, play at all – and …
Whispers of spirits secrets and the hidden world
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton Last week I saw a brilliant production of “The Weir” in Thomastown Community Hall. It was a very intense claustrophobic play set in a rural pub. There were only 5 actors, and it revolved round local gossip and reminiscing. As the drink flowed the talk turns to talk …
Shoot-out at Garryricken House
By John Fitzgerald (Part two) In March1921, six members of the Callan IRA Flying Column sought shelter at the Luttrell farmhouse: Paddy Ryan, Ned Aylward, Jimmy Leahy, Paddy Luttrell, Sean Quinn, and Jim McKenna. The Luttrell family welcomed them and they opted to spend the night in the unoccupied Garryricken House. But someone had tipped off the …
Healthy Weight Support
BY CLAIR WHITTY As many as 80% of people are tyring to lose weight and it is not always as easy to do as some people think. There are many reasons why we gain a few extra pounds that end up being difficult to shift. Low mood, hormone changes, perimenopause, pregnancy, sluggish metabolism and medication …
Saddle up for third annual charity cycle with Down Syndrome Kilkenny
Photos: Dylan Vaughan Family-led group Down Syndrome Kilkenny launched its flagship fundraiser, Saddle Up for Down Syndrome Kilkenny, this week ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st. The charity cycle and family fun day, set at Danesfort GAA Club, returns this year for its third annual fundraising event on Sunday, April 26th 2026. …
Kilkenny make point in Thurles classic
Jordan Molloy’s late strike earns Cats a draw BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Allianz Hurling League Roinn 1A Allianz Hurling League Roinn 1A Tipperary 2-24 Kilkenny 3-27 FBD Semple Stadum A thoroughly absorbing contest in Thurles last weekend saw Kilkenny strike late to secure a share of the spoils to bring this season’s National …
Joy at St Marys as Birdie celebrates birthday
There is no doubting that Kilkenny and her streets are full of history. Walkin Street falls into that category. Ask any resident from the area and they will give a glowing report of growing up on that patch. In his book on ‘St. Rioch’s’, former brewery employee Tom Reade speaks of days of handball, hurling …
Comedy on the double as Duiske Players stage comedies
The Duiske Players Drama group are putting the finishing touches to their spring production. This year the group have decided to stage an evening of comedy and drama, in the form of two one act plays and have picked two ‘crackers’ for their spring season. Group stalwart Peter Prendergast will direct both plays: “Dead Man’s …
Basic learning needs to avoid that empty wallet
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR More than a third of Irish adults fail to grasp basic financial concepts. The figure jumps to nearly 70% among 18- to 24-year-olds, according to a recent nationwide survey commissioned by global insurance group NFP Ireland. When 1,000 adults were questioned on practical topics such as pensions, tax relief, insurance, …
Time for a bug safari in your garden
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON From 1:am this Sunday it will be later than you think! Clocks will spring forward thanks to Daylight Saving, a change to take advantage of long hours of summer daylight which has been happening since 1908. Thankfully, the EU plan to do away with it was dropped during …
