Billy Boland: Man of a Thousand Stories
By John Fitzgerald (Part two) (Continuing the story of Billy Boland of Glenmore, who himself had a thousand stories to tell. Part One from last week can be read on the Observer website) On a memorable day in his youth Billy helped to convey milk to the creamery for a neighbour who had fallen ill, but the …
Does Your Gut Have You On The Run?
BY CLAIR WHITTY When we think of diarrhoea, we might think of it more in relation to illness or to food poisoning, but most of my experience has been talking to customers at the shop where it is related to the food we eat. Many of you will have been to your GP and maybe …
Son of Jadotville commander calls for outstanding bravery medals
Following the recent presentation at the Newpark Hotel on ‘The Siege of Jadotville’ Leo Quinlan gave an exclusive interview to The Kilkenny Observer newspaper. Almost 300 people, gathered at The Newpark hotel, Kilkenny to hear about ‘The Siege of Jadotville’. Many in attendance were military men and women and you could sense the pride they …
St Lachtain’s church and cultural heritage of Freshford
The Kilkenny Observer welcomes John Comerford from Kilkenny tours who will bring us on trip to visit various locations in Kilkenny city and county. The Kilkenny Observer is delighted to bring you a piece of history on the first Friday of each month. To give the full history on each location would take up too …
Fear, passion and betrayal as Carlow Little Theatre Society unveil The Crucible
Carlow Little Theatre Society officially launched its eagerly anticipated production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible last Thursday evening at The Irishman’s Bar in Carlow, with a gathering of guests enjoying a lively celebration of local theatre and music. Among those attending were Senator Patricia Stephenson and Cllr Fergal Browne, who joined members of the cast, …
Remembering Jo Jo Dullard
Jo Jo Dullard is missing 31 years this November. Jo Jo was 21 years of age at the time of her disappearance. At the time that she disappeared she was making her way from Dublin back home to Callan in Co Kilkenny. To mark the anniversary a walk and prayer service to remember Jo Jo …
When ancient spirits come out playing
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton All the spirits, good and evil, fairy and pixie, witch and wizard, on this night will sure be stirring!” Cultures around the world honour their ancestors and the dead, and Ireland’s distinctive traditions have spread worldwide. Before the Catholic Church, Celts and ancient Britons celebrated Samhain to mark …
Thomastown’s walls of history
PM O’Sullivan The walls of Thomastown Concert Hall come alive with the music of many decades. Just the photographs, just the calm care of arrangement. Here are the individuals who contributed right across this community’s spheres. You could even say centuries. One image shows Grennan Castle on its mound, ruined but implacable, attending the hurling …
The Power of Listening
How Accompanying the Bereaved Enriched My Own Life People from all walks of life offer their time and energy to volunteer in various organisations and clubs. The Kilkenny Observer spoke to one such person who gives her time to The Kilkenny Bereavement Support group. This is her story. “I had a happy life, nicely busy, …
Conahy Shamrocks claim Bob Aylward Cup
Conahy Shamrocks 0-16 Graiguenamanagh 1-11 By Jim Whelan Conahy Shamrocks lifted the Bob Aylward Cup for the fourth time in their history, and for the first time since 2020, following a hard-fought victory over Graiguenamanagh in the 2026 Kilkenny Premier Junior Hurling Championship Final at Nowlan Park on Saturday last. Played in the midst of …
