A selection of books for the festive season
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR Reading is among the greatest gifts given to Mankind. Here is a selection of books that not only make for excellent presents but also offer valuable insights and a few laughs. Money: A Story of Humanity by David McWilliams This is an accessible and entertaining account following the history of …
Time to untie the knot of social pain
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Only the lonely Know the way I feel tonight Only the lonely Know this feeling ain’t right. Roy Orbison’s lyrics touch on the loneliness conundrum. You can feel perfectly fine alone – and a third of over 65s in Ireland live alone – without feeling lonely. But if …
Why you should make Christmas Day matter
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS In an age where we are increasingly cynical, the thinking goes that Christmas is at best a hijacked pagan orgy, that of Saturnalia, and at worst a humongous hybrid of religious conditioning and monetary manipulation. Given the excesses in both celebration and in spending — for those …
Freshford crush Easkey to reach Junior final
Farrell’s men set for January Croker decider BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE AIB Club Junior Hurling Championship Semi Final 2024 St Lactains 3-15 Easkey 0-13 Duggan Park, Ballinasloe, Referee: Niall Malone (Clare) St Lachtain’s are Croker bound after seeing off the stubborn challenge of Sligo side Easkey in Ballinasloe last Sunday. In real winter …
BY JOHN FITZGERALD (Part two) Continuing the story of the magnificent St. Mary’s cathedral that dominates the skyline around Kilkenny… There’s an intriguing story behind a Madonna that stands outside the cathedral, but still within the grounds…a lonely but compelling figure that draws thousands of visitors annually to behold its heavenly visage. This six-and-a-half foot life-size …
Healthy sitting habits
Our ancestors have a few things to teach us about how we have adapted to sit By Paul Bolger. Chartered Physiotherapist at Nano Physiotherapy, Kilkenny (www.nanophysio.ie). How we work has changed in the past few decades here in Ireland. Sedentary, seated jobs have been on the rise while more physical roles have been in decline for …
Shoulder to shoulder as Men’s Shed goes from strength to strength
By Ger Cody Photos: jbs photos Kilkenny Men’s sheds, or community sheds, are non-profit local organisations that provide a space for craftwork and social interaction. The movement originated in Australia around the 1980s as a way to improve the health and well being of older men. However some have expanded their remit to anyone regardless …
Kilkenny County Council renews its commitment to EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy
Kilkenny County Council has today renewed its commitment to the EU Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, a voluntary initiative of local governments in Europe. In doing so the Council has committed, alongside other EU local authorities, to implement EU climate and energy objectives, and secure a better future for their citizens. The main …
Christmas is not for everyone
BY CLAIR WHITTY Christmas is not for everyone, I write about this every year. I know that some of you can’t understand what all the fuss is about or just don’t like the busyness of the shops, restaurants and even the roads at this time of year. Financial strain can cause enormous stress and anxiety. …
Kilkenny Roots Festival 2025
Record number of ticketed shows for Kilkenny Roots Festival 2025 have gone on sale, just on sale in time for any music lovers Christmas present. All shows are on sale through the festival website https://kilkennyroots.com/. The lineup includes artists from Ireland, UK, USA, Denmark/Brazil over the four days. Some highlights include: JESSE MALIN BAND (USA). …
