AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Back in the day, behind the bike shed was the place for experimentation or secrets. Today it’s in bedrooms, with thumbs working overtime. It was hard enough being a teenager then, picked upon or bullied if you weren’t popular, good at games or attractive enough. Now anyone, anywhere, …

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THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS And so another year is gone, and a new one begun — and where did that time go? Whooosh! Yes, it’s true – the older you get, the quicker time goes. One wonders what 2026 will bring. Ireland sees the 100th anniversary on May 26 of the …

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 KILKENNY CITY PASTORAL AREA Christmas Eve – Wednesday, 24th December 10.30 a.m.       Capuchin Friary 5.30 p.m.         St Canice’s Church 5.30 p.m.         St Fiacre’s Church 5.40 p.m.         Capuchin Friary 6.00 p.m.         St John’s Church St Mary’s Cathedral 6.10 p.m.         Black Abbey 7.00 p.m.         Church of Most Holy Trinity – Dunmore St Patrick’s Church 7.30 p.m.         St …

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The final whistle had barely sounded before the green and gold of Muckalee flooded the pitch, tears, laughter and disbelief blending into one unforgettable moment. After years of dedication, sacrifice and unyielding belief, the Muckalee Ladies Football team stood proudly as All-Ireland champions, having delivered a performance that will live long in the memory of …

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Joe Walsh draws the winning entry Thank you to everyone who entered our competition to win a €200 gift voucher,  sponsored by The Kilkenny Observer. We were thrilled with the fantastic response and truly appreciate the support. A special word of thanks goes to Joe Walsh, who kindly assisted by drawing the winning entry. Congratulations …

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Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny is the perfect festive destination this Christmas and New Year. The award-winning visitor experience is open throughout the holiday season, closed only on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day. Last minute shoppers looking for unique gift options such as personalised, engraved Smithwick’s pint glasses and other branded merchandise will revel …

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By John Fitzgerald (Part two) Another absorbing pastime in Callan was card playing. In the early years of the century, the only form of transport for the men who gathered to play “25s” was Shank’s Mare. The game was played both indoors- in homes and pubs- and in the open air. It was common up …

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Upperchurch pose threat to Noresiders final hopes BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship Danesfort vs Upperchurch/Drombane Sunday, 2pm, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise Referee: Shane Hynes All roads lead to Portlaoise for Danesfort this weekend as they bid to secure a place in this seasons AIB GAA Hurling …

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BY CLAIR WHITTY Christmas is not for everyone, I say this every year. But it isn’t for everyone and there are many reasons for this. It might be that your family have grown up and left home and there are no children in the house anymore. It isn’t the same without the young ones, the …

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“It is always wonderful to be part of a packed church, festive song and reflection.” So said Fr Dermot Ryan when he spoke at St Mary’s Cathedral last Sunday. Fr Dermot went on to say that a Carol service marks the start of the Christmas feeling and is a wonderful way of telling the Christmas …

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