Creative book fair returns to Kilkenny
Sustainable arts association Atelier Páipéar is returning to The Tea Houses, Kilkenny, on 10 – 12 July 2026 with an exciting new offering – an Artist Book Fair, exploring the theme of ‘Interconnectivity’. Developed in response to an open call earlier this year, the book fair will showcase a diverse collection of artist’s books created …
Ladies Day glamour at Gowran Park
Ladies Day at Gowran Park is about much more than horse racing. It is a chance to get together with friends, enjoy a great day out and dress up for one of the biggest social events of the summer. Whether you like classic style or something a little more colourful, Ladies Day is the perfect …
Feel better through nature and connection
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton Brian Redmond was on KCLR Radio recently interviewing a guest about possible laws to decriminalise some recreational drugs in Ireland. The guest had much personal and professional insight into the issue and spoke about the easy availability of drugs across the country. He argued that society needs to …
Beware the ‘Long Goodbye’ to full-time work
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR For many people, turning 65 no longer means an abrupt end to working life. Some picture themselves on the golf course or minding grandchildren, while others have no intention of stopping. A growing number are choosing a gradual slowdown, taking on part-time or consultancy work while reducing hours over time …
Room for improvement in the smallest room
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON It’s a familiar story. It’s holiday time, you are out and about in an unfamiliar place, when nature calls. When you have to go, you have to go … but where? This is the point where calling toilets public conveniences can be an oxymoron. They may be far …
The Killing Fields: world more at war than ever
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS There can be no one who has not been moved to tears and outrage and a sense of helplessness by the daily images coming out of Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon, of the thousands of innocent souls caught in the nightmare that is war. There too, in the …
Stamp of approval from family and friends as Claire says farewell
By Kilkenny Observer reporter. Photos jbskilkenny In a time of online transactions and digital overload, the Loughboy Post Office is a rare sanctuary of genuine human connection. For several decades, the centre of that Post Office has been a remarkable woman named Claire Foley. Just forty years ago, Claire joined the L and N supermarket …
Glamour, Style & Top-Class Racing Await at Gowran Park Ladies Day
Photography by Vicky Comerford Saturday, July 25th promises to be one of the highlights of the summer social calendar as Gowran Park prepares to welcome thousands of racegoers for its spectacular Ladies Day. Always one of the most anticipated events of the year, Ladies Day combines high fashion, fantastic entertainment and thrilling racing in a …
Mortal Sins, venial Sins, and sins that weren’t sins at all
By John Fitzgerald (Part two) Last week I recounted how Fr. Bob (not his real name) led morality patrols around Callan and district in search of courting couples he believed to be in need of salvation. Another big issue in those days was the vexed question of what exactly was a sin. While many sins were …
Bishop Nash meets with family of Jo Jo Dullard to offer pastoral support
The Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese of Ossory, Bishop Ger Nash, met with members of the family of Jo Jo Dullard at the Diocesan Office this week to offer his personal support, prayers, and solidarity. The meeting provided a dedicated space for reflection and pastoral support for Jo Jo’s sister, Kathleen, and her husband, Seamus. …
