Go far and wide, but have that travel insurance
BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR In a time where the cost-of-living squeeze shows no sign of easing, it is surprising that many people are still planning multiple overseas trips this year. Recent surveys reveal that more than half of us plan three or more holidays in 2026, with Spain topping the list as the favourite. …
Weighing into prejudice against those extra kilos
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Having been fat at one point in life and also having been skinny at another, I honestly think in between the two is better. I ran to ‘puppy fat’ at puberty and became thin when suffering from gall stones in mid-life. Being called fatty as a pre-teen was …
Any given day, and it could be you …
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS Fifteen years ago, my heart was broken. And, as I peered at myself closely in the misted mirror, drawing the cold blade once more across the soaped-up skin, I felt like the condemned man having his last shave — to be clean before his Maker — and …
Kilkenny County Council Shortlisted for Multiple Categories at LAMA Awards 2026
Photos: Dylan Vaughan Kilkenny County Council is delighted to announce that it has been shortlisted in six categories for the prestigious Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) Awards 2026. In addition, Kilkenny County Council has earned a nomination for the highly coveted title of Local Authority of the Year. The LAMA Awards celebrate excellence in local …
Have you spotted the new commission at the Market Yard bus stop?
Photo by Cian Lawler ‘We are with you to the end’ is a public intervention presented across the river from the former Carnegie Public Library at John’s Quay, which opened in 1910. The words are taken from Andrew Carnegie, a steel magnate and once the richest man in the world, who donated grants to build …
Cats progress with comfortable win over Laois
Brian Dowling’s Kildare next up in Shield Final BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Dioralyte Walsh Shield Semi Final 2026 Laois 0-10 Kilkenny 2-17 Kelly O’Daly Park, Rathdowney–Errill At the second time of asking Derek Lyng’s team got their season up and running with a comfortable 13-point win over Laois at the home of …
A city under siege… from the wind
By John Fitzgerald The Kilkenny Heritage Walkers have been time travelling again. Ailbhe Fitzgerald’s presentation on the cultural significance of the Butler Gallery and the Kilkenny Design Workshops drew sighs of admiration. Ailbhe displayed a superb academic flair and an uncanny grasp of historical detail as she rhapsodized about the contribution of the Gallery and …
BREDA WALSH RIP
There was a sense of unbelief in Bennettsbridge village when the sad news of the death of Breda Walsh, Main Street broke on 22nd December. Her unexpected death at her home so close to Christmas was heard of with regret in the entire community and beyond. Breda was a native of Kilmacar, Conahy and was …
A powerful night of music in a breathtaking setting
The Dublin Gospel Choir & Band celebrate 30 years with a very special concert in St Canice’s Cathedral, Kilkenny, on Saturday, 28 February 2026. For the first time ever, the choir brings their full live band and signature sound to one of Ireland’s most iconic cathedrals. Expect an uplifting mix of gospel, soul, pop, and …
Be the change and start a revolution
CHOICES SHAPE YOUR FUTURE By Judith Ashton When thinking about what to write this week I had many ideas about mental health ,social media, global and political troubles etc. and the list gets longer everyday… so I decided not to go there as I am heartily sick of being reminded of all that’s wrong . …
