Styrofoam Winos, Horsebath and Kunta Kinte
FURTHERMORE By Gerry Moran The pubs of Kilkenny are alive with the sound of music this May Bank Holiday weekend. It’s Roots Festival (one of our most popular festivals) time. Time, folks, for some country and bluegrass, rockabilly, swing and more. And I have to confess that it’s all above me. Or beyond me. Whichever. …
Should changes be made to favourite brands?
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON Isn’t there great comfort in familiar everyday things? But sometimes products change disconcertingly, take on a new format or disappear from the shelves altogether. There have been questions recently around an iconic Irish product. Kerrygold Butter, a favourite at home, seems to have changed I think, so do …
Kilkenny musicians John and Billy helping Crosscause
Iconic music duos, featuring harmonious vocals or strong creative partnerships, have shaped music history, ranging from folk-rock to pop and soul. Top examples include Simon & Garfunkel, Hall & Oates, the Everly Brothers, and Sonny & Cher. Other notable duos include The Righteous Brothers, Tears for Fears, and Steely Dan. Kilkenny also boasts some great …
Kilkenny woman walks 236km to honour loved ones and support COPD community
A member of COPD Support Ireland’s Kilkenny branch has gone above and beyond a nationwide walking challenge, completing an incredible 236 kilometres during the month of March. The initiative, organised by RIP.ie, encouraged participants across Ireland to walk 20 kilometres throughout March 2026 to honour loved ones, support local charities, and celebrate the strength of …
Let’s get focused for your exams
BY CLAIR WHITTY Are you studying for exams and struggling to retain what you are learning? This is a common problem that many students experience. There may be several reasons why this is happening. Start with a healthy diet and include complex carbohydrates, fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds. Include meat, fish and dairy if …
Facing up to the anti-ageing industry
AS I SEE IT BY MARIANNE HERON When people make remarks about your appearance it’s hard to know how to take them sometimes. Like the former colleague I hadn’t seen for ages who commented: “I’m glad to see you haven’t had any work done.” Did she mean to congratulate me for not having a facelift …
Lessons for the future in our classrooms
THE FACT OF THE MATTER BY PAUL HOPKINS The exceptionally high level of engagement in the national Primary School Survey, with more than 200,000 parents and guardians submitting responses, alongside strong participation from school staff and boards of management, surprised even Minister for Education Hildegarde Naughton. This significant response marks an important step in ensuring …
5 Spring Essentials for a Thriving, Diverse Garden
By the Horticulturists at Tirlán CountryLife Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to refresh your garden, support wildlife, and plan for a colourful, productive year. Longer days and warmer temperatures give plants the boost they need, and with a little planning, you can create a space that looks beautiful while supporting biodiversity. At …
Loneliness and the bus keep communities connected
Loneliness, social isolation and the war in the middle East. Everything is connected. We are all inter-dependent and I always think of Edward Norton Lorenz’s “Butterfly Effect” or Chaos Theory. A small action like a butterfly flapping its wings in one place can cause massive eruptions in another part of the world. If a butterfly …
Celebrating 60 Years of Rothe House
Photos: Vicky Comerford This past Friday, Parliament Street felt a little more vibrant than usual. While Rothe House has been standing since 1594, last week marked a milestone of a different era: the 60th anniversary of its opening to the public. It is hard to imagine today, when strolling through the meticulously restored buildings and …
