AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON We may be one of the most distant destinations for refugees fleeing Putin’s brutal war in Ukraine but their reception in Ireland couldn’t have been warmer. Since Ukrainians began arriving here from March onwards, they have been taken into our hearts and our schools. Don’t we deserve a pat …

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THE FACT OF THE MATTER PAUL HOPKINS I’m in my local when he spots me and there’s no escape. It’s Yer Man at the bar, he who has an opinion on all and sundry. “I’ll get that,” he says as the barman places the blonde in the black skirt in front of me. “So, it’s …

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BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR PHOTOS BY INPHO Provincial crown up for grabs as master meets the apprentice AIB Leinster GAA Hurling Senior Championship Final Saturday, June 4th Croke Park, 7pm Galway vs Kilkenny   This could be huge. This could be epic. This is Shefflin vs Cody. This is Galway vs Kilkenny. Supporters from …

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Coláiste Éamann Rís have just launched a book to celebrate 154 years in Callan County Kilkenny. It is a book chockablock with information, stories and photos that is a must for any former student or indeed those with an interest in the history of Callan. Many former students were asked to contribute an article to …

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Irish country music is big news in Ireland. Since the 1960’s , dance halls, marquees and country halls packed out to the sound of such artists as Big Tom, Larry Cunningham, Margo, Susan McCann and Philomena Begley. In more recent years names such as Daniel O Donnell, Foster and Allen Trudi Lawlor and Hugo Duncan …

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The Fr McGrath Centre in Kilkenny has come a long way. The one time school in the Butts area of Kilkenny city is now a thriving centre catering for a multitude of needs. St. Canice’s Community Action Ltd (SCCA) is a not for profit registered charity that was originally formed in 1991. It was created …

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BY CLAIR WHITTY At the shop I see a lot of people who ask for advice about underactive thyroid. This is an extremely common condition which causes the body’s metabolic rate to slow down. This results in symptoms that can include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, memory and concentration problems, muscle and joint …

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AS I SEE IT MARIANNE HERON Should girls and boys always be educated together? With so many controversies going on the proposed bill by the Labour Party that all Government funded schools in the 26 counties should be co-ed in future has created barely a ripple. Around 17% of primary schools are single sex and …

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BY JOHN ELLIS, FINANCIAL ADVISOR At least 581,000 people are living in poverty in Ireland today of which 164,000 are children. This is according to the latest CSO report; a household survey covering a broad range of issues in relation to income and living conditions. The increasing number of people experiencing deprivation is a clear …

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BY ANDREW MCDONALD HYPNOTHERAPIST Listen to country music: Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Dolly Parton could make you live longer! Cardiovascular experts found country music affects listeners’ bodies by dilating their veins, increasing blood flow and leading to better heart health. Fans of events like the Kilkenny Country Music Festival will say ‘I told you …

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