Five in the morning; at the bar they’re flyin’
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS There is something naughty but nice about downing a pint at 5am in the comfortable confines of an airport, as the rest of the world seems to be still sleeping and the pubs don’t open these days until around lunchtime. Or maybe just sipping that pint as …
KILKENNY EMPLOYMENT FOR YOUTH (KEY) OPEN DAY – MAY 2026
Community, Education and Training for Learners Aged 16 to 21 Helping Young People Move Forward Date: 7 May 2026 Venue: Garden Row, Kilkenny Introduction Kilkenny Employment for Youth (KEY), one of Kilkenny City and County’s most learner-focused training centres hosted its Open Day on Thursday, 7 May, showcasing the outstanding work, skills, achievements, and progression …
Kilkenny’s first MAYhem festival is a resounding success
Now almost 3 weeks in, it’s safe to say that Kilkenny’s very first MAYhem festival has been a resounding success. In a whirlwind of back-to-back, packed out shows; the road to the Cat Laughs has been paved with belly aches and even occasional heartache. With MAYhem passports rapidly running out, Mancunian comedian Dan Tiernan (set …
Natural Support for Sinus Congestion
BY CLAIR WHITTY Sinusitis is a condition associated with colds or flu. But some people can have sinusitis all year round. Common symptoms include nasal congestion, stuffiness, a runny nose, and pain or pressure behind the forehead and face. Pain in your head, jaws, or pain radiates to your ears. If the mucous is green, …
New folk museum a “treasure trove”
By John Fitzgerald (Part Two) (The Gáirdín an Ghorta Farm and Folk Museum at Newmarket is drawing visitors from all over the South East, with its vast collection of exhibits that shine a light on Irish life through the decades. Part One can be read on the Observer website). Among the must- see exhibits at …
Cats find goal-den touch to crush Dowling’s Lilywhites
Strong 2nd half keeps Kilkenny in Leinster running BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship 2026 Kilkenny 4-25 Kildare 0-14 Kilkenny recovered from a poor opening half to claim maximum points against Kildare in UPMC Nowlan Park last Saturday evening. Going into the game, the home side knew that anything other …
D-Day in Dublin for Lyng’s Cats
Winning is the only option BY NIALL SHERRY, SPORTS EDITOR SPORTSEDITOR@KILKENNYOBSERVER.IE Leinster GAA Senior Hurling Championship 2026 Dublin vs Kilkenny Parnell Park, Sunday, 2pm There are no equations needed, no what if scenarios, it is simple; beat Dublin on Sunday and the drive for another Leinster crown continues. It couldn’t be any clearer for Kilkenny …
A World Imagined: Brianna Hurley Opens Castalia: An Unfolding Story at The Tea Houses
On a lovely Saturday afternoon on May 9th, guests gathered at The Tea Houses in Kilkenny for the opening of ‘Castalia: An Unfolding Story’, a solo exhibition by visual artist Brianna Hurley. With the sun shining and a generous crowd turning out, it was a wonderful afternoon. Visitors to the exhibition spilled outside, milling about …
New folk museum a “treasure trove”
By John Fitzgerald (Part One) A new museum in the heart of the county is drawing visitors from all over the South East. It nestles in the tiny village of Newmarket, and looks set to complement the internationally acclaimed Famine Garden- Gáirdín an Ghorta- which commemorates the Great Hunger of the 1840s. The Gáirdín an Ghorta Farm …
Mayhem – The road to cat laughs
Kilkenny’s very first MAYhem festival is in full swing! ‘The Road to Cat Laughs’ sees an unprecedented 30 shows take place over 28 nights in the Marble City, with comedy every single night for the month of May. It also offers a unique opportunity to catch some of the biggest names in comedy strut their …
